A Trip to the South Orange Seaport

"We get around a little bit," laughs John Gill, spokesman for the South Orange Seaport Society. A model builder since he could walk, Gill has traveled the world collecting and selling scale models. Most Thursdays find him and others of the 43-member group at the Duck Pond, sailing and socializing.

Gill, a member for some 20 years, explains that the society has been "part of South Orange" for more than 20 years. "We're primarily a scale boat club," he notes. "We have some of the best builders in the country, if not the world."

Models on display include the Titanic, built based on full-size plans. Gill notes that many Society members are inspired to build based on full-sized ships; they obtain plans that they scale downwards. "It's part art, part science," laughs Gill.

The Society sails on Thurs. evenings at the Duck Pond. The group has an active weekend schedule, as well. In addition to seasonal displays in South Orange, members travel the region to show and sail.

Sun., July 25 will see a convergence of clubs at the Duck Pond. Besides the South Orange Seaport Society, clubs expected to attend include Empire State Model Mariners, Valley Forge Model Ship Society, Garden State Model Boaters, Task Force 100, and Task Force 50. Hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4 p.m., but early birds are welcome. In addition, notes the Society announcement, if you have one, BYOB. In this case, that means Bring Your Own Boat.