2006.61.18

This black and white photograph of the S.S. John E. Wilkie on launching day is one of a series of images made the day that Mrs. Mary Chinn (Mary Lew Chinn) was the sponsor of the ship and christened it in Richmond, Yard Number Two. The speakers platform (in the shape of a "U" is the focus of the image, showing a photographer standing on the far left with a camera, and the christening party standing on the right, directly in front of the ship: G. D. Hom, Pastor, Vivian Lew (holding a bouquet of roses and wearing an orchis corsage), Doreen Jone (wearing a flower lei), Bette Chinn (standing in front of her mother), Mrs. Mary Lew Chinn (holding a bouquet of roses and wearing Chinese garments and an orchid corsage), and Harry Chinn (Mrs. Chinn's husband). There are some friends and/or family members seated on the platform, and a crowd of spectators standing below.

Used: souvenir