The Success, a convict ship, visits Richmond

Today we have a contribution from a reader named David about a ship called the Success, with a picture probably taken around 1930:

"This is a photo of a ship named the Success. The image must have been taken by the great ship lock, in great shiplock park. The ship is in the richmond dock section of the canal, across Dock street from Tobacco row. The half bascule bridge in the background is open and sticking straight up in the air. This is the same rusty train bridge that is owned by the Norfolk Southern Railroad. A buddy of mine purchased the photo from 'whitings paper company.'

I was in contact with a guy who has devoted a lot of research to this ship and here is what he told me about it:

'What a wonderful photograph. Thank you, David! She appears to be wearing a fresh coat of paint. I checked my files and can provide the following information on her later stay in Richmond: From October 31 to November 20, 1929 she was on exhibition at 17th and Dock Streets, Richmond. She remained in Richmond for the winter and on April 9, 1930, she cleared Richmond for Washington, D.C. Unfortunately my information concerning her earlier visit is less complete. Sometime after December 6, 1913, I believe she arrived from Norfolk. Then sometime in early April 1914 I believe she was taken to Baltimore in tow tug Dauntless. My best guess is that the photo was of her second visit to Richmond, not the first, but I could be wrong.'"

For more info on the Sailing Ship Success, check out this great site.

Lucky Strike Factory - 1974

Here's a great shot from 1974 of the building at the end of Tobacco Row: The old Lucky Strike cigarette factory and power plant on Cary Street. The building was built in 1910 and was in operation until 1987. It sat vacant for many years until a recent renovation of the entire block...I think it was the last building in Tobacco Row to be renovated? Today this building features loft apartments and offices. I don't know what I like more in this picture, the giant brand names on the side of the building that are long gone, or the worker's cars in the foreground.

Photo courtesy of VCU Libraries