DORIS MAE

Built in 1931 at Covacevich Shipyard in Biloxi, the DORIS MAE was owned and operated by Captain Arthur Baker, Sr. It was named for a family member of the builder’s family, Doris Mae Covacevich.

 The 52-foot wooden Biloxi lugger was used for harvesting shrimp to support the Baker family who resided on Deer Island off the shore of Biloxi.

In 1932, the lugger won the trawl race in that year’s regatta. Two years later, the boat was struck by lightning, but fortunately, it did not perish. The DORIS MAE was used for all the family needs, from shuttle service for the 5 sons of Arthur Baker to and from school to retrieving mail and grocery supplies from the mainland. In 1935, the family purchased a home in New Orleans, dismantled it and used the DORIS MAE to carry the materials to Deer Island where the home would be reconstructed.

The vessel would find new purpose in 1959, as it was converted into a deep-sea and Chandeleur fishing charter boat. The DORIS MAE was passed down to Arthur’s son and remained in the family until 2019.