Kathy Crosby led Monday’s session of Henryetta Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.
Kathy Crosby led Monday’s session of Henryetta Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.
A staff member of the library, Crosby discussed treasures with youth in attendance.
“Some find treasures packed away in old houses such as attics or basements,” she said. “Some find treasures at yard sales, flea markets or even antique stores. Even some who dive into oceans find treasures that have been buried for years.”
Youth learned about the Spanish Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, a 36-gun frigate that sunk in 1804.
The ship was alleged to have carried silver, gold and spices from Uruguay to Spain.
“They were just off the coast of Portugal when the British Navy demanded they let them inspect the ship,” Crosby said. “The Spanish, with over 300 crew on board, refused the inspection and the British sank it with one cannon.”
Crosby noted the ship was found in 2007 with $500 million worth of treasure being returned to Spain in 2012.
Youth also learned about the British cargo ship, the SS Gairsoppa, that was sunk in 1941 during World War II.
It was carrying a heavy load of silver ingots (nuggets).
The ship was found in 2011, more than 14,000 feet below the surface of the ocean. More than 110 tones of silver ingots have since been recovered.
“The United States also lost a ship at sea besides the Titanic,” Crosby said. “In the 1850’s, the United States had a steamer ship called the SS Central America that sailed between the United States and Central America.”
In 1857, this 280-foot ship ran into a hurricane just off the coast of South Carolina.
There were 578 passengers on board of which 425 of those passengers went down with the ship.
In addition, the ship carried 30,000 pounds of gold from the Gold Rush.
First part of the cargo was found in 1988 and was worth $50 million and the second part was found in 2014 and was worth $40 million.
After discussing treasures found in oceans, Crosby read the book, “The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor” by Joanna Cole.
Youth in attendance then decorated treasure boxes with seashells.
Monday, July 18 will be the final day of the Summer Reading Program. Nadine Graham will be the featured guest speaker.
All area youth are invited and encouraged to join in the fun at 1:30 p.m. at Veteran’s Park located next to the library.
