"If our readers wish to see something pretty, let them take a walk down to Burnham Bros. Railway and take a peep at the new sign recently hung out over the paint shop of Mr. John Trask. It is a painting on canvas 4½ feet by 5 executed by Fitz H. Lane, Esq., representing a view of the Burnham Bros.Railways, the wharf and stores adjoining. The front view represents the 'ways' with a ship and schooner receiving a coat of paint. ... The view is taken from Rocky Neck and makes a very pretty picture" - Cape Ann Advertiser, August 1, 1857.

This painting was done as a sign for John Trask's paint shop near Burnham Brothers Railway on Duncan's Point in Gloucester. It shows the three-masted ship California pulled up on the railways for repairs. The vessel was owned by Gloucester merchant George H. Rogers and was engaged in the California Trade.

John Trask (1822-1887), the original owner of the painting, was born here in Gloucester to Israel and Elizabeth (Day) Trask. During the 1850s he worked as a ship painter and in 1861 he was one of the first Cape Ann men to enlist in the Civil War, After the war he worked as a salesman for Tarr & Wonson copper paint and in 1875 he purchased a cigar and tobacco store on Main Street in Gloucester. In 1876, Trask became a member of Gloucester's Common Council; he presented this painting to the City of Gloucester that year, having artist Addison Center "retouch" it before it was hung in City Hall.