Perkins and the other smaller shipbuilders in the area were large employers, and required skilled carpenters, joiners, and blacksmiths. Additionally this created opportunities for sea captains and sailors. In the 1849 Directory of Biddeford and Saco, there were listed 25 ship carpenters, 10 ship masters, 10 mariners, and two shipbuilders (Edmund and Elisha Perkins).
