National Park Service Park News U.S. Department of the Interior

The Official Newspaper of Maritime National Historical Park The Maritime News March, April, May 2007

How Do You Build and Sail a Pelican? The latest addition to the Hyde Street Pier fleet isn’t a 19th Cen- tury square-rigger or a ferryboat from the Roaring ’20s. Although Partnerships considerably more modest than the park’s historic ships, the latest addition has a different kind of significance – it was built by hand in 16 days from November through January by a group of San As the Golden Gate opened America’s Francisco teenagers in the Maritime Education Center, a bayside West to trade and commerce, so San workshop near the foot of Van Ness Ave. Francisco Maritime National Historical Park ushers Americans into our rich The 16 students come from Downtown High School in San maritime heritage. Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. In the words of Elizabeth We are the stewards of the nation’s most Houston, one of the students, “There’s no art program at our spectacular collection of seafaring history: school, so this program helps us get that kind of experience. If six National Landmark vessels, a National you don’t like sitting around, this is a different situation than the Landmark District, a state-of-the-art classroom – it’s more hands-on.” visitor center, public library, and research facility. The Pelican-building class is an ongoing program. Photo, top left: Laying The boat is a San Francisco Pelican. Designed in the 1950s with We are actively forming partnerships with the on a Pelican built last spring. Photo, top right: The launching conditions in mind, the Pelican is a sturdy, foundations, governmental agencies, celebration of the recently-built Pelican with students from Downtown simple, 12-foot-long wooden boat that is relatively easy to private businesses, cultural institutions, High School. Photo, above: The maiden voyage. The , sail, , and educational organizations. The front build using basic carpentry skills. tiller, and custom paint job, will be added later. NPS Photos page article details one of those flourish- world and several hundred in the Bay Area. “The local fleet ing educational partnerships between Teacher Ed Cavanaugh described the class as “experiential edu- the park, San Francisco Maritime National cation” that provides basic carpentry and mathematics skills in a races once a month in different locations in Northern Cali- Park Association (our non-profit partner), team environment. Perhaps more important, it generates enthusi- fornia, and the Maritime Park Association sponsors pelican and the San Francisco Public Schools. asm. “You get them out here and put tools in their hands, and they races here every spring,” he explained. go ‘Oh, yeah!’” We are dedicated to leaving a legacy for This boat is only a temporary addition to the fleet. Unlike the the nation and the greater San Francisco community, and to furthering our other six Pelican boats built through this kind of class at the John Heid, a 30-year-old woodworker with a passion for boat- partnerships within the community. building, is the lead instructor. “We’re trying to teach these kids park in past years, Downtown High School will put this latest some basic life skills so they can go out and get a job,” John said, Pelican up for sale. Proceeds will help cover future Pelican adding that “It’s a platform for teaching them other things”, such boat class costs. as discipline, cleaning, being on time, and respect. A bonus for the A few Pelicans built by past classes can usually be seen in front Kate Richardson students is getting a taste of sailing. Superintendent of the Small Boat Shop or in the water around the Hyde Street Jason Rucker, the assistant curator of small craft at San Francisco Pier. Anyone interested in getting involved with this program Maritime National Historical Park and the founder of the pro- can contact Jason Rucker at 415-556-4031. gram, estimates that there are a few thousand Pelicans around the By Brian Cooke, Park Volunteer

1 How Do You 2 Docent 4 Baby On Sail a Pelican? Training Class Board: How Do You Sail a Pelican? …1 Superintendent’s Message…1 No, we’re not talking about the one Offered Activity Page Visitor Information…2 with wings and feathers; rather, a What is a docent? Sign up for this for Kids sturdy, wooden, 12-foot-long, sail Docent Training Class Offered…2 fun and interesting class and find boat. What was it like to grow up on a out. Share your love of maritime Events and Programs…3 history with park visitors from around sailing ship over 100 years ago? How the world. did kids get their sea legs, and did Kids Activity Page…4 they have to take baths? Park Map…4 ...... National Park Service If Ships Could Speak U.S. Department of the Interior

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park encompasses only 34 acres, but contains the most national historic landmarks of any unit in the National Park Service. In addition to the fleet of ships at Hyde Street Pier, the park includes the Aquatic Park National Historic Landmark District Junior (Bathhouse building, urban beach, lawn area and bocce ball courts), a Visitor Ranger Day Center and a research library (in Fort Mason Center). Saturday, April 28, 10am-4pm. Superintendent On Hyde Street Pier, the historic Kate Richardson Park Docent Bruce Hood giving a tour of the sailing ship Balclutha. He is with visitors at the of the ships, and in the Visitor Center. vessel and demonstrating where a sailor would stand when at the helm. NPS Photo Chief of Interpretation Vessel admission (under 16 free). Marc Hayman An Introduction to pants will learn how to prepare a compelling interpretive program. Once trained, docents Join us for a special day for Junior Rangers Public Affairs Officer Interpretation at San will share their knowledge with park visitors and Junior Ranger Want-To-Bes! We’ll have Lynn Cullivan Francisco Maritime through formal educational programs and demonstrations and activities for kids of all informal contacts. ages. Help raise a sail, pump the ship dry, Editor National Historical Park and turn a capstan. At 2pm singer Debra Christine Baird The training is presented over three con- Are you interested in becoming a volunteer Cowen will perform songs of the sea on secutive Sundays: April 15, 22, and 29, from docent at the park? This three-day training Balclutha. Come and sing along...loudly! Mailing Address 10:30am to 4:30pm at the park. The course course will introduce participants to mari- Building E, Fort Mason Center includes an additional eight hours of on- time history, the park’s historic ships and Children ages 7–12 can earn a San Francisco San Francisco, CA 94123 the-job training to be scheduled in May. the art of presenting educational programs. Maritime Junior Ranger badge by complet- ing the activities in our Junior Ranger Fax Number There is no charge for the training but Learn the stories preserved by the park’s booklet. Get a head start by downloading 415-556-1624 reservations are required. To register, or for collection of authentic 19th century vessels, it from our website, www.nps.gov/safr and more information, contact Terry Dorman, and chart a new course as a steward of this clicking on the “For Kids” button on the left Park Information volunteer coordinator, at 415-556-1613 or unique “floating national park.” hand side. 415-447-5000 [email protected]

Contributors to Volume 16: Brian Cooke, The course will include tours of the historic Come on down and enjoy a day of fun at Kathryn Daskal, Leslie Graham, David ships, park library, and collections. Partici- the pier! Hull, and Neuweld.

Maritime News March, April, May 2007 Volume No.16 Two Fleets at SF Maritime Maintenance employees now use electric-powered cars to keep the park shipshape; the gardener keeps the lawns trimmed with a mower that runs on 100% vegetable-based diesel fuel. Sign Aboard at the Park Association You can show your support for the park through membership in the Maritime Park Association, our non-profit partner Enjoy Your Public Lands organization. Your membership assists Use a new inter-agency recreational pass to visit the fascinating with preservation and education projects natural and cultural resources preserved in national parks, na- for park ships and collections. Member- tional forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands through- ship comes with special benefits at each out the country. ($80, good for one year from date of sale.) Or level, including the Sea Letter magazine, consider an annual pass exclusively for visitation to the mag- free park admission, and Maritime Store nificent ships at Hyde Street Pier. ($20, good for one year from discounts. For more information, call date of sale.) Passes can be purchased at San Francisco Maritime Member Services at 415-561-6662 x12, National Historical Park. Please inquire at the ticket booth on The new clean-burning fleet of park maintenance vehicles with the historic or go to www.maritime.org. Hyde Street Pier. fleet of ships at Hyde Street Pier in the background. NPS Photo

...... Visitor Information

Dates and Hours of Operation No-Fee Areas The Hyde Street Pier, located at Hyde and Jefferson Streets, is open 9:30am – 5:00pm—last Visitor Center, Hyde Street Pier, Aquatic Park Historic District and the Maritime Library entry at 4:30pm (October 1 – May 27), and 9:30am – 5:30pm—last entry at 5pm (Fort Mason Center). (Memorial Day – September 30). Boarding Pass (Entrance Fee For Historic Vessels): $5.00 Free for supervised children under 16. Free with National Parks Pass, Golden Eagle, The Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building is located on Beach Street at the foot of Polk Street. Golden Age/Access Pass or Park Annual Pass. The building was closed in July 2006 for major renovation work. For more information, Reservations/Permits call the Visitor Center, 415-447-5000. Reservations for school groups and other educational groups must be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. At least one month’s notice and application for Special Use The Visitor Center, located at the corner of Hyde and Jefferson Streets, is open 9:30am– Permits is required. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis. 5:00pm (October 1 – May 27) and 9:30am – 7:00pm (Memorial Day – September 30). Contact Information The Maritime Library, on the third floor of Bldg. E in Fort Mason Center (auto entrance General Park Information: 415-447-5000 USS Pampanito: 415-775-1943 at Buchanan Street and Marina Blvd), is open to the public by making an appointment: Maritime Store: 415-775-2665 Park Website: www.nps.gov/safr Monday – Friday (1pm – 4pm), and one Saturday per month (10am – 4pm). Call 415-561-7030. Maritime Library: 415-561-7030 Association Website: www.maritime.org

2 Maritime News Music, Tours, Events, Living History and Film

asian/pacific Ranger as he traces the 27,000-mile cruise SACRAMENTO: PORT OF GOLD music of the Shenandoah. Saturday, April 21, 6pm. In the Maritime american Library, Building E, Fort Mason Center. Chantey Sing SMALL CRAFT ON HYDE STREET PIER Fee: $5 ($4 Library Friends and SFMNPA) Saturdays, March 3, April 7 and heritage month Sunday, March 11, Saturday, April 14 and Reservations: 415-561-7040. May 5, 8pm-midnight. No fee. Aboard a Sunday, May 27, 2:00pm. Meet at the Small H. Alan Sims, maritime historian and chinese cannery workers historic vessel at Hyde Street Pier. Reserva- Boat Shop. Free. archivist, will tell the story of the develop- Sundays, May 6, 13 and 27, 1:00pm. Meet on tions required: call 415-561-7171 or email Join a Park Ranger for a special tour of the ment of Sacramento as a port city, Balclutha’s maindeck at Hyde Street Pier. [email protected]. unique collection of small craft berthed beginning with John Sutter’s dream of a Vessel admission (under 16 free). Sing traditional working songs aboard a on Hyde Street Pier’s floating docks. large maritime-based agricultural empire on On this walking tour of Balclutha, you will historic floating vessel. Bring a mug for hot the Sacramento River. Follow the port’s learn about the lives and cultural contribu- SMALL CRAFT COLLECTION TOUR cider served from the ship’s galley. March is history through the Gold Rush to the tions of Chinese laborers who sailed from Saturday, May 5, 9:30am-2:30pm. Meet at the golden age of steam boats to the construc- Women’s History Month and the March 3 San Francisco to Alaska (in less than luxuri- Small Boat Shop. No fee. Reservations re- tion of the new Port of Sacramento, with sing will emphasize songs about women in ous conditions) for the great salmon runs. J quired; call the Boat Shop at 415-556-4031. the deep water channel and the re-creation maritime history. Bring a bag lunch and ride with us over of the city’s old waterfront. to our small craft warehouse in Alameda. Music of the Sea for Kids We’ll tour the collection of nearly 100 WELLS FARGO & CO. ON THE WATER Saturdays, March 17, April 21 and May 19, local historic boats, discussing interesting Saturday, May 12, 6pm. In the Maritime 3pm. Aboard Balclutha at Hyde Street Pier. elements of their history, design and Library, Building E, Fort Mason Center. Vessel admission (under 16 free). construction. Fee: $5 ($4 Library Friends and SFMNPA) History comes alive for kids in this special Reservations: 415-561-7040. program, where the songs are geared for modelmaking Wells Fargo has long been associated with younger ears and chosen especially for fun. galloping horses pulling a stagecoach, but as a Gold Rush era banking and express Ages 7 and up. J MODELERS’ WORKSHOP firm, Wells Fargo first rode the paddle- Saturdays, open throughout the spring, wheel steamers that linked New York and debra cowen concert beginning at 9:30am. On the car of the San Francisco by sea. Bill Sander of Wells Saturday, April 28, 2pm to 3:30pm. Aboard Eureka. Vessel admission. Fargo Historical Services will tell the story Balclutha at Hyde Street Pier. Vessel admission The Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights of the company’s maritime heritage on the conduct ship model building classes in (under 16 free). West Coast, including the riverboats that the model shop on Eureka on Saturdays. Debra Cowen is one of America’s foremost raced each other to Sacramento, the ships NPS Photo Classes begin at 9:30am and continue into interpreters of traditional and contemporary that served the coastal communities in the afternoon. They are currently build- folksongs. Join us for an afternoon concert chinese junk grace quan the 19th century, and the establishment of ing a model of the sloop Freda. The Freda of sea songs as this Massachusetts singer raises sail regular sea routes across the Pacific. Saturdays, May 19 and 26, 1:00pm. Meet on was built in Belvedere, CA, in 1885 and tours the West Coast. J is being renovated at a boatyard in Sau- Hyde Street Pier. Free. park research library salito, CA. Modelmeister Paul Reck, who Grace Quan is a replica of a 19th century The library is open to the public by making has built models on display in the Visitor San Francisco shrimp junk. Learn about the an appointment: Monday -Friday (1-4pm), Women’s History Center and St. Francis Yacht Club, is the history of shrimp fishery on the Bay and and the third Saturday of the month (10- primary instructor. Anyone interested in month watch her sail being raised. Come aboard 4pm). It is often possible to call on the same building models is invited to participate. and haul a net, explore the crew’s cabin, day you would like to visit. Please call Bill For information, contact Leo Kane at exhibit: women who changed and take a turn at the tiller. J Kooiman, 415-561-7033, or Ted Miles, 415- [email protected] or Paul Reck at maritime history 561-7009. [email protected] [email protected]. Daily, throughout March. In the Visitor Center, 9:30am to 4:45pm. Free. more programs Photo exhibition illustrating the often Costumed volunteers overlooked impact women have had on caulking a seam maritime history. Sundays, April 15 and 29, Noon. Aboard Living History would you like to get involved Balclutha at Hyde Street Pier.Vessel admission as a volunteer? A Day in the Life: 1901 (under 16 free). At San Francisco Maritime our volunteers tea with the ladies and Saturdays, March 10, April 14 and May 12, Watertight seams are essential on wooden provide a variety of services that support suffragette march 10am-4pm. Aboard the historic vessels at Hyde sailing ships. Park Ranger Carol Kiser the exhibit shop, ships division, small boat Saturday, March 10, Noon. In the Street Pier. Vessel admission. demonstrates the steps involved in caulking shop, maritime library, historic documents Ark houseboat and Hyde Street Pier. No fee. Step into the past as you board our his- a deck seam. J department, and interpretation and educa- Turn back the clock to 1901 and experi- toric ships. Help the sailors on Balclutha tion. We have the perfect challenge for you! ence a costumed living history reenactment raise the staysail in the morning and re- Eureka Engine Room Tour Call the Volunteer Office at 415-556-1613, of a suffragette march in support of votes turn for musical fun during the afternoon Saturday, March 24, Sunday, April 22 and or visit www.nps.gov/safr/supportyourpark/ for women. Later, join a salon of Victorian dogwatch. Learn about life in 1901 from Sunday, May 13, 2pm. Meet on Eureka’s volunteer.htm women as they discuss issues ranging from the ferryboat passengers on Eureka, or gangway. Vessel admission. corsetry to voting rights. Come voice your join Mrs. Galan on the Ark houseboat for Take a special tour of the ferryboat Eureka’s opinion! afternoon tea to discuss issues of the day. engine room and get a close-up look at what Age of Sail In March, take part in a suffragette march makes a steam ferry run. wendy the welder: women for women’s rights. In April, learn about The San Francisco Maritime National building liberty ships in wwii maritime arts and crafts during “Make Park Association’s Age of Sail education Hercules Engineering Tour Sundays, March 11 and 18, 1pm. In the Visitor and Mend.” May’s special event is a reen- Sundays, March 25, April 22 and May 27, program is booking programs for the Center theater. Free. actment of President McKinley’s visit to school year. These programs offer hands- 3pm. Meet at the gangway on the Pier. Vessel During World War II, a shortage of men San Francisco in 1901. admission. Tour includes climbing moderately on, student-centered learning, and take brought women into the workforce building steep ladders and entering cramped spaces. place aboard the park’s historic vessels at Liberty Ships. Hear fascinating accounts of Hyde Street Pier. Programs range in cost Explore the major engineering spaces and In the Library their contributions in this slide presentation. from $25 to $64 per student. For informa- learn about steam engine technology and its tion call Lucas Lineback at 415-561-6662 effects on the working environment of the FINDING “THE GALLEON IN THE Shipping Out, The story of ext. 30, [email protected] or www. marine steam engineer. DUNES” america’s seafaring women maritime.org Saturday, March 17, 6pm. In the Maritime Sunday, March 25, 2pm. In the Visitor Center the ocean: barrier or highway? Library, Building E, Fort Mason Center. theater. Free. Sundays, April 29 and May 20, 3pm. In the Fee: $5 ($4 Library Friends and SFMNPA) Meet award-winning filmmaker Maria Visitor Center. Free. Reservations: 415-561-7040. WWII Submarine Brooks as she presents her extraordinary Was the ocean a barrier or a highway for the Maritime historian and nautical arche- USS Pampanito documentary film (56 minutes) that traces vessels Balclutha, Thayer and Hercules? Join ologist Ed Von der Porten will tell of the the complex history of women at sea. Shown a ranger for a thirty minute slide presenta- three expeditions to uncover the story of Open daily. At Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf. nationally, this film offers intimate portraits tion to examine this question. the Manila galleon San Felipe, wrecked Fee: adults, $9; 6-12, $4; under 6 free with of contemporary women working in a vari- on the Baja California coast in 1576, and adult; over 62, $5; active duty military, $4; ety of maritime occupations. A 14-minute cruise of the shenendoah discuss how the study of the ship and her family ticket, $20. Information: 415-775-1943. edited version is shown daily throughout Saturdays, March 31, April 28 and May 19, cargo has given a better insight into the The Balao-class USS Pampanito (SS-383), March. 1pm. In the Visitor Center theater. Free. Chinese-Philippine-Mexican trade at this a museum and memorial owned and This illustrated program describes the point in the history of the Manila gal- operated by the San Francisco Maritime 1864-65 cruise of the C.S.S. Shenandoah in leons. The 2006 Karl Kortum Award for National Park Association, made six the Pacific Ocean during which she almost Maritime History will also be presented at patrols in the Pacific during World War II. completely destroyed the San Francisco this time. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour. JfUN FOR FAMILIES PROGRAM based Pacific whaling fleet. Join a Park

Maritime News 3 Today In The Park Modelmaking Workshop Modelmaking Workshop A Day in the Life 1901 18 Wendy the Welder 22 Eureka Engine Room Tour Wells Fargo & Co. on the Water MARCH 24 Eureka Engine Room Tour Hercules Engineering Tour Modelmaking Workshop Modelmaking Workshop Docent Training Class 13 Chinese Cannery Workers The Park extends a special invitation on 25 Maria Brooks and “Shipping Out” 28 Junior Ranger Day Eureka Engine Room Tour Mondays in March. Explore the fleet of Hercules Engineering Tour The Cruise of the Shenendoah 19 The Cruise of the Shenendoah historic ships at Hyde Street Pier for free! 31 The Cruise of the Shenendoah Debra Cowen Sea Music Concert Grace Quan Raises Sail No admission will be charged on March Mondays: 5, 12, 19, and 26. Modelmaking Workshop on Balclutha Music of the Sea for Kids Modelmaking Workshop Modelmaking Workshop 3 Women’s History Month APRIL 29 Caulking a Seam 20 The Ocean: Barrier or 7 Chantey Sing exhibit opens The Ocean: Barrier or Highway? Modelmaking Workshop Chantey Sing Highway? 26 Grace Quan Raises Sail 14 Costumed Living History: Modelmaking Workshop Docent Training Class Modelmaking Workshop A Day in the Life 1901 10 Costumed Living History: 27 Small Craft on Hyde Street Pier Small Craft on Hyde Street Pier A Day in the Life 1901 MAY Hercules Engineering Tour Modelmaking Workshop Modelmaking Workshop 5 Small Craft Collection Tour 15 Caulking a Seam Chantey Sing 11 Wendy the Welder The Maritime News is printed on Docent Training Class begins Modelmaking Workshop Small Craft on Hyde Street Pier recycled paper using soy-based 21 Music of the Sea for Kids 6 Chinese Cannery Workers 17 Music of the Sea for Kids inks. Please recycle it again. Sacramento, Port of Gold Finding “The Galleon in the Dunes” 12 Costumed Living History: Fun and Education for Younger Sailors

Baby on Board One mother recalled trying to catch her four year old son who had become so good at climbing in the rigging Captains of sailing ships like the Balclutha were away that he got away from her by “going aloft” in his own from home for long stretches of time. The lucky ones personal jungle gym. had their families with them, which sometimes included a baby boy or girl. Two babies were born on Balclutha. Returning to life ashore was often a big adjustment. One of Balclutha’s captains, Alfred Durkee, told a story Families at sea had to be problem solvers. Babies, being that shows just how different these children were from the helpless little people they are, were especially at those born on land. He was in port when he saw a child peril when a ship encountered rough seas. Sailors had take her first steps on solid ground: “…when she came to learn to brace themselves in bed so they wouldn’t be ashore . . she would take a step, then apparently wait, tossed out of their bunks. How could parents keep their with her foot up, for the floor to roll so she could steady baby safe? Some mothers actually sewed their baby to herself before taking another step. She was [on shore] NPS Photo the mattress, attaching the child’s clothing to the outer quite a number of days before she could walk like other Agnes Tapley, wife of the captain, layer. children.” and Baby Della on the deck of the sailing ship Saint James in 1898. Cleaning diapers was another challenge. Freshwater was precious and saved for drinking. Bathing and clean- ing clothes was put off until it rained. So how could Captain Christopher and his wife, Heather, had been at sea for over a month these families wash diapers? One solution was to tie the when their baby girl was born. In the word search below, find the things they diapers to a line and then drag them behind the ship. might need to take care of the infant at sea. Unfortunately, when the diapers dried, the salt in the water made the diaper feel like sandpaper, and no one likes to wear scratchy underwear! One mother made I T T P J R M S D H her own disposable diapers by lining them with dried DIAPERS K A D H N V V R W K sea moss that could be tossed overboard when it got THREAD dirty. If a child was old enough to crawl, he or she could D O J C R M I B U E be dressed without any diapers at all. When the child TOY BOAT X B Y G K E U D I B had to “go,” he or she just went . . .a situation that gives NEEDLE new meaning to the term “poop deck!” H Y B V D T A Y I C DRIED MOSS Parents faced the endless challenge of keeping their N O A M H C G D A R WASHTUB young children entertained, safe, and out of the crew’s P T O S R E P A I D way. One captain rigged a swing on deck for his young daughter. One mother used a washtub as a playpen. K S A N E E D L E O Sometimes the crew could not help but be charmed by Sources: Families at Sea, Stephen A. Haller, National Maritime Museum S W Z A F F J N G W their young crew mates. Children who grew up at sea Association, 1985; Hen Frigates, Joan remember carved toys made for them by the sailors. Druett, Simon and Schuster, 1998. L J S R K J I M K L

4 Maritime News EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA