Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Floating White House” Oakland, 2011 Spring Edition

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FIRST LADY… Déjà vu? News from the Marketing Team By Paulette Langguth By STUART PROFFITT Putting ideas into action to promote The often quoted “this is like déjà vu all over again,” attributed to baseball’s Yogi the USS Potomac ...... 2 Berra, has appeared recently in numerous articles both in support, and in condem- nation, of President Obama and his policies. Regardless of your opinions about FDR and the Potomac Stewards our current administration, (no Letters to the Editor, please), I think you will find By EDWARD I. BLOOM the following article, from Roosevelt’s My Day newspaper columns, of The versatile group who looked after interest. Many of the First Lady’s observations, made seventy years ago, sound the President’s needs...... 3 all too familiar. Marti’s Musings By MARTI BURCHELL The Potomac Volunteers...... 4 “Washington, January 7, 1941 – We have just come back from the Capitol, where we Mooring Lines listened to the President deliver his mes- By VIRGINIA RAPP sage to Congress. Of necessity, a message Charting Our Course...... 4 to Congress is in fairly general terms. It cannot specify all the ways and means by Notes from the Archives… which certain objectives are to be accom- The Mystery Behind the Ship’s Bell plished. I felt, however, that in this message, By HANK LANEY, Curator our national objectives were fairly clearly The ship’s bell is back, but it seems stated, and some of the details which will to be used...... 5 have to be later put into legislative form by 2011 Cruise Schedule Congress were at least plainly indicated. Offering a wide range of events and cruises for the coming “It did not seem to me that anything in this message was of more interest to the season. Take a look - it’s not too Democrats than to the Republicans. On the whole, while there might later be soon to to make reservations. some difference of opinion as to the methods of carrying out the objectives, there Take a look ...... 6 seemed to be nothing that members of Congress of all parties could not accept as representing their stand in relation to the interests of their country. Potomac Profiles A new feature makes its debut “Therefore, I was not only astonished but saddened to notice that the applause with this edition - do you have a favorite yacht? ...... 8 came almost entirely from the Democrats and only a few noticeable exceptions on the Republican side raised a hand in approval at any point. It looked to me as Friends of the Potomac though those members of Congress were saying to the country as a whole: ‘We The most important page in this are Republicans first. We represent you here in Congress, not as citizens of the issue of Potomac Currents . . . . . 9 United States in a period of great crisis, but as members of a political party which seeks primarily to promote its own partisan interests.’ MOST POPULAR LINKS: Visit the USS Potomac on Facebook “This is to me shocking and terrifying. There was running through my mind as I Events and Cruises watched them, in what would have been an act of childish spite if it has not been Student Tours such a serious moment in history, the lines of a song which was popular when I Private Charters Become a Friend of the Potomac was young, ‘I don’t want to play in your yard. I don’t love you any more.’

Continued page 2 Déjà vu from page 1 “Sometimes I wonder if it will take the suffering of the peoples in conquered countries and of those who still fight for their freedom today to make us realize that there are times when it matters little whether you are a Republican or a Demo- crat. The wings of the eagle cannot be clipped either because you have economic interests or political differences.

“Our eagle has always soared high in the skies. He represents the spirit and heart of a people who care for nothing as much as liberty and justice, and I think he will represent such a people to the end.

“Surely all of us can be united in a foreign policy which seeks to aid those people who fight for freedom and, thereby, gives us the hope of present peace for ourselves and a future peace for the world founded on the four great principles enunciated today. As to the determination to continue to make it possible for our people to feel that we are ever moving forward to a civiliza- tion which will make life more worth living for them, that also seems to me an objective which we can ill afford to have any partisan difference becloud, no matter how we may differ on the details of achievement.”

To read more of ’s “My Day” columns, click here.

NEWS FROM THE MARKETING TEAM By Stuart Proffitt, Chairman

The Potomac’s Marketing Team (aka the Merry Marketeers) Ext. 110, or contact her by email to: [email protected]. has been a busy group. We meet twice a month to plan and implement ideas that introduce the USS Potomac to new Speaking of winning, not to mention a super Boat Show… friends and supporters. Come see the USS Potomac’s booth at the Oakland Boat Show, April 14-17, in . While you are In 2010 we held two Familiarization (FAM) Cruises, specifi- there, enter our drawing for four Fleet Week Cruise Tickets cally for Bay Area Destination and Event Planners. Based (a $500 value). Then visit the Potomac for a free Dockside on the attendance and great feed-back, both were a success, Tour. and there are signs they are paying off with our Charter sales up as compared to this time last year. A third FAM Cruise is Enjoy live Improv Comedy? A good portion of the proceeds scheduled for later this year. from the Danville Theater’s May 14 performance of Trapped in a Rumor will go to the USS Potomac. For tickets, contact A new charter brochure targeting the Wedding Planning in- the theater at 925-314-3466. It’s located at 233 Front Street dustry debuted at Scott’s Bridal Faire recently. Once again, in Danville. Have fun and help the ship… it’s another win. more interest by more people will generate more Charter business. The Potomac is featured in the March issue of Bay Cross- ings (available at all Bay Area Ferry Terminals). Their Have any unwanted antiques or curios? Take advantage full page story includes the kick-off announcement for the of the Potomac’s partnership with Alameda’s Michaan’s Potomac Photo Contest. Auctions. It is simple and easy: You donate it, Michaan’s auctions it, the Potomac receives 95% of the sale price, and We have lots of ideas in the planning stages, but we can al- you get the tax write-off! How is that for winning? To learn ways use more. You can pass along your ideas to us at more, simply call 510-740-0220. Ask for Jane Alexiadis at [email protected].

-2- FDR and The Potomac Stewards By Edward I. Bloom

Whenever he was aboard the Potomac FDR greatly enjoyed the food, not only because it was a welcome change from the fare served at the White House, but because the Filipino stewards had acquired the knack of knowing exactly what dishes he preferred and how to cater to his tastes. As a concession to his expressed preferences, the Secret Service agreed to have the Potomac stewards accompany the President whenev- er he traveled away from Washington, D.C., with three exceptions: Hyde Park, Warm Springs, or as a house guest with one of his many friends.

The Potomac stewards travelled with FDR on his frequent weekend visits to the Maryland Catoctin Mountains. The small encampment 60 miles from the White House was originally built as a C.C.C. camp, then was taken over by the Marines as a training camp, and later converted to a Presidential retreat after the start of World War II. FDR called this re- treat Shangri-La; it was later renamed Camp David by President Eisen- hower. FDR’s cottage had four bedrooms and two bathrooms, one for the President and the second to be shared by the occupants of the other three bedrooms. FDR delighted in telling his houseguests that the sec- ond bathroom’s door did not lock properly, so they should be careful. The President always oversaw what went into the hamper of cheeses, cocktail appetizers, and candies brought up from the White House. This would include careful instructions to Isaac, the head Potomac steward, Chief Steward on the Potomac on just when during the weekend each of the items should be served.

The Potomac stewards accompanied FDR on his several oversees conferences. At the Tehran Conference, the American delegation numbered 70, including the stewards, also called mess men. During the second day of the conference, Joseph Stalin expressed fears that the long drive from the American Legation presented a security hazard and a possibility of assas- sination. He persuaded FDR to move to a villa within the Russian compound. However, it had no kitchen or cooking facili- ties. Undaunted, the Potomac stewards were able to meet this challenge. They prepared and served hot meals throughout the remainder of the conference, although none of the various accounts of the conference detail how this was accomplished.

At the Yalta Conference, the first night’s banquet was hosted by the American Delegation. ThePotomac stewards, agreeing to the menu requests from the Russians, were able to come up with caviar, sturgeon, beef with macaroni, sweet cake, tea, coffee, vodka, and five kinds of wine, one of which was a California wine.

Whenever FDR travelled away from the White House, the Potomac stewards played an integral role in support of the Presi- dent’s health and welfare. In addition, when aboard the Potomac, the stewards proved to be indispensible for yet another reason – they knew where to find all the best fishing grounds in the Chesapeake Bay.

Sources: Roosevelt and Hopkins – Robert E. Sherwood Roosevelt: The Soldier of Freedom – James MacGregor Burns

Trivia Question

What did FDR call ? Answer: Former Naval Person. Naval Former Answer:

-3- MARTI’S MUSINGS…The power of volunters

I am continually reminded that the power of volunteers is a force to be reckoned with!

I have written before about the Potomac Volunteers, and what a terrific group they are. Not to belabor the point, but recent developments demand that I tell you, once again dear readers, about this amazing group who give so much of themselves, and then some, to the Potomac.

• Recently, we sent an appeal to the Friends of the Potomac for a special donation to help the Association through a tough financial period. To date, we have received over $21,000. Seventy five percent of the donations came from our current list of active volunteers! • Our fantastic crew, who by the way, participate in all the maintenance on our ship, have volunteered to work the entire 2011 cruising season without pay. Again, this generous offer will assist the Association during these challenging times. • A strong group of volunteers has stepped up with a plan to take on a portion of the administrative and program duties for the Association, should it be necessary for the Executive Director, yours truly, and the Ship Keeper to go part time. Again, to assist with the overall financial picture. • Another group of volunteers, the Mighty Marketing Team, has created a plan of action and focused on fund raising events that will broaden our base of support. Their plans and activities are filled with fresh ideas designed to bring new “friends and fans” to the Potomac. • Maintenance volunteers have redone the shelving and sink areas in the ship’s restrooms with upgrades that make both facilities more attractive (thank you, John Kaehms). Also, our recently acquired historic ship’s bell is now mounted on a beautiful wood frame, and is on display in the Dining Saloon for all to see. Many thanks to Ron Gammon for his fine craftsmanship.

On behalf of all the women who visit the Potomac - great job, John Kaehms!

All of the above took place during the first quarter of 2011. Incredible... I can only imagine what the Potomac Volunteers will accomplish over the next three quarters. Thank you.

MOORING LINES . . . Charting our course

For the last several months, the USS Potomac has been facing difficult challenges – often it seemed that we were sailing against the wind. Looking back, I came upon this quote from Franklin Roosevelt’s April 14, 1938 Fireside Chat: “To reach a port, we must sail – sail, not tie at anchor – sail, not drift.” Well put, Mr. President.

This issue of Potomac Currents introduces a new column from the Marketing Team. For nearly a year, this group of volunteers has been hard at work behind the scenes to promote the Potomac and broaden its reach. They and the hundred plus complement of Potomac volun- teers have all gone above and beyond to make sure we do not drift. I am confident that when we release the Potomac’s mooring lines on Sunday, May 1, for Opening Day on the Bay, we will be sailing on course with many more ports on the horizon.

Virginia Rapp, Editor

-4- FROM THE ARCHIVES.....

By Hank Laney, Curator

THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE SHIP’S BELL

The original USS Potomac ship’s bell now hangs in a place of prominence in the main saloon. It took some time to get it there, but it was worth the wait. Recently obtained from the US Navy, Naval Historical Branch, I set to work on designing and fabricating the display with a great deal of assistance from our Ship Keeper, Craig Newton, and Maintenance volunteer, Ron Gammon.

However, there was something strange about the bell’s appearance. When Ron and I first unpacked it we suspected it was (how do I put this?)used . It was clear that this was not a bell cast for the Presidential Yacht. This seemed to be an older bell, pressed into service, and renamed in 1936 for the Potomac.

How could this be? Yet, it was quite obvious (see photo). One side of the bell was ship- shape with the USS Potomac and 1936 engraved prominently. But a look at the other side showed something else. In equally large letters (that someone attempted to fill in with brazing) was the name of another ship. It was not altogether readable, but it was still there. In addition, the brazing process caused the bell to crack.

The bell sat in its crate waiting for installation while we pondered this strange anomaly. It was intended, after all, for a presidential yacht. The ship’s bell has been, and still re- mains, the iconic symbol of ship’s existence. How could this “used” bell have been put into service for the USS Potomac? Was it grabbed from a pile of old bells and refurbished? Was the President blind-sided? Hardly likely, since it was for a Presidential Yacht and kept by the Curator of the Navy (like others they keep) for historical purposes. It made no sense, but there it was. So we examined it further from time to time attempting to solve the mystery.

We finally made out the name that had been brazed over. The work was amateurish, and that is what led to the cracking. We were able to make out the former ship’s name as the USS Farragut, dated 1934. I made a rush to the history books. The Navy had a number of ships of this name over time, but one stood out. It was a Naval Destroyer put into commission in 1934, the namesake of the Farragut Class of destroyers that followed. This USS Farragut served valiantly throughout WWII and was eventually sold for scrap in 1947. But still, what was the connection to the Potomac in 1936? It seems improbable the Navy would pull the main bell from a fairly new ship. Was FDR somehow involved in all of this?

Perhaps so... a little digging into the history of the USS Farragut revealed that she was built in Quincy, , and launched on March 15, 1934. Surprisingly, the woman who broke the bottle of champagne over her bow at the launch was none other than Mrs. , daughter-in-law of President Roosevelt! Almost exactly a year later the USS Farragut embarked President Roosevelt at Jacksonville, Florida, and the next day the ship carried him to a rendezvous with a private yacht. The USS Farragut served as the escort ship to the yacht during this pleasure cruise for over a week.

Was this the connection we were looking for? Could FDR have requested that the USS Farragut’s bell be used on his new yacht? After all, his daughter-in-law christened the USS Farragut. After reflection, it seemed very possible. FDR was the President, and he had a great fondness for all things naval.

We all hope you enjoy the bell in its present location. Take a peek behind it for yourself. And one other thing – we ask you not to ring it! Remember, there is a crack. But, that puts our ship’s bell in good company... the Liberty Bell also has a crack.

5- CRUISES & EVENTS 2011 History Cruises Special History Cruises

1st and 3rd Thursday Opening Day on the Bay May 1 2nd and 4th Saturday “Characters of the Bay” May thru October Mother’s Day May 8 10:30AM ~ 12:30PM Memorial Day May 30 $45.00 Adults, $40.00 Seniors Father’s Day June 19 $25.00 Under 12 Fourth of July July 4 Groups of 20 or more: $35.00 each Immigration Station Cruise (Angel Island) Dockside Tours July 27, Aug. 24 10:30 to 3:30 Sept. 28, Oct. 26 9:45 to 3:00 Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Fleet Week Practice October 7 Year Round ~ 11:00AM to 3:00PM Fleet Week October 8 & 9 $10.00 Adults, $8.00 Seniors Characters on the Bay November 3 Veteran’s Day (2 Cruises) November 11 * Prices may vary, please call for information.

Join us at the Strictly Sail Boatshow Potomac discount offer... April 14-17 Check it out.

For information or reservations go to www.usspotomac.org or call 510-627-1215

The Potomac Association 540 Water Street Board of Governors and Staff P.O. Box 2064 Oakland, CA 94604 Michael Roosevelt, Chairman Telephone: 510-627-1215 Carla Betts, President www.usspotomac.org Tom Morehouse, 1st Vice President The Potomac Currents is published Art Haskell, CFO by the Association for the Preservation Jean Gaskill, Secretary of the Presidential Yacht, Potomac, Inc. Editor: Virginia Rapp Walter Abernathy, Rick Anderson, Layout and Design: David McGraw Mary Bergan, Joe Brennan, David Connolly, Editorial Board: Marti Burchell, Ed Bloom, Curtis Davies,Virginia Furth, Rich Knowles, Les Marks, Hank Laney, Judy Goff-Roveda, Al Groh, Brad Bunnin and David McGraw Hal Marsh, James McCloud, Electronic Distribution: Karen Lyberger This Sailboat is a reproduction of an original Denny McLeod, Ron Paredes, Jeff Sturm, Webmaster: Tom Howard design by President Roosevelt used on his Kirk Rowlands, Richard Zampa personal matchbooks. He used the letters No part of this publication may be "FDR" to form the upper part of the sailboat. This was an appropriate device, since sailing Marti Burchell, Executive Director reproduced without the written permission was one of his favorite activities. Craig Newton, Ship Keeper of the publisher.

-6- Charter Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Presidential Yacht USS Potomac Weddings • Special Events • Celebrations

Potomac Association Call 510-627-1215 ~ www.usspotomac.org

-7- POTOMAC DONOR PROFILES

DALE HANSEN

HOME: Greenbrae, CA

AGE: Young enough

PROFESSION: Real Estate

HOBBIES: Golf, travel, good food, good people, good books

MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: A Man Called Intrepid

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Too many to name

QUOTE: “Persevere”

PROFILE: One of the first volunteers to give tours on the USS Potomac the day it opened in 1995; a generous supporter, Education Volunteer, speaker, and friend of the Potomac for over sixteen years; an asset to our Association in every way. Want to sail in Presidential style? For cruises, events, and charters, go to: YACHT: The Presidential Yacht USS Potomac www.usspotomac.org

-8- Friends of the Potomac

The USS Potomac Association acknowledges the following individuals and organizations for their generous donations.

SUSTAINING PATRON

Dale Hansen* Waterfront Plaza Hotel

CORPORATE/PATRON

Alexander & Baldwin Joe Brennan & Jan Tiura Stanley Jacobsen & Denny & Ruth McLeod* Foundation* Jean & Barbara Gaskill Emmy Werner (in memory of Jimmy McCloud) Ken & Carla Betts Matson Navigation* Y. H. Soda Foundation

COMMANDER IN CHIEF Walter Abernathy Dr Jacob Deegan Tom Howard Kurt Lauridsen Rick Anderson Willis Deming Glenn & Gabriella Isaacson* Michael Roosevelt CA Field Iron Workers William & Marsha Dillon Hugh James Judy Goff-Roveda Admin Trust Virginia Furth Les Marks* Dan Strohl* Gray Cathrall* Arthur Haskell David & Myrna McGraw* John Tuttle & Doug Drummond ADMIRAL

John & Clem Underhill* Richard Zampa – District Council of Ironworkers ELEANOR Mary Bergan Bruce L Garner* Gilbert Williams & David Lee Woods & Don & Cathy DeCoss Tom & Carol Morehouse Anne Bonaparte Phyllis D Chambers

CAPTAIN Linda Brewer Olaf Elander John & Donna Kaehms Angeline Papastefan* Brad Bunnin Nancy Elbeck Bill & Mollie Kinney Stuart & Vallyn Proffitt* Pat & Barbi Carson Norman & Edna Rich Knowles & Virginia Rapp* Ronald Casassa Eltringham* Merlyn Uhlenberg Gordon Seligson* Dave Connolly Pete Geffen Jack Lapidos Deborah Tharp Art & Ardeth Dreshfeld Albert & Terry Groh* Thomas Murray John & Marilyn Welland Les & Elaine Dropkin Martine Habib Gene Zahas FIRST MATE ABC Security Service John & Susan Bradley Alan J Curtis* Trevor Hall Gail & Bruce Adair Roland Brandel J Hallam Dawson & Bonnie & Earl Hamlin Glenn Aitkens William Brewster* Mary McVey* Mavourneen Harshman Carol Anderson James Brice* Lee Ditlefsen* Heinold’s First & Last Ron & Judy Arrants Marti Burchell Wally Dutchess* Chance Saloon John & Suzanne Barr Windy & Jerry Butler Robert Eakin & Leroy & Marlene Hintzman Bruce Baur Malcolm Carden* Avis Hendley Capt Walter Jaffee Diane Beardsly* Vern & Alice Carrier Carol Anne Econin* Marvin Jensen Gene Bell Ted & Lynda Chenoweth Georgia Edlund Carol Johnston Richard Black Robert Chlebowski & Thomas Escher Charley Kearns & Miriam Bloomberg Gray Brechin* Arthur Fatum Frank Ching James Bolen Richard Crane* Dorothy & Julie Filice* Nancy Kickertz Donald & Sharon Bonney Fred Cunningham A Allen Green* Neal & Nancy Lambly

Continued on page 10 -9- Continued from page 9 Friends of the Potomac FIRST MATE

Daniel Lamey & Mary Solon John McCredie Mitch Salzman Wanda Viviano Paulette Langguth* Jim O’Connor Elizabeth Sanders* Beverly Voelker Jack Lapidos Beverly Partridge* Jerry & Lovene Silsdorf Cynthia Weiss Jon & Megan Leuteneker* Tara Quinn* Jerry Skrainer* Mary Whitehead Patricia MacLean Art & Carrell Rankin Diane & Gordon Thielvoldt* Anne Whiteside* Judy Malespino* Joseph & Bonnie Reid Ruby Tilley Bobby Winton - Frank McConville* Harold Rice John & Nancy Turnier Bay Crossings* Luise Roke* Lee Velde Ruth Ann Yager

FALA

Ramon Aguilar Gus Dorough Paul Koehn George & Rita Phelps*† Ernestine Angle*† James Elander Lawrence & Emily Lohr Herbert Ploch Mr & Mrs Boell* John Gilbertson*† Ronald Louis Jenny Porter*† Sally Beck & Richard Hammer Sandra Lundgren Brenda Price David Brossard Elizabeth Hannon Arthur Mark Dr Hal S Raper Jr DDS* Jim Cadwell Barbara Hartwell* Robert Matz Maurice Robichaud H Treat Cafferata MD & Howard Herman William Memmer* David Schultz* Patricia D Cafferata ESQ*† Esther Jennings Paul Morris* Elaine Stanley Carol Campbell Lucy John Dawn Muller Kathy Szumiloski Angelique & Yann Colleen Kelly-Prola Cathy O’Brien John Tysell Cucaro-Renault Donna Kerger* William Peeters Robert Woodruff Al Dessayer Anonymous*

STUDENT/TEACHER Mike Gregory

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EDUCATIONAL FUND

Al Groh Ironworkers Local 229 Northern California Plumbers & Steamfitters Amalgamated Transit Union San Diego District Council of Laborers Local 403 San Luis Obispo Local 1555 Oakland Ironworkers Local 377 Pleasanton Maritime Carpenters Local 2236 San Francisco Office & Professional Council Oakland Ironworkers Local 378 Employees Local 3 Sheet Metal Workers Local Cement Masons Local 400 Benicia San Francisco 104 San Ramon Sacramento International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers Local 3 Sheet Metal Workers CWA Local 9415 Oakland Electrical Workers Alameda Local 162 Sacramento Dave Connolly Local 332 San Jose Pipe Trades Local 36 SIEU Local 1021 Oakland District Council of Iron Laborers International Plumbers, Pipe and Refrig- Teamsters Local 853 Workers Pinole Union Local 270 San Jose eration Fitters UALA 246 San Leandro Ironworkers Local 155 Fresno Union of American Physi- Fresno cians & Dentists Oakland Richard Zampa Since January 2010, union organizations throughout the San Fransisco Bay Area have contributed more than $8,000 specifically to support the Educational Cruises.

*Contributor to the Potomac Appeal Campaign † Gift in memory of Mahala Gilbertson

Note: Questions or comments about the above listing may be referred to Gordon Seligson, email: [email protected] or write to the Friends of the Potomac, P.O. Box 2064, Oakland, CA 94604.

-10-