Join the Memories of FDR Aboard USS Potomac 28Th August Page 3 Join Us Early Saturday Morning, August 28, for a Special Day
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JAGazette Join the Memories of FDR aboard USS Potomac 28th August Page 3 Join us early Saturday morning, August 28, for a special day. We will start in Oak- end of 1941, the president’s recreational use of the USS Potomac came to an end. land for a two hour history cruise aboard the USS Potomac, followed by lunch at After FDR’s death in April 1945, the Potomac began a long and ignominious Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant. The history of his vessel is interesting. The USS. Po- decline from her former role in world affairs. After many adventures and many own- tomac began life in 1934 as the 165 foot U.S Coast Guard Cutter Electra. Later in ers – including Elvis Presley at one point – she was seized in 1980 in San Francisco 1936, she was commissioned as a U.S. Navy vessel and renamed the USS Potomac. by U.S. Customs for her role as a front for drug smugglers. Towed to Treasure Island, The ship then served as a floating White House for President Franklin D. Roosevelt the proud vessel’s hull was pierced one night and she sank. Refloated by the Navy two until his death in 1945. weeks later, she was sold to the Port of Oakland for just $15,000. The Port of Oakland As former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, FDR had a deep love of the sea and spearheaded a cooperative effort with organized labor, maritime corporations and the Navy tradition. He hated to fly and preferred to travel by train or ship throughout his dedicated volunteers to complete a $5 million restoration. The USS Potomac was Presidency. During the sultry summers days in Washington, D.C., he preferred to opened to the public in 1995 and is now a National Historic Landmark. cruise on the USS Potomac rather than stay in the White House. The USS Potomac After the cruise, we will go on to Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant, which is also an gave the nation’s 32nd president much-needed respite from the cares of governing the historic building. The lighthouse was originally built in 1890, and then rebuilt in 1903 by United States throughout the Great Depression and World War II. He loved holding the U.S. Lighthouse Service to serve as the Oakland Entrance Lighthouse on the north informal strategy sessions with close advisors and Congressional leaders in the pri- side of the estuary. From 1939 until 1965 the U.S. Coast Guard operated the light- vacy and seclusion of the yacht. Recreation aboard the vessel included fishing, poker house. In 1965 the building was moved to its present location on the Embarcadero. In games and family gatherings, and he spent endless hours on board with his beloved 1984, after extensive restoration and remodeling, the restaurant opened. stamp collection. We need to meet by 9:30 am at the entrance to the USS Potomac, which is an- It was a special vessel with special passengers. A paraple- The false stack is chored at the north end of Jack London Square, at the foot of Clay Street (near the gic since he was stricken in 1921 with polio at the age of 39, now located in Oakland Ferry Terminal). Parking is in the Washington Street Garage, approximately FDR’s greatest fear was being caught in a fire and being unable Long Wharf Park, two blocks away. The restaurant menu, which will be your choice and a direct out of to escape. He therefore preferred the USS Potomac, an all steel Cambridge, MD pocket expense, is approximately three miles south of the USS Potomac, along the vessel, to the all-wood Sequoia after his inauguration. A hand- Embarcadero. There is free parking nearby. operated elevator was installed inside a false stack, and the We have reservations for thirty people for the cruise. Please remember to wear president – who had developed an extremely strong upper flat, rubber soled shoes and to bring a windbreaker. The cost of the cruise is $27.00 body – was able to use ropes and pulleys to move the elevator per person. The only reservation form necessary to be completed for this event is for up and down between the saloon and upper boat deck. the $27.00 for the cruise. The reservation form is on page 5 of this Jagazette. There are a few records of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt Please don’t bring any beverages or food on board. There will be complimentary coming aboard her husband’s "Floating White House." In 1941, beverages and cookies served during the cruise. Lunch is an out of pocket expense she celebrated her 57th birthday with family members aboard the leaving you free to order anything on the menu, which should not be over $11.00. USS Potomac. She also came aboard during the June 1939 visit Directions to the Washington Street Garage by the United Kingdom’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth when the two couples From the East: Heading south on Broadway Washington Street is one street west of & cruised to George Washington’s home at Mt. Vernon. Other royalty to board the parallel to Broadway. The garage is on Washington, between 2nd St. & Embarcadero. presidential yacht included Crown Princess Martha of Norway, Queen Wihelmina of The ship is moored at the foot of Clay Street (one street west of Washington St.) & two the Netherlands and Crown Prince Gustav of Sweden. At least one of FDR’s famed blocks down from the garage. radio broadcasts originated from the USS . From the South: Take I-880 North to the Broadway exit. Take the ramp toward Jack World War II changed uses of the Potomac. On Monday, August 4, 1941, four London Square & turn left onto Broadway. Turn right onto 2nd St. and then turn left months before Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, FDR boarded the USS Potomac osten- onto Washington sibly for a fishing trip and a visit to Martha’s Vineyard. The President, however, was Directions to Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant secretly transferred to the heavy cruiser USS Augusta on Tuesday morning the 5th to travel to Newfoundland where he would meet with British Prime Minister Winston From Jack London Square: Upon leaving the parking garage, head south to the Em- Churchill – their first meeting as Heads of State. During this top-secret rendezvous, the barcadero. Head south for approximately three miles to where the road bends past two world leaders forged the principles of the Atlantic Charter, which formed the Allied 16th Avenue. Quinn’s is on the right, next to the Embarcadero Cove Marina. There is partnership during World War II and what Roosevelt called the "United Nations", to free parking in the lot across the street. plan the post-war peace. With the United States’ direct involvement in the war at the Deborah Bowman JAGazette August 2004.