Access
Publication and Use Rights
Processing Note
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Historical or Biographical Note
Collection Scope and Content
Collection Arrangement
Title: Stephens Marine, Inc. product information
Date: 1958,1960,1964
Identifier/Call Number: HDC1747 (SAFR 24683)
Creator:
Stephens Brothers Boat Builders and Designers (Stockton, CA)
Physical Description:
10 items.
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: Stephens Marine, Inc. product information (HDC1747 SAFR24683) consists of items that advertise the various craft designed
and built primarily by the Stephens family including the 38' Farallone Clipper (1958), the 36' Flush Deck (1960) and the Figure
Five II (1964). There is also a photograph of an unidentified yacht underway. The collection is available for research use.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s):
In English
Access
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.
Publication and Use Rights
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other
case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Processing Note
The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information. Such sources include
the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material and subject matter
experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors in this guide
please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide.
Please cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.
Preferred Citation
[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item
Number], HDC1747 (SAFR 24683), Stephens Marine, Inc. product information, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Acquisition Information
SAFR-02364
The collection was found in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's library and accessioned into the archival
collection in 2015.
Historical or Biographical Note
Stephens Brothers Boat Builders and Designers Company (Stephens Bros.) was an American family-run boat yard. Their boat building
firm in Stockton, California operated from 1902 to 1987. It began in the backyard of brothers Theodore (Thod, 1882-1933) and
Robert (Roy, 1884-1953) Stephens. Over the years, the company became famous for its elegantly designed pleasure craft, including
sailboats, speedboats, cruisers and private yachts. Roy Stephens took over after Theodore died. Before and during World War
II, the yard built boats for the military. A t the end of World War II, Roy retired and turned the company over to his nephews,
Theo, Barre and Dick Stephens. The yard again contracted with the military during the Korean War and the beginning of Cold
War hostilities in 1953. In 1960, the brothers sold the company to the Wrather Corporation, headed by entertainment industry
mogul and Stephens Bros. boat collector, Jack Wrather, and the company name was changed to Stephens Marine, Inc. This proved
to be a
short-lived transaction so the brothers bought the company back just three years later. Through the mid-1960s, the company
continued to gain popularity, with more orders flowing in from the east coast. Late into the 1960s, the boat building market
underwent a transformation. New materials like aluminum and fiberglass were proving to be more durable and affordable. The
demand shifted from wood to these materials; Stephens Bros. launched its last wooden boat in 1974. Over time, expenses rose
and the market slowed. Stephens Bros. was no longer financially viable, and closed down in the spring of 1987.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephens_Bros._Boat_Builders
Collection Scope and Content
Stephens Marine, Inc. product information (HDC1747 SAFR24683) consists of items that advertise the various craft designed
and built primarily by the Stephens family including the 38' Farallone Clipper (1958), the 36' Flush Deck (1960) and the Figure
Five II (1964). There is also a photograph of an unidentified yacht underway. The collection is available for research use.
Collection Arrangement
10 items in one folder.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Small craft
Stephens Bros. Boats (Stockton, Calif.)
Brochures
Promotional materials
Boatbuilding
Design and construction