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Title: John A. Blaich Papers
Dates: 1922-2003
Collection Number: 2014-05
Creator/Collector:
Blaich, John A.
Extent: 6 document boxes; 2 linear feet, 5 inches.
Repository:
Sherman Library and Gardens
Corona del Mar, California 92625
Abstract: The John A. Blaich Collection is comprised of four series:
Biographical Materials, Biographical Files, 1931-2002, General Subject Files,
1923-2003, Large Yachts of Newport before World War II Files, 1924-2002, and
M. S. Stranger Files, 1922-1994. The collection includes
photographs, slides, notes, newspaper clippings, copies of published materials, logs
and correspondence.
Language of Material: English
The collection is open for research.
John A. Blaich Papers. Sherman Library and Gardens
The family of Mr. Blaich donated the parts of this collection relating to the
M. S. Stranger and his book Large Yachts of
Newport Harbor before World War II. Rowell Greene donated the General Subject Files
in April, 2014.
John A. Blaich was born on November 2, 1918. He grew up in Whittier, CA, but he spent
many summers at a family house on the Balboa peninsula. In 1935, Blaich was one of
thirty Sea Scouts to be hired as the crew of the
M. S.
Stranger
. In six months, M. S. Stranger visited Miami, Panama, Ecuador,
the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Cocas Islands, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and
San Diego, collecting animals for the San Diego Zoo. Following his tour with
Stranger, Blaich started the first sailing instruction
school in Newport Harbor in 1937. In 1941, the Newport Harbor Yacht club hired him
as the clubs’ first full-time sailing instructor. In 1942, he completed his studies
at the University of Southern California, receiving a degree in engineering.
Blaich was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Naval Reserve. He entered active
service during World War II, serving aboard the USS Baltimore. Following the war,
Blaich remained in the Navy Reserve. He retired in 1969 with the rank of Commander.
Blaich was active in yacht clubs in the Newport Beach area and pursued an interest in
the history of sailing. He volunteered at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum (NHNM).
In 2000, he published the book Large Yachts of Newport Harbor before World War II.
He was a regular contributor to the Daily Pilot newspaper, writing for the column,
“On the Water.” Blaich died in 2003.
Scope and Content of Collection
The John A. Blaich papers consist of photographs, slides, notes, newspaper clippings,
copies of published materials, logs and correspondence generally relating to sailing
in Newport Harbor, CA. The papers include files compiled by Blaich while preparing
his "On the Water," column for the Newport Beach Daily Pilot, and his book
Large Yachts of Newport Harbor before World War II.
Other files include information about the merchant ship
Stranger on which Blaich served during a cruise in 1936 and 1937 to
collect animals for the San Diego Zoo and biographical material about Blaich.
Boats and boating – Sailboats
Boats and boating – Motorboats
Yacht racing – Ensenada Race
Yachting
Sailing
Sea Scouts
Blaich, John A.
Moe, Fred
Pfaendler, Henry
Reynolds, Carl
Ross, Fred
Shaw, Bob
Wallace, Raymond
San Diego Zoo
Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
Newport Beach (Calif.) – Harbor – History.
Orange County (Calif.) – History – 20th century –
Sources.