Crossing the line certificate, 1910 February 10

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Summary

Creators:
Oceanic Steamship Company
Abstract:
The Crossing the line certificate (SAFR 14028, HDC 0034) commemorates an equator crossing, a seafaring milestone. This certificate, dated February 10, 1910, was made out to E. Schwerin while a Mariner aboard the S.S. MARIPOSA (built 1883; steamer), and was issued by the Oceanic Steamship Company-Tahiti Line. The document is affixed with a red wax stamp containing the ship name. The collection is processed and open for use without restrictions.
Extent:
1 item
Language:
In English.
Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0034 (SAFR 14028), Crossing the line certificate, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Background

Scope and content:

The Crossing the line certificate (SAFR 14028, HDC 0034) commemorates an equator crossing, a seafaring milestone. This certificate, dated February 10, 1910, was made out to E. Schwerin while a Mariner aboard the S.S. MARIPOSA (built 1883; steamer), and was issued by the Oceanic Steamship Company-Tahiti Line. The document is affixed with a red wax stamp containing the ship name. The collection is processed and open for use without restrictions.

Biographical / historical:

Historical Note: Equator crossing rituals have been performed in the Western world for over 400 years. The ceremony is performed aboard the vessel where the landlubber (one learning to sail) is subjected to a ritual death and rebirth in order to gain a new status of Seafarer (seaman or mariner). Landlubbers must prove themselves capable of standing the terrors, stresses and strains of maritime life, and prove they have the courage and strength of character to gracefully accept the rowdy humor encountered in daily shipboard life.

Acquisition information:

SAFR-00001

This item was transferred from Golden Gate National Recreation Area to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Processing information:

Note on Description: 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. P lease cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.

Arrangement:

This collection consists of a single item.

Physical location:
San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard .

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0034 (SAFR 14028), Crossing the line certificate, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Location of this collection:
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123, US
Contact:
415-561-7030
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