A guide to the John A. Tomlin photograph collection, 1914-1970
Processed by: L. Bianchi, September 2014.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-561-7030
Fax: 415-556-3540
SAFR_Historic_Documents@nps.gov
URL: http://www.nps.gov/safr
2015
A Guide to the John A. Tomlin photograph collection
P91-082
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, National Park Service
2015, National Park Service
Title: John A. Tomlin photograph collection
Date: 1914-1970
Identifier/Call Number: P91-082 (SAFR 24252)
Creator:
Tomlin, John A.
Physical Description:
20 items.
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The John A. Tomlin photograph collection, 1914-1970, (SAFR 24252, P91-082) is comprised mainly of photographs of various Grace
Line and Johnson Line freighters as well as photographs of LIVERPOOL (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) intercepting ASAMA
MARU (built 1928; ocean liner) in 1940. The collection has been processed to the Item level and is open for 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], P91-082 (SAFR 24252), John A. Tomlin photograph collection, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Acquisition Information
SAFR-00388
The collection was donated by F. Kaye Tomlin in 1991. The collection apparently belonged to his father, John Alfred Tomlin.
Historical or Biographical Note
John A. Tomlin (1903-1991) was an employee of Grace Lines, Inc.
Collection Scope and Content
The John A. Tomlin photograph collection, 1914-1970, (SAFR 24252, P91-082) is comprised mainly of photographs of various Grace
Line and Johnson Line freighters as well as photographs of LIVERPOOL (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) intercepting ASAMA
MARU (built 1928; ocean liner) in 1940. The collection has been processed to the Item level and is open for use.
Contains photographs various steamship and motorships, most of which were operated by Grace Line and Johnson Line, 1914-1970.
There are 20 unique photographic images in 20 physical forms (16 black-and-white photographic prints, 3 black-and-white photographic
postcards, and 1 black-and-white letterpress halftone postcard).
Includes photographs of the Grace Line vessels CACIQUE (built 1910; freighter), COASTAL ADVENTURER (built 1945; freighter),
SANTA FE (built 1945; freighter), SANTA FLAVIA (built 1943; freighter), and SANTA LEONOR (built 1944; freighter), as wells
as postcards of the Johnson Line vessels BRASILIA (built 1960; freighter), CANADA (built 1953; freighter), LIONS GATE (built
1950; freighter), and RIO DE JANEIRO (built 1957; freighter). Most locations are unknown, but some are identified as the Columbia
River; Tacoma, Washington; and San Francisco, California.
The collection also includes five photographs taken by John A. Tomlin from aboard ASAMA MARU (built 1928; ocean liner), four
of which document an incident near Japan on January 21, 1940, when LIVERPOOL (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) intercepted
ASAMA MARU and removed a group of German passengers. Two photographs by Captain Karl Staus of Grace Lines show OMEGA (built
1887; bark, 4m) enroute to Chile and two photographs by Carlos A. Call show the wreck of PACIFIC ENTERPRISE (built 1927; freighter)
near Point Arena in 1949 and the temporary stranding of LUMBERLADY (built 1919; freighter) near Fort Ross in 1951.
Collection Arrangement
No arrangement due to the small size of the collection.
Related Materials
Related manuscript collections:
John A. Tomlin papers, 1940-1948. SFMNHP, (SAFR 19698, HDC 1197). Letter, event program, and report file documenting a selection
of John A. Tomlin's activities and interests between 1940 and 1949.
- This material is located at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Passenger ships
Cargo ships
Merchant ships
Grace Line
Johnson Line
Japan
San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)
Pacific Coast (U.S.)
Black-and-white prints (photographs)
Gelatin silver prints
Photographic postcards
Picture postcards
Item No. 01.
Omega (built 1887; bark, 4m) underway between Peru and Valparaiso, Chile, port broadside view,
1951 October
Creator/Collector:
Staus, Karl
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 3.5 x 5.75 in. Handwritten on the front: "Ship 'Omega' a four masted Bark." Handwritten on the verso: "Bark 'Omega' enroute from Peruvian
bird islands to Valparaiso with cargo of guano as photographed by Captain Karl Staus [symbol, see below] early Oct. 1951.
'Omega' was built in Scotland 1887 - 311 feet long 43 feet abeam, draft 26'8" loaded. Age as of 1951 64 years. [symbol, see
above] of S.S. Santa Flavia." Stamped on the verso: "160."
Item No. 02.
Omega (built 1887; bark, 4m) underway between Peru and Valparaiso, Chile, port quarter view,
1951 October
Creator/Collector:
Staus, Karl
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 3.5 x 5.75 in. Handwritten on the front: "Ship 'Omega' a four masted Bark." Handwritten on the verso: "Bark 'Omega' enroute from Peruvian
bird islands to Valparaiso with cargo of guano as photographed by Captain Karl Staus of SS Santa Flavia early Oct. 1951. 'Omega'
was built in Scotland 1887 - 311 feet long, 43 feet abeam, draft 26'8" loaded. Age as of 1951 - 64 years." Stamped on the
verso: "160."
Item No. 03.
View from the deck of Asama Maru (built 1928; ocean liner),
circa 1940
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Stamped on the verso: "58."
Scope and Content Note
Mountains and a city are in the far distance.
Item No. 04.
German passengers aboard the ship's boat of Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) near Japan,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Transferring Germans from Asama Maru into British Cruiser gig - Jan. 21, 1940."
Scope and Content Note
View looking down from the deck of ASAMA MARU (built 1928; ocean liner) showing LIVERPOOL's boat alongside.
Item No. 05.
Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) at sea near Japan, port broadside view,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Last boatload of German sailors going aboard British Cruiser off Asama Maru Jan. 21, 1940."
Scope and Content Note
A ship's boat with German passengers removed from ASAMA MARU (built 1928; ocean liner) appears to be alongside LIVERPOOL.
Item No. 06.
Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) at sea near Japan, port broadside view,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "British Cruiser off stern of Asama Maru Jan. 21, 1940." The same information is also typed on
a piece of paper and taped to the bottom of the photograph.
Scope and Content Note
The photograph was taken from aboard ASAMA MARU (built 1928; ocean liner).
Item No. 07.
Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) at sea near Japan, bow view,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Picture of a cruiser at sea Jan. 21, 1940." Typed paper caption taped to the bottom of the print:
"Picture of British Cruiser at sea Jan. 21, 1940. This picture taken from deck of Japanese passenger ship 'ASAMA MARU' just
off of Yokohama, Japan."
Scope and Content Note
A ship's boat is underway off the bow.
Item No. 08.
Lumberlady (built 1919; freighter) stuck on a rock at Stillwater Cove, north of Fort Ross, California, starboard quarter view
as seen from a distance,
1951 June 1
Creator/Collector:
Call, Carlos A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 4 x 6 in. Handwritten on the verso: "June 1-1951. 'Lumber Lady' sat on the rock locally known as the 'Roaring Bull' for 7 hours. (The
above is the handwriting of Carlos A. Call at Fort Ross, Ca.) Northern California Coast. Photo by Carlos Asa Call, Fort Ross,
California." Stamped on the verso: "63."
Item No. 09.
Pacific Enterprise (built 1927; freighter) grounded near Point Arena, California, broadside view as seen from a distance,
1949
Creator/Collector:
Call, Carlos A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 4 x 6 in. Handwritten on the verso: "'Pacific Enterprise' British Str. Total Loss at Point Arena. (The above is in the handwriting
of Carlos A. Call.) Photo by Carlos Asa Call, Fort Ross, California." Stamped on the verso: "337."
Item No. 10.
Cacique (built 1910; freighter) underway, view slightly off the starboard bow,
1914-1934
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Photog. No. 775.
Item No. 11.
Cacique (built 1910; freighter) docked with a deck load of lumber at China Basin, San Francisco, California, view slightly
off the starboard quarter,
1928-1929
Creator/Collector:
Morton & Co.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Typed caption adhered to the front of the print: "Grace Line SS CACIQUE (Chief) at China Basin dock, San Francisco in 1928
or 1929 on voyage southbound from Puget Sound, Columbia River to Peru and Chile via Los Angeles. Note that she has a deckload
of lumber most probably destined for the lead and copper mines. On return voyage she would bring back lead and copper ores
and raw sugar also from Chile pure nitrate of soda. Vessel Particulars. Built in Sunderland, England about 1910. Length 394
feet, breadth 52 feet. Deadweight tonnage at Summer draft of 28 feet 10 inches 9400 tons. Normal speed - 11 knots." Handwritten
on the verso: "Grace Line Inc. SS Cacique about 1929 docked on the bulkhead at China Basin, San Francisco. Note are other
Grace ships (see stack) docked at Pier 46 in background." Morton Photographs stamp on the verso and the stamped number "25161
2."
Item No. 12.
Coastal Adventurer (built 1945; freighter) docked, starboard broadside view,
1945-1970
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Handwritten on the verso: "C1-M-AVI type. Same type as Grace Line Inc. MS Anchor Hitch."
Item No. 13.
Santa Fe (built 1945; freighter) underway, starboard bow view,
1954-1970
Creator/Collector:
Markell, Dick
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Grace Line Inc. SS Santa Fe C1-B. SS Santa Leonor same type as Santa Fe." Dick Markell Photography
stamp on verso.
Item No. 14.
Santa Flavia (built 1943; freighter) underway, starboard broadside view,
1947-1970
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Handwritten on the front: "Grace Line Inc. S.S. Santa Flavia." Handwritten on the verso: "Grace Line Inc. S.S. Santa Flavia
C2-SB1."
Item No. 15.
Santa Leonor (built 1944; freighter) off Sperry Ocean Dock, Tacoma, Washington, port bow view,
1948 May 23
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.5 x 3.5 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Santa Leonor off Sperry's Dock Tacoma 5-23-48." Stamped on the verso: "956N."
Scope and Content Note
Possibly photographed by John A. Tomlin.
Item No. 16.
Santa Leonor (built 1944; freighter) on the Columbia River, port bow view,
1948 May 25
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.5 x 3.5 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Santa Leonor on Columbia River at flood stage 5-25-48." Stamped on the verso: "956N."
Scope and Content Note
Possibly photographed by John A. Tomlin.
Item No. 17.
Brasilia (built 1960; freighter) underway, port broadside view,
1960-1970
Creator/Collector:
Svensk Tillverkning
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in. Postcard no. 51566.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
Item No. 18.
Canada (built 1953; freighter) underway, starboard bow view,
1953-1970
Creator/Collector:
Svensk Tillverkning
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in. Postcard no. 21/51406.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
Item No. 19.
Lions Gate (built 1950; freighter) underway at First Narrows, West Vancouver, Canada, port broadside view,
1950-1970
Creator/Collector:
Svensk Tillverkning
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in. Postcard no. 10/51407.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
Item No. 20.
Rio De Janeiro (built 1957; freighter) underway, starboard broadside view,
1957-1970
Creator/Collector:
Hammers Luftfart
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and-white letterpress halftone postcard, 4 x 6 in.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
Item No. 01.
Omega (built 1887; bark, 4m) underway between Peru and Valparaiso, Chile, port broadside view,
1951 October
Creator/Collector:
Staus, Karl
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 3.5 x 5.75 in. Handwritten on the front: "Ship 'Omega' a four masted Bark." Handwritten on the verso: "Bark 'Omega' enroute from Peruvian
bird islands to Valparaiso with cargo of guano as photographed by Captain Karl Staus [symbol, see below] early Oct. 1951.
'Omega' was built in Scotland 1887 - 311 feet long 43 feet abeam, draft 26'8" loaded. Age as of 1951 64 years. [symbol, see
above] of S.S. Santa Flavia." Stamped on the verso: "160."
Item No. 02.
Omega (built 1887; bark, 4m) underway between Peru and Valparaiso, Chile, port quarter view,
1951 October
Creator/Collector:
Staus, Karl
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 3.5 x 5.75 in. Handwritten on the front: "Ship 'Omega' a four masted Bark." Handwritten on the verso: "Bark 'Omega' enroute from Peruvian
bird islands to Valparaiso with cargo of guano as photographed by Captain Karl Staus of SS Santa Flavia early Oct. 1951. 'Omega'
was built in Scotland 1887 - 311 feet long, 43 feet abeam, draft 26'8" loaded. Age as of 1951 - 64 years." Stamped on the
verso: "160."
Item No. 03.
View from the deck of Asama Maru (built 1928; ocean liner),
circa 1940
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Stamped on the verso: "58."
Scope and Content Note
Mountains and a city are in the far distance.
Item No. 04.
German passengers aboard the ship's boat of Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) near Japan,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Transferring Germans from Asama Maru into British Cruiser gig - Jan. 21, 1940."
Scope and Content Note
View looking down from the deck of ASAMA MARU (built 1928; ocean liner) showing LIVERPOOL's boat alongside.
Item No. 05.
Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) at sea near Japan, port broadside view,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Last boatload of German sailors going aboard British Cruiser off Asama Maru Jan. 21, 1940."
Scope and Content Note
A ship's boat with German passengers removed from ASAMA MARU (built 1928; ocean liner) appears to be alongside LIVERPOOL.
Item No. 06.
Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) at sea near Japan, port broadside view,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "British Cruiser off stern of Asama Maru Jan. 21, 1940." The same information is also typed on
a piece of paper and taped to the bottom of the photograph.
Scope and Content Note
The photograph was taken from aboard ASAMA MARU (built 1928; ocean liner).
Item No. 07.
Liverpool (built 1937; cruiser; Royal Navy) at sea near Japan, bow view,
1940 January 21
Creator/Collector:
Tomlin, John A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.25 x 3.25 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Picture of a cruiser at sea Jan. 21, 1940." Typed paper caption taped to the bottom of the print:
"Picture of British Cruiser at sea Jan. 21, 1940. This picture taken from deck of Japanese passenger ship 'ASAMA MARU' just
off of Yokohama, Japan."
Scope and Content Note
A ship's boat is underway off the bow.
Item No. 08.
Lumberlady (built 1919; freighter) stuck on a rock at Stillwater Cove, north of Fort Ross, California, starboard quarter view
as seen from a distance,
1951 June 1
Creator/Collector:
Call, Carlos A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 4 x 6 in. Handwritten on the verso: "June 1-1951. 'Lumber Lady' sat on the rock locally known as the 'Roaring Bull' for 7 hours. (The
above is the handwriting of Carlos A. Call at Fort Ross, Ca.) Northern California Coast. Photo by Carlos Asa Call, Fort Ross,
California." Stamped on the verso: "63."
Item No. 09.
Pacific Enterprise (built 1927; freighter) grounded near Point Arena, California, broadside view as seen from a distance,
1949
Creator/Collector:
Call, Carlos A.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 4 x 6 in. Handwritten on the verso: "'Pacific Enterprise' British Str. Total Loss at Point Arena. (The above is in the handwriting
of Carlos A. Call.) Photo by Carlos Asa Call, Fort Ross, California." Stamped on the verso: "337."
Item No. 10.
Cacique (built 1910; freighter) underway, view slightly off the starboard bow,
1914-1934
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Photog. No. 775.
Item No. 11.
Cacique (built 1910; freighter) docked with a deck load of lumber at China Basin, San Francisco, California, view slightly
off the starboard quarter,
1928-1929
Creator/Collector:
Morton & Co.
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Typed caption adhered to the front of the print: "Grace Line SS CACIQUE (Chief) at China Basin dock, San Francisco in 1928
or 1929 on voyage southbound from Puget Sound, Columbia River to Peru and Chile via Los Angeles. Note that she has a deckload
of lumber most probably destined for the lead and copper mines. On return voyage she would bring back lead and copper ores
and raw sugar also from Chile pure nitrate of soda. Vessel Particulars. Built in Sunderland, England about 1910. Length 394
feet, breadth 52 feet. Deadweight tonnage at Summer draft of 28 feet 10 inches 9400 tons. Normal speed - 11 knots." Handwritten
on the verso: "Grace Line Inc. SS Cacique about 1929 docked on the bulkhead at China Basin, San Francisco. Note are other
Grace ships (see stack) docked at Pier 46 in background." Morton Photographs stamp on the verso and the stamped number "25161
2."
Item No. 12.
Coastal Adventurer (built 1945; freighter) docked, starboard broadside view,
1945-1970
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Handwritten on the verso: "C1-M-AVI type. Same type as Grace Line Inc. MS Anchor Hitch."
Item No. 13.
Santa Fe (built 1945; freighter) underway, starboard bow view,
1954-1970
Creator/Collector:
Markell, Dick
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Grace Line Inc. SS Santa Fe C1-B. SS Santa Leonor same type as Santa Fe." Dick Markell Photography
stamp on verso.
Item No. 14.
Santa Flavia (built 1943; freighter) underway, starboard broadside view,
1947-1970
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 8 x 10 in. Handwritten on the front: "Grace Line Inc. S.S. Santa Flavia." Handwritten on the verso: "Grace Line Inc. S.S. Santa Flavia
C2-SB1."
Item No. 15.
Santa Leonor (built 1944; freighter) off Sperry Ocean Dock, Tacoma, Washington, port bow view,
1948 May 23
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.5 x 3.5 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Santa Leonor off Sperry's Dock Tacoma 5-23-48." Stamped on the verso: "956N."
Scope and Content Note
Possibly photographed by John A. Tomlin.
Item No. 16.
Santa Leonor (built 1944; freighter) on the Columbia River, port bow view,
1948 May 25
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic print, 2.5 x 3.5 in. Handwritten on the verso: "Santa Leonor on Columbia River at flood stage 5-25-48." Stamped on the verso: "956N."
Scope and Content Note
Possibly photographed by John A. Tomlin.
Item No. 17.
Brasilia (built 1960; freighter) underway, port broadside view,
1960-1970
Creator/Collector:
Svensk Tillverkning
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in. Postcard no. 51566.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
Item No. 18.
Canada (built 1953; freighter) underway, starboard bow view,
1953-1970
Creator/Collector:
Svensk Tillverkning
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in. Postcard no. 21/51406.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
Item No. 19.
Lions Gate (built 1950; freighter) underway at First Narrows, West Vancouver, Canada, port broadside view,
1950-1970
Creator/Collector:
Svensk Tillverkning
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in. Postcard no. 10/51407.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
Item No. 20.
Rio De Janeiro (built 1957; freighter) underway, starboard broadside view,
1957-1970
Creator/Collector:
Hammers Luftfart
Extent:
1 photograph.
Physical Description:
1 black-and-white letterpress halftone postcard, 4 x 6 in.
Scope and Content Note
Johnson Line vessel.
