A guide to the George H. Harlan photograph collection, 1851-1990

Processed by: L. Bianchi, 2014 January.
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
2014

A Guide to the George H. Harlan photograph collection

P96-033

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, National Park Service
2014, National Park Service

Title: George H. Harlan photograph collection
Date: 1851-1990
Date (bulk): circa 1890-1958
Identifier/Call Number: P96-033 (SAFR 23844)
Creator: Harlan, George H.
Physical Description: 1250 items.
Repository: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The George H. Harlan photograph collection, 1851-1990, bulk circa 1890-1958, (SAFR 23844, P96-033) is comprised mainly of photographs of ferries in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Many of the photographs were published in George H. Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" about San Francisco Bay Area ferry history. The collection has been processed to the File Unit level with some Items listed 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.
Nitrate negatives are restricted from use. Use-copies can be provided. Glass plate negatives may require special handling by the reference staff.

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

Each photographic image has been assigned an Item number; there are often multiple physical forms of each image (e.g. a negative and a print) which has been noted in the physical description field. Note that copies of the same image may appear in multiple File Units. The processing archivist did not track the number of copies for each unique image.
Description Notes: Dates refer to when the original photograph was taken. Many of the photographic prints and negatives in this collection are copies that were made much later than when the original photograph was taken.
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], P96-033 (SAFR 23844), George H. Harlan photograph collection, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Acquisition Information

SAFR-01066
SAFR-01113
SAFR-01066 consists of photographs, documents, and a document case from the estate of George H. Harlan, donated to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park by Jack E. Shekell on March 14, 1996. The initial inventory listed: 11 boxes of negatives of ferries and various vessel of San Francisco Bay; 9 large envelopes of photographs; 4 envelopes of negatives of San Francisco Bay ferries, sailing ships and transports; 1 album containing negatives of ferries; 3 glass plate negatives; a photograph and negative of George Harlan aboard the ferry EUREKA; a box with 7 glass color slides; 0.25 linear feet of textual records; an engine room logbook from the ferry TAMALPAIS; and a ships papers holder from the ferry CAZADERO.
The textual records were cataloged as HDC1105 (SAFR 14796). The CAZADERO document case was cataloged as SAFR 14627. In January 2014, the photographs were cataloged as P96-033 (SAFR 23844).
SAFR-01113 consists of photographs, documents, and ephemera from the estate of George H. Harlan, donated to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park by Jack E. Shekell on July 19, 1996. The initial inventory listed: 30 items of ephemera related to San Francisco Bay Area ferries; 1 metal stamp of George H. Harlan's name; 1 logbook from the ferry CAZADERO; 1 inch of miscellaneous textual materials; architectural drawings; approximately 325 photographs and negatives related to San Francisco Bay ferries; and newsprint and other publications.
The ephemera were assigned catalog numbers SAFR 15389 through SAFR 15395. The metal stamp was assigned catalog number SAFR 15396. The newsprint and other publications were transferred to the J. Porter Shaw Library. The textual records and architectural drawings were cataloged as HDC1105 (SAFR 14796). In January 2014, the photographs were cataloged as P96-033 (SAFR 23844). Note that one photograph, possibly of Andrew C. Disher, was left in situ in the textual records of HDC1105 (Series 1, Folder 2). Also note that documents found among the photographs during processing in 2014 were left in situ in P96-033 (SAFR 23844).
Some of Harlan's original enclosures that held P96-033 Items were kept for reference (not cataloged). See P96-033, Box 7 for a sampling of original boxes and the P96-033 Collection File for a sampling of original envelopes.

Historical or Biographical Note

George H. Harlan, Jr. (1916-1995) was a marine architect and engineer from Marin County, California. He was an author of books on the history of San Francisco Bay Area, California, ferries as well as West Coast railroads.
George Hillary Harlan, Jr. was born on July 4, 1916, in Sausalito, California, to George H. Harlan, Sr. (June 3, 1877-May 7, 1960) and Esther (Greaves) Harlan (February 17, 1884-July 1, 1956). His mother, born in England, and his father, born in San Francisco, California, married in 1908. His father was a prominent Marin County attorney whose accomplishments included being elected to the 1911 California State Legislature, drafting the legislation that formed the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District in 1923, and serving as the president of the Marin Junior College Board of Trustees from 1926-1938. Harlan, Jr. had an older brother, possibly named Charles H. or John M., who was born in 1909.
As a child, George H. Harlan, Jr. attended Miss Greaves Private School in Sausalito and Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley. While in high school, he took mechanical drawing classes from Andrew P. "Scotty" Hall, a naval architect from Scotland. Harlan attended Marin Junior College, graduating in 1935. He studied liberal arts at the University of Nevada, graduating in 1937, before returning to Sausalito and obtaining his law degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Hastings College of the Law. However, the threat of World War II changed Harlan's career path.
After law school, Harlan received additional naval architecture training from Scotty Hall and passed the state examination for mechanical engineers. In April 1941, he began working as a naval architect for the U.S. Army Transport Service, located at Fort Mason in San Francisco. When World War II ended, he began teaching engineering at Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco; however, the Army Transport Service asked him to return to his former position. He remained with the Army Transport Service through its transformations into the Military Sea Transportation Service in 1950 and Military Sealift Command in 1971. He worked his way up to superintending engineer and senior naval architect, becoming the highest graded civilian in the organization. He retired in 1980.
Harlan married Kathleen Shannon (1915-2000) in 1958 in Reno, Nevada. She had two children from a previous marriage, Sandra Rose and Kadeane.
Harlan grew up fascinated by the trains and boats that frequented his hometown of Sausalito, an interest he shared with his father. It was through his membership in the Railroadians of America that the idea originated to write a book about narrow gauge railroads, which led to the publishing of "Oil Lamps and Iron Ponies: A Chronicle of the Narrow Gauges" (1949) by Harlan and two fellow Railroadians members, Frederic Shaw and Clement Fisher, Jr. Harlan and Fisher teamed up again to write "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels: A Chronicle of San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" (1951). Harlan was also the author of "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" (1967) and self-published "An Island in Yosemite: The Story of White Wolf Lodge" (1981) and "Those Amazing Cab Forwards" (1983).
George H. Harlan died in Greenbrae, California, on July 3, 1995.

Sources:

  • Harlan, George H. Interview by Carla Ehat. Transcript. Oral History Project of the Marin County Free Library, San Rafael, CA, November 4, 1982.
  • Harlan, George H. San Francisco Bay Ferryboats. Berkeley, CA: Howell-North Books, 1967.
  • Harlan, George. "San Francisco Ferry Boats." Presentation at the Moya Library, Marin Art & Garden Center, Ross, CA, unknown date [between 1983-1995].
  • State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics. Accessed October 22, 2013, from Ancestry.com.
  • United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1920. T625, 2076 rolls). National Archives, Washington, D.C. Accessed December 2, 2013, from Ancestry.com.
  • United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls. Accessed December 2, 2013, from Ancestry.com.

Harlan's published works, in order by publication date:

  • Shaw, Frederic, Clement Fisher, Jr., and George H. Harlan. Oil Lamps and Iron Ponies: A Chronicle of the Narrow Gauges. San Francisco, CA: Bay Books, 1949.
  • Harlan, George H. and Clement Fisher, Jr. Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels: A Chronicle of San Francisco Bay Ferryboats. San Francisco, CA: Bay Books, 1951.
  • Harlan, George H. San Francisco Bay Ferryboats. Berkeley, CA: Howell-North Books, 1967.
  • Harlan, George H. An Island in Yosemite: The Story of White Wolf Lodge. Greenbrae, CA: G. H. Harlan, 1981.
  • Harlan, George H. Those Amazing Cab Forwards. Greenbrae, CA: G. H. Harlan, 1983.

Collection Scope and Content

The George H. Harlan photograph collection, 1851-1990, bulk circa 1890-1958, (SAFR 23844, P96-033) is comprised mainly of photographs of ferries in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Many of the photographs were published in George H. Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" about San Francisco Bay Area ferry history. The collection has been processed to the File Unit level with some Items listed and is open for use.
Contains photographs primarily of ferries operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1851-1990, bulk circa 1890-1958. There are 900 photographic images and documents, in 921 physical forms (nitrate negatives, safety negatives, glass plate negatives, black-and-white photographic prints, color photographic prints, color slides, a positive, a cyanotype, photomechanical prints, postcards) as well as 312 paper captions that correspond to prints, 7 typed paper captions with no corresponding prints, and 10 documents of various types.
George H. Harlan used the photographs for research purposes and many were published in his book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" as well as in the book "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels: A Chronicle of San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," co-authored with Clement Fisher, Jr., both about the history of San Francisco Bay Area ferries. The collection also includes photographs of United States Army and Navy troop transports, likely related to Harlan's career in the U.S. Army Transport Service. There are also photographs of additional vessels, including riverboats and American President Lines steamships, among others.

Collection Arrangement

Arranged into three Series. Series 1: Ferries consists of photographs of San Francisco Bay Area, California, ferries. It is divided into two Subseries. Subseries 1.1 "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" book photographs and captions consists of photographs and captions that appear in George H. Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," with File Units organized by book chapters. Subseries 1.2: San Francisco Bay Area ferries consist of additional photographs of San Francisco Bay Area ferries, arranged into File Units by original enclosure. Series 2: United States Army and Navy vessels consists of photographs of U.S. Army and Navy troop transports and other military vessels. Series 3: Other vessels consist of additional vessel types not covered by Series 1 and 2. Both Series 2 and 3 are arranged into File Units by original enclosure.
The collection was originally arranged into multiple labeled boxes and envelopes. Eight envelopes contained photographs directly related to Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," grouped roughly by chapter. The photographs in the remaining boxes and envelopes were typically grouped by subject matter, but they were in no apparent order. See the Series level descriptions for more detail on how the collection was physically arranged.

Related Materials

Related photograph and media collections: George Harlan photograph collection, circa 1940. SFMNHP, (SAFR 13903, P85-044). Consists of photographs of EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) underway in 1940 near Sausalito, California, and CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry) underway near Sausalito, California, possibly circa 1940. Both photographs were possibly taken by William Knorp. Also includes a photograph of Captain Victor Verdellet, master of EUREKA, in the pilot house of EUREKA in 1940 as photographed by George Harlan.
See also Item A04.22257 in the SFMNHP Classified photograph collection for a black-and-white safety negative showing KLAMATH (built 1924; ferry) under construction in 1924. Source: "Gift - George Harlan, from Bethlehem Shipyards files."
Related manuscript collections: George Harlan Papers, 1904-1955 (bulk 1931-1955). SFMNHP, (SAFR 14796, HDC1105). Consists of papers and marine architectural drawings collected by George Harlan. Also includes a CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry) logbook, 1904-1905, and an engine room logbook for TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), 1931-1933.
Related object collections donated by George H. Harlan: Ticket, circa 1910-1920. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15389). Lot of 20 Northwestern Pacific Railroad tickets for San Francisco Bay ferries and connecting Marin trains. Most are for the San Francisco-Sausalito route, with a few for San Francisco-San Rafael and Sausalito-Tiburon routes.
Ticket, 1929-1940. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15390). Lot of 4 ticket books for Northwestern Pacific Railroad service between Sausalito and San Rafael.
Ticket, 1912. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15391). Individual monthly commutation ticket for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad trains and ferries between San Francisco and Sausalito, January 1912. Signed by commuter Charles Harlan.
Card, Trade, circa 1911. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15392). Trade card for the "Pioneer Boat House/Sausalito," Charles Forrest, proprietor, offering the "swift launch 'GAZELLE' and a large variety of Whitehall, fishing and hunting boats of all sizes." A 1911 Northwestern Pacific Railroad ferry schedule is printed on the verso.
Card, Identification, 1912. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15393). Identification card # 159 issued by "Southern Pacific Company/Hospital Department" to employee Charles Harlan, authorizing his admission for treatment to the Southern Pacific hospital system.
Card, Souvenir, 1937. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15394). Souvenir card from the Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Day on May 27, 1913. White card stock with color picture on one side of the Golden Gate Bridge with San Francisco in the background. Text on back certifies that "The Bearer/Charles H. Harlan" was there before the car traffic started.
Pass, 1937. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15395). Pass to the speaker's stand on stage at the Golden Gate Bridge opening in 1937.
Type, no date. SFMNHP, (SAFR 15396). Rectangular type slug for one line, reading "George H. Harlan."
Holder, 1900-1940. SFMNHP, (SAFR 14627). Document case for CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry) ship's papers. Flat rectangular box of sheet steel, open at one end. Black finish with yellow lettering on front: "STR/CAZADERO/SHIPS/PAPERS." Four mounting flanges, probably for securing box to wheelhouse bulkhead.
Researchers should note that there are other books and collections with materials related to San Francisco Bay Area ferries in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. They can search the Park's web catalog for more information.
  • This material is located at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Related material from other institutions: Interview with George Harlan, 1982 November 4. Anne T. Kent California History Room, Marin County Free Library, San Rafael, California. Recording and transcript of an oral history conducted with Harlan by interviewer Carla Ehat, accompanied by Genevieve Martinelli. Harlan discusses his life growing up in Marin County, his father, his career as a marine engineer and naval architect, as well as his books on West Coast railroads, San Francisco Bay Area ferries, and White Wolf Lodge in Yosemite, California.
George Harlan lecture: "San Francisco Ferry Boats," [between 1983-1995]. Anne T. Kent California History Room, Marin County Free Library, San Rafael, California. Recording and transcript of a lecture by George H. Harlan held at the Moya Library of the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross, California. Harlan discusses San Francisco Bay Area ferries history, including his personal recollections.
  • This material is located at Marin County Free Library

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Ferries
Paddle steamers
Passenger ships
Merchant ships
Transports
Government vessels--United States
Harlan, George H.
Cazadero (built 1903; paddle ferry)
Eureka (built 1890; ferry)
San Leandro (built 1923; ferry)
Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry)
Tiburon (built 1884; paddle ferry)
Ukiah (built 1890; ferry)
United States. Army Transport Service
United States. Navy. Military Sea Transportation Service
American President Lines, Ltd.
San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)
San Francisco Bay (Calif.)
San Pablo Bay (Calif.)
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white prints (photographs)
Captions
Cellulose nitrate film
Color prints (photographs)
Color slides
Correspondence
Cyanotypes (photographic prints)
Gelatin silver prints
Glass negatives
Journals (periodicals)
Photographic postcards
Photomechanical prints
Picture postcards

Box 1-5; Nitrate Storage; Glass Storage

Series 1.  Ferries, 1851-1990 (bulk circa 1890-1958)

Extent: 1077 EA (740 photographs in 750 physical forms (nitrate negatives, a positive, safety negatives, glass plate negatives, color slides, black-and-white photographic prints, a cyanotype, photomechanical prints, postcards), 312 paper captions that correspond to prints, 7 typed paper captions with no corresponding prints, and 8 documents of various types)

Scope and Content Note

Consists of photographs of ferries that operated in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Contains most, but not all, of the images that appear in George H. Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," as well as additional photographs of ferries collected by Harlan. Includes photographs of ferries underway and docked at terminals as well as photographs of machinery, passengers, and crewmembers.

Arrangement

Arranged into two Subseries: Subseries 1.1: "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" book photographs and captions; Subseries 1.2: San Francisco Bay Area ferries. Subseries 1.1 consists of photographs with corresponding captions specifically related to George H. Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats." Subseries 1.2 consists of other photographs of San Francisco Bay Area ferries.
Box 1-2

Subseries 1.1.  "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" book photographs and captions, 1851-1967 (bulk circa 1890-1950)

Extent: 605 EA (306 photographs in 308 physical forms (306 black-and-white photographic prints, 2 black-and-white letterpress halftone prints), 290 paper captions that correspond to prints, and 7 typed paper captions with no corresponding prints)

Scope and Content Note

Consists of photographs related to George H. Harlan's book, "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" (Berkeley, CA: Howell-North Books, 1967), most of which were published in the book. Contains photographs that appear in Chapters 1 through 6 as well as the Illustrated Roster appendix. Primarily photographs of San Francisco Bay Area ferries underway and docked, with some views of vessel interiors, machinery, wrecks, crew members, and passengers. Also includes photographs of ferry terminals and general waterfront views. Nearly all of the photographs have a typed paper caption associated with them.
Note that not all of the images in the book have a corresponding print in this Subseries. Also note that there are additional photographs in this Subseries that were considered for the book but ultimately were not published. The photographs allow researchers to see the images in their entirety, as many of the photographs were cropped when they were reproduced in the book.
Harlan collected photographs from numerous sources. A large number of photographs in this Subseries are credited to Southern Pacific [Railroad]. Photographs copied from San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park collections have been noted at the File Unit level. Other sources include the Bancroft Library, Bethlehem Steel Company, Ralph Demoro, Roy D. Graves, C. Ferry Hatch, William Knorp, Robert McFarland, Northwestern Pacific Railroad, Pacific Coast Engineering Company, Marshall Silverthorn, Society of California Pioneers, Harry E. Speas, B.H. Ward, Western Pacific Railroad, Ed Zelinsky, and more.
The captions were originally taped to the photographic prints. Over time, the tape adhesive has dried. In most cases, the tape has failed and the photographic prints and captions have separated from each other.
Typed on each caption are a brief description of the image and the source of the photograph. The descriptions are not exactly as they appear in the book. Changes were made prior to publishing, sometimes combining the description of multiple photographs into one caption. Handwritten on the caption is a three-digit filing number with one or two uppercase letters to indicate their potential placement in the book. Some have additional notes indicating that the photograph could be used in multiple places in the book, such as "File at 105A. Also good at 548A."
The captions also have a handwritten percentage marked on them, presumably indicating the size at which the photograph should be reproduced in the book. Each caption also has a handwritten tri-part number, such as "14-45-27," the meaning of which could do be determined at the time of processing, but possibly related the photograph's exposure. In addition, some captions have a star sticker adhered to them.
Some photographs have a page number penciled on their verso; however, they do not correspond to the book page numbers.

Arrangement

Arranged into eight File Units. File Units 1-6 correspond to the six chapters in George H. Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats." File Unit 7 contains photographs that appear in the Illustrated Roster section of the book and File Unit 8 consists of photographs for which the appropriate book section could not be determined by the processing archivist.
The photographs were originally arranged in eight envelopes, many of which were previously used mailing envelopes. On each envelope was a brief handwritten label. "Ferryboat Capts & Crews, Passengers" primarily contained photographs from Chapter 2. "Finis" primarily contained photographs from Chapter 3. "Wrecks Calamities Ferry Boats" primarily contained photographs from Chapter 4. "Ferry Terminals" primarily contained photographs from Chapter 5. "Marine Machinery, Shipyards, Launchings" primarily contained photographs from Chapter 5, with some from Chapter 3 as well. The two envelopes labeled "Ferryboats from Geo Harlan's Book" primarily contained photographs from the "Illustrated Roster" section of his book. Finally, "General Ferry Scenes" contained a mixture of photographs from various chapters.
During processing in January 2014, the prints were arranged in numerical order by the handwritten three-digit filing number on each photograph's typed paper caption. The numbers correspond to book chapters in Harlan's "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats": 100s are for Chapter 1, 200s are for Chapter 2, 300s are for Chapter 3, and so on. The photographs that appear in the Illustrated Roster section of the book are marked with an R- number, for example R-1, R-2, and so on, up to R-113.
Fourteen photographs are missing their corresponding typed caption, of which seven were published in the book. For the seven published Items, the processing archivist placed them in the File Unit for the chapter in which they appear. Because they do not have their original assigned caption filing number, they have been placed at the end of the Item number range for the appropriate File Unit since it is unknown where Harlan had intended to place them within the original number range. The seven photographs that were not published in the book have been placed in File Unit 8 since it is uncertain which chapters the author considered using the photographs.
In addition, there are seven typed paper captions that do not have corresponding photographs. These captions were each assigned an Item number and placed at the end of the File Unit for the Chapter that their caption filing number corresponds to.

Provenance

Harlan collected photographs from numerous sources. A large number of photographs in this Subseries are credited to Southern Pacific [Railroad]. Photographs copied from San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park collections have been noted at the File Unit level. Other sources include the Bancroft Library, Bethlehem Steel Company, Ralph Demoro, Roy D. Graves, C. Ferry Hatch, William Knorp, Robert McFarland, Northwestern Pacific Railroad, Pacific Coast Engineering Company, Marshall Silverthorn, Society of California Pioneers, Harry E. Speas, B.H. Ward, Western Pacific Railroad, Ed Zelinsky, and more.
Box 1

File Unit 1.  Chapter 1, 1851-1958

Extent: 34 photographs.
Physical Description: 17 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 17 typed paper captions that correspond to prints.

Scope and Content Note

Items 001-017. Consists of photographs that appear in Chapter 1: Ferry Lines and Lanes. In general, the photographs show San Francisco Bay Area waterfronts and ferry terminals, including Donahue Landing, Key Route Pier, Mare Island Navy Yard, Meigg's Wharf, Oakland Long Wharf, and the first San Francisco Ferry Building, among others. Item 007 shows EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) docked at Sausalito, California, along with CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), MARIN (built 1909; ferry), and SAUSALITO (built 1894; paddle ferry) in 1924. Note that Items 009 and 013 had been selected for possible use in Chapter 1, but they were not published in the final version of the book.

Related Material

Four prints are copies made from Items in photograph collections held by the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

  • Item 001: See Item A11.16521 in the Classified photograph collection.
  • Item 002: See Item A12.15776 in the Classified photograph collection.
  • Item 003: Specific collection source not cited.
  • Item 010: Specific collection source not cited.
Box 1

File Unit 2.  Chapter 2, circa 1890-1958

Extent: 113 Items.
Physical Description: 58 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 54 typed paper captions that correspond to prints; 1 typed paper caption with no corresponding print.

Scope and Content Note

Items 018-076. Consists of photographs that appear in Chapter 2: Passengers and Crew. Includes photographs of passengers and crewmembers aboard San Francisco Bay Area ferries as well as photographs of ferries departing, underway, and arriving. Items 023 and 075 show EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) underway and Item 072 shows EUREKA docked at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Items 059-063 show damage caused when the walking beam of SAUSALITO (built 1894; paddle ferry) broke in 1922, as photographed by Mike Barnes. These five photographs are mounted onto a single piece of mat board. Note that Items 036, 047, and 052 had been selected for possible use in Chapter 2, but they were not published in the final version of the book. Also note that Item 076 is a typed paper caption for which a corresponding print could not be identified.

Related Material

Item 052 is a copy print made from Item B09.17782 in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Classified photograph collection.
Box 1

File Unit 3.  Chapter 3, circa 1870-1965

Extent: 76 photographs (39 physical forms).
Physical Description: 39 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 37 typed paper captions that correspond to prints.

Scope and Content Note

Items 077-114. Consists of photographs that appear in Chapter 3: The Anatomy of the Ferryboat. Includes photographs of shipbuilding, launchings, and crew members at work. Also includes detail views of vessel parts, such as walking beams, engines, and paddle wheels. Items 101, 102, and 103 show the dismantling of UKIAH (built 1890; paddle ferry) at the Southern Pacific shipyard in 1920 prior to her rebuilding as EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry). Items 104 and 105 show the walking beam of EUREKA as photographed by William Knorp. Item 107, of which there are two copies, shows the instrument panel and name plate on the engine face aboard EUREKA. Chief Engineer Edward A. Creighton is photographed in the engine room of EUREKA in Item 110.
Note that some of the Items in this File Unit had been selected for possible use in Chapter 3, but were not published in the final version of the book. Also note that Item 093 was originally slated for possible inclusion in Chapter 3 (filed at 322E); however, it was published next to the book's Foreword. In addition, note that Item 114 is missing its typed paper caption.

Related Material

Item 087 is a copy print made from Item B18.05579 (previously numbered B04.05579) in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Classified photograph collection.
Box 1

File Unit 4.  Chapter 4, circa 1880-1945

Extent: 30 photographs.
Physical Description: 15 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 15 typed paper captions that correspond to prints.

Scope and Content Note

Items 115-129. Consists of photographs that appear in Chapter 4: Fires, Fog and Fractures. Includes photographs of fire damage to ferries, rebuilt vessels previously wrecked, 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire scenes, and a portrait of Captain John Taylor McKenzie. Item 122 shows CLAREMONT (built 1907; ferry) fallen off the ways on April 18, 1906, at John W. Dickie's shipyard in Alameda. George Harlan mentions this particular photograph in his oral history, located at the Marin County Free Library. He felt the photograph should have been included in the book, but the publisher did not choose to print it. Note that Item 118 was assigned caption number 211D, but was also indicated as suitable for use in the 429B position. Because the photograph was published in Chapter 4, the Item was placed in this File Unit.

Related Material

Five prints are copies made from Items in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Classified photograph collection.

  • Item 115: See A03.20118.
  • Item 116: See B07.02443.
  • Item 126: See B07.06391.02.
  • Item 127: See B03.15565.
  • Item 129: See B03.19741. Note that Item 129 was not published in the book.
Box 1

File Unit 5.  Chapter 5, 1866-1958

Extent: 141 Items.
Physical Description: 70 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 2 black-and-white letterpress halftone prints, 8.5 x 11 in.; 68 typed paper captions that correspond to prints; 1 typed paper caption with no corresponding print.

Scope and Content Note

Items 130-202. Consists of photographs that appear in Chapter 5: History of the Ferry Companies. Includes photographs of ferries underway and docked, as well as ferry terminals. Item 181 shows Lawrence Wooser and Chief Engineer Andrew C. Disher in the engine room of EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) on her last day of service, February 28, 1941. Eight photographs show activities aboard SAN LEANDRO (built 1923; ferry) on her last days of service, July 29-30, 1958 (Items 153-160).
Note that some of the Items in this File Unit had been selected for possible use in Chapter 5, but were not published in the final version of the book. Also note that Items 197-201 are missing their captions and Item 202 is a typed paper caption for which a corresponding print could not be identified.

Related Material

Six prints are copies made from Items in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Classified photograph collection.

  • Item 135: See A12. 02637.
  • Item 161: See B07.04529.
  • Item 169: See A12.02626.
  • Item 177: See B07.01842.
  • Item 190: See A12.08649.
  • Item 201: See B07.04827.
  • Item 194 is credited on the caption as courtesy of the San Francisco Maritime Museum; however, a specific collection is not cited.
Box 1

File Unit 6.  Chapter 6, 1941-1965

Extent: 3 photographs.
Physical Description: 2 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 1 typed paper caption that corresponds to a print.

Scope and Content Note

Items 203-204. Consists of two photographs that appear in Chapter 6: Ferryboats Today. Item 203 shows CHETZEMOKA (built 1927; ferry), ex GOLDEN POPPY, underway on Puget Sound, Seattle, as photographed by Jack Whitmeyer, July 13, 1941. Item 204 shows the San Francisco Maritime Museum at Hyde Street Pier, 1958-1965. In the background are Aquatic Park, the museum's bathhouse, and Ghirardelli Square. EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) and WAPAMA (built 1915; steam schooner) are docked at the pier. The masts of C.A. THAYER (built 1895; schooner, 3m) are visible behind EUREKA. Although the caption is missing for Item 204, Harlan's book credits the photograph to Aeromarine Photo Service, courtesy of San Francisco Maritime State Historical Monument.
Box 2

File Unit 7.  Illustrated Roster, circa 1865-1965

Extent: 200 Items (102 physical forms).
Physical Description: 98 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 98 typed paper captions that correspond to prints; 4 typed paper captions with no corresponding prints.

Scope and Content Note

Items 205-305. Consists of photographs that appear in the Illustrated Roster section. In the book, the roster provides an alphabetical list of vessels, with an accompanying photograph of the vessel and statistics about the build date, official number, size, engine, operator, and fate. The paper captions for the photographs provide this statistical information as well as the source of the photograph. The photographs show the ferries underway and docked in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Note that there are sixteen photographs that appear in the Illustrated Roster that do not have a corresponding print in this File Unit; however, there are captions for four of the missing photographs (Items 302-305). Also note that there are two copies of Item 231.

Related Material

Three prints are copies made from Items in photograph collections held by the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

  • Item 207: See B07.02417.
  • Item 222: See Item B04.03147 in the Classified photograph collection.
  • Item 224: Specific collection source not cited.
  • Item 298 has two captions, one of which cites S.F. Maritime Museum as the source and one which cites a different source.
Box 2

File Unit 8.  Other photographs, 1903-1967

Extent: 8 Items.
Physical Description: 7 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 1 typed paper caption with no corresponding print.

Scope and Content Note

Items 306-313. Consists of photographs that were housed in the same original envelopes as the other Series 1.1 Items; however, these photographs do not have captions and they were not published in George H. Harlan's "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats." Comprised of photographs of EDWARD T. JEFFERY (built 1913; ferry) underway; SAN LEANDRO (built 1923; ferry) departing, on her last day of service, and prior to her second fire; a crewmember on deck, possibly aboard SACRAMENTO (built 1877; paddle ferry); and an aerial of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fires. Item 313 is a typed paper caption for which a corresponding print could not be identified.
Box 2-5; Nitrate Storage; Glass Storage

Subseries 1.2.  San Francisco Bay Area ferries, 1860-1990 (bulk circa 1890-1958)

Extent: 472 EA (434 photographs in 442 physical forms: nitrate negatives, a positive, safety negatives, glass plate negatives, color slides, black-and-white photographic prints, a cyanotype, photomechanical prints, postcards), 22 paper captions that correspond to prints, and 8 documents of various types)

Scope and Content Note

Consists of photographs of ferries that operated in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Many are copies of photographs published in George H. Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" and "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels: A Chronicle of San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," co-authored by Harlan and Clement Fisher, Jr. These photographs were not included in Subseries 1.1 because they were housed in separate envelopes from the Subseries 1.1 material, and they did not have attached paper captions with notes specifically tying them to the book. The additional photographs in Subseries 1.2 may have been used for research purposes while writing the books.
Primarily photographs of ferries underway and docked, with some photographs of crew members. Includes photographs of ferries operated by various companies, including the Golden Gate Ferry Company, Key System, Monticello Steamship Company, Northwestern Pacific Railway, Richmond-San Rafael Ferry Company, Southern Pacific, Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd., and more. Ferries include CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry), SAN LEANDRO (built 1923; ferry), SAUSALITO (built 1894; paddle ferry), TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), TIBURON (built 1884; paddle ferry), and UKIAH (built 1890; paddle ferry), among others.
There are also photographs of the following people: Chief Engineer Edward A. Creighton (Items 611 and 638); Assistant Chief Engineer Andrew C. Disher (Item 584); Clement Fisher, Jr. (Item 316); George H. Harlan (Items 314 and 315); Captain Edward Hallin and First Officer Carl Nielsen (Items 400 and 561); Assistant Chief Engineer Charles A. Kircher of CAZADERO (Item 497); Fireman Victor Legaras (Item 481); James Robertson and Charles Van Damme (Item 365); Captain Victor Verdellet (Items 473 and 493); EUREKA's chief engineer, possibly Edward A. Creighton (Item 486); First Assistant Engineer Lawrence Wooser, Assistant Chief Engineer Andrew C. Disher, Tony Simas, an unidentified man, and female guests in the engine room of EUREKA during her last run on February 28, 1941 (Items 487-489); various crew members of TAMALPAIS, including Captain Andrew Arntzen, First Officer Anders J. Gustafson, First Assistant Engineer "Babe" Malone, Fireman Tony Simas, Chief Engineer Harry C. Smith, Fireman Otto Jacobi, and Oiler "Baldy" Hughes (Items 475-480 and 490).
Harlan collected photographs from numerous sources, including Northwestern Pacific Railroad, Southern Pacific Railroad, and Jack Whitmeyer, among others. George H. Harlan and his father, George H. Harlan Sr., are identified as the photographers of some Items. They could potentially be the photographers of other Items in the collection, but this could not be verified.
Many of the negatives and copy prints correspond to prints in Subseries 1.1; however, the processing archivist did not attempt to match them up.

Arrangement

Arranged into twenty-six File Units. Most of the photographs were housed in labeled boxes and envelopes. In order to maintain George H. Harlan's original organization, each box or envelope was processed as a separate File Unit. Prints that were found loose outside of the boxes and envelopes have been placed in File Unit 26. Some envelopes held photographs of multiple vessel types; those primarily containing ferries were placed in this Subseries. The processing archivist arranged the photographs alphabetically by vessel name within each File Unit.

Provenance

Harlan collected photographs from numerous sources, including Northwestern Pacific Railroad, Southern Pacific Railroad, and Jack Whitmeyer, among others. George H. Harlan and his father, George H. Harlan Sr., are identified as the photographers of some Items. They could potentially be the photographers of other Items in the collection, but this could not be verified.
Box 4

File Unit 01.  George H. Harlan aboard Eureka (built 1890; paddle ferry: museum vessel), circa 1970-1990

Extent: 1 photograph (2 physical forms).
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white safety negative, 2.5 x 3 in.; 1 black-and-white photographic print, 3.5 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Item 314. Portrait of George H. Harlan aboard EUREKA in San Francisco, California.
Box 4

Item No. 314.  George H. Harlan aboard Eureka (built 1890; paddle ferry: museum vessel) in San Francisco, California, circa 1970-1990

Extent: 1 photograph (2 physical forms).
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white safety negative, 2.5 x 3 in.; 1 black-and-white photographic print, 3.5 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

George H. Harlan is standing at the top of the staircase on the passenger deck aboard EUREKA. The wheelhouse is in the background. A life preserver is hanging from the railing.
Box 4; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 02.  George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher, Jr. portraits and other ferries, 1884-1956

Extent: 37 photographs.
Physical Description: 4 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 4 x 5 in. or smaller; 33 black-and-white safety negatives, 4 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 315-351. Consists of portraits of George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher, Jr. as well as photographs of various San Francisco Bay Area ferries, including GOLDEN STATE (built 1926; ferry), PIEDMONT (built 1883; paddle ferry), SAN JOSE (built 1903; ferry), and SAN RAFAEL (built 1877; paddle ferry), among others. Item 338 shows the walking beam of UKIAH (built 1890; paddle ferry). Also includes photographs of San Francisco scenes and other Bay Area ferry terminals and general views, including Sausalito, Tiburon, Oakland's Key Route Pier, Oakland Mole, and Exposition (Treasure) Island. There is also a photograph of an illustration of an engine. Most of the photographs match images that were published in Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats." Some of the images were also published in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by Harlan and Fisher.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with two printed labels: "Ferries" was adhered to the short side edge and "Walking Beams & Paddle Wheels" was adhered to the long side edge.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 315.  George H. Harlan in the engine room of an unidentified vessel, 1941-1951

Creator/Collector: Southern Pacific Railroad Company
Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 4 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Harlan is wearing his U.S. Army Transport Service uniform.

Related Material

This image appears on the dust jacket for "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Box 4

Item No. 316.  Clement Fisher, Jr. dressed in a Captain's hat and uniform, 1938-1951

Creator/Collector: Southern Pacific Railroad Company
Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white safety negative, 4 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Fisher is standing in the pilot house of an unidentified vessel.

Related Material

This image appears on the dust jacket for "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 337.  Telephone (built 1903; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, starboard broadside view, 1912-1918

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Sternwheel ferry. "Western Pacific Railway" is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 342.  Automobiles lined up to purchase tickets at the Oakland Mole ticket seller shack in Oakland, California, 1915-1930

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 4 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

The building in the background has "Albers" and a logo painted on the side.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 344.  James M. Donahue (built 1875; paddle ferry) and Tiburon (built 1884; paddle ferry) at the San Francisco & North Pacific Railway terminal in Tiburon, California, 1884-1898

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 4 x 5 in.
Box 4; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 03.  Key System ferries, 1905-1940

Extent: 12 photographs.
Physical Description: 2 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.; 10 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 352-363. Consists of photographs of ferries operated by the Key System: HAYWARD (built 1923; ferry), SAN FRANCISCO (built 1905; ferry), SAN LEANDRO (built 1923; ferry), SIERRA NEVADA (built 1913; ferry), TREASURE ISLAND (built 1911; paddle ferry), and YERBA BUENA (built 1927; ferry). Also includes one photograph of FEATHER RIVER (built 1913; ferry), operated by Western Pacific Railroad. Most vessels are shown underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, some with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the background.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label on the edge that read "Key System." Handwritten on the box was "Monticello S.S. / North Shore / Key System / Western Pacific."
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 356.  San Leandro (built 1923; ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, quarter view, 1936-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Key System" is painted on the side of the vessel. SIERRA NEVADA (built 1913; ferry) is underway in the right background. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, Yerba Buena Island, and Treasure Island are also in the background.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 358.  Sierra Nevada (built 1913; ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, starboard bow view, 1936-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Key System" is painted on the side of the vessel. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is in the background. A tugboat is also underway behind the ferry.
Box 4; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 04.  Richmond-San Rafael Ferry Company and Monticello Steamship Company ferries, 1892-1947

Extent: 20 photographs.
Physical Description: 6 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in. or smaller; 14 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 364-383. Consists mostly of photographs of Richmond-San Rafael Ferry Company ferries, including EL PASO (built 1924; ferry), KLAMATH (built 1924; ferry), RUSSIAN RIVER (built 1924; ferry), and SIERRA NEVADA (built 1913; ferry), among others. Also includes Monticello Steamship Company ferries ARROW (built 1903; ferry), MONTICELLO (built 1892; ferry), NAPA VALLEY (built 1910; ferry), and SEHOME (built 1877; ferry). Most vessels are shown underway in the San Francisco Bay Area. Four photographs show capstans aboard an unidentified vessel.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label on the edge that read "Monticello S.S. -- Rich-S.R. Ferry."
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 365.  James Robertson and Charles Van Damme standing in front of Charles Van Damme (built 1916; paddle ferry) at James Robertson Shipyard in Benicia, California, 1915-1916

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Robertson is on the left. CHARLES VAN DAMME, a Richmond-San Rafael Ferry Company vessel, is under construction.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 366.  City of Richmond (built 1921; paddle ferry) departing Richmond, California, quarter view, circa 1930-1939

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Richmond San Rafael Ferry" is painted on the side of the vessel. Automobiles are in view on deck.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 367.  City of San Rafael (built 1924; paddle ferry) ashore at Winehaven Beach, Richmond, California, 1943 September

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Richmond-San Rafael Ferry Company ferry. Shown being readied for refloating by the U.S. Army. CITY OF SAN RAFAEL had drifted from her mooring during a storm in February 1943 and went ashore near Winehaven.

Related Material

This image appears in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 373.  Monticello (built 1892; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, starboard bow view, 1892-1909

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 1.75 x 3.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

Monticello Steamship Company ferry. People are in view on board. Two sailing vessels are partially in view in the background.

Related Material

This image appears in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 376.  Sehome (built 1877; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, starboard bow view, 1914-1918

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Monticello Steamship Company ferry. This Item is a photograph of a photograph.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 379.  Sonoma Valley (built 1903; ferry) departing Richmond, California, quarter view, 1928-1947

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Richmond San Rafael Ferry" is painted on the side of the vessel. Automobiles and passengers are visible on deck.

Related Material

This image appears in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Box 4; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 05.  Golden Gate Ferry Company and Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd. ferries, 1890-1939

Extent: 19 photographs.
Physical Description: 6 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in. or smaller; 13 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in. or smaller.

Scope and Content Note

Items 384-402. Consists of photographs of ferries operated by the Golden Gate Ferry Company and Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd. Vessels include CITY OF SACRAMENTO (built 1903; ferry), GOLDEN SHORE (built 1927; ferry), GOLDEN WEST (built 1923; ferry), HARRY E. SPEAS (built 1903; ferry), REDWOOD EMPIRE (built 1927; ferry), and more. Most vessels are shown underway in the San Francisco Bay Area. Also includes views of the Golden Gate Ferry Company's terminals at Sausalito, California, and at Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco, California. Additional photographs show the launching party of GOLDEN GATE (built 1922; ferry); Captain Edward Hallin and First Officer Carl Nielsen in the wheelhouse of YOSEMITE (built 1923; ferry) (Item 400); and YOSEMITE underway while operated by Southern Pacific.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label on the edge that read "Golden Gate Ferries" and a printed label on the cover that read "S.P.G.G. Ferries / Golden Gate Ferry / N.W.P. Auto Ferries."
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 384.  Aven J. Hanford (built 1922; ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, 1922-1927

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Golden Gate Ferry" is painted on the side of the vessel. Alcatraz Island is in the right background.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 386.  Fresno (built 1927; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1929-1937

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 395.  Mendocino (built 1927; ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, 1936-1939

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel. Treasure Island is in the background.

Related Material

This image appears in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 398.  Santa Rosa (built 1927; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1929-1937

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 401.  Golden Gate Ferry terminal in Sausalito, California, circa 1920-1930

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 1.75 x 3.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

View from land looking out toward the water. The two slips on the left are empty. An unidentified ferry is docked at the slip on the right.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 402.  Ferry in a slip at San Francisco, California, circa 1890-1930

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Alcatraz Island is in the background.
Box 4; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 06.  Southern Pacific ferries, 1865-1945

Extent: 14 photographs.
Physical Description: 4 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3 x 3.5 in. or smaller; 10 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 403-416. Consists of photographs of ferries operated by Southern Pacific, including BAY CITY (built 1878; paddle ferry), BERKELEY (built 1898; ferry), CONTRA COSTA (built 1914; paddle ferry), OAKLAND (built 1860; paddle ferry), PIEDMONT (built 1883; paddle ferry), SACRAMENTO (built 1877; paddle ferry), and SANTA CLARA (built 1915; paddle), among others. Vessels are shown underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, some with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the background. Also includes one photograph of NEW WORLD (built 1849; paddle ferry) docked, possibly while operated by the California Pacific Railroad.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label on the edge that read "Southern Pacific Ferries."
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 404.  Alameda (built 1913; paddle ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, 1936-1945

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific" is painted on the side of the vessel. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is in the background. Another ferry is underway in the left background. A towboat in the right background is towing a barge with PABC Products cargo.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 408.  Newark (built 1877; paddle ferry) underway, broadside view, 1877-1901

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Before being rebuilt in 1901-1902.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 409.  Newark (built 1877; paddle ferry) underway, starboard quarter view, 1877-1901

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.25 x 3.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Before being rebuilt in 1901-1902.

Related Material

This image appears in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr. and "Oil Lamps and Iron Ponies" by Harlan, Fisher, and Shaw.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 416.  Solano (built 1879; paddle ferry) underway, view off starboard bow, 1879-1930

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3 x 3.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific" is painted on the vessel's paddle box.
Nitrate Storage

File Unit 07.  Northwestern Pacific Railway, Southern Pacific, and Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd. ferries, 1888-1943

Extent: 10 photographs.
Physical Description: 10 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 3.5 x 5.75 in. or smaller

Scope and Content Note

Items 417-426. Consists of photographs of various Northwestern Pacific Railway, Southern Pacific, and Southern Pacific-Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd. ferries underway and docked in the San Francisco Bay Area. Vessels include ENCINAL (built 1888; paddle ferry), LAKE TAHOE (built 1927; ferry), TIBURON (built 1884; paddle ferry), and more.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope with "SF BAY FERRIES 3 1/2 x 5 1/2" handwritten in red ink on the front.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 417.  Alameda (built 1913; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1913-1943

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific" is painted on the side of the vessel.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 418.  Encinal (built 1888; paddle ferry) docked in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1888-1930

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 4.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

One end of the ferry is low in the water, partially sunk. "Southern Pacific" is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 419.  Lake Tahoe (built 1927; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1929-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 420.  Redwood Empire (built 1927; ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, 1939-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel. Treasure Island is in the right background.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 421.  Santa Rosa (built 1927; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1927-1939

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 422.  Sausalito (built 1894; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1907-1932

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 423.  Stockton (built 1927; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1927-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 424.  Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, quarter view, 1936-1941

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is in the background.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 425.  Tiburon (built 1884; paddle ferry) docked in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1907-1925

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 5.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 426.  Tiburon (built 1884; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1907-1925

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.5 x 5.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel. A power yacht is underway in the foreground.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Box 4; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 08.  Photograph album of ferries, circa 1860-1945

Extent: 71 photographs.
Physical Description: 11 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in. or smaller; 60 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 427-497. Consists of photographs of San Francisco Bay Area ferries, mostly shown underway, as well as photographs of crew members and walking beams. There are several photographs of CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry), SAUSALITO (built 1894; paddle ferry), TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), and UKIAH (built 1890; paddle ferry), in addition to photographs of MENDOCINO (built 1927; ferry), REDWOOD EMPIRE (built 1927; ferry), REQUA (built 1909; ferry), SAUCELITO (built 1877; paddle ferry), TAMALPAIS (built 1857; paddle ferry), and TIBURON (built 1884; paddle ferry), among others.
Items 451-455, 458, and 472 show UKIAH underway and in drydock for her reconstruction as EUREKA. EUREKA is underway in Items 433-435 and 471. Includes photographs of EUREKA's chief engineer, possibly Edward A. Creighton (Item 486), Fireman Victor Legaras alongside EUREKA's walking beam (Item 481), and Captain Victor Verdellet, likely in the pilot house of EUREKA (Items 473 and 493). Items 487-489 show First Assistant Engineer Lawrence Wooser, Assistant Chief Engineer Andrew C. Disher, Tony Simas, an unidentified man, and female guests in the engine room of EUREKA during her last run on February 28, 1941.
Various crewmembers of TAMALPAIS, including Captain Andrew Arntzen, First Officer Anders J. Gustafson, First Assistant Engineer "Babe" Malone, Fireman Tony Simas, Chief Engineer Harry C. Smith, Fireman Otto Jacobi, and Oiler "Baldy" Hughes are photographed in Items 475-480 and 490. Item 497 shows Assistant Chief Engineer Charles A. Kircher of CAZADERO. Other photographs of crew members of unidentified ferries include Items 474, 482, and 484.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a 4 x 6 x 1 in. Kodak Negative Album. A handwritten label adhered to the album read "FERRYBOATS - Geo. H. Harlan Jr." The album contained glassine sleeves numbered 1-100. Sleeves 33, 47, 49-53, 76-77, and 81-100 did not contain negatives. Photographs were assigned an Item number in the order in which they appeared in the album. The empty album is located in Box 7.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 429.  Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1907-1941

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 3.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 3.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 439.  Cazadero (built 1903; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, starboard quarter view, 1907-1941

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 13.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 441.  Sausalito (built 1894; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1907-1932

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 15.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 442.  Sausalito (built 1894; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1907-1932

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 16.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 445.  Sausalito (built 1894; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, 1894-1902

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

"N.P.C.R.R." (North Pacific Coast Railroad) is painted on the side of the vessel.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 19.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 449.  James M. Donahue (built 1875; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1907-1921

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 23.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 456.  Lagunitas (built 1903; paddle ferry) docked in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, quarter view, 1903-1921

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 30.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 459.  Marin (built 1909; ferry) docked in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, port bow view, 1912-1934

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Northwestern Pacific" is painted on the side of the vessel. SONOMA (launch?), hull number B824, is tied up in the right foreground.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 34.

Related Material

See Subseries 1.2, File Unit 20, Item 588 for a print version of this image.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 460.  Marin (built 1909; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, port broadside view, 1912-1934

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Northwestern Pacific" is painted on the side of the vessel. Passengers are on the upper deck.
The negative was originally housed in album sleeve number 35.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 463.  San Rafael (built 1877; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, port bow view, 1877-1901

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

A large number of passengers are standing on the lower deck.
The negative was originally house in album sleeve number 38.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 470.  Santa Rosa (built 1927; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1927-1929

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Northwestern Pacific" is painted on the side of the vessel and the company logo is painted on the stack.
The negative was originally house in album sleeve number 45.
Glass Storage

File Unit 09.  Glass plate negatives of ferries, 1877-1907

Creator/Collector: Harlan, George H., Sr.
Extent: 3 photographs.
Physical Description: 2 glass plate negatives, 4 x 5 in.; 1 glass plate negative, 4.25 x 6.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 498-500. Consists of photographs of MARY GARRETT (built 1878; paddle riverboat), SAN RAFAEL (built 1877; paddle ferry), TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry) and TIBURON (built 1884; paddle ferry), all underway in the San Francisco Bay Area. George H. Harlan, Sr. is identified as the photographer of Item 500.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope with "Glass Plates / Tamalpais I / Tiburon / San Rafael" handwritten on it.
Glass Storage

Item No. 498.  San Rafael (built 1877; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, starboard view, 1877-1901

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white glass plate negative, 4.25 x 6.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Two unidentified sailing vessels are partially in view in the background.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr., and in "Oil Lamps and Iron Ponies" by Harlan, Fisher, and Shaw.
Glass Storage

Item No. 499.  Tamalpais (built 1857; paddle ferry) and Mary Garrett (built 1878; paddle riverboat) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, 1888

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white glass plate negative, 4 x 5 in.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Glass Storage

Item No. 500.  Tiburon (built 1884; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1884-1907

Creator/Collector: Harlan, George H., Sr.
Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white glass plate negative, 4 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

"S.F. & N.P. Ry. Co." (San Francisco & North Pacific Railway) is painted on the vessel's paddle box.

Related Material

See also Subseries 1.2, File Unit 14, Item 540 for a print version of this image.
This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Box 2

File Unit 10.  Color slides of ferries, circa 1940-1950

Extent: 7 photographs.
Physical Description: 7 color slides, 2 x 2 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 501-507. Consists of color slides of CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry), and TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), all underway in the San Francisco Bay Area. Also includes general San Francisco Bay views, one of which is taken from aboard a ferry while underway and one which includes an unidentified four-masted schooner.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with "SF Bay scenes / Ferries / Cazadero / Tamalpais / Eureka" handwritten on one side.
Box 5

File Unit 11.  Ferry postcards and Key System pier photograph, 1915-1958

Extent: 5 photographs.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white photographic print, 2.75 x 4.75 in.; 2 black-and-white photographic postcards, 3.5 x 5.5 in.; 2 black-and-white letterpress postcards, 3.5 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 508-512. Consists of postcards showing EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry), GOLDEN POPPY (built 1927; ferry), SANTA CLARA (built 1915; paddle ferry), and unidentified ferries, all underway in the San Francisco Bay Area. Also includes a photograph of the Key System Pier and ferries as seen from the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge train as photographed by Jack Whitmeyer in 1941. Note that Item 508 contains correspondence from George H. Harlan to his parents.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope with no label.
Box 5

Item No. 508.  Eureka (built 1890; paddle ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay between San Francisco and Sausalito, California, broadside view, 1923-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in. Postmarked Sausalito, California, May 27, 1940. Addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Harlan / Currier's Village / Lakeside / Oregon." Correspondence reads, "Having a fine time, wish you were here. Creighton, Smith, Kircher and Disher all well. Hamlet is reading a book called 'Pipe Fittings and their Use.' Fair open. I got negatives of Key System boats the first day. Anti and I are going to the fair on May 30. Our headquarters will be 'China Village.' Don't leave any fish in the lake, otherwise I'll have to come catch 'em. George."

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
The postcard was mailed from George H. Harlan Jr. to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Harlan Sr.
Caption: S.S. Eureka plies between San Francisco and Sausalito. [Photographer's number:] Zan 1198.
Box 5

File Unit 12.  Yosemite (built 1923; ferry) postcard and Harry E. Speas (built 1903; ferry) clipping, circa 1920-1940

Extent: 3 Items.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in.; 1 newspaper clipping; 1 envelope seal

Scope and Content Note

Items 513-515. Consists of a postcard of YOSEMITE (built 1923; ferry) underway, 1923-1939; a newspaper clipping about HARRY E. SPEAS (built 1903; ferry) catching fire while wrecked, possibly circa 1927; and a seal indicated for use on form 3658, with spaces to write the name of the steamer, destination, time, date, number of tickets and collector.
The Items in this File Unit were originally housed in an unused mailing envelope.
Box 5

File Unit 13.  Postcards of ferries and passenger vessels, 1898-1960

Extent: 14 Items (17 physical forms).
Physical Description: 4 black-and-white photographic postcards, 3.5 x 5.5 in.; 1 black-and-white letterpress postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in.; 5 color letterpress postcards, 3.5 x 5.5 in.; 6 color offset lithographic postcards, 3.5 x 5.5 in.; 1 index card

Scope and Content Note

Items 516-529. Consists of postcards of various vessels, mostly ferries and passenger vessels. Includes the ferries CONTRA COSTA (built 1914; paddle ferry), EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry), EL PASO (built 1924; ferry), and Maine Central Railroad's FERDINANDO GORGES (paddle ferry), as well as the vessels DELTA KING (built 1926; paddle riverboat), HARVARD (passenger vessel), PRINCESS NORAH (passenger vessel), and the Catalina Island glass bottom boats PHOENIX and TORQUA. Also includes postcards of PHYLLIS (built 1917; steam schooner) and OREGON (built 1890; battleship: U.S. Navy). One index card has a brief note to look in the federal supplement for Northern California concerning the Wallar v. Southern Pacific case. Note that the PRINCESS NORAH postcard contains correspondence addressed to George H. Harlan from "Bob" (Item 527). See Items 519-521 for postcards of EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry).
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope on which "George Harlan" was handwritten.
Box 2

File Unit 14.  Marin Magazine article photographs, 1875-1957

Creator/Collector: Harlan, George H., Sr.
Extent: 34 Items.
Physical Description: 12 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 20 paper captions that correspond to prints; 2 documents

Scope and Content Note

Items 530-543. Consists of photographs of San Francisco Bay Area ferries with captions intended to accompany a published article. Six of the photographs are stamped "Marin Magazine" along with either "Oct 18 1975" or "Oct 25 1975" on the verso. One is stamped "Marin Living" and "Monday" on the verso. The captions indicate which section the photograph was intended for (e.g. "Illustration for Part II"), provide a brief description, and cite the photograph's source. Item 541 shows UKIAH (built 1890; paddle ferry) underway and Items 532-533 show EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) underway. Note that Items 532 and 536 were photographed by George H. Harlan, Jr. and Item 540 (same image as Subseries 1.2, File Unit 09, Item 500) was photographed by George H. Harlan, Sr.
The File Unit also includes two one-page documents. One document is a typed timeline titled "Early Marin Ferryboating," 1855-1875. The other document titled "North Pacific Coast Railroad Fleet" lists the boats owned and leased by the company.
The Items in this File Unit were originally housed in an previously used mailing envelope with "FERRYBOAT PICTURES W DESCRIPTIONS" handwritten on it.
Nitrate Storage

File Unit 15.  Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry) and other ferries, 1907-1950

Extent: 11 photographs.
Physical Description: 11 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 2.75 x 5 in. or smaller

Scope and Content Note

Items 544-554. Consists of photographs of various ferries underway and docked in the San Francisco Bay Area, including CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), HAYWARD (built 1923; ferry), ISSAQUAH (built 1914; ferry), and TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), among others.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope with "Geo. Harlan Jr." handwritten in blue ink and "SF BAY FERRIES 2 1/2 x 4 1/4" handwritten in red ink.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 544.  Argentina (built 1923; ferry) underway, likely in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, port quarter view, 1939-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Ex YOSEMITE. Purchased in 1939 by the Argentina-Uruguayan Navigation Touring Company and renamed ARGENTINA. After modifications, the vessel sailed for South America in 1940.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 545.  Aven J. Hanford (built 1922; ferry), Golden Gate (1923; ferry), and Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry) at Sausalito, California, 1923-1929

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

AVEN J. HANFORD is tied up to dolphins near shore. GOLDEN GATE is leaving the pier. TAMALPAIS is underway in the right background. "Golden Gate Ferry" is painted on the sides of AVEN J. HANFORD and GOLDEN GATE.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 546.  Cazadero (built 1903; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, port broadside view, 1907-1941

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3 x 4 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 547.  Cazadero (built 1903; paddle ferry) docked at Sausalito, California, 1907-1941

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

View as seen from the deck of TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry) as it leaves the ferry slip. The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of CAZADERO.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 548.  City of Seattle (built 1888; paddle ferry) underway in the Carquinez Strait, California, broadside view, 1928-1942

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Martinez-Benicia Ferry" is painted on the side of the vessel. The Benicia-Martinez Bridge is in the background.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 549.  Hayward (built 1923; ferry) departing from the west terminal on Treasure Island, California, stern view, 1939-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

View as seen through the tunnel. HAYWARD is departing for San Francisco to pick up fairgoers for the Golden Gate International Exposition.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 550.  Issaquah (built 1914; ferry) underway in the Carquinez Strait, California, broadside view, 1928-1942

Creator/Collector: Parkinson, Robert
Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Martinez-Benicia Ferry" is painted on the side of the vessel. The Benicia-Martinez Bridge is in the background.

Related Material

This image appears in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 551.  Shasta (built 1922; ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, broadside view, 1936-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

"Southern Pacific Golden Gate Ferries, Ltd." is painted on the side of the vessel. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is in the background.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 552.  Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry) pilot house, circa 1920-1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

A crew member is inside the pilot house. A flag with a dark background and numerous light stars is flying from the top.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 553.  Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry) underway on San Francisco Bay, California, quarter view, 1936-1941

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Yerba Buena Island are in the background.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats" by George H. Harlan.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 554.  Crew member pulling the rudder pin on the deck of a ferry, possibly Tamalpais (built 1901; paddle ferry), circa 1930-1950

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4.5 in.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Box 5

File Unit 16.  San Pablo (built 1900; paddle ferry), James M. Donahue (built 1875; paddle ferry), and the Key Route pier, circa 1890-1915

Extent: 3 photographs.
Physical Description: 2 black-and-white photographic prints, 5 x 7 in.; 1 black-and-white photographic postcard, 3.5 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 555-557. Consists of a photograph of JAMES M. DONAHUE (built 1875; paddle ferry) docked at Tiburon, California, and a photograph of SAN PABLO (built 1900; paddle ferry) on the marine railway at Moore & Scott Shipyard, Oakland, California. Also includes a photograph of an illustration of the Key Route Pier in Oakland, California.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope on which "Ferries of SF Bay" was handwritten.
Box 5

File Unit 17.  Cazadero (built 1903; paddle ferry) and other ferries, 1903-1941

Extent: 5 photographs.
Physical Description: 5 black-and-white photographic prints, 3.5 x 5.75 in. or smaller

Scope and Content Note

Items 558-562. Consists of photographs of the San Francisco Bay Area ferries CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), SAUSALITO (built 1894; paddle ferry), and TELEPHONE (built 1903; paddle ferry) underway as well as a photograph of Captain Edward Hallin and First Officer Carl Nielsen in the wheelhouse of YOSEMITE (built 1923; ferry) (Item 561). Also includes a photograph of a paddle riverboat in the foreground and several sailing vessels moored in the distance.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an unmarked envelope.
Box 5

File Unit 18.  Crowley Launch and Tugboat Company and U.S. Bureau of Immigration ferries, 1915-1947

Extent: 3 photographs.
Physical Description: 3 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 563-565. Consists of photographs of ANGEL ISLAND (built 1911; ferry: U.S. Bureau of Immigration) underway (Item 563); CROWLEY NO. 18 (built 1915; ferry) docked (Item 564); and an unidentified ferry underway along with the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad sternwheeler PETALUMA (built 1914; riverboat) towing a Crowley barge (Item 565). Treasure Island, with Golden Gate International Exposition buildings, is in the background of Items 563 and 565.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label that read "N.P.C.-S.F. & N.P." Handwritten on the box was "N.P.C-S.F.N.P Steamers / P. & S.R. / Gov't. Boats."
Box 5

File Unit 19.  Ferries and crewmembers, circa 1880-1950

Extent: 11 photographs (12 physical forms).
Physical Description: 11 black-and-white photographic prints, 4.5 x 6.25 in. or smaller; 1 black-and-white photographic print, hand colored, 4.5 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 566-576. Consists of photographs of CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), EDWARD T. JEFFERY (built 1913; ferry), GOLDEN DAWN (built 1905; ferry), JAMES M. DONAHUE (built 1875; paddle ferry), OAKLAND (built 1860; paddle ferry), SIERRA NEVADA (built 1913; ferry), TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), and TIBURON (built 1884; paddle ferry) underway and docked in the San Francisco Bay Area. Also includes photographs of the stairway of ASBURY PARK (built 1903; ferry), five crew members of TAMALPAIS, and a crew member standing next to the walking beam of an unidentified ferry.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a photo order envelope.
Box 5

File Unit 20.  Other ferries, 1890-1957

Extent: 30 photographs (31 physical forms).
Physical Description: 31 black-and-white photographic prints, 4 x 5 in. or smaller

Scope and Content Note

Items 577-606. Consists of photographs of San Francisco Bay Area ferries, mostly underway: ARGENTINA (built 1923; ferry), GOLDEN COAST (built 1903; ferry), OAKLAND (built 1860; paddle ferry), PERALTA (built 1926; ferry), SAN PABLO (built 1900; paddle ferry), SAUSALITO (built 1894; paddle ferry), SONOMA VALLEY (built 1903; ferry), TIBURON (built 1884; paddle ferry), TREASURE ISLAND (built 1911; paddle ferry), YOSEMITE (built 1923; ferry), and more. One photograph is a portrait of a Captain, possibly standing outside the wheelhouse of TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry). Also includes a photograph of the San Diego & Coronado Ferry Company ferry NORTH ISLAND.
Item 584 shows Assistant Chief Engineer Andrew C. Disher and two female guests in the engine room of EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) during her last run on February 28, 1941; Item 583 shows EUREKA underway; and UKIAH (built 1890; paddle ferry) is underway in Item 601.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a previously used mailing envelope addressed to George Harlan.
Box 5; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 21.  Ferries, U.S. Army transports, and other vessels, circa 1890-1945

Extent: 25 photographs.
Physical Description: 3 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 5 x 7 in.; 22 black-and-white safety negatives, 5 x 7 in. Several safety photographs show signs of acetate deterioration (distortion, shrinkage, and crystallization). Vinegar smell was present in the original box as well.

Scope and Content Note

Items 607-631. Consists of views of various vessels, mostly San Francisco Bay Area ferries, underway and moored. The ferries include ARROW (built 1903; ferry), ASBURY PARK (built 1903; ferry), MENDOCINO (built 1927; ferry), NAPA VALLEY (built 1910; ferry), OCEAN WAVE (built 1891; paddle ferry), REDWOOD EMPIRE (built 1927; ferry), SEHOME (built 1877; ferry), STOCKTON (built 1927; ferry), TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), and more. Note that Item 610 shows EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) docked and Item 611 shows the Chief Engineer Edward A. Creighton in the engine room of EUREKA. Also includes photographs of U.S. Army troop transports HOPE (built 1943; transport: U.S. Army), MT. VERNON (built 1906; transport: U.S. Army), and U.S. GRANT (built 1907; transport: U.S. Army). Additional photographs show a man in an engine room of an unidentified vessel; JEANIE (built 1883; steam schooner) wrecked at Point Arena, California in 1900; and an illustration of an old sailing ship.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label on the edge that read "Ships & Ferries." The negatives were inside a wrapper in the box which read "Riverboats & Ferries."
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 612.  General Frisbe (built 1900; ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, port broadside view, 1900-1927

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 4.75 x 6.75 in.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 617.  San Pablo (built 1900; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1900-1937

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 4.75 x 6.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

Operated by Santa Fe Railway.

Related Material

This image appears in "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats," by George H. Harlan, and in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels," by Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 618.  Sausalito (built 1894; paddle ferry) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, quarter view, 1907-1934

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 4.75 x 6.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.
Box 2

File Unit 22.  Ferries and other vessels, circa 1905-1950

Extent: 5 photographs.
Physical Description: 5 black-and-white safety negatives, 8 x 10 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 632-636. Consists of photographs of ferries, a passenger steamer, and a drawing of a U.S. Army transport. Contains photographs of ASBURY PARK (built 1903; ferry) (Item 632); BAY CITY (built 1878; paddle ferry) with NAPA VALLEY (1910; ferry) (Item 633); and GENERAL FRISBE (built 1900; ferry) (Item 634). These three Items appear in Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats." In addition, Item 635 shows PRESIDENT CLEVELAND (built 1946; passenger vessel) and Item 636 is a photograph of a drawing of SEA BARB (transport: U.S. Army).
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a handwritten label that read "Ferries - / River Steamers / Ships." The negatives were inside a wrapper in the envelope which read "Steam Engines / Ships & / Ferries / 8 x 10."
Box 5

File Unit 23.  Chief Engineer Edward A. Creighton and various vessels, circa 1930-1950

Extent: 5 photographs.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white safety negative, 4 x 5 in.; 1 black-and-white positive, 5 x 5.25 in.; 3 black-and-white photographic prints, 5 x 7 in. or smaller

Scope and Content Note

Items 637-641. Consists of photographs of Chief Engineer Edward A. Creighton in the engine room of EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry) (Item 638); CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry) underway; PACIFIC QUEEN (built 1886; ship, 3m) anchored near Sausalito, California; an unidentified man seated at a desk underneath a painting of a sailing vessel; and drawing of SCRAPPY (brigantine).
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a previously used mailing envelope. "Sailing Ship / Ferryboat" was handwritten on the envelope and "George H. Harlan / Collection of / Jack E. Shekell" was stamped on the envelope. Whether or not the photographs are in fact from the Shekell collection cannot be confirmed. These photographs may not be original to the envelope.
Box 5

File Unit 24.  Monticello (built 1892; ferry), Avalon (built 1891; passenger vessel), and Oregon (built 1890; battleship: U.S. Navy), 1892-1940

Extent: 4 photographs.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white photographic print, 2.25 x 2.25 in.; 3 black-and-white photographic postcards, 3.5 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 642-645. Consists of photographs of MONTICELLO (built 1892; ferry) docked, AVALON (built 1891; passenger vessel) underway, and two views of OREGON (built 1890; battleship: U.S. Navy) underway. Note that the AVALON photographic postcard contains correspondence addressed to George H. Harlan from "Marshall."
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope with no label.
Box 5

File Unit 25.  Correspondence and various vessels, circa 1880-1971

Extent: 4 Items.
Physical Description: 2 black-and-white photographic prints, 3.5 x 5 in.; 1 black-and-white letterpress halftone advertising print, 2.75 x 4 in.; 1 sheet of correspondence

Scope and Content Note

Items 646-649. Consists of one sheet of correspondence from George Lindboldt to George H. Harlan dated October 6, 1971, in which Lindboldt describes three photographs that he sent to Harlan along with the letter. Lindboldt hoped that Harlan would have more information about the photos as he did not find any mention of the scenes they depict in Harlan's book "San Francisco Bay Ferryboats." Note that the photographs no longer accompany the letter. See Series 1.2, File Unit 26, for two of the photographs possibly referred to in this letter. The File Unit also includes a photograph of TAHOE (passenger vessel), a photograph of an unidentified three-masted bark, and an advertisement for the Savery Brothers in San Francisco.
The Items in this File Unit were originally housed in a previously used mailing envelope.
Box 2-3, 5

File Unit 26.  Loose photographs of ferries, 1860-1970

Extent: 108 Items (110 physical forms).
Physical Description: 101 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 1 cyanotype, 5 x 7 in.; 2 color photographic prints, 5 x 7 in.; 2 color offset lithographic prints, 4 x 9 in.; 2 paper captions that correspond to prints; 2 invitations

Scope and Content Note

Items 650-755. Consists of photographs of various San Francisco Bay Area ferries, underway and docked, as well as photographs of passengers on board and crew members. Includes photographs of CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry), SACRAMENTO (built 1903; ferry), SAUSALITO (built 1894; paddle ferry), and TAMALPAIS (built 1901; paddle ferry), among others. Items 736-739 show UKIAH (built 1890; paddle ferry) and Items 668-685 show EUREKA (built 1890; paddle ferry). Eleven photographs show activities aboard SAN LEANDRO (built 1923; ferry) on her last days of service, July 29-30, 1958. Also includes an invitation to the last Southern Pacific ferryboat roundtrip on July 30, 1958; two Monticello S.S. Co. advertisements for "Vallejo's Flyers at San Francisco"; and an invitation to the pre-inaugural cruise of GOLDEN GATE (ferry) in 1970. Items 748 and 749 are photographs of two sternwheel ferries or riverboats, one of which appears to be sinking, which might be the photographs referenced in the correspondence between George Lindboldt and George H. Harlan in Series 1.2, File Unit 25.
The photographs in this File Unit were found loose at the time of processing. Many photographs duplicate photographs in other File Units, but some are unique.

Related Material

Four prints are copies made from Items in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's Classified photograph collection.

  • Item 665: See B07.16502.
  • Item 687: See E03.03863.1. Note that Item 687 is incorrectly marked "K03.03863" on the verso.
  • Item 696: See B09.08675.
  • Item 751: See B07.14790.
Box 5

Item No. 736.  Ukiah (built 1890; paddle ferry) in drydock at the Southern Pacific Shipyard, Oakland, California, broadside view, 1920

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 cyanotype, 5 x 7 in.

Scope and Content Note

Prior to being rebuilt as EUREKA, which was completed by 1922 or 1923. The Northwestern Pacific Railway logo is painted on the side of the vessel.

Related Material

This image appears in "Of Walking Beams and Paddle Wheels" by George H. Harlan and Clement Fisher Jr.
Box 3, 6; Nitrate Storage

Series 2.  United States Army and Navy vessels, 1903-1977 (bulk circa 1940-1955)

Extent: 119 EA (107 photographs in 118 physical forms (6 nitrate negatives, 42 safety negatives, 62 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 color photographic prints) and 1 periodical)

Scope and Content Note

Consists of photographs related to U.S. Army and Navy vessels, primarily troop transports, but also tugboats, oilers, cable repair ships, and oceanographic research ships. Contains photographs of vessels underway, moored, under construction, and in drydock, some likely in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Other locations have been identified as Africa and Defoe Shipbuilding Company shipyard in Michigan. Vessels include FRED C. AINSWORTH (built 1943; transport: U.S. Navy), JOHN ERICCSON (built 1928; transport: U.S. Army), LT-3 (tugboat: U.S. Army), S.P. LEE (built 1967; oceanographic research ship: U.S. Navy), and more. Item 861 possibly shows George H. Harlan speaking to two uniformed young female members of the Sea Explorers program aboard an unidentified vessel.
Harlan collected photographs from numerous sources. Some have been identified as official United States Navy and United States Army Signal Corps photographs. It is possible that Harlan may have photographed some of the Items while employed by the U.S. Army Transport Service (later known as the Military Sea Transportation Service and Military Sealift Command); however, this could not be verified.

Arrangement

Arranged into seven File Units. Most of the photographs were housed in labeled boxes and envelopes. In order to maintain George H. Harlan's original organization, each box or envelope was processed as a separate File Unit. Some envelopes held photographs of multiple vessel types; those primarily containing government vessels were placed in this Series. The processing archivist arranged the photographs alphabetically by vessel name within each File Unit.

Provenance

Harlan collected photographs from numerous sources. Some have been identified as official United States Navy and United States Army Signal Corps photographs. It is possible that Harlan may have photographed some of the Items while employed by the U.S. Army Transport Service (later known as the Military Sea Transportation Service and Military Sealift Command); however, this could not be verified.
Box 3

File Unit 1.  John Ericcson (built 1928; transport: U.S. Army) interiors, 1942-1947

Creator/Collector: United States. Army. Signal Corps.
Extent: 6 photographs.
Physical Description: 6 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10

Scope and Content Note

Items 756-761. Consists of JOHN ERICCSON (built 1928; transport: U.S. Army) interior photographs showing the mess room, troop sleeping quarters, sinks, and toilets.
The photographs in this File Unit were separated from HDC 1105, Series 1, Folder 2 of 5.
Box 6

File Unit 2.  United States Army transports, 1903-1948

Extent: 20 photographs.
Physical Description: 20 black-and-white safety negatives, 4 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 762-781. Consists of photographs of United States Army transports ETOLIN, FRED C. AINSWORTH, GENERAL FRANK M. COXE, GENERAL JOHN POPE, HANCOCK, LOGAN, MADAWASKA, MEIGS, REPUBLIC, ST. MIHIEL, SEA BARB, U.S. GRANT, and an unidentified transport. Also includes a photograph of the U.S. Navy cable repair ship ALBERT J. MYER. Most of the vessels are in the stream. Two photographs show men loading mules onto MEIGS at Fort Mason, San Francisco, California. There is also one photograph of an unidentified elderly man in rain gear aboard a vessel. All the Items appear to be photographs of photographic prints.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label on the edge that read "USAT-USNS."
Box 6; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 3.  United States Army transports and tugboats, circa 1905-1955

Extent: 23 photographs.
Physical Description: 6 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 3.25 x 4 in. or smaller; 17 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 782-804. Consists of photographs of United States Army transports and tugboats underway, moored, launching, and in drydock, some in the San Francisco Bay Area. Comprised of the Army transports ERNEST HINDS, GENERAL M.M. PATRICK, GENERAL OMAR BUNDY, IRVIN L. HUNT, LOGAN, MEIGS, ST. MIHIEL, and the tugboats LT-3, LT-815, GENERAL MIFFLIN, SLOCUM, ST-893. Four vessels are unidentified, but are likely transports. Also includes a photograph of YERBA BUENA (built 1927; ferry: U.S. Army) underway and two photographs of JOHN MUIR (built 1942; cargo ship: Liberty Ship) launching. There is a portrait of an unidentified U.S. Navy officer and a photograph of a woman christening a vessel. There is also a photograph of the compound marine engine built for GENERAL MIFFLIN by Risdon Iron Works of San Francisco, California, as well as a view of the U.S. Army Troop Transport Service Pier 12 in San Francisco. Some Items appear to be photographs of photographic prints.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label on the edge that read "Army Transports."
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 783.  General M.M. Patrick (built 1944; transport: U.S. Army) docked at Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, starboard bow view, 1944-1950

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.5 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 786.  General Omar Bundy (built 1944; transport: U.S. Army) docked at Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, with LT-3 (built 1943; tugboat: U.S. Army) alongside, 1945-1949

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.75 in.

Scope and Content Note

An unidentified vessel, possibly a troop transport, is on the left, bow view.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 790.  LT-3 (built 1943; tugboat: U.S. Army) docked at Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, view off port bow, 1943-1950

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.75 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 791.  LT-815 (tugboat: U.S. Army) and LT-3 (built 1943; tugboat: U.S. Army) docked at Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, view off port bows, 1945-1950

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.5 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 795.  ST-893 (built 1945; tugboat: U.S. Army) docked at Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, view off starboard bow, 1945-1950

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.5 x 3.75 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 798.  Yerba Buena (built 1927; ferry: U.S. Army) underway in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, broadside view, 1942-1955

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

"U.S. Army" is painted on the side of the vessel.
Box 3

File Unit 4.  Military Sea Transportation Service transports, 1950-1973

Creator/Collector: United States. Navy.
Extent: 20 Items (21 physical forms).
Physical Description: 18 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in.; 2 color photographic prints, 8 x 10 in.; 1 periodical

Scope and Content Note

Items 805-824. Consists of photographs primarily of Military Sea Transportation Service transports, including DAVID C. SHANKS (built 1943; transport: U.S. Navy), FRED C. AINSWORTH (built 1943; transport: U.S. Navy), GENERAL HOYT S. VANDENBERG (built 1943; transport: U.S. Navy), GENERAL W.A. MANN (built 1943; transport: U.S. Navy), and PRIVATE JOSEPH F. MERRELL (built 1944; transport: U.S. Navy). There are also photographs of the wreck of GENERAL M.C. MEIGS (built 1944; transport: U.S. Navy) and a series of nine photographs related to the sinking of an unidentified vessel, possibly a former transport. There is one February 1973 issue of "Sealift," published by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, containing an article by George H. Harlan titled "Keep 'em purring." The File Unit also includes two copies of a photograph of an illustration of a walking beam.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a large clasped envelope with no label.
Box 6

File Unit 5.  United States Navy oilers, 1944-1957

Extent: 4 photographs.
Physical Description: 4 black-and-white safety negatives, 4 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 825-828. Consists of photographs of United States Naval vessels CHUKAWAN (built 1945; oiler: U.S. Navy) underway, MISSION SOLEDAD (built 1943; oiler: U.S. Navy) moored, and SEBEC (built 1943; oiler: U.S. Navy) moored.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope on which "Ships / Transports / 4 x 5" was handwritten.
Box 6

File Unit 6.  Defoe Shipbuilding Company shipyard and various vessels, 1907-1977

Extent: 9 photographs.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white safety negative, 3.5 x 4.25 in.; 6 black-and-white photographic prints, 3.5 x 5.25 in.; 2 color photographic prints, 3.5 x 3.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 829-837. Consists of six photographs of S.P. LEE (built 1967; oceanographic research ship: U.S. Navy) and other naval vessels under construction at Defoe Shipbuilding Company shipyard in Michigan. Two photographs show vessels off the Africa coast in 1977, one of which is identified as ALBERT J. MYER (built 1945; cable repair ship: U.S. Navy). Also includes one photograph of CAZADERO (built 1903; paddle ferry) underway.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope on which "Naval Ships" was handwritten.
Box 3

File Unit 7.  United States Navy and other vessels, circa 1920-1965

Extent: 26 photographs (36 physical forms).
Physical Description: 32 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 4 color photographic prints, 8 x 10 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 838-863. Consists of photographs of United States Navy vessels, with two photographs of ferries. Includes photographs of CHAUVENET (built 1942; survey ship: U.S. Navy) docked; interior views of DAVID C. SHANKS (built 1943; transport: U.S. Navy); ELTANIN (built 1957; oceanographic research ship: U.S. Navy) in the stream; GENERAL W.A. MANN (built 1943; transport: U.S. Navy) docked at Pacific Ship Repair at Pier 36 in San Francisco; vessels in drydock, including LIPAN (built 1942; tugboat: U.S. Navy); and H.H. HESS (built 1964; oceanographic survey ship: U.S. Navy) underway. Item 861 shows a man, possibly George H. Harlan, speaking to two uniformed young female members of the Sea Explorers program aboard an unidentified vessel.
Item 862 shows automobiles lined up to buy tickets for the Oakland Mole auto ferry and Item 863 shows passengers disembarking SACRAMENTO (built 1877; paddle ferry).
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an unmarked envelope.
Box 3, 6; Nitrate Storage

Series 3.  Other vessels, 1853-1955 (bulk circa 1900-1950)

Extent: 54 EA (53 photographs in 53 physical forms (11 nitrate negatives, 28 safety negatives, 14 black-and-white photographic prints) and 1 business card)

Scope and Content Note

Consists of photographs of various vessel types, primarily riverboats, such as DELTA KING (built 1926; paddle riverboat) and J.D. PETERS (built 1889; paddle riverboat), and American President Lines cargo and passenger vessels, including PRESIDENT COOLIDGE (built 1931; passenger vessel) and PRESIDENT POLK (built 1941; passenger vessel). Some locations are identified as in the San Francisco Bay Area, but most are unidentified. Includes one photograph of PACIFIC QUEEN (built 1886; ship, 3m) anchored near Sausalito, California. Also includes photographs of machinery built by Sperry Gyroscope Company of Brooklyn, New York.

Arrangement

Arranged into six File Units. Most of the photographs were housed in labeled boxes and envelopes. In order to maintain George H. Harlan's original organization, each box or envelope was processed as a separate File Unit. Prints that were found loose outside of the boxes and envelopes have been placed in File Unit 6. Some envelopes held photographs of multiple vessel types; those primarily containing vessels other than ferries or government vessels were placed in this Series. The processing archivist arranged the photographs alphabetically by vessel name within each File Unit.
Box 6

File Unit 1.  Riverboats, 1885-1942

Extent: 18 photographs.
Physical Description: 17 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.; 1 black-and-white photographic print, 2.5 x 3.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 864-881. Consists of photographs of various riverboats, including CAPITAL CITY (built 1910; paddle riverboat), CAPTAIN WEBER (built 1892; paddle riverboat), CHEROKEE (built 1912; paddle riverboat), DELTA KING (built 1926; paddle riverboat), DELTA QUEEN (built 1926; paddle riverboat), J.D. PETERS (built 1889; paddle riverboat), LOUISE (paddle riverboat), SONOMA (riverboat?), T.C. WALKER (built 1885; paddle riverboat) and other unidentified vessels. Most vessels are shown underway, possibly in the San Francisco Bay Area or in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region of California. Two photographs show unidentified paddle riverboats under construction. Another photograph shows a group of people apparently in a dining room aboard a riverboat.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label that read "River Steamers." Handwritten on the box were "[S?].P. Steamers on the River" and "The River Lines."
Box 6; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 2.  American President Lines vessels, 1938-1955

Extent: 18 photographs.
Physical Description: 9 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 2.75 x 4 in. or smaller; 9 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 882-899. Consists of photographs of American President Lines (APL) vessels docked, possibly in the San Francisco Bay Area. Includes GENERAL W.H. GORDON (built 1944; passenger vessel), PRESIDENT COOLIDGE (built 1931; passenger vessel), PRESIDENT HARRISON (built 1921; passenger vessel), PRESIDENT PIERCE (built 1945; passenger vessel), PRESIDENT TAYLOR (passenger vessel), and RUTH ALEXANDER (built 1913; passenger vessel), among others. Also includes two photographs of unidentified passenger/cargo vessels underway, one of which has the APL logo painted on its two stacks, and a photograph of SEA SERPENT (cargo ship), operated by an unknown company.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in a box with a printed label that read "American Pres. Lines." Handwritten on the box was "American President Lines."
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 883.  President Coolidge (built 1931; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, port bow view, 1938-1942

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 3.75 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 885.  President Garfield (built 1940; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, starboard bow view, 1941-1942

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 3.75 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 886.  President Grant (built 1921; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, port bow view, 1940-1944

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 888.  President Johnson (built 1903; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, port bow view, 1938-1947

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 889.  President Madison (built 1921; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, port bow view, 1938-1942

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 3.75 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 890.  President Monroe (built 1940; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, starboard bow view, 1940

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 893.  President Polk (built 1941; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, starboard bow view, 1938-1943

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 895.  Ruth Alexander (built 1913; passenger vessel) moored alongside a pier, starboard bow view, 1938-1941

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 3.75 in.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 898.  American President Lines passenger ship underway, starboard broadside view, circa 1940-1950

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 2.75 x 4 in.

Scope and Content Note

A tugboat is alongside the unidentified vessel.
Box 6; Nitrate Storage

File Unit 3.  Pacific Queen (built 1886; ship, 3m) and other vessels, 1853-1954

Extent: 4 photographs.
Physical Description: 2 black-and-white nitrate negatives, 3 x 5.25 in. or smaller; 2 black-and-white safety negatives, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 900-903. Consists of photographs of CONSTITUTION (built 1797; frigate: U.S. Navy) docked circa 1933; PACIFIC QUEEN (built 1886; ship, 3m) anchored near Sausalito, California, 1940-1954; an illustration of TENNESSEE (built 1848; paddle steamer) wrecked in Marin County, California, in 1853; and a man sitting atop a canon aboard an unidentified military vessel.
The photographs in this File Unit were originally housed in an envelope on which "Sailing Ships / 3 x 5" was handwritten.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 900.  Constitution (built 1797; frigate: U.S. Navy) docked at San Francisco, California, bow view, 1933

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3 x 5 in.

Scope and Content Note

During the CONSTITUTION's 1931-1934 national tour after her restoration. Spectators are on the pier.
Nitrate Storage

Item No. 903.  Man sitting atop a canon aboard an unidentified Navy vessel, circa 1940-1950

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white nitrate negative, 3 x 5.25 in.
Box 6

File Unit 4.  Steamship in drydock, circa 1890-1920

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white photographic print, 3.25 x 4.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Item 904. Consists of one photograph of an unidentified steamship in drydock at an unidentified shipyard. A young man is standing on the pier in the foreground.
This photograph was separated from HDC 1105.
Box 3

File Unit 5.  Sperry Gyroscope Company photographs, 1910-1955

Extent: 6 photographs.
Physical Description: 6 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in.

Scope and Content Note

Items 905-910. Consists of photographs of vessel interiors and machinery. Five of the six photographs have a Sperry Gyroscope Co. stamp on the verso. The company was located in Brooklyn, New York. The four interior views include the steering engine, two of which have been identified as in the yacht CAROLINE and in Max Fleichman's yacht HAIDA. There are also photographs of a Sperry steering column and an unidentified piece of machinery, possibly a steering engine.
The photographs in this File Unit were found loose at the time of processing.
Box 3; Box 6

File Unit 6.  Loose prints and documents, circa 1880-1940

Extent: 7 Items.
Physical Description: 6 black-and-white photographic prints, 8 x 10 in. or smaller; 1 business card

Scope and Content Note

Items 911-917. Consists of photographs of TAHOE (built 1896; passenger vessel); TIGER (paddle tugboat) alongside TRANSFER NO. 2 (barge); an unidentified U.S. Navy vessel; San Francisco Bay and Angel Island as seen from an elevation in Sausalito, California; and a wharf scene with unidentified sailing vessels and coal loading activities. Also includes one business card for the Oral History Program of the Moya Library Guild for the Marin County Library.
The photographs in this File Unit were found loose at the time of processing.