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A guide to the Roy M. Fross photograph collection, circa 1920-1950
P99-010 (SAFR 23852)
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Title: Roy M. Fross photograph collection
Date: circa 1920-1950
Date (bulk): circa 1940-1950
Identifier/Call Number: P99-010 (SAFR 23852)
Creator:
Fross, Roy M.
Physical Description:
22 items.
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The Roy M. Fross photograph collection, circa 1920-1950, bulk circa 1940-1950, (SAFR 23852, P99-010) is comprised mainly of
photographs of the Ferry Building and waterfront in San Francisco, California. The collection has been processed to the Item
level and is open for use.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s):
In English.
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.
Mr. Fross transferred copyright to the National Park Service at the time of his donation. However, only one photograph was
clearly identified as his work. Copyright on the remaining material is unknown.
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.
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.
[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item
Number], P99-010 (SAFR 23852), Roy M. Fross photograph collection, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
SAFR-01347
The collection was donated by Roy M. Fross in 1999.
Historical or Biographical Note
Roy M. Fross (1919-2013), a lifelong resident of San Francisco, California, was the Assistant Superintendent of Harbor Maintenance
for the Port of San Francisco.
Roy M. Fross was born December 26, 1919, in San Francisco, California, to Isaac and Maude Fross. He attended Laguna Honda
Elementary School and Polytechnic High School. According to his obituary, after graduating in 1937, he was indentured "as
an Electrical Inside Wireman apprentice and a second generation member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Local 6, San Francisco; journeyman in 1941. Enlisted US Navy 1942 during World War II. Served in the Pacific as a Chief Petty
Officer (Seabee) repairing ships at sea. After the war as a ready/reserve teaching electrical theory at Treasure Island Naval
Base. Recalled to active service during the Korean War, serving aboard the USS Jason."
In 1946, Foss began working as an electrician for the Port of San Francisco. He worked his way up to Assistant Superintendent
of Harbor Maintenance, retiring in 1984.
Fross married Alberta Moloney on May 20, 1951, in San Francisco. They had two children, Daniel and Susan.
Roy M. Fross died May 10, 2013, at the age of 93.
Sources:
California Birth Index, 1905-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Accessed June 19,
2014.
"Roy Fross Death Notice." San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, CA), May 19, 2013. Accessed June 19, 2014. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?pid=164847883
The Roy M. Fross photograph collection, circa 1920-1950, bulk circa 1940-1950, (SAFR 23852, P99-010) is comprised mainly of
photographs of the Ferry Building and waterfront in San Francisco, California. The collection has been processed to the Item
level and is open for use.
Contains photographs primarily of the Ferry Building and views from the Ferry Building clock tower as well as other waterfront
views in San Francisco, California, circa 1920-1950, bulk circa 1940-1950. There are 22 black-and-white photographic prints.
Three photographs show SACRAMENTO (built 1877; paddle ferry) approaching and inside the slip at the Ferry Building. There
are photographs of people, including Arthur Allan, Ernest "Ernie" Boegershausen, Alan Dultz, Norman Kuhlmeyer, and unidentified
U.S. Navy sailors. Allan and Dultz are identified as electricians, likely for the Port of San Francisco, and Boegershausen
is identified as a sheet metal worker. Other San Francisco views include a streetcar, fishing boats at Fisherman's Wharf,
the Third Street Bridge, and a PG&E natural gas storage tank as well as photographs of a sloop yacht, freighter, and SARATOGA
(built 1925; aircraft carrier; U.S. Navy) underway in San Francisco Bay.
Fross is identified as the photographer of one of the images. He may have taken additional photographs in the collection;
however, this could not be confirmed.
No arrangement due to the small size of the collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Ferries
Ferry terminals
Sacramento (built 1877; paddle ferry)
Ferry Building (San Francisco, Calif.)
San Francisco (Calif.)
San Francisco Bay (Calif.)
Black-and-white prints (photographs)
Gelatin silver prints