Blaich (John A) Papers, 1922-2003

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Summary

Title:
John A. Blaich Papers
Dates:
1922-2003
Creators:
Blaich, John A.
Abstract:
Extent:
6 document boxes; 2 linear feet, 5 inches.
Language:
Preferred citation:

John A. Blaich Papers. Sherman Library and Gardens

Background

Scope and content:

The John A. Blaich Collection is comprised of four series: Biographical Materials, Biographical Files, 1931-2002, General Subject Files, 1923-2003, Large Yachts of Newport before World War II Files, 1924-2002, and M. S. Stranger Files, 1922-1994. The collection includes photographs, slides, notes, newspaper clippings, copies of published materials, logs and correspondence. Each series is arranged alphabetically by file title. Series I, Biographical Files, 1931-2002, includes two files with biographical material on Blaich. The first is a nautical biography of Blaich compiled for his nomination for the Edward F. Kennedy Memorial Trophy. The second file includes correspondence and military service records about Blaich’s service on Geoanna, M. S. Stranger, and in the Navy and Navy Reserve. Series II, General Subject Files, 1923-2002, includes files on a variety of nautical topics, chiefly vessels associated with Newport Harbor. Blaich compiled most of the files for his column “On the Water,” published in the Daily Pilot, a Newport Beach, CA newspaper. Files typically contain copies from publications, hand written notes, correspondence, photographs and newspaper clippings. Many of the files include a copy of the “On the Water” article. Series III, Large Yachts of Newport Harbor before World War II Files, 1924-2002, includes research materials and draft manuscripts for Blaich’s book Large Yachts of Newport Harbor before World War II, which was published by the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum in 2000. The series also includes materials on the promotion of the book as well as slides Blaich used in a presentation. Series IV, M. S. Stranger files, 1922-1994, relates to the merchant ship Stranger, on which Blaich served as a crew member. The series includes log books, maps, photographs, licensing documents, and news clippings. The papers document the history of the ship, but chiefly focus on the period 1935 to 1937 when the ship was owned by Fred E. Lewis of Newport Beach, CA. In 1935, Lewis purchased M. S. Stranger and hired a crew of Sea Scouts – Blaich among them – for a five-month trip to collect animals for the San Diego Zoo. This trip last from October 1935 to January 1936, included stops in Panama, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Cocas Islands, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico. The records document this trip, as well as a trip to south Pacific islands, April-October, 1936, the Galapagos Islands, February-April, 1937 and Alaska, June-September, 1936. The series also includes materials relating to reunions of the crew of the M.S. Stranger.

Biographical / historical:

John A. Blaich was born on November 2, 1918. He grew up in Whittier, CA, but he spent many summers at a family house on the Balboa peninsula. In 1935, Blaich was one of thirty Sea Scouts to be hired as the crew of the M. S. Stranger. In six months, M. S. Stranger visited Miami, Panama, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Cocas Islands, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and San Diego, collecting animals for the San Diego Zoo. Following his tour with Stranger, Blaich started the first sailing instruction school in Newport Harbor in 1937. In 1941, the Newport Harbor Yacht club hired him as the clubs’ first full-time sailing instructor. In 1942, he completed his studies at the University of Southern California, receiving a degree in engineering. Blaich was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Naval Reserve. He entered active service during World War II, serving aboard the USS Baltimore. Following the war, Blaich remained in the Navy Reserve. He retired in 1969 with the rank of Commander. Blaich was active in yacht clubs in the Newport Beach area and pursued an interest in the history of sailing. He volunteered at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum (NHNM). In 2000, he published the book Large Yachts of Newport Harbor before World War II. He was a regular contributor to the Daily Pilot newspaper, writing for the column, “On the Water.” Blaich died in 2003.

Acquisition information:
The family of Mr. Blaich donated the parts of this collection relating to the M/S Stranger and his book Large Yachts of Newport Harbor before World War II. Rowell Greene donated the General Subject Files in April, 2014.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Sherman Library and Gardens staff.
Date Prepared:
1922-2003
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

John A. Blaich Papers. Sherman Library and Gardens

Location of this collection:
614 Dahlia Ave.
Corona del Mar, CA 92625, US
Contact:
(949) 673-1880
library@slgardens.org
Website