A guide to the G. Frank Williss postcard collection, 1925-1930
Processed by: L. Bianchi, September 2014.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
2015
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
A Guide to the G. Frank Williss postcard collection
P02-026
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, National Park Service2015, National Park Service
Title: G. Frank Williss postcard collection
Date: 1925-1930
Identifier/Call Number: P02-026 (SAFR 24254)
Creator:
Williss, G. Frank
Physical Description:
12 items.
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The G. Frank Williss postcard collection, 1925-1930, (SAFR 24254, P02-026) is comprised of photographic postcards mainly of
fishing activities in Alaska. The collection has been processed to the Collection 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.
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], P02-026 (SAFR 24254), G. Frank Williss postcard collection, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
SAFR-01777
The collection was donated by G. Frank Williss in 2003. He found the photographs in a book that had belonged to his paternal
grandfather.
Historical or Biographical Note
PRINZ SIGISMUND (built 1902; steamship) was built in Rostock, Germany. She was seized by the U.S. government during World
War I, renamed GENERAL W.C. GORGAS, and used as a troop transport. In 1926, GENERAL W.C. GORGAS was purchased from the Panama
Railroad Company by Libby, McNeill & Libby for use in their cannery business. She returned to troop transport service during
World War II.
The G. Frank Williss postcard collection, 1925-1930, (SAFR 24254, P02-026) is comprised of photographic postcards mainly of
fishing activities in Alaska. The collection has been processed to the Collection level and is open for use.
Contains photographic postcards of Bristol Bay gillnetters, the Libby, McNeill & Libby vessel GENERAL W.C. GORGAS (built 1902;
freighter), and landscapes in Alaska, 1925-1930. There are 12 unique photographic images (black-and-white photographic postcards,
3.5 x 5.5 in.). The photographs relate to the Alaska fishing and canning industry.
- Item 01: GENERAL W.C. GORGAS (built 1902; freighter) anchored, starboard bow view.
- Item 02: Steamship deck view, possibly aboard GENERAL W.C. GORGAS, in icy waters. A group of 10-13 men are gathered at the railing on the port side.
- Item 03: Steamship deck view while underway, possibly aboard GENERAL W.C. GORGAS.
- Item 04: Steamship docked at an unidentified wharf. View as seen from aboard the vessel looking toward a Libby, McNeill & Libby building. A large group of men and women are gathered on the wharf.
- Item 05: Bristol Bay gillnetters tied to one another while under tow.
- Item 06: Towboat towing Bristol Bay gillnetters.
- Item 07: Bristol Bay gillnetter under sail, starboard broadside view. Two men are on board.
- Item 08: Bristol Bay gillnetter under sail, port bow view. Two men are on board.
- Item 09: View across the water of a landscape in the distance. A freighter is underway and buildings are on the shore on the left.
- Item 10: View across the water of a landscape in the distance.
- Item 11: Drift ice.
- Item 12: Drift ice, some with sea birds on top.
No arrangement due to the small size of the collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Gillnetting
Salmon fisheries--Alaska
Merchant ships
General W.C. Gorgas (built 1902; freighter)
Libby, McNeill & Libby
Alaska
Photographic postcards