SDRotary - Getting Involved

July 23, 2003

This week's Bulletin was written by David Buro

Berkeley Maritime Museum

What a great change of scenery. We all me and had coffee on the upper rear deck of the Berkeley, with Coronado in the distance. Breakfast was served and the meeting was called to order by Frank at 7:40 A.M.

Frank said that this, his first off site meeting as new President, would be the beginning of many affairs for the club. We all knew what he meant. He hoped to utilize the various interesting Downtown locations that are ours in San Diego. Also, if any member had a site they favored that too would be welcomed.

Jim Mulvaney gave the Invocation. It was his usual and welcomed blessing.

Announcements

Ø Frank thanked Jennifer Grebing for all her hard work putting Sunday's picnic together.

Ø Tim Montague will have Fundraiser T shirts at next Wednesday's meeting. Proceeds to benefit our club.

Ø Pat Cowett had arranged for a one-hour preview of the new Ball Park on Aug. 5th, at 4:15 P.M. The ladies were to wear closed shoes and pants and the men were not to wear skirts. Hard hats will be provided.

Ø Anyone who would like to make additional contributions to the Education Fund that was set up in memory of Rich Murphy (past deceased member of our club) can send a check made out to:

“The Loren Murphy Education Trust"

and mail it directly to:

Mr. Rob Berry

%Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter

101 West Broadway

San Diego, CA 92101-8201

Rob will invest the funds in the existing Trust Fund that currently has approximately $9400.00 in it as of June 30, 2003. Rich was a valued member of our Club and I know he would appreciate any support you can give his wife and son. Thanks, Ron Erbetta, Trustee.

this week’s program

Guest Speaker, Dr. Ray Ashley, was introduced by Jim Mulvaney. Dr. Ashley is the Executive Director of the Maritime Museum and spoke about the impact that Sailing ships have had on mankind. He noted how fortunate we in San Diego are to have survivors of these magnificent architectural wonders that date three centuries.

The Berkley was built in 1898 as the most luxurious ferry boat built at that time. It was meant to establish San Francisco as the symbol of elegance for the entire West Coast. The Berkley was only the second paddle wheel propelled ship built at the time. One of her most memorable undertakings was on April 18,1906, when the great San Francisco earthquake struck. The ship was used 24 hours a day to ferry inhabitants to safety.

In 1973 the Berkley arrived in San Diego to be used as a museum. She remained in port for the next 30 years, instructing and educating visitors. During this time internal patching was being done to ward of centuries of life. However, it became very evident that she would have to be put in dry dock if she was to survive. It took 40,000 PSI of water pressure to remove the barnacles and other debris she had collected. When this was done, the extent of damage became visible. At this point a product, Ceramkote, previously used on Britain's combat machines, was used to create a new skin for the Berkley. This will insure her survival for future generations.

Dr. Ashley went on to explain how the tall ship Californian, a replica of the 1848 C.W. Lawrence, was donated privately to the Museum. After extensive repairs she became our Star of India's sister and is docked nearby.

The Star of India was completed on Nov. 11, 1863, a few days before the Lincoln Gettysburg Address. She is the oldest operating and complete ship of the 19th Century. Truly the Star of our Port. Along with these magnificent examples of human settlement and architectural delight, the Museum is adding the Victoria, a replica Cabrillo ship, dating to 1542. These ships will be used to educate those who wish to share in this wonderful History of man and the conquering of the Seas.

Finally, the Maritime Museum is looking to have the Star of India designated the 18th World Heritage site. She would then be among Mans' greatest endeavors, including the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

We, here in San Diego, can take pride in knowing that our Plymouth Rock lies right in our Bay at the Embarcadero.

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