LETTERS Treasure Island I received your Spring 2007 issue recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. The article about USS Mason has raised a question with me. In September of 1942, I was assigned to a new construction and we were housed at Treasure Island (see note below). New ships were assembling their crew there, and the navy used Treasure Island
and remember the Star just tied up at a dock and rotting. There were some other sailing vessels that were engaged in hauling lumber down from Washington, and they put in to San Diego quite often. I finally had the opportunity to go aboard her about eight years ago after they had done a tremendous amount of work on her. It was quite a thrill. PHILIP A. DUFFY Bellevue, Nebraska
Note: No Long john Silver here. Treasure Island is a man-made island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, made from dredge spoils and initially used for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. In World \Vtzr fl the US Navy created a base there and ran an electronics and radio communications training school. Many naval ships used the base as their departure point as they headed out into the Pacific during that conflict.
as the base, using the old Expo exhibit halls for housing. I remember one ship's company that was being assembled was an all-black ship's company. The various ships companies didn't fraternize with each other because the whole place was too frantic, and we were trying to get acquainted with our own shipmates (plus get som e final time ashore), I suppose. I remember them because they would always sing when they marched to mess hall- it was the only unit that would. My ship was ready in September, so I left and never did know what happened to that crew. I returned to Treasure Island abo ut two years later for assignment to another ship, and, of course, no one knew anything about it. I see that USS Mason's company was all from the east coast, but it was assembled at approximately the same time period. I'd be interested to learn if anyone knows their story. I was also interested in the Star of India article because I was stationed in San Diego in February of 1936 to June of 1937 SEAHISTORY 11 9, SUMMER2007
Historic Telescope on a Lee Shore?? The form er owner of Colonel Green's estate at Round Hill in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, has died and the property was sold to a Boston businessman . He plans on tearing down the giant radar dish, a landmark visible far out in Buzzards Bay, and building a seaside mansion in its place. Any help yo u can provide saving this historical landmark in Buzzard's Bay wo uld be greatly appreciated. Love
The telescope is clearly marked (below) on this 1971 nautical chart- "RADOME."
your magazine and what you are doing to save our nautical heritage-it's too bad we could not save in time the tugboat at the Buzzards Bay rotary (New York Central No. 16, see Sea History 117, page 28). I thought anyone with an interes t in thi s sho uld be aware. BRETT MONI Z
West Island, Fairhaven, Massachusetts
路-----------------------路 Join Us for a Voyage into History Our seafaring heritage comes alive in the pages of Sea History, from the ancient mariners of Greece to Portuguese navigators opening up the ocean world to the heroic efforts of sailors in modern-day conflicts. Each issue brings new insights and discoveries. Jfyou love the sea, rivers, lakes, and
bays- if you appreciate the legacy of those who sail in deep water and their workaday craft, then you belong with us.
Join Today! Mail in the form below, phone 1 800 221-NMHS (6647), or visit us at: www.seahistory.org (e-mail: nmhs@seahistory.org)
Yes, I want co join rhe Society and receive Sea History quarterl y. My contribution is enclosed. ($ 17.50 is for Sea History; any amount above that is tax deductible.) Sign me up as: D $35 Regular Member D $50 Family Member D $ 100 Friend D $250 Patton D $500 Donor
11 9
Mr./Ms. - - - - - - - -- - -- - -- -- - - -- -- -- - - --
-----------------------~ZIP _
_ ____
Return to: National Maritime Histo rical Society, PO Box 68, Peekskill NY 10566
路-----------------------路
5