Sunday, November 04, 2007

Nostalgic Ferryboat

The Berkeley Ferryboat was built in 1898 and it carried passengers between San Francisco and Oakland until 1958. It was then converted into a stationary gift shop for 12 years before it was purchased by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It took 3 days to have it towed by tugboat from San Francisco to San Diego where it was restored and converted into a museum.

I passed by this boat whenever I visit, but I never thought about embarking on it until I happened to bored this one particular afternoon so I decided what-the-heck.

Think about the boat's journeys through the century ferrying commuters to work and refugees across the bay after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Imagine the laughter, sadness, fear, and excitement that have taken place.

Berkeley's interior where passengers sat during their journey


Look at the beautiful stained glass windows and shiny hardwood floors.


Refreshment stand where food and drinks were sold on board


This was a picture above the refreshment area. I imagine it could have been a photo of two long-time attendants.


During the boat's renovation, donors could dedicate part of the boat to a loved one. Each passenger bench has one of these dedication plaques. I thought this one was the most interesting.


Hanging on the wall was a certificate such as this one given to passengers who made the final journey on one of these bay ferries.

18 comments:

linda said...

Just so beautiful. The content of the photos and the actual clarity of each picture. Really lovely.

AVCr8teur said...

Thank you Linda. Glad you like the photos and brief tour.

Anonymous said...

I got here from linda's blog...I love the photographic content choices you are making with your work.

dot said...

Really beautiful inside and out! Looks like a church with the pews and windows.

AVCr8teur said...

Hope, Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Glad you like the photos. I love doing human interest photos.

AVCr8teur said...

Dot, it is beautiful. You couldn't really tell if you didn't come aboard.

Oswegan said...

That's awesome, I went to a party on that ferry last fall. It's where we took off from on the sailing ship ride.

It's very cool. Nice photos.

~Oswegan

AVCr8teur said...

Oswegan, Yep, all the lovely boats are right there next to each other. They have a pirate ship and Russian sub there now on display. Very cool.

Dana a/k/a Sunshine said...

Wow, that is a magnificent boat!

AVCr8teur said...

Dana, And to think I almost passed up a chance of going onboard. The admission is $12 to tour 5 vessels.

Anonymous said...

I like the memorial plaque. Perhaps it meant his mother rode the ferry when she was pregnant with him. Perhaps it meant he died young.

I like the picture of the two attendants, the one on the left kind of looks like the tin man from wizard of oz.

intrepidideas said...

Nice photos. I'm glad I stopped by. Cool site all around. Keep up the good work.

Isadora said...

This is beautifully maintained!! Love the photos, thanks for sharing.

Lynette said...

The photos and your comments are wonderful. I'm so proud that the ferry has been saved and cared for in such a great way.

Thanks for stopping by to visit Flat Stanley. Actually, Duncan had a pretty good time himself, riding in Mama's lap, napping in the sun in the Buick with the windows down a bit--he's the sweetest dog I've ever known.

AVCr8teur said...

Kate Isis, I didn't think of the 2nd scenario. Hmmm, makes you wonder. I thought one of the attendants kind of looked like Jimmy Durante.

AVCr8teur said...

Intrepid Ideas, I'm glad you dropped by too. Thank you for commenting and hope to see you again.

AVCr8teur said...

Isadora, Thank you for dropping by my blog. I fell in love with the boat when I saw the interior.

AVCr8teur said...

Lynette, I think Flat Stanley would've loved to get on the Berkeley Ferryboat.