Hollywood and the Harbor By Marifrances Trivelli, Director, Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Hollywood and the Harbor
By Marifrances Trivelli
Director, Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Mention the “Port of Los Angeles”, and the most familiar images that immediately come to mind may include massive container ships, trucks, cars, and an array of work boats all contributing to the Port’s status as a center of international trade. But in the early 20th century, before the development of places such as Marina Del Rey, the harbor area was also the center of one of California’s most active yachting communities. Local boatyards produced custom designs for well-heeled clients including some of the best-known names in Hollywood. In 1934, to provide convenient anchorage for what would become a fleet of over 1,000 boats, plans were announced for a $500,000 yacht basin near the California Yacht Club in Wilmington. This new construction was welcome news to the local boating community, as Pacific Motor Boat magazine lauded the “modern facilities for the entire pleasure fleet of Southern California”.
Actors Norman Foster and Frances Dee along with child star Mitzi Green spent a day sailing in the Port of Los Angeles aboard a yacht designed by Matt Walsh. This 1930’s photo bears autographs and goodwill messages from the actors, thanking Captain Walsh for their day on the water.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Matt Walsh Collection
Soon, the Port of Los Angeles was the hub of recreational boating and yacht racing with strong participation from members of the entertainment industry. The busy yachting scene led Pacific Motor Boat to run a follow-up story announcing: “A check-up of RKO Radio, an average major studio, shows that there are employees in almost every department who either own a craft of some sort, an interest in one, or are considering purchasing one”.
Zane Grey’s sword fishing yacht GLADIATOR, seen in the Port of Los Angeles with the San Pedro and Palos Verdes hills in the background. The photo was taken in 1932 shortly before Grey sold the vessel.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Fellows & Stewart Collection
Sportfishing was another popular pastime, and author Zane Grey was among its best-known enthusiasts. In 1921, Grey commissioned a 52-foot yacht he named GLADIATOR from the Fellows & Stewart Shipyard on Terminal Island. Zane used GLADIATOR to hunt for swordfish off Catalina Island, and wrote about his adventures in “The Gladiator of the Sea”.
Actress Shirley Temple entertaining the workers at a yard show, California Shipbuilding Corporation, Terminal Island, 1943.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Estate of Terence Lee.
Actress Dorothy Lamour greets fans at the 1942 launch of the Liberty ship SS WILLIS VAN DEVANTER at California Shipbuilding Corporation, Terminal Island.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Estate of Terence Lee
In 1944, actress Irene Dunne christened the Liberty ship SS CAROLE LOMBARD at California Shipbuilding Corporation, Terminal Island. The Lombard’s namesake was comedic actress Carole Lombard, who was killed in an airplane crash in 1942 while returning from a successful war bond drive. Lombard’s husband, actor Clark Gable (left) attended the launching along with Louis B. Mayer, (right) the co-founder of MGM studios.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Estate of Terence Lee
Yachting days came an abrupt end with the onset of World War II, when the Port was closed to recreational boating. But the restrictions did not put an end to Hollywood’s presence in the harbor. At Terminal Island’s California Shipbuilding Corporation (Calship), hundreds of Liberty and Victory ships were constructed around the clock, and launched quickly in order to transport cargo and materials overseas. Despite the fast pace, each vessel was christened in a formal ceremony, and it would often be a famous Hollywood star who broke a bottle of champagne across the bow. The presence of celebrities was a source of great excitement at Calship as well as a powerful publicity tool.
Liberty Ship SS CAROLE LOMBARD shortly after launching.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Estate of Terence Lee
Whether it be for pleasure boating or assisting in the war effort, Hollywood and the harbor have always enjoyed a long and glamorous association.
The photographs illustrating this article are from the collection of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Though temporarily closed to the public, the Museum continues to expand its presence online, by making its historic photograph collections available for everyone to enjoy. You can view more by visiting the Museum’s website at www.lamaritimemuseum.org, click on “research” and select “online collections”.
Sources:
Port of Los Angeles Annual Reports: 1934, 1935
San Pedro Daily News February 28, 1921 “Famous Author Builds Fine Yacht”
Pacific Motor Boating, February 1933, p. 8 “Los Angeles Plans More Small Boat Harbors”
Pacific Motor Boating, January 1938, “RKO Studio Boasts Many Boat Owners”
California Shipbuilding Corporation Archives, Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Matt Walsh Collection, Los Angeles Maritime Museum
About the Author:
Marifrances Trivelli is the Director of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, which preserves and shares the history of the Port of Los Angeles. She has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island, an M.A in History from the University of Connecticut, and is a graduate of the Getty Museum Management Institute. Marifrances is the President of the Council of American Maritime Museum, and serves on the City of Torrance’s Historic Preservation Commission. She invites all readers of the Palos Verdes Pulse to explore the Museum’s website www.lamaritimemuseum.org and to visit in person once the Museum re-opens next year.