Holiday Treasures from the Los Angeles Maritime Museum’s Collection By Marifrances Trivelli Director, Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Holiday Treasures from the Los Angeles Maritime Museum’s Collection
By Marifrances Trivelli Director, Los Angeles Maritime Museum
The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is known for its large collection of nautical artifacts and photographs, but did you know that several Christmas-themed items can be found in the permanent collection as well? Topics include holidays at sea, unusual ornaments, and how a lowly garbage scow won the grand prize in a boat parade….
In 1924 the US Navy airship Los Angeles (ZR-3) became a national sensation after arriving in the United States from Germany, where it was built as war reparation. The fascination with airships in the 1920s and 30s inspired the production of souvenir postcards, toys, and even a Christmas ornament.
Airship ornament.
Image credit: Los Angeles Maritime Museum Collection
The battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38) was one of the fortunate vessels that escaped destruction while at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Pennsylvania was in drydock during the December 7 attack, and by December 25 was sailing to San Francisco for repairs. Despite the recent attack and President Franklin Roosevelt’s subsequent declaration of war, Pennsylvania’s officers observed Christmas at sea with carol services, a special dinner, and the exhortation to “make this a Merry Christmas Anyhow!”
Image credit: Los Angeles Maritime Museum Collection
The annual Holiday Afloat Parade remains a popular tradition in the Port of Los Angeles, when decorated boats sail down the channel and compete for prizes. During the 1970s, Ramona was a frequent winner. Built as a luxury schooner yacht in 1890, Ramona later performed unglamorous but necessary duty as a garbage scow for the H-10 Water Taxi company in San Pedro. During the 1960s and 70s, the Seehorn family, owners of H-10, annually transformed Ramona in to a nativity scene and recruited employees and relatives to participate in starring roles. The scow was a victim of its own success: after several years of winning the grand sweepstakes prize, Ramona was deemed ineligible to participate in future parades.
Ramona as a Garbage Scow
Image credit: Los Angeles Maritime Museum Collection
Ramona Nativity Scene.
Image credit: Los Angeles Maritime Museum Collection
These are just a few examples from the museum’s collection. Be sure to visit the website, www.lamaritimemuseum.org, and use the “research” tab to search thousands of historic photographs.
The Museum is open Wednesday – Sunday, and appointments are required.
The staff and volunteers of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum wish you a very happy holiday season and wonderful New year!
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
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