Two newly processed collections at San Francisco Maritime represent the diverse talents of Northern California residents. From designing commercial vessels to building wooden boats by hand, these creators reflect the difference in the scale of maritime craft and the different processes of building boats and ships.
William H. Grunwald photographs, circa 1960-1997. Collection No. P99-007 (SAFR 19671)
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Aeolus Boats logo burned into wood.
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Over the course of his 40 year career building boats, Bill Grunwald, became a prominent and established boat builder in Northern California. Born in Seattle and raised in Alameda, Grunwald bought a barn in Davenport and began Aeolus Boats in the 1950s. He first built sailboats; later concentrating his efforts on custom boats. He used about 26 designs for rowing boats, punts, dories, and yacht tenders.
The photos date from around 1960 to 1997 and depict mainly boats built by Grunwald. They are shown being constructed, out and about on various San Francisco Bay Area waters, and they are often occupied or surrounded by people enjoying themselves. Awaiting your discovery are photographs from photo essays, prospective and satisfied customers, as well as Grunwald's personal collection, making up three photo albums and 124 loose photoprints. Take a look to view the construction of the boat hulls, the boat shop itself, and a master at work (and sometimes at leisure.)
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Grunwald’s shop with his boats under construction. (P99-007, Ser. 1, File 3, Item 3.2) |
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Click for Collection Guide |
L. Christian Norgaard photographs, circa 1954-1985. Collection No. P95-035 (SAFR 22581)
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Norgaard, upper left, celebrates delivery of Mokuhana. (P95-035, Ser 1, File 1, Item 4.1) |
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Girl inside of kort nozzle on unidentified tug. (P95-035, Ser 1, File 3, Item 2.26) |
The collection holds 15 photo albums, loose photographs, and loose album pages (2.4 linear feet) documenting tugboats, cargo, passenger, public, and fishing vessels that he worked on from the 1950s to the 1970s. Many photographs depict the construction and christening of new vessels as well as exterior views of vessels at work. In addition, you will find Norgaard’s personal papers and over 1,300 vessel plans in the Loring Christian Norgaard historic documents collection, HDC 1294.
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Golden Hinde II (P95-035, Ser 1, File 4, Item 1.2) |
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