New in the Research Center: Ship steward's handbook

(by Heather Hernandez, Technical Services Librarian)

Cover

The back cover of the Ship Steward's Handbook says it all:  "This charming little handbook was first published in the 1950s as an aid for stewards in the Merchant Navy. With an emphasis on pride in one's work, and a thoroughness and dedication to the highest level of service, it sets out precise instructions on a steward's duties from table etiquette to cabin service."  Illuminating not just the steward's duties, but what it may have been like to be under such a steward's care, be sure to stop by the Research Center to take a look at this glimpse into a mid-century merchant sailor's seafaring life.

New in the Research Center: WindLasses, Kindred Spirits

(by Heather Hernandez, Technical Services Librarian)

Cover of the CD

We are delighted to announce that a rather scarce CD of sea music and chanties is now available in the Research Center--The WindLasses album Kindred Spirits.  Why not stop by to listen to the Glovers' delightful harmonies?

Sailing Alone Across the Pacific

(by Heather Hernandez, Technical Services Librarian)

Kenichi Horie's inscription on the title page of the Research Center's rare copy of Kodoku.

On Sunday, August 12, 1962, Kenichi Horie arrived in San Francisco, becoming the first person to sail alone across the Pacific.  Read more about this remarkable achievement in our blog entries celebrating the 50th anniversary.

Maritime Metaphors: We're near the water

(by Heather Hernandez, Technical Services Librarian)

One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands is "Nothing on My Mind" by Too Much Joy.  (Give it a listen on their Song of the Week blog.)  It's a song on their album Cereal Killers, which is always with me--in multiple formats at home, and on my player in my bag.

This song has always captured an exact feeling for me:  grabbing a sketchbook and heading to the water.  In times of joy, in times of sadness--letting it all go, sitting on the beach, on a pier, or on a boat and losing myself in drawing what I see.  A sketchbook, drawings, pencils, colors--and the water with its boats, birds, waves.  One of the best things about where I work, and where anyone can visit:  we know "guys" with boats, and some of them are so quiet...without motors...

What does this have to do with Collections?  Plenty!  Need some hints about drawing?  Need something to color?  These will get you started:

• Drawing ships
• How to draw ships
• How to draw merchant ships: vol. 1 and vol. 2
• Ships and how to draw them

Then head to the water.  Sit and enjoy the sound of the waves.  Float around on a boat.  Start drawing and coloring, and drift...let there be nothing on your mind...

Nothing On My Mind

It’s not important

This stuff that I’m afraid of

I’ve got a bugle someplace

Let’s get a parade up

We’re near the water

I know a guy with a boat

It doesn’t have any motor

We can just sit and float

I’ll give you a coloring book

You can draw outside the lines

I’ve got nothing on my mind

My cousin died at a Who concert

He was camping out in line

Me and him went camping, once

I’ve got nothing on my mind

That’s my favorite song

Baby do you wanna dance

If you’re happy and you know it

You got to clap your hands

I’m out of control

Je t’aime le rock and roll