A chilling gust of wind whispers secrets through the rigging. We stand before the Berkeley a majestic ferryboat. Its history is rich with tales of bustling voyages and somber accidents.
The Berkeley’s story begins in 1898. Built by the Union Iron Works in San Francisco she was a marvel of engineering. At the time she was the largest commuter ferryboat in the United States capable of carrying 1700 passengers. She was also one of the first propeller-driven ferries on the West Coast a significant innovation for her time.
For sixty years the Berkeley plied the waters of San Francisco Bay. She ferried countless commuters between Oakland and San Francisco. A testament to her resilience she even continued service after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The Berkeley carried refugees to safety across the bay. Her role was crucial during this disaster. The death toll would have been far greater without her.
But the Berkeley’s history isn’t without tragedy. In January 1911 a terrible explosion rocked the men’s bathroom. Miner John Norbom perished along with several injured passengers. His family insisted it wasn’t an accident. They believed Norbom was murdered. The mystery of his death and the explosion still lingers. Some say his ghost still walks the decks.
Another incident involved a collision with the SS Columbia in 1900. A misunderstanding of signals led to the collision. The Columbia suffered significant damage. The Berkeley lost only one lifeboat. It highlights the potential hazards faced by these early vessels.
After decades of service the Berkeley was decommissioned in 1958. She was bought and sold several times. It wasn’t long before she was transformed into a gift shop. Years of neglect damaged her.
Then in 1973 the Maritime Museum of San Diego rescued her. They painstakingly restored the historic vessel. Today she stands as a testament to maritime history. She continues to fascinate visitors. Her presence reminds us of a bygone era. The Berkeley invites you to explore her past. To remember the lives connected to this incredible boat.