Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Floating White House”
Oakland, California
2011
OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FIRST LADY… Déjà vu?
By Paulette Langguth
The often quoted “this is like déjà vu all over again,” attributed to baseball’s Yogi
Berra, has appeared recently in numerous articles both in support, and in condemnation, of President Obama and his policies. Regardless of your opinions about
our current administration, (no Letters to the Editor, please), I think you will find
the following article, from Eleanor Roosevelt’s My Day newspaper columns, of
interest. Many of the First Lady’s observations, made seventy years ago, sound
all too familiar.
“Washington, January 7, 1941 – We have
just come back from the Capitol, where we
listened to the President deliver his message to Congress. Of necessity, a message
to Congress is in fairly general terms. It
cannot specify all the ways and means by
which certain objectives are to be accomplished. I felt, however, that in this message,
our national objectives were fairly clearly
stated, and some of the details which will
have to be later put into legislative form by
Congress were at least plainly indicated.
“It did not seem to me that anything in this message was of more interest to the
Democrats than to the Republicans. On the whole, while there might later be
some difference of opinion as to the methods of carrying out the objectives, there
seemed to be nothing that members of Congress of all parties could not accept as
representing their stand in relation to the interests of their country.
“Therefore, I was not only astonished but saddened to notice that the applause
came almost entirely from the Democrats and only a few noticeable exceptions
on the Republican side raised a hand in approval at any point. It looked to me as
though those members of Congress were saying to the country as a whole: ‘We
are Republicans first. We represent you here in Congress, not as citizens of the
United States in a period of great crisis, but as members of a political party which
seeks primarily to promote its own partisan interests.’
“This is to me shocking and terrifying. There was running through my mind as I
watched them, in what would have been an act of childish spite if it has not been
such a serious moment in history, the lines of a song which was popular when I
was young, ‘I don’t want to play in your yard. I don’t love you any more.’
Continued page 2
Spring Edition
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
News from the Marketing Team
By STUART PROFFITT
Putting ideas into action to promote
the USS Potomac . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FDR and the Potomac Stewards
By EDWARD I. BLOOM
The versatile group who looked after
the President’s needs. . . . . . . . . . . 3
Marti’s Musings
By MARTI BURCHELL
The Potomac Volunteers. . . . . . . .4
Mooring Lines
By VIRGINIA RAPP
Charting Our Course. . . . . . . . . . .4
Notes from the Archives…
The Mystery Behind the Ship’s Bell
By HANK LANEY, Curator
The ship’s bell is back, but it seems
to be used. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2011 Cruise Schedule
Offering a wide range of
events and cruises for the coming
season. Take a look - it’s not too
soon to to make reservations.
Take a look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Potomac Profiles
A new feature makes its debut
with this edition - do you have a
favorite yacht? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Friends of the Potomac
The most important page in this
issue of Potomac Currents . . . . . 9
MOST POPULAR LINKS:
Visit the USS Potomac on Facebook
Events and Cruises
Student Tours
Private Charters
Become a Friend of the Potomac
Déjà vu from page 1
“Sometimes I wonder if it will take the suffering of the peoples in conquered
countries and of those who still fight for their freedom today to make us realize
that there are times when it matters little whether you are a Republican or a Democrat. The wings of the eagle cannot be clipped either because you have economic
interests or political differences.
“Our eagle has always soared high in the skies. He represents the spirit and heart
of a people who care for nothing as much as liberty and justice, and I think he will
represent such a people to the end.
“Surely all of us can be united in a
foreign policy which seeks to aid
those people who fight for freedom and, thereby, gives us the hope of present
peace for ourselves and a future peace for the world founded on the four great
principles enunciated today. As to the determination to continue to make it
possible for our people to feel that we are ever moving forward to a civilization which will make life more worth living for them, that also seems to me an
objective which we can ill afford to have any partisan difference becloud, no
matter how we may differ on the details of achievement.”
To read more of Eleanor Roosevelt’s “My Day” columns, click here.
NEWS FROM THE MARKETING TEAM
By Stuart Proffitt, Chairman
The Potomac’s Marketing Team (aka the Merry Marketeers)
has been a busy group. We meet twice a month to plan and
implement ideas that introduce the USS Potomac to new
friends and supporters.
In 2010 we held two Familiarization (FAM) Cruises, specifically for Bay Area Destination and Event Planners. Based
on the attendance and great feed-back, both were a success,
and there are signs they are paying off with our Charter sales
up as compared to this time last year. A third FAM Cruise is
scheduled for later this year.
A new charter brochure targeting the Wedding Planning industry debuted at Scott’s Bridal Faire recently. Once again,
more interest by more people will generate more Charter
business.
Have any unwanted antiques or curios? Take advantage
of the Potomac’s partnership with Alameda’s Michaan’s
Auctions. It is simple and easy: You donate it, Michaan’s
auctions it, the Potomac receives 95% of the sale price, and
you get the tax write-off! How is that for winning? To learn
more, simply call 510-740-0220. Ask for Jane Alexiadis at
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Ext. 110, or contact her by email to: [email protected].
Speaking of winning, not to mention a super Boat Show…
Come see the USS Potomac’s booth at the Oakland Boat
Show, April 14-17, in Jack London Square. While you are
there, enter our drawing for four Fleet Week Cruise Tickets
(a $500 value). Then visit the Potomac for a free Dockside
Tour.
Enjoy live Improv Comedy? A good portion of the proceeds
from the Danville Theater’s May 14 performance of Trapped
in a Rumor will go to the USS Potomac. For tickets, contact
the theater at 925-314-3466. It’s located at 233 Front Street
in Danville. Have fun and help the ship… it’s another win.
The Potomac is featured in the March issue of Bay Crossings (available at all Bay Area Ferry Terminals). Their
full page story includes the kick-off announcement for the
Potomac Photo Contest.
We have lots of ideas in the planning stages, but we can always use more. You can pass along your ideas to us at
[email protected].
FDR and The Potomac Stewards
By Edward I. Bloom
Whenever he was aboard the Potomac FDR greatly enjoyed the food,
not only because it was a welcome change from the fare served at the
White House, but because the Filipino stewards had acquired the knack
of knowing exactly what dishes he preferred and how to cater to his
tastes. As a concession to his expressed preferences, the Secret Service
agreed to have the Potomac stewards accompany the President whenever he traveled away from Washington, D.C., with three exceptions: Hyde
Park, Warm Springs, or as a house guest with one of his many friends.
The Potomac stewards travelled with FDR on his frequent weekend
visits to the Maryland Catoctin Mountains. The small encampment 60
miles from the White House was originally built as a C.C.C. camp, then
was taken over by the Marines as a training camp, and later converted to
a Presidential retreat after the start of World War II. FDR called this retreat Shangri-La; it was later renamed Camp David by President Eisenhower. FDR’s cottage had four bedrooms and two bathrooms, one for
the President and the second to be shared by the occupants of the other
three bedrooms. FDR delighted in telling his houseguests that the second bathroom’s door did not lock properly, so they should be careful.
The President always oversaw what went into the hamper of cheeses,
cocktail appetizers, and candies brought up from the White House. This
would include careful instructions to Isaac, the head Potomac steward, Chief Steward on the Potomac
on just when during the weekend each of the items should be served.
The Potomac stewards accompanied FDR on his several oversees conferences. At the Tehran Conference, the American
delegation numbered 70, including the stewards, also called mess men. During the second day of the conference, Joseph
Stalin expressed fears that the long drive from the American Legation presented a security hazard and a possibility of assassination. He persuaded FDR to move to a villa within the Russian compound. However, it had no kitchen or cooking facilities. Undaunted, the Potomac stewards were able to meet this challenge. They prepared and served hot meals throughout
the remainder of the conference, although none of the various accounts of the conference detail how this was accomplished.
At the Yalta Conference, the first night’s banquet was hosted by the American Delegation. The Potomac stewards, agreeing
to the menu requests from the Russians, were able to come up with caviar, sturgeon, beef with macaroni, sweet cake, tea,
coffee, vodka, and five kinds of wine, one of which was a California wine.
Whenever FDR travelled away from the White House, the Potomac stewards played an integral role in support of the President’s health and welfare. In addition, when aboard the Potomac, the stewards proved to be indispensible for yet another
reason – they knew where to find all the best fishing grounds in the Chesapeake Bay.
Sources: Roosevelt and Hopkins – Robert E. Sherwood
Roosevelt: The Soldier of Freedom – James MacGregor Burns
Trivia Question
What did FDR call Winston Churchill ?
Answer: Former Naval Person.
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MARTI’S MUSINGS…The power of volunters
I am continually reminded that the power of volunteers is a force to be reckoned with!
I have written before about the Potomac Volunteers, and what a terrific group they are. Not
to belabor the point, but recent developments demand that I tell you, once again dear readers,
about this amazing group who give so much of themselves, and then some, to the Potomac.
• Recently, we sent an appeal to the Friends of the Potomac for a special donation to help the Association through a tough financial period. To date, we have received over $21,000. Seventy five percent of the donations came from our current list of active volunteers!
• Our fantastic crew, who by the way, participate in all the maintenance on our ship, have volunteered to work the entire 2011 cruising season without pay. Again, this generous offer will assist the Association during these challenging times.
• A strong group of volunteers has stepped up with a plan to take on a portion of the administrative and program duties for the Association, should it be necessary for the Executive Director, yours truly, and the Ship Keeper to go part time. Again, to assist with the overall financial picture.
• Another group of volunteers, the Mighty Marketing Team, has created a plan of action and focused on fund raising events that will broaden our base of support. Their plans and activities are filled with fresh ideas designed to bring new “friends and fans” to the Potomac.
• Maintenance volunteers have redone the shelving and sink areas in the ship’s restrooms with upgrades that make both facilities more attractive (thank you, John Kaehms). Also, our recently acquired historic ship’s bell is now mounted on a beautiful wood frame, and is on display in the Dining Saloon for all to see. Many thanks to Ron Gammon for his fine craftsmanship.
On behalf of all the women who visit the Potomac - great
job, John Kaehms!
All of the above took place during the first quarter of 2011. Incredible... I can only imagine what the Potomac Volunteers
will accomplish over the next three quarters. Thank you.
MOORING LINES . . . Charting our course
For the last several months, the USS Potomac has been facing difficult challenges – often it
seemed that we were sailing against the wind. Looking back, I came upon this quote from
Franklin Roosevelt’s April 14, 1938 Fireside Chat: “To reach a port, we must sail – sail, not
tie at anchor – sail, not drift.” Well put, Mr. President.
This issue of Potomac Currents introduces a new column from the Marketing Team. For
nearly a year, this group of volunteers has been hard at work behind the scenes to promote the
Potomac and broaden its reach. They and the hundred plus complement of Potomac volunteers have all gone above and beyond to make sure we do not drift. I am confident that when
we release the Potomac’s mooring lines on Sunday, May 1, for Opening Day on the Bay, we
will be sailing on course with many more ports on the horizon.
Virginia Rapp, Editor
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FROM THE ARCHIVES.....
By Hank Laney, Curator
THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE SHIP’S BELL
The original USS Potomac ship’s bell now hangs in a place of prominence in the main saloon.
It took some time to get it there, but it was worth the wait. Recently obtained from the US Navy, Naval Historical Branch,
I set to work on designing and fabricating the display with a great deal of assistance from our Ship Keeper, Craig Newton,
and Maintenance volunteer, Ron Gammon.
However, there was something strange about the bell’s appearance. When Ron and I
first unpacked it we suspected it was (how do I put this?) used. It was clear that this was
not a bell cast for the Presidential Yacht. This seemed to be an older bell, pressed into
service, and renamed in 1936 for the Potomac.
How could this be? Yet, it was quite obvious (see photo). One side of the bell was shipshape with the USS Potomac and 1936 engraved prominently. But a look at the other
side showed something else. In equally large letters (that someone attempted to fill in
with brazing) was the name of another ship. It was not altogether readable, but it was
still there. In addition, the brazing process caused the bell to crack.
The bell sat in its crate waiting for installation while we pondered this strange anomaly.
It was intended, after all, for a presidential yacht. The ship’s bell has been, and still remains, the iconic symbol of ship’s existence. How could this “used” bell have been put into service for the USS Potomac?
Was it grabbed from a pile of old bells and refurbished? Was the President blind-sided? Hardly likely, since it was for a
Presidential Yacht and kept by the Curator of the Navy (like others they keep) for historical purposes. It made no sense, but
there it was. So we examined it further from time to time attempting to solve the mystery.
We finally made out the name that had been brazed over. The work was amateurish,
and that is what led to the cracking. We were able to make out the former ship’s
name as the USS Farragut, dated 1934. I made a rush to the history books. The
Navy had a number of ships of this name over time, but one stood out. It was a
Naval Destroyer put into commission in 1934, the namesake of the Farragut Class
of destroyers that followed. This USS Farragut served valiantly throughout WWII
and was eventually sold for scrap in 1947. But still, what was the connection to the
Potomac in 1936? It seems improbable the Navy would pull the main bell from a
fairly new ship. Was FDR somehow involved in all of this?
Perhaps so... a little digging into the history of the USS Farragut revealed that she
was built in Quincy, Massachusetts, and launched on March 15, 1934. Surprisingly,
the woman who broke the bottle of champagne over her bow at the launch was none
other than Mrs. James Roosevelt, daughter-in-law of President Roosevelt! Almost
exactly a year later the USS Farragut embarked President Roosevelt at Jacksonville,
Florida, and the next day the ship carried him to a rendezvous with a private yacht.
The USS Farragut served as the escort ship to the yacht during this pleasure cruise
for over a week.
Was this the connection we were looking for? Could FDR have requested that the USS Farragut’s bell be used on his new
yacht? After all, his daughter-in-law christened the USS Farragut. After reflection, it seemed very possible. FDR was the
President, and he had a great fondness for all things naval.
We all hope you enjoy the bell in its present location. Take a peek behind it for yourself. And one other thing – we ask you
not to ring it! Remember, there is a crack. But, that puts our ship’s bell in good company... the Liberty Bell also has a crack.
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CRUISES & EVENTS 2011
History Cruises
Special History Cruises
1st and 3rd Thursday
2nd and 4th Saturday
May thru October
10:30AM ~ 12:30PM
$45.00 Adults, $40.00 Seniors
$25.00 Under 12
Groups of 20 or more: $35.00 each
Opening Day on the Bay
May 1
“Characters of the Bay”
Mother’s Day
May 8
Memorial Day
May 30
Father’s Day
June 19
Fourth of July
July 4
Immigration Station Cruise (Angel Island)
July 27, Aug. 24 10:30 to 3:30
Sept. 28, Oct. 26
9:45 to 3:00
Fleet Week Practice
October 7
Fleet Week
October 8 & 9
Characters on the Bay
November 3
Veteran’s Day (2 Cruises)
November 11
* Prices may vary, please call for information.
Dockside Tours
Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Year Round ~ 11:00AM to 3:00PM
$10.00 Adults, $8.00 Seniors
Join us at the
Strictly Sail Boatshow
Potomac discount offer...
Check it out.
April 14-17
For information or reservations go to www.usspotomac.org or call 510-627-1215
The Potomac Association
540 Water Street
P.O. Box 2064 Oakland, CA 94604
Telephone: 510-627-1215
www.usspotomac.org
The Potomac Currents is published
by the Association for the Preservation
of the Presidential Yacht, Potomac, Inc.
Editor: Virginia Rapp
Layout and Design: David McGraw
Editorial Board: Marti Burchell, Ed Bloom,
Rich Knowles, Les Marks, Hank Laney,
Brad Bunnin and David McGraw
Electronic Distribution: Karen Lyberger
Webmaster: Tom Howard
No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the written permission
of the publisher.
Board of Governors and Staff
Michael Roosevelt, Chairman
Carla Betts, President
Tom Morehouse, 1st Vice President
Art Haskell, CFO
Jean Gaskill, Secretary
This Sailboat is a reproduction of an original
design by President Roosevelt used on his
personal matchbooks. He used the letters
"FDR" to form the upper part of the sailboat.
This was an appropriate device, since sailing
was one of his favorite activities.
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Walter Abernathy, Rick Anderson,
Mary Bergan, Joe Brennan, David Connolly,
Curtis Davies,Virginia Furth,
Judy Goff-Roveda, Al Groh,
Hal Marsh, James McCloud,
Denny McLeod, Ron Paredes, Jeff Sturm,
Kirk Rowlands, Richard Zampa
Marti Burchell, Executive Director
Craig Newton, Ship Keeper
Charter
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s
Presidential Yacht
USS Potomac
Weddings • Special Events • Celebrations
Potomac Association
Call 510-627-1215 ~ www.usspotomac.org
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POTOMAC DONOR PROFILES
DALE HANSEN
HOME: Greenbrae, CA
AGE: Young enough
PROFESSION: Real Estate
HOBBIES: Golf, travel, good food, good people, good books
MOST MEMORABLE BOOK: A Man Called Intrepid
LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Too many to name
QUOTE: “Persevere”
PROFILE: One of the first volunteers to give tours
on the USS Potomac the day it opened in 1995;
a generous supporter, Education Volunteer,
speaker, and friend of the Potomac for over sixteen
years; an asset to our Association in every way.
Want to sail in Presidential style?
For cruises, events, and charters, go to:
YACHT: The Presidential Yacht USS Potomac
www.usspotomac.org
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Friends of the Potomac
The USS Potomac Association acknowledges the following individuals and organizations
for their generous donations.
SUSTAINING PATRON
Dale Hansen*
Port of Oakland
Waterfront Plaza Hotel
CORPORATE/PATRON
Alexander & Baldwin
Foundation*
Ken & Carla Betts
Joe Brennan & Jan Tiura
Jean & Barbara Gaskill
Stanley Jacobsen &
Emmy Werner
Matson Navigation*
Denny & Ruth McLeod*
(in memory of Jimmy McCloud)
Y. H. Soda Foundation
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
Walter Abernathy
Rick Anderson
CA Field Iron Workers
Admin Trust
Gray Cathrall*
Dr Jacob Deegan
Willis Deming
William & Marsha Dillon
Virginia Furth
Arthur Haskell
Tom Howard
Glenn & Gabriella Isaacson*
Hugh James
Les Marks*
David & Myrna McGraw*
Kurt Lauridsen
Michael Roosevelt
Judy Goff-Roveda
Dan Strohl*
John Tuttle &
Doug Drummond
ADMIRAL
John & Clem Underhill*
Richard Zampa – District Council of Ironworkers
ELEANOR
Mary Bergan
Don & Cathy DeCoss
Gilbert Williams &
Anne Bonaparte
David Lee Woods &
Phyllis D Chambers
John & Donna Kaehms
Bill & Mollie Kinney
Rich Knowles &
Merlyn Uhlenberg
Jack Lapidos
Thomas Murray
Angeline Papastefan*
Stuart & Vallyn Proffitt*
Virginia Rapp*
Gordon Seligson*
Deborah Tharp
John & Marilyn Welland
Gene Zahas
Bruce L Garner*
Tom & Carol Morehouse
CAPTAIN
Linda Brewer
Brad Bunnin
Pat & Barbi Carson
Ronald Casassa
Dave Connolly
Art & Ardeth Dreshfeld
Les & Elaine Dropkin
Olaf Elander
Nancy Elbeck
Norman & Edna
Eltringham*
Pete Geffen
Albert & Terry Groh*
Martine Habib
FIRST MATE
ABC Security Service
Gail & Bruce Adair
Glenn Aitkens
Carol Anderson
Ron & Judy Arrants
John & Suzanne Barr
Bruce Baur
Diane Beardsly*
Gene Bell
Richard Black
Miriam Bloomberg
James Bolen
Donald & Sharon Bonney
John & Susan Bradley
Roland Brandel
William Brewster*
James Brice*
Marti Burchell
Windy & Jerry Butler
Malcolm Carden*
Vern & Alice Carrier
Ted & Lynda Chenoweth
Robert Chlebowski &
Gray Brechin*
Richard Crane*
Fred Cunningham
Alan J Curtis*
J Hallam Dawson &
Mary McVey*
Lee Ditlefsen*
Wally Dutchess*
Robert Eakin &
Avis Hendley
Carol Anne Econin*
Georgia Edlund
Thomas Escher
Arthur Fatum
Dorothy & Julie Filice*
A Allen Green*
Continued on page 10
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Trevor Hall
Bonnie & Earl Hamlin
Mavourneen Harshman
Heinold’s First & Last
Chance Saloon
Leroy & Marlene Hintzman
Capt Walter Jaffee
Marvin Jensen
Carol Johnston
Charley Kearns &
Frank Ching
Nancy Kickertz
Neal & Nancy Lambly
Continued from page 9
Friends of the Potomac
FIRST MATE
Daniel Lamey & Mary Solon
Paulette Langguth*
Jack Lapidos
Jon & Megan Leuteneker*
Patricia MacLean
Judy Malespino*
Frank McConville*
John McCredie
Jim O’Connor
Beverly Partridge*
Tara Quinn*
Art & Carrell Rankin
Joseph & Bonnie Reid
Harold Rice
Luise Roke*
Mitch Salzman
Elizabeth Sanders*
Jerry & Lovene Silsdorf
Jerry Skrainer*
Diane & Gordon Thielvoldt*
Ruby Tilley
John & Nancy Turnier
Lee Velde
Wanda Viviano
Beverly Voelker
Cynthia Weiss
Mary Whitehead
Anne Whiteside*
Bobby Winton Bay Crossings*
Ruth Ann Yager
FALA
Ramon Aguilar
Ernestine Angle*†
Mr & Mrs Boell*
Sally Beck &
David Brossard
Jim Cadwell
H Treat Cafferata MD &
Patricia D Cafferata ESQ*†
Carol Campbell
Angelique & Yann
Cucaro-Renault
Al Dessayer
Gus Dorough
James Elander
John Gilbertson*†
Richard Hammer
Elizabeth Hannon
Barbara Hartwell*
Howard Herman
Esther Jennings
Lucy John
Colleen Kelly-Prola
Donna Kerger*
Paul Koehn
Lawrence & Emily Lohr
Ronald Louis
Sandra Lundgren
Arthur Mark
Robert Matz
William Memmer*
Paul Morris*
Dawn Muller
Cathy O’Brien
William Peeters
George & Rita Phelps*†
Herbert Ploch
Jenny Porter*†
Brenda Price
Dr Hal S Raper Jr DDS*
Maurice Robichaud
David Schultz*
Elaine Stanley
Kathy Szumiloski
John Tysell
Robert Woodruff
Anonymous*
STUDENT/TEACHER
Mike Gregory
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EDUCATIONAL FUND
Al Groh
Amalgamated Transit Union
Local 1555 Oakland
Carpenters Local 2236
Oakland
Cement Masons Local 400
Sacramento
CWA Local 9415 Oakland
Dave Connolly
District Council of Iron
Workers Pinole
Ironworkers Local 155
Fresno
Ironworkers Local 229
San Diego
Ironworkers Local 377
San Francisco
Ironworkers Local 378
Benicia
International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers
Local 332 San Jose
Laborers International
Union Local 270 San Jose
Northern California
District Council of Laborers
Pleasanton
Office & Professional
Employees Local 3
San Francisco
Operating Engineers Local 3
Alameda
Pipe Trades Local 36
Plumbers, Pipe and Refrigeration Fitters UALA 246
Fresno
Plumbers & Steamfitters
Local 403 San Luis Obispo
San Francisco Maritime
Council
Sheet Metal Workers Local
104 San Ramon
Sheet Metal Workers
Local 162 Sacramento
SIEU Local 1021 Oakland
Teamsters Local 853
San Leandro
Union of American Physicians & Dentists Oakland
Richard Zampa
Since January 2010, union organizations throughout the San Fransisco Bay Area have contributed more than
$8,000 specifically to support the Educational Cruises.
*Contributor to the Potomac Appeal Campaign † Gift in memory of Mahala Gilbertson
Note: Questions or comments about the above listing may be referred to Gordon Seligson, email:
[email protected] or write to the Friends of the Potomac, P.O. Box 2064, Oakland, CA 94604.
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