The Eureka Heritage Society's Newsletter,
The Heritage Herald
, Fall 1999

Sailing Back in Time

On August 22nd early morning fog gave way to a perfect summer day as a capacity crowd boarded the historic Madaket for Eureka Heritage Society's sold-out membership event, Sailing Back in Time. Leroy Zerlang guided our trip down the Bay, indicating sites and giving brief histories of the industries that built Humboldt County. As he pointed out the fishing activities and lumber industries that still remain, we had much food for thought about the future of the waterfront. Harbor seals swimming by and the sight of numerous sea birds, from cormorants and pelicans to various long-legged waders, hinted at the richness and diversity of wildlife in Humboldt Bay.
The Coast Guard welcomed our group to their beautiful site on the North Spit with gracious hospitality. The main facility, constructed in 1936, is a National Register Site. Built in classic New England style, it consists of two 2-story gabled houses, with a marine way and work area surmounted by a lookout tower joining them at the center. We were given an informative tour of the facilities and equipment which enabled us to visualize the work life of the on-duty personnel at the station. One of the first motorized vessels used by the Coast Guard was on view, as well as the present-day boats with which the respond to calls from mariners in distress. When we learned that in 1878 the installation was described as a Life Saving Station manned by a "keeper and six surfmen" who powered their boats by rowing, it made the viewing of today's very sophisticated marine technology all the more impressive. Our tours were followed by a very generous and delicious lunch prepared by the Coast Guard and enjoyed by our group at outdoor picnic tables with beautiful Bay views extending around us. Homeward bound in sunshine and mild breezes, Leroy pointed out a kingfisher flying by and told us the bird is considered good luck by sailors. It seemed a perfect conclusion to a very interesting and enjoyable excursion. 
We felt lucky to have had this opportunity to go Sailing Back in Time on Humboldt Bay.
---- Elizabeth Thompson

Photo's from Sailing Back in Time

Click on Photo for larger image

MaryBeth.JPG (12920 bytes) Madaket.JPG (16342 bytes)

Boarding the Madaket

Doris.JPG (15002 bytes)

EHS Treasurer, Doris Timm, checks in the passengers

EHS President, Mary Beth Wolford welcomes members to Sailing Back in Time Birds.JPG (11607 bytes)

Cormorants dry off on a pier

Ladies.JPG (15788 bytes)

6 EHS Members on Coast Guard Cutter

Captain.JPG (12004 bytes)

Larry Zerland in the wheelhouse of the Madaket

Humboldt Bay Coast Guard Station

Royce.JPG (15923 bytes)

Master Chef Royce Heckendorn prepares barbeque

Couple.JPG (17431 bytes)

Nancy and Pete Spruance

Onboard.JPG (15966 bytes)

On Board the Madaket

 

(continue to page 3 - The Heritage Herald, Fall 1999)