Northland (1929) -- Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

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Northland (1929) -- Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

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NARA URLJPG LinkLocationSector
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7284521 January
February
March
April
May
June
Non Arctic
Non Arctic
Non Arctic
Non Arctic
To Arctic
Arctic
-
-
-
-
P
P
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7284522 July
August
September
October
November
December
Arctic
Arctic
From Arctic
From Arctic
Non Arctic
Non Arctic
P
P
P
P
-
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On the weather page, please enter: date, locations, distances, courses, and all the weather data in the columns outlined in red in the spreadsheet.
It is not necessary to record Sea Conditions or Swells from.
However, ice mentioned in the weather grid should be transcribed using the magenta Sea columns.

On the events page please enter: ice, location information, and sailing information.
Aurorae and volcanic activity should also be reported.
Other events are optional.

One person can do both weather and events (Stream 1), but the system also allows one person to do the weather page (Stream 1) and a second person to do the events page (Stream 3).
Unlike in OW3, where three transcriptions were required for each page, we are doing only one transcription per page.

Every transcriber needs to enter the date.
The date is used to organize the pages.
(If one transcriber does events and weather and they are in the same image, the date is only entered once.)



OW web site: Northland
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Randi
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Re: Northland (1929) -- Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

Post by Randi »

ggordon wrote:Sat Aug 03, 2019 6:52 pm I need help with a word on page 27 of the Northland log, January 22, 1929. The word is in about the middle of the 9AM to 4PM entry. "Crew engaged in overhauling port ******* and sailing launch." It looks like "monoway"

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_027.jpg

I've looked through many sites listing sailing terms, tried the crossword helper, and googling, but can't find anything that comes close. I've looked ahead about ten days to see whether they might have overhauled the same thing on the starboard side, but no luck.

This does not appear to be critical information. So I will proceed with my transcribing, but am hoping someone might have an idea what they might have overhauled.

Hurlock wrote:Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:14 pm I came across mention of a Monomoy boat being on board the Northland when I started transcribing 1927. The word looks like Monomay or Monoway. I think they are referring to the monomoy life boat. They are designed after surf boats used off Monomoy Island near Cape Cod.

Michael wrote:Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:30 pm Well done, Hurlock!

http://overfalls.org/MonomoyLifeboat.html

ggordon wrote:Sat Aug 03, 2019 8:27 pm Wow, thank you Hurlock! ;D

Thank you Randi for suggesting that I post this here. :)

I tried searching Google with several spellings close to that, but never that exact spelling.

I haven't uploaded that file yet. I'll make the change before uploading.

ggordon wrote:Tue Aug 06, 2019 2:32 am On Feb 9, at 8:57AM the British Motor Vessel Chief Skugail of Vancouver, B.C. was sighted off the Baja California coast and then trailed for the remainder of the day.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_051.jpg

Dinner time now. So I don't get to find out yet what happened on Feb. 10.


ggordon wrote:Tue Aug 06, 2019 6:17 am
That explains a lot. I had the spelling wrong and was unable to find anything with Google. I was also trying to figure out why the Northland kept turning the lights out at night and running dark. During the day they seemed to be stopping every boat or ship they encountered and were receiving radioed directions to investigate in certain areas. I was trying to figure out what was happening at that point in history to warrant their activities. Now I know.

Michael wrote:Tue Aug 06, 2019 2:31 pm I took the time to watch the video from 1932. There's some footage of the Northland about 2/3 of the way in. :)
We'll have to watch in the logs for 1932 to see if there's a mention of the MV Hickey.

ggordon wrote:Tue Aug 06, 2019 8:37 pm On Feb 10, the Northland continued trailing the Chief Skugaid until these mid-morning entries:
10:14 Came up to British steamer Arwyco and C.G.C. Montgomery in log 49.6
*10:50 C.G.C Alert arrived. Crusing about Chief Skugaid and Arwyco on various courses and speed.
10:55 Was relieved C.G.C. Alert
Later that evening:
9.00 Passed SHAWNEE trailing Lillehorn.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_052.jpg

While trying to figure out the spelling of Arwyco, came across an article that mentioned that a crew member on one of the rum runner ships a few months earlier said that the Arwyco stationed off the coast from Ensenada appeared to be the mother ship overseeing the operation.

https://www.nauticapedia.ca/Gallery/Stadacona.php

I expected to be looking for ice in the Arctic, not rum in Mexico. ;D

ggordon wrote:Wed Aug 14, 2019 8:09 am On Mar. 15 a seaman returned to the ship early in the morning with a gunshot wound from a street fight in Oakland.
12:45 Ivan S. White, Sea 1c, reported on board suffering from a gun-shot wound under left arm pit received in a street fight on Seventh and Webster Streets. There being no doctor attached, White, in custody of Chief phamacists' mate was sent to the Oakland Emergency Hospital, where his wound (a flesh wound only) was dressed; returning on board at 1:45.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_090.jpg

This happened very near the hotel were I stayed several times on recent trips down there to handle family business.

ggordon wrote:Thu Aug 15, 2019 6:10 am It appears that the shooting of Ivan White was more serious than indicated in the initial early morning report on Mar. 15. There was mention later in the Mar. 15 log that later that morning he was taken to a military hospital, but no further mention until this entry on Mar. 20:
11:30, the Board of Investigation of which Lieut R.E. Wood is president met to investigate into the shooting of Ivan S. White Sea 1c.
11:40, the board adjourned to await the return of Ivan S. White Sea 1c from the hospital.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_095.jpg

It will be interesting to see how this story progresses.

ggordon wrote:Thu Aug 15, 2019 7:13 pm The Northland needs to head for the relative safety of Alaska before there are any more mishaps from the dangers of Oakland and Vallejo (adjacent to Mare Island).

From the Mar. 21 log:
5.15 Received notice from Naval Hospital, Mare Island that Ernest V. Johnson E.M. 1/c, Homer Evans M.M. 1/c and John Enos Bug. 2/c had been injured in an automobile accident and were confined in that hospital.
6.15 Ernest V. Johnson E.M. 1/c and Homer Evans M.M. 1/c returned aboard; having been discharged from Naval Hospital. Placed on binnacle list.
It looks like John remains in the hospital and Ernest and Evans remain listed as sick. I had to look up binnacle list. It's a list of people on board who are sick, usually kept at the binnacle. The binnacle is a housing for the ship's compass and a lamp.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_096.jpg

ggordon wrote:Fri Aug 16, 2019 9:44 pm On Mar. 26 Ivan White returned to duty after going to the hospital on Mar. 15 with a gunshot wound.
6:45 Ivan F. White, Sea 1c returned for duty from U.S. Marine Hospital No. 19.
Presumably the investigation into the shooting will resume at some point now that he has returned.

ggordon wrote:Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:50 am A seaman's death was reported on March 27.
10:30 Received information that Arthur F. Ritsma Q.M. 1c, had died at U.S.P.H. Hospital No 19.
12:45 Lieut. (J.G) (T) A.J. Maclean left the vessel for San Francisco to superintend the perparations for burial of remains of Arther F. Ritsma, Q.M 1c., in accordance with Commanding Officers letter, Reference (a) Article 2182 Regulations. (b) telephone communication of March 27, 1929, with Commanding Officer.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_102.jpg
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Re: Northland (1929) -- Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

Post by Randi »

ggordon wrote:Sat Aug 17, 2019 7:27 pm The seamen continue to get into trouble in Oakland, particularly Ivan White.

From April 2 log:
The Board of Investigation of which Lieut. R.E. Wood is president met in case of an automobile accident on Mar 15, 1929
The Board of Investigation of which Lieut. R.E. Wood is president met in case of the shooting of Ivan F. White Sea 1/c.
2.15 Thomas Parks Sea 1/c and Ivan F. White Sea 1/c surrendered into the custody of Lieutenant of Police Vallejo, California, B.L. Forman on a telagraphic warrant from The Oakland Police Department charging theft.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_115.jpg

ggordon wrote:Sun Aug 18, 2019 7:17 pm It looks like we say goodbye to Ivan White, along with Thomas Parks. ::)

On April 12:
Thomas Parks, Sea. 1c. and Ivan F. White, Sea. 1c., were undesirably discharged this date on account of conviction by a civil court. Article 428(F), Regulations.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_125.jpg


ggordon wrote:Mon Aug 19, 2019 7:13 am How odd that a Calexico newspaper would have an article on the Northland. Calexico is far from the ocean and over 500 miles from Oakland.

ggordon wrote:Tue Aug 20, 2019 8:04 pm Another arrest in Oakland early in the morning on May 4:
1:30 Alfred Donahue F 3c failed to return from Special Liberty; received information that he was held in the local jail for misconduct.
Later that evening:
Transferred Alfred Donohue F 3c to Section Base 11 upon his release from the city jail auth. verbal orders from California Division this date.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_151.jpg

ggordon wrote:Wed Aug 21, 2019 6:57 pm On May 6 the Northland got underway, headed North.

The first few hours they sailed various courses and speeds within San Francisco Bay so as to calibrate the radio compass.

ggordon wrote:Thu Aug 22, 2019 7:16 pm Rough sea encountered off the Oregon Coast the night of May 7.
9:05 Heavy sea tore adrift one cork life buoy and one fire hose nozzle from forward deck house bulkhead and washed them overboard.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_155.jpg

ggordon wrote:Mon Aug 26, 2019 8:19 am On May 18,
8.27 stopped to pick up medicine ball lost overboard.
???

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_169.jpg

ggordon wrote:Mon Sep 02, 2019 7:05 pm On May 30 observed Memorial Day.
Observed Memorial Day and performed only necessary duties.
12:00 fired a national salute of one minute guns. Set colors at half mast during the salute.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_181.jpg

ggordon wrote:Thu Sep 12, 2019 7:08 pm On June 27 the Northland picked up the inhabitants of King Island, plus a few from St Lawrence Island for transport to Nome.
4:00 Started embarking 149 King Island village natives and 11 St. Lawrence Island natives, the latter brought here by the S/S Patterson, together with their personal and household effects and boats.

6:30, completed embarking natives from King island with their household effects and eight large skin boats
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284521/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1711/26-159a-northland-b1711_216.jpg

This appears to be the island's annual trek to Nome to gather food for the Winter as discussed under Bear 1919, when the inhabitants were transported from Nome back to the island.

http://forum.oldweather.org/index.php?topic=5019.msg162138;topicseen#msg162138

ggordon wrote:Thu Sep 19, 2019 8:02 pm A balmy July 7 in St. Michael. Time for a swim. Air temperature 63 - 64 and water temperature 59 - 60.
10:30 - Swimming party over ship's side.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_011.jpg

ggordon wrote:Mon Sep 23, 2019 9:11 pm On July 13 the Northland appears to have been headed from Port Clarence, near Teller, to St. Lawrence Island when they received a request for help from the M/S Dorothy near "Koliuchen Island". The Northland was up near the Diomedes Islands when a message was received that the M/S Dorothy no longer required assistance and the Northland headed back towards St. Lawrence Island.
2:10 ... Received message from M/S DOROTHY, stating her rudder is broken and requesting assistance.
2:15 ... proceeding to assistanc of M/S DOROTHY, who gives her position as 25 miles northeast of Koliuchen Island.
.
.
.
6:00, received message from M S Dorothy that her rudder was fixed and that no assistance was required
I added the following transcriber comment because I was unable to find anything matching "Koliuchen Island."
The log indicates that the M/S DOROTHY was located near "Koliuchen Island". My best guess is that this was Whouffle Island in Siberia which is also referred to as "Kolyuchin Island".
The Northland was headed in that direction when the message was later received that the rudder was repaired.
However, since the Northland did not complete the trip to help the DOROTHY, the name of the island cannot be absolutely determined.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_018.jpg
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Re: Northland (1929) -- Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

Post by Randi »

ggordon wrote:Wed Sep 25, 2019 9:12 pm The Dorothy's problems continue. On July 15 the Dorothy was in Nome when the Northland arrived and from the log it appears that a customs check was made with no violations found. The Dorothy was bound from Siberia to Teller.

Then on July 17 the Dorothy radioed for help, having steering gear problems off Sledge Island.
11:15 received radio message from motorship "Dorothy" stating that she is anchored off Sledge island with steering gear damaged and requesting assistance from this vessel.
11:49 ...Crew breaking out hawser and making other preparations for towing the "Dorothy."
12:00 the following officer being on a fishing trip were left on shore at Nome on account of the surf being too heavy for boating:
Lieutenant R.E. Wood; Lieutenant (J.G.) S. Woycieskowski; Surgeon W.J.B. McAuliffe.
1:55 Sighted M/S DOROTHY- slowed to one third speed, various courses approaching anchorage off Sledge Island near M/S DOROTHY.
2:18- M/S DOROTHY- came up slowly astern. Put line and towing hawser on board and prepared to take her in tow.
2:30 ...towing M/S DOROTHY- astern.
The Dorothy was towed for the remainder of the day. To be continued...

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_022.jpg
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_023.jpg

ggordon wrote:Thu Sep 26, 2019 7:48 pm The Northland continued its assistance to the Dorothy on July 18. The Dorothy was towed to Port Clarence and the rudder repaired by the Northland engineers crew.

I wondered why they towed Dorothy to Port Clarence when Nome was much closer. At first I thought it was because Dorothy was headed for Teller, but then I realized that they must have wanted what would likely be calmer water at Port Clarence so it would be easier to make repairs.

The entries below begin just after arriving in Port Clarence early that morning.
3:28 stopped engine and began heaving in on hawser.
3:35 "Dorothy" cast off hawser and proceeded to anchorage under her own power.
4.50 Executive officer boarded m/s Dorothy and conferred with her Commanding Officer.
7.00 Boat from Dorothy alongside with her rudder stock for necessary machine work.
9:30- ...Engineer's Force engaged in repairing rudder stock of M/S DOROTHY. This item completed at 11:25 and taken back to M/S DOROTHY for installation.
2:25 rudder stock of "Dorothy" was returned on board for further lathe work. This work was still in progress at the end of the watch.
The engineers continued working on the rudder until late that night
11:30 engine room force completed work on rudder stock and delivered it to "Dorothy."
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_024.jpg

Looking ahead to the next day's log, the rudder was installed on the Dorothy and successfully working. Will this be the last we hear of the Dorothy?

I'm amazed at the capability of the Northland and its crew to provide such a wide range of assistance for such varied situations.

ggordon wrote:Fri Sep 27, 2019 10:24 pm On July 20, the Northland left Nome with cargo and an additional 36 passengers on board destined for various villages, including residents of King Island heading back to the island with their winter supplies and materials to build a school house.
1:25- 22 King Island Village natives with their winter supples and material to build a school house came on board for transportation to King Island.
The other 14 passengers brought 5 tons of personal effects with them.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_026.jpg

ggordon wrote:Mon Sep 30, 2019 8:05 pm On July 23 the Northland received word while at Kotzebue of a disabled plane and set off to help.
6PM to 8PM
Received information that a plane was disabled South East of Cape Blossom, made preparations for getting underway to go to her assistance.
At 11:05 PM the Northland anchored 12 miles from Cape Blossom in dense fog.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_029.jpg
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_030.jpg

To be continued...

ggordon wrote:Tue Oct 01, 2019 2:54 am The Northland was successful in assisting the disabled plane on July 24.

Early that morning,
5:45, working party shoved off in the launch to go to the assistance of the disabled airplane.
Meanwhile the ship moved closer to shore and then,
11:10 ...Lowered motor surf boat and sent an additional working party on shore, in charge of Boatswain H.B. Berg, to assist in locating and salvaging disabled airplane.
Another success!
7:06, working party returned aboard, having pushed the stranded airplane several miles and enabled it to take off and go to Kotzebue.
Unfortunately the deck log provides a very sparse description of the event. I suspect another ship log might contain more detail.

ggordon wrote:Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:12 pm On July 30 the Northland took natives from Wainwright out for a walrus hunt.
10:30, party of natives came aboard in one whale boat and two skin boats.
10:55 ...with native boats in tow searching for walrus.

Merid to 4PM
12.30 Began steering various courses at various speeds thru scattered ice fields, searching for walrus.
1.35 Walrus sighted. stopped. party of Eskimo hunters left in oomiaks.
2.00 Ahead 1/3 speed, to pick up walrus.
2.00 ...Took aboard 4 walrus, 2 additional walrus cut up and placed in oomiaks.
3.45 Ahead 2/3 speed to Southwestward searching for more walrus and watch so ends.

8PM to Mid
Crew engaged in unloading walrus carcasses and towing them to shore at Wainwright village.
EDIT:

Adding link to page:
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_038.jpg

ggordon wrote:Tue Oct 08, 2019 8:21 pm On August 2 at Point Hope,
4:30 - Received two polar bear cubs, from Mr. Standard of Woodland Park, Seattle, Was. for delivery to Mr. Jones Daily of Alaska Steamship Co. Nome, Alaska.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_045.jpg

I assume they were destined for the Woodland Park Zoo. I'm guessing it may be at least a couple of days before they arrive in Nome. Who was responsible for their care during the trip?

ggordon wrote:Sat Oct 12, 2019 7:38 pm Under the Bear 1922 topic there is discussion about when the final trips to Siberia occurred. Northland may have made the final trip on August 6 and 7 when they went to Lutke Island for water and then visited a Russian steamer near Cape Khargilakh.

August 6 at Lutke Island:
12:50 Russian Soviet officials visited the vessel and departed at 1:45.
Received eight boat loads of water during the watch.
August 7, finished watering and then visited a Russian steamer:
5:55, completed boating water having received 52 boat loads or about 30,000 gals. of water.

6:50AM
anchor up and underway on various courses at various speeds to Russian steamer anchored off settlement near Cape Khargilakh
7:30 lowered launch and boarded Russian steamer JAKUT(ЯKYT) to call on Russian port officials.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_049.jpg
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_050.jpg

ggordon wrote:Mon Oct 14, 2019 12:21 am From this record of the Commanding Officer's mast held in St. Michael on Aug. 11, it looks like some of the crew went a bit overboard during their liberty the previous day in Nome after such a long period aboard ship in the Arctic.
the Commanding Officer held mast and awarded the following punishments:
Burford J. Fowler, Sea. 1c. to be tried by deck court for returning from liberty drunk and unfit for duty:
Dudley D. Dunning, M.M. 1c., Amasa F. Bryant Sea. 1c., and John C. Vichery, Sea. 1c., returned from liberty after a quarrel on shore with local authorities,
were reprimanded and warned against action on shore and deprived of further liberty at Nome;
Martin Standart, B.M. 1c., George B. Munch, Cox., and Daniel M. Nelson, Sea. 1c., returned from liberty three hours, forty five minutes late.
Their excuses for this lateness were accepted and they are deprived of further liberty in Nome.
James Heathershaw, Sea. 1c. returned on board eleven hours, forty minutes after his liberty had expired.
His case to be held in abeyance pending action of civil authorities in Nome.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_054.jpg

ggordon wrote:Wed Oct 16, 2019 11:16 pm I became curious about the frequent references to Henry B. Collins, Jr. and his assistant, G.H. Brandt, from the Smithsonian getting dropped off and picked up throughout the summer. So I did some searching and put the results under the below topic. They apparently had a very busy summer supported by the Northland. This also seems to explain the second trip of the Northland to Siberia in 1929.
ggordon wrote:Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:49 pm The log for Northland 1929 had frequent references to dropping off and picking up Henry B. Collins Jr. and his assistant, G.H. Brandt, scientists from the Smithsonian. I became curious about the work they were doing and was able to find a couple of references to their work.

The Smithsonian lists many photo negatives in their archives from their 1929 expedition, but only found this one that was available online.
https://siarchives.si.edu/collections/siris_sic_10827

I found this excerpt from a biography on Henry Bascom Collins, Jr. in the Encyclopedia Arctica.
In 1929, assisted by G. Herman Brandt, Collins excavated sites at
Cape Kialegak, St. Lawrence Island. Still no stratum of pure Old Bering
Sea culture was found although isolated specimens of it were excavated in
Punuk material. After a reconnaissance of Gambell, northwest tip of the
island, he proceeded to Nome, Point Hope, Kivalina, Lutke Harbor (Siberia),
Little Diomede Island, inland on Seward Peninsula to the upper Kougaruk
River, to Kowieruk and Akivinuk in the Teller region, finally to Koyuk and
Cape Denbigh. Perforated weight-stones of undetermined age were examined at
the Kougaruk location. At Point Hope he excavated partially a cemetery
not previously known to present-day Eskimos (without encountering Ipiutak
specimens, however) and at Denbigh excavated the oldest cultural remains
thus far found around Norton Sound. At several places he bought typical
decorated ivory objects of the Old Bering Sea culture, showing graceful
curvilinear designs, and knew that a site of adequate antiquity to belong
to that culture period would be found.
https://collections.dartmouth.edu/arctica-beta/html/EA15-18.html

Work at so many sites over the course of a summer could only have been accomplished with the support of the Northland.

The biography discusses additional work done in Alaska in the years before and after 1929. So the Northland logs for those years may also have frequent references to Henry Collins. Also of interest is the reference to Lutke Harbor (Siberia). There has been some discussion under other topics in the forum as to when the last trip to Siberia occurred. The Northland 1929 log recorded the visit to Lutke Island, but only mentioned stopping to get water. It seemed odd that they would go to Siberia to get water, but apparently they were there at least partially in support of this work.

ggordon wrote:Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:55 pm The Mystery of the Missing Officers

This series of log entries was made over several days while the Northland was anchored near Teller. Too bad there are no details concerning why the officers did not return on schedule.

1929-08-25
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_068.jpg
8:00PM
Lieut. (j.g.) D.F. de Otte and Lieut. Comdr. (E) W.C. Maglathlin who were on a boating trip to Imuruk Basin, failed to return on board.
1929-08-26
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_069.jpg
6:00AM
Sent motor launch to Imuruk Basin to search for Lieut. j.g. D.F. de Otte and Lieut. Comdr. E, W.C. Maglathlin, who failed to return last night.
9:30AM
motor launch returned, having searched Imuruk Basin without finding either of the missing officers or their boat.
The launch party received information from natives that the boat containing the officers had been seen to pass the island at the mouth of
St. Marys river about 7:00, P.M. Sunday night going toward Imuruk Basin. Natives along Tuksuk Channel were questioned, and stated that they
had seen the boat go up the Channel; but it had not come back toward Grantley Harbor.
1929-08-27
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_070.jpg
3:40AM
sent motor launch, in charge of Executive Officer, and motor surf boat, in charge of Boatswain, to Imuruk Basin to continue search for Lieutenant
Commander (E) W.C. Maglathlin and Lieutenant (J.G.) D.F. de Otte.
8:30PM
received radio message from the Executive Officer stating that Lieut. Comdr. (E) W.C. Maglathlin and Lieut. (J.G.) D.F. de Otte had been found safe
and that the party had arrived at Teller, but would be unable to return to the vessel tonight on account of unfavorable weather conditions.
1929-08-28
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_071.jpg
7:50PM
motor surf boat returned and was hoisted.
The motor launch attempted to return but was forced back by rough weather
1929-08-29
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_072.jpg
8:50AM
motor launch, in charge of the Executive Officer, returned to the ship with Lieutenant-Commander (E) W.C. Maglathlin and Lieutenant (J.G.) D.F. De Otte.
Hoisted and secured launch.
There must be an interesting story behind all this.

As a side note, these entries, also on 8/29, give some idea as to weather conditions at the time.
5:35, sent motor surf boat to Grantley Harbor to search for ship's skin boat which was blown off the beach during the recent gale.

8:40 motor boat returned with skin boat in tow.

Michael wrote:Thu Oct 17, 2019 9:59 pm Those Force 7-9 winds through the period would explain it.

9 Strong/severe gale 41?47 knots 23?32 ft High waves; dense streaks of foam along the direction of the wind; sea begins to roll; spray affects visibility Slight structural damage (chimney pots and slates removed).
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Randi
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Re: Northland (1929) -- Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

Post by Randi »

ggordon wrote:Fri Oct 18, 2019 8:17 am On August 30 the Northland sailed to Siberia for the third time that summer. This time they went to the village of Ugelen, Siberia searching for the crew of the steamer Elysif.
7:30, executive officer left the ship in motor launch to communicate with Russian officials at village concerning the crew of the steamer Elysif.
9:40 Executive Officer returned with the information that the Elysif party had departed Ugelen for Enmitahin two days ago.
So the Northland headed for Enmitahin, but along the way,
Sighted native sail boat ahead and steered various course to intercept and speak him.
11:23 Intercepted and hailed native boat who informed us Elysif party had departed Enmitahin for Diomede Islands.
So the Northland changed course for Little Diomede Island, where the crew was found.
Fifteen members of the crew of the steamer "Elysif" were found at the village and brought on board for transportation to Nome
The log goes on to list the names and ranks of the crew members. They were dropped off at Nome the following day.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_073.jpg
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_074.jpg

The following quote is from a biography of Olaf Swenson, who was heavily involved with trade between the U.S. and Siberia.
The Elisif, captained by Edwin Larson, was frozen in on the Arctic coast during the winter 1928-9. Resupplied by the Nanuk, she attempted to reach Kolyma with R.S. Pollister aboard as supercargo and A.P. Jochimsen as ice pilot. The ship was punctured by floating ice and beached to prevent sinking. The ship's company evacuated in boats. They initially reached Uelen and planned to wait there for pickup. However a fierce storm caame up and when they tried to move their boats to a safer location, they were unable to land again. They made for Little Diomede Island, landed there, and were picked up by the Coast Guard cutter Northland and taken to Nome.
https://peoplepill.com/people/olaf-swenson/

ggordon wrote:Thu Oct 24, 2019 7:12 am It looks like the Northland will be making its fourth trip of the 1929 season to Siberia.

I thought I had posted an entry earlier concerning a couple of men who showed up on Little Diomede Island from Siberia claiming to be U.S. citizens, but apparently not. It turns out their case is the cause for the Northland to return yet again to Siberia.

Here is the first entry from July 9.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_013.jpg
Ivan Morrow and Roman Saraphin, two white men who claim to have been born at Kodiak and who reached Little Diomede island on April 23, 1929, having crossed over the ice from East Cape, Siberia, were brought on board for transportation to Nome for investigation of their cases by immigration officials.
They were dropped off in Nome on July 15.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_020.jpg
1:00 Ivan Morrow and Roman Saraphin were sent on shore in charge of M.J. Stokes, C.B.M, and delivered into the custody of the immigration authorities.
Now it's Sept. 19 and the Northland is preparing to head for St. Lawrence Island.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_098.jpg
2.30 Received aboard under guard, John Morrow and Roman Sarpkin, to be landed at some port in Siberia; at the request of Deputy Collector of Customs Reed.
Collector Reed had received instruction from the Bureau of Immigration to have them returned to Russian Territory.
I'm assuming they'll be dropped off somewhere around East Cape, but we'll see...

ggordon wrote:Sun Oct 27, 2019 7:19 pm Well, there must have been a change of plans. The Northland returned to Nome from St. Lawrence Island with the Russians still on board. On Sep. 24 back in Nome,
John Morrow and Roman Sarpkin, Russians returned to the custody of Collector of Customs Reed at Nome.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_103.jpg

ggordon wrote:Mon Oct 28, 2019 1:07 am The stopover in Nome was very brief. So they must be headed elsewhere with some urgency. Looking ahead to the next day, they sailed to the SSW full speed the entire day.

ggordon wrote:Mon Oct 28, 2019 6:05 am After leaving Nome, the Northland headed straight to St. Paul Island and then on towards Unalaska. Since it's already late in September, they are likely headed back to the Bay Area.
So we may never hear the fate of the Russian men.

ggordon wrote:Sun Nov 10, 2019 7:00 am Early morning on October 30 a request for help was received while moored in Unalaska during a gale.
5:30 received a radio message from steamship "Montauk" stating that the wharf at Dutch Harbor was being demolished and requesting we
assist them to get away from the dock. This vessel was unable to leave the Unalaska dock due to a northwesterly gale. Sent Gunner A.W. Woods
with eight men to Dutch Harbor to give assistance.
7:45 working party returned from Dutch Harbor with the information that the "Montauk" had cleared Dutch Harbor dock at about 6:20, but that the
dock was badly damaged.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_143.jpg

ggordon wrote:Sun Nov 10, 2019 7:06 am A ghastly Halloween injury on October 31. :o
Dudley D. Dunning M.M. 1/c injured while repairing main engines, necessitating amputation of his right middle finger at the distal joint. Placed on binnacle list.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_144.jpg

ggordon wrote:Wed Nov 27, 2019 8:03 pm Christmas Eve revelry among the ships in Oakland on December 24, 1929:
3:40 Walter Jagelski, formerly Sea. 1c. on this vessel and now quartermaster attached to the Coast and Geodetic Survery vessel "Discoverer",was apprehended bringing
a bottle of intoxicating liquor on board this vessel. A scuffle ensued between Jagelski, Ned Stovall, C.Qm., and the Officer of the Deck over the possession of the
bottle and blows were exchanged, during which the bottle was retained on this vessel, but Jagelski escaped over the gangway and back to his ship. A number of the
crew of the "Discoverer" came on the dock and congregated just forward of this vessel's gangway and threatened the Officer of the Deck and the Quartermaster
on watch in profane and abusive language. George B. Munch, Coxswain, apparently resenting the treatment accorded Jagelski, came to the Quartermaster
on watch and struck him in the face, after which he left this ship without authority and when on the dock, threatened the Officer of the Deck in profane and abusive
language. At this time a squad of Oakland police arrived and the men from the "Discoverer" ran on board their vessel. The Master-at-Arms caught Munch as he was
going on board the Coast and Geodetic Survery vessl "Pioneer" and brought him back to this ship, where he was taken before Lieut. (J.G.) D.F. de Otte, the senior
officer on board. When told he was to go in the brig, he replied: "No I won't" and eluded the Master-at Arms, escaped over the gangway, and on board the
"Discoverer" where the Officer of the Deck of that vessel declined to have him delivered to the guard from this vessel. Munch is now absent without leave.
I added a Transcriber Comment saying that Munch's original quote was "like Hell I will," but that was crossed out and changed to, "No I won't." ::)

There's no mention of what they did with the bottle that was retained on the Northland. ::)

What a bureaucratic mess this will be to sort out. ;D

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/media/7284522/content/arcmedia/dc-metro/rg-026/585454-noaa/159a/northland/b1712/26-159a-northland-b1712_210.jpg

Michael wrote:Mon Dec 30, 2019 9:11 pm Northland was following the Chief Skugaid out of Vancouver for several hours. I looked her up, and there is a large website with details about her history. Here's the link about rum-running 1923-1933. There are even photographs of pages from her 1932 logbook! There is also a link to the home movie taken on a rum-runner out of Victoria. You even get to see Northland shadowing her. The link was posted earlier. The film is rather interesting, it's a silent film with title cards.
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Re: Northland (1929) -- Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

Post by Randi »

Michael wrote:Mon Jan 06, 2020 7:42 pm The voyage for 1929 has been completed. You can see it here.

Many thanks to Gordon for his diligence!
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