August 30, 2024 - Friday - Today we were in Long Beach, CA to visit the Port of Long Beach Administration Building. The POLB has partnered with the Historical Society of Long Beach to present an exhibit called “The Workers’ Harbor – How Labor Built and Shaped the Port of Long Beach.” The exhibit brochure states: "This special exhibition brings together historical photos and artifacts to look at the people who made the ports of the San Pedro Bay possible: longshore workers, skilled trades people, mariners, Navy personnel and many more – the laborers who made the Port of Long Beach and keep cargo moving today."
At one time, the Navy had a base in Long Beach.
Longshoremen loading sacks of something onto a pallet to be unloaded on the ship (1930s).
After the new pilot house was operational, they set fire to the old one for fireboat practice.
Dock workers strike 1934.
Importers with their recent banana delivery.
Filleting tuna at a packing house.
Import tonnage, 1961.
Export tonnage, 1961.
Providing a container ship with shore power.
This display is very interesting since it shows all of the various hooks used by the longshoremen.
Before automation there was a lot of grunt work and heavy lifting on the docks.
After the exhibit we headed over to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for lunch.
Judy had their "Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp" with rice, fruit, and a Cajun marmalade.
I had their "Shrimp New Orleans" with grilled shrimp, a spicy New Orleans sauce, green onions, tomatoes, garlic bread, and steamed rice.
It was a very nice adventure.
