San Francisco
When the Fleet arrived in San Francisco on the 6th of May, the hills surrounding the city by the Bay were packed with thousands of greeters, many brought in by special trains from outlying communities. San Francisco greeted the Fleet in its typical warm-hearted and ostentatious fashion by staging a 48-hour ball at the Fairmont Hotel where dinners normally went for $10 per plate. The officers and men of the Great White Fleet were treated to a welcome they would long remember.
During the sailor's stay in 'Frisco, the citizens went so far as to pitch tents in Jefferson Square and Portsmouth Square for White Fleet sailors who ran out of hotel money.
Some great photographs of the Fleet entering San Francisco harbour
This real photo postcard provides an view of the Atlantic and Pacific fleet steaming through the Golden Gate on May the 6th. Notice the destroyers in the middle of the formation. In all there must have been 35 or more ships in this formation.
On a personal note just by way of admission San Francisco is one of my all time favourite cities that I have had the very fortunate privilege and great honour to visit hence I am hoping I can do true justice to Frisco and the Great White Fleet in the next few instalments.
The next instalment will be further information and photographs of the arrival at San Francisco.
Regards
Sean
