Important Members of a Ship's Crew: Animals

Captain Edward Gates-James seated in front of the deckhouse on the poop deck of the bark LYNTON, in Port Blakely, Washington, 1905.

NPS, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Wilhelm Hester Photo Collection P50.12,334psl.

Animals have always served as important members of a ship's crew. Even though many of them worked to control pests, their main function was to serve as the ship mascot. The dogs, cats, birds, monkeys, and even the bear cubs that went to sea as mascots can be seen in these photos and formal portraits.

At the bottom of the page are more photos and descriptions in a photo gallery. Many of the animals were mascots, but some, like the goats, chickens, and pigs provided fresh milk, eggs, and fresh meat for a special dinner treat during a long sea voyage.

A bark is a sailing ship that can carry (has) three, four, or five masts. All the masts carry square rigged sails except the aftermost mast, the one closest to the stern, or back, of the vessel.

 

This photo was taken aboard the sailing ship STAR OF FRANCE, in 1919. The man’s name is Johnson, and he is holding a ship’s ring around his dog, Mickey. Johnson was the first mate and watchman on the STAR OF ALASKA. This square rigged sailing ship is now called the BALCLUTHA and is part of the historic ship collection berthed at Hyde Street Pier.

NPS, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, P50.36,542n

 

The crew on the main deck of the sailing ship PEGASUS, a bark built in 1884. This photo was taken between 1893-1905 on Puget Sound in Washington State. The captain of the vessel is in the middle row in the center. You can probably figure out who the cook is. Do you see the man holding the ship’s cat? Wondering what kind of bark can sail...read the caption by the first photo at the top of the page.

NPS, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Wilhelm Hester Photo Collection, F9.12,443gl.

 

This is a formal crew portrait taken aboard the bark ANDELANA, built in 1889. Captain George W. Staling is seated in the front row, middle, wearing a tam-o’-shanter.

NPS, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Wilhelm Hester Photo Collection, P51.12,338n

 

This photo was taken around 1904 in Tacoma, Washington on the main deck of the sailing ship BALMORAL, built in 1892. The Captain and Mrs. J. E. Roop and their son and dog are surrounded by officers and crew members, and they are facing toward the bow (front) of the ship.

NPS, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Wilhelm Hester Photo Collection, P51.12,341n

 

Keys the Mascot

San Francisco Chronicle

Click here to find out more about Keys.