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“Walking on Water” in the Panama Canal
Another day, another interesting item found in the Panama Canal Museum Collection! We came across these photos, as well as newspaper clippings, which revealed to us the story of Walter Robinson “walking on water.” Specialist Robinson spent his spare time working on his invention which allowed him to “walk” across the Bay of Panama. These “water shoes” were the first of their kind in that they were stable enough for the wearer to propel themselves across rough waters and to navigate around obstacles. Robinson patented the invention, which was made of plastic foam and fiberglass, and tested it at the Clayton Teen Club. From these tests, he determined that one…
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From the Stacks: USS Utah Scrapbook
Those working with the rehousing project of PCMC come across some interesting items! Recently, we rehoused a scrapbook of the USS Utah passing through the Canal in 1923. Included are picture postcards of the Navy visiting areas in the Canal Zone and Panama City. This item offers a rare glimpse of the interior of a naval vessel and daily activities of the seamen. Thumbing through, it seems as though they picked up some peculiar travelers along the way! Do these photos bring back any memories of meeting naval or military personnel in the Zone?
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Object of the Day: Employee ID Card
We are well underway with our archival rehousing efforts, and I enjoy coming across some entertaining items. Here is an identification card for Theodore P. McGann, providing an interesting method of identifying him: a small scar on his finger! I also see some information and dates I need some help figuring out. The card states that it is for the construction period only, but McGann’s date of birth is 1920, meaning he was born after the Canal opened. Do you think it’s a typo? What are your thoughts?
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Object of the Day: Ashtray, c. 1930
I am so amused with this ashtray; I have never seen one like it! It was recovered by Bill Badders from the bottom of Gatun Lake in the early 1930s. The underside is labeled with “Brion,” does anyone know what this refers to? Was it a ship?
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Item of the Week: Abou Saad Shrine Fez
We are finding some interesting items as we rehouse the collection, including this Greeter Shrine Fez from the Abou Saad Temple. Was anyone a member of this group? What was your experience like?
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Cheering for the Team
Yet another great sports find! This Cristobal High School cheerleader uniform’s colors are still so vivid. We have some digitized cheers from Balboa High School, what would CHS game attendees cheer back? Cristobal High School Cheer Uniform, 2011.999.285, Panama Canal Museum Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.
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Physical Education Rompers
Does this familiar attire bring back memories of Canal Zone P.E. class? After speaking with some members of the Friends of the PCMC, rompers seem to be making a comeback—-in male fashion! Would you wear one again? Thanks Peggy Huff for the hilarious article link! The Male Romper Has Come to Claim Your Masculinity. Enjoy It.
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Cheering for the Team
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Florence Neville Miller at Lock
Florence and her family visited many sites of the Canal during the construction era. As she looks off into the distance, what do you think Florence and her family were thinking about when this photo was taken? Standing amidst the construction, do you think she could imagine the grand, completed Panama Canal?
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Parade Colon 1952
The object record indicates that this photograph was taken on Memorial Day in 1952. Is this how you remember the Memorial Day parades? What are your specific memories of celebrating Memorial Day in Panama and the Canal Zone? If there is anything you think should be added to this photograph’s record, please share it with us in the comments section below!
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Supply Department
We know this photograph was taken in the 1950s. Did you or someone you knew work for the supply department? Can you help us identify anyone in this photograph? If so, please be sure to share your knowledge with us in the comments section below!
