Monterey historic boat could get new purpose
Built by Sicilian born boatbuilder Angelo Siinno in Monterey around 1927-1930, the General Pershing may be repurposed into a classroom on the bay.
David Royal — Monterey Herald
The Siino family has contributed a lot to the history of Monterey and their latest idea could give back even more.
They said this week they are aiming to turn the largest boat Sicilian-born Angelo Siino, one of Monterey’s most famous shipbuilders, ever crafted into an educational tool.
The General Pershing boat is roughly 60 feet long, 15 feet wide and was built around 1927 at Monterey Boatworks and used to film “Captains Courageous” in 1937 and other films. It is still seaworthy.
“Our goal is to make it back to being useful for the heritage of Monterey. We’re calling it Classroom on the Bay. We want it to be a teaching vessel,” said Siino’s granddaughter, Janet Martinez, 68, of Aromas.
Martinez said they need help restoring the lampara boat, which she estimates could reach up to $150,000. They have been repainting it for the last three weeks.
She said they hope to partner with a nonprofit or get grants to accomplish their vision.
In the meantime, she has written a book called “Master Boat Builders of Italy.” Revenue from sales will be used for the project.
Given the boat was built during the heyday of the sardine industry, she said students could be taught the history of Monterey aboard, as well as modern classes about the ecology of the Bay.
Angelo Siino moved to the United States from Sicily in 1903 and to Monterey in 1914. He died in 1956.
He built 15 boats from scratch and did it without blueprints, Martinez said.
“To this day, I don’t know how they did it,” she said.
He taught his craft to sons, Raymond and Frank, who became celebrated ship builders.
The General’s original owner was Neno DiMaggio, cousin to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, who named it after Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, the World War I figure under whom Neno DiMaggio served.
It eventually ended up in San Francisco under the ownership of fisherman Frank Watada. He gave it back to the Siino family in 2003.
The General hit the news in 2008 when a colony of seabirds called Brand’s cormorant took up residence on it and required U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologists to get them out.
Martinez can be found at Boatworks most days painting the boat but can also be reached at mmpublishing@gmail.com.
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