Paddle-Wheel Days in California

Decorative unclipped dustjacket is illustrated on the front with a text block and a paddle-wheel boat. The rear of the dustjacket has advertisements for other books offered by the Sandford University Press. Dustjacket has multiple pieces missing, front flap is unattached, rubbing/curling to the top and bottom as well as age darkening to the inside, now protected and held together in Mylar cover. Bright maroon spine and green cloth boards have a paddle-wheel boat to the front with text to the spine in pale blue. There is just a small touch of wear at each of the corners of the back strip otherwise boards are in beautiful condition. Corners are sharp with just a small point of wear. Spine is straight and firm, with no cracking to the endpapers. The front and rear endpapers have images of different paddle-wheel boats. Text block is solid with all pages firmly attached. Slight age tanning throughout. Previous owner name and address on inside blank page otherwise interior pages are in perfect condition - clean, with no tears, cracks, or other previous owner marks. 157 pages including index. Dimensions: H – 10-1/4" W – 7"

This is a "comprehensive history of these inland steamers, gathered from scattered bits of printed material and from personal accounts of the river men. The list of river steamers and ferries, about 275, is as complete as it is possible to make at this time." It is filled with anecdotes, illustrations, and numerous black and white photographs "of ships that are rapidly becoming a thing of the past."

Jerry MacMullen (1898 – 1981) after college at UC Berkeley, returned to his home in San Diego where he established his career as a newspaperman, author, historian, and artist. During WWII he joined the Navy, serving as a commander for Naval Intelligence until the close of the war. He was a long-time member of the Maritime Research Society helping in the restoration of the Star of India and publishing several books including two collaborations with Jack McNairn.