Looking back at the old 20s, as the new 20s begin

In the previous ‘20s, 1928 to be exact, Baron Long launched this yacht, Norab, in San Diego Bay. According to the Port of San Diego, it would go on to serve as General MacArthur’s headquarters and then an Australian hospital ship in World War II. Seen in this photograph is the yacht’s builder, Campbell Machine. Campbell Industries was founded in 1906, as Campbell Machine Company, a builder and repairer of tuna seiners. According to according to shipbuildinghistory.com, the company had several owners through the 1990s before it was sold for development as part of the San Diego Convention Center.

Port of San Diego photo

One thought on “Looking back at the old 20s, as the new 20s begin

  • April 22, 2023 at 11:32 am
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    I grew up in Los Angeles. Across the street was a family – last name Bernard. The dad was the Manager of the Biltmore Hotel. This was around 1940. Baron Long was a friend of the Bernards and would visit them on holidays. I was born in 1934 as were most of the kids living within a block or two. Mr. Long asked all of us kids to accompany him to his boat – the Norab (Which is Baron spelled backwards). At one point during WW 2 – I understand the government used the Norab to shuttle troops between NY and England. Mr. Long had an interesting reputation in how he made his money. Not unlike what many of the Cartels are doing these days. “Money doesn’t seem to have a memory!”

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