Butchering sperm whale at American Pacific Whaling Co. station — circa 1920 — #3603_1
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Photograph Copyright Anderson & Middleton Company
United States — Washington (State) — Bay City
American Pacific Whaling Co.
A cryptic note found inside the assignment envelope reads "... West Coast Whaling - S.F.. American Pacific Whaling Co. Bay City. ABC Green 25 cents per hour. St. John Newfoundland. 92 - 39 1914 - 1932" and "Built by Victor Street American Pacific Whaling Co. operated by Street Nov 10-1910 - 1911-1912...changed hands until 1925."
Thanks to Sam Talley, who adds: "Mr. Street's Bay City whaling station could handle 200-300 whales a year. It processed sperm, humpback,and finback whales, and made oil, fertilizer and meat for human consumption. Some were over 70 feet long and could weigh up to 70 tons. The stench could be smelled for over 15 miles if you were downwind and it was blowing good. The station closed in 1925."
Pictures of the A.P. whaling station include #3601_1, 2,3,4,5, 4716_1, 6016_1, 3602_1, 3602_1, 3603_1, 3604_1, 3605_1.
Jim Kite adds: “I was raised here; the location was at Bay City on Elk River. I know they could smell the whaling station in Aberdeen. My grandfather Ike Kite owned it, and then my dad Floyd Kite owned it. I think grandpa bought it sometime between 1940-1945; my dad bought it around 1955. It was also a pilchard (small fish) plant. I have lots of memories of it. After it all shut down we kids were able to play in it. I hope this helps a bit…”
