Irving and Electa Johnson Collection

Manuscripts Collection 240

Overview of the Collection

Repository: G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport
Creator: Johnson, Irving
Title: Irving and Electa Johnson Collection
Dates: 1920-1976
Extent: 24 boxes; 56 vol.
Abstract: Papers, chiefly relating to the world wide voyages taken by Johnson and his wife, Electa, aboard their vessels: schooner YANKEE (sailed around the world 3 times before being sold in 1941), brigantine YANKEE (formerly a German North Sea pilot boat purchased in 1946 and used four additional circumnavigations in the next 11 years), and their dream ship, a 50′ ketch YANKEE, which cruised on Europe’s canals, waterways, and seas. Includes logbooks kept on brigantine Yankee, written by whomever was on watch, containing chiefly navigational and weather data, but also including comments on crew members, conditions on board, or stopovers; miscellaneous related documents (1930-1976) including account book for the 5th voyage, expense receipts for ketch YANKEE, provision lists (1947-1958), YANKEE surveys, charter parties, and newsletters written by Johnson; 364 items relating to Johnson’s early sailing career (1926-1931) including letters to his mother; and accounts of crew members, including Electa Johnson’s account of their circumnavigation.

See the story map of one of their voyages.

Identification: Coll. 240

Biography of Irving Johnson

The voyages of Irving and Electa Johnson aboard YANKEE are well known by everyone familiar with the sea.

Irving McClure Johnson was born on July 4, 1905 on the family farm in Hadley, Massachusetts and began training for a sailor’s life as a teenager. Irving Johnson began his early career as a mariner, both in the Merchant Marine and as a private yacht captain during the summer.

Johnson worked as Captain on board the SQUAW, a New York 40, for two years and then in 1926 on the CHARMIAN, a seventy foot Seawanhaka, for the next four summers. In order to fulfill his quest for adventure, Johnson joined the Merchant Marine in 1926 when he signed on as quartermaster on board the Grace Lines’ 360 passenger steamer, S.S. SANTA TERESA, for a three month voyage. In November of 1927 he shipped out on the S.S. STANLEY DOLLAR, a 401 foot freighter. After this voyage he signed on with the Dollar Steamship Line on their flagship the U.S.S. PRESIDENT WILSON as a cadet. On board he made his first voyage around the world from January 6, 1928- April 26, 1928. The following year he sailed with the Cunard Line on the R.M.S. AQUITANIA. This passage left him in Europe where he would set sail for his famous trip around the Horn on board the 345 foot barque PEKING in late November 1929, a voyage documented in a film entitled “Around Cape Horn.” In 1930 he made another exciting voyage across the Atlantic as First Mate on board SHAMROCK V. His last job as mate came when he signed on the WANDERBIRD.

While aboard the WANDER BIRD, he met Electa. After their marriage in 1933 they began a unique way of life. Sailing around the world in their own vessel the Johnsons shared their skill and knowledge of the sea with a hand-picked crew of interested and enthusiastic amateurs. With Gloucester, MA as their home port the YANKEE alternated between 18 month circumnavigations and 18 months of sailing trips on the Eastern Seaboard. With a crew generally composed of 4 girls, 16 men, 1 doctor, and a mate, the Johnsons sailed around the world seven times.

Their first vessel, the schooner YANKEE, made the voyage three times and was sold in 1941 prior to WWII. During the war Capt. Irving Johnson was called into the Navy when Admiral Kimmel insisted on having the foremost expert on the South Seas areas. Johnson’s sailing experience among the numerous atolls and treacherous coral reefs made him a natural choice in identifying and planning bases in the South Pacific. Captain Johnson was in Pearl Harbor on that fateful day, December 7, 1941. He was later assigned to the naval survey ship, U. S. S. SUMNER. The SUMNER surveyed, charted and blasted channels through coral reefs throughout the Pacific, in advance of the U.S. fleet.

In 1946 the Johnsons purchased the German North Sea Pilot Boat, DUHNEN. After her conversion to a Brigantine by the J.W. and A. Upham yard in Brixham, England, they resumed their sailing activities, in their new YANKEE, completing four additional circumnavigations (voyages four through seven,) during the next eleven years. The book “YANKEE’s People and Places” by Irving and Electa Johnson and Lydia Edes (a crew member) details the sixth voyage of the Brigantine YANKEE.

In 1959, they built their dream ship, the 50′ ketch YANKEE. Designed by Irving Johnson and Olin Stephens and built by Scheepswerf, Westhaven, Zaandam Holland, and with a hailing port of Mystic, CT, the Johnsons cruised on her throughout Europe’s canals, waterways and seas. The books, “YANKEE Sails Across Europe” and “YANKEE Sails the Nile” both by Irving and Electa Johnson, documents these travels.

In 1984 the Johnsons were featured in a National Geographic special entitled, “Irving Johnson, High Seas Adventurer.” Capt. Johnson also served as Trustee Emeritus of the Mystic Seaport Museum and South Street Seaport.

Top →


Scope and Content

The Irving and Electa Johnson collection contains 23 phase boxes and 56 volumes. It is organized into nine different series.

The first series, found in boxes 1-4, relates to papers involving only Irving Johnson. It is arranged chronologically and falls into three different time periods of Irving’s life, before he met Electa, while he was in the Navy and during his extensive lecturing career. In total this series includes correspondence, articles, diaries, journals, notebooks, expenses and ephemera.

The second series, found in boxes 5-8, relates to papers that correspond to the Schooner YANKEE. This series is arranged primarily chronologically but further grouping papers by correspondence, expenses and papers for the first three world cruises. Business papers and charter parties between the world cruises on the Schooner can also be found in this series. In total this series includes correspondence, provision lists, charter parties, crew lists, newsletters, business papers and articles.

The third series, found in boxes 9-11, relates to papers that correspond to the Brig YANKEE. Like series two, this series is arranged primarily chronologically but is furthered grouped by correspondence, expenses and papers. These papers however relate to the fourth through the seventh world cruise as well as the summer charter parties between these cruises. In total this series includes correspondence, charter parties, provision lists, newsletters, articles and business papers.

The fourth series, found in boxes 12-15, relates to papers that correspond to the Ketch YANKEE. This series is arranged chronologically and is also further grouped by correspondence, expenses, papers and business correspondence with Arthur Johnson.

The fifth series, found in boxes 16-17, contains miscellaneous papers that relate to this collection but not to one of the other specified series. Items that can be found are personal correspondence to Irving Johnson, undated expenses, checks and bank statements of Irving and Electa Johnson, screenplays, and articles written about Irving or the YANKEEs.

The sixth series, found in boxes 18-23, contains accounts from the crew of the various YANKEE voyages. These are usually complete day to day descriptions of one of the crew member’s or other highlights of the voyages. Items that are included are logs, diaries, journals, correspondence home to family members, scrapbooks and articles.

The seventh series contains logs, volumes 1-29, kept on board the Schooner YANKEE May 14, 1933-April 27, 1941 and the Brigantine YANKEE, from July 14, 1947-February 23, 1958. Kept by whomever was on watch, the logs contain mostly navigational and weather data, but are highlighted by occasional editorial comments about other crew members, conditions on board, or stopovers. These logs describe all seven circumnavigations as well as the sail of the Schooner YANKEE from Harwich to her home port in Gloucester, Ma and the Brigantine YANKEE from Brixham to Gloucester, Ma.

The eighth series contains account and expense books, volumes 30-35, from 1933-1955. The account books primarily record expenses aboard the Brig YANKEE, however volume 30 describes accounts of Yankee Cruises, Inc. during the first voyage of Schooner YANKEE.

The ninth series contains scrapbooks, volumes 36-56, of Irving and Electa. Spanning from 1920 to 1991, these volumes contain numerous pictures, articles, etc. of Irving and Electa’s life together at sea.

Top →


Restrictions

Restrictions on Access

Available for use in the Manuscripts Division

Restrictions on Use

Various copying restriction apply. Guidelines are available from the Manuscripts Division.

Top →


Index Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the G. W. Blunt White Library. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Persons:

Balfe, Judith H.
Donovan, David
Douglas, Edward
Dutilh, Jop M.
Ford, Jim
Hadcock, Ernest
Hall, Donald T.
Hayes, John A.
Holland, Edward
Johnson, Electa, 1909-
Moeller, Raymond
Pyle, Edwin
Pyle, Julie
Southworth, Rufus
Viard, Kenneth
Zacker, Edmund

Corporate Bodies (Including Vessels):

Aquitania (Steamship)
Charurian (Schooner)
Peking (bark)
President Wilson (Steamship)
Santa Theresa (Steamship)
Shamrock V (Cutter)
Squaw (Sloop)
Stanley Dollar (Steamship)
Wander Bird (Schooner)
Yankee (Brigantine)
Yankee (Ketch)
Yankee (Schooner)

Places:

Europe–Description and travel

Subjects:

Ocean travel
Sailing
Voyages and travels
Voyages around the world
Yachting

Document Types:

Account books
Charter-parties
Logbooks
Newsletters

Return to the Table of Contents


Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Coll. 240, Manuscripts Collection, G. W. Blunt White Library, Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc.

Top →


Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

Papers of Irving Johnson; 1917-1931
Box Folder
1 1 Letters written by Irving before and while on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1924-1925 Apr
2 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1925 May
3 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1925 Jun
4 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1925 Jul
5 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1925 Aug
6 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1925 Sep
7 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1926 Mar
8 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1926 Apr
9 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1926 May
10 Letters written by Irving on board the SQUAW (Sloop); 1926 Jun
11 Letters written by Irving; 1926 Jul
12 Letters written by Irving; 1926 Aug
13 Postcards written by Irving; 1925 May 26-1926 Aug 23
14 Letters written by Irving; 1926 Sep
15 Letters written by Irving Johnson mostly to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson) aboard the Grace Line’s S.S. SANTA THERESA; 1926 Nov 3-1927 Jan 12
16 Post Cards written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson) aboard the Grace Line’s S.S. SANTA THERESA; 1926 Nov 3-Dec 13
17 Letters written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), while working in boatyard and as Captain of private yacht CHARURIAN (schooner) in Bristol, Rhode Island; 1927 Mar 6-Sep 25
18 Letters written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard S.S. STANLEY DOLLAR; 1927 Nov 21-Dec 28
19 Post Cards written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard S.S. STANLEY DOLLAR; 1927 Nov 21-Dec 27
20 Letters written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard the Dollar Steamships Line’s U.S.S. PRESIDENT WILSON. Around the world from Hawaii to Los Angeles; 1928 Jan 6-1928 Apr 16
21 Post Cards written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard the Dollar Steamships Line’s U.S.S. PRESIDENT WILSON. Around the world from Hawaii to Los Angeles; 1928 Jan 25-1928 Apr 26
Box Folder
2 1 Letters written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson),aboard the American Freighter CITY OF DALHART; 1928 Dec 26-1929 Mar 11
2 Post Cards written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), during European Travels prior to PEKING Voyage; 1929 Oct 30-1929 Nov 22
3 Letters written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), during European Travels leading up to the start of the PEKING Voyage and the end of the PEKING Voyage; 1929 Oct 30-1930 Apr 3
4 Letters written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard the SHAMROCK V (Cutter) crossing, and “Across the Atlantic in Shamrock V”, Article from Yachting; 1930 Oct 2-22; 1931 Jan
5 Post Cards written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard the SHAMROCK V (Cutter) crossing. Correspondence proceeding and following the voyage; 1930 Oct 2-Nov 24
6 Letters written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard the WANDER BIRD (Schooner); 1931 Jun 23-Dec 5
7 Post Cards written by Irving Johnson to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), aboard the WANDER BIRD (Schooner); 1931 Jul 28 and unknown
8 Post Cards from Irving Johnson mostly to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), miscellaneous; ca. 1926-1931
9 Post Cards from Irving Johnson mostly to “Mother” (Mrs. Clifton Johnson), miscellaneous, Blank Post Cards; undated
10 Notebook, “My Trip To New York”; 1917
11 Paper, “My Corn Project”; ca. 1920
12 Diary, kept by Irving Johnson; 1922-1923
13 Diary, kept on board a Grace Line cruise from New York to Chile; ca. 1926
14 Navigation notebook, kept by Irving Johnson; ca. 1927
15 Certificates, Irving Johnson; 1927-1930
16 Diary, kept by Irving Johnson on board the PEKING (Bark); 1929-1930
17 Diary, kept on board the PEKING (Bark); 1930
18 Diary, kept on board the WANDER BIRD (Schooner); 1931
Papers of Irving Johnson during World War II; 1941-1945
Box Folder
3 1 Personal Correspondence to Irving during the war; 1941-1945
2 Naval Correspondence primarily with Irving Johnson and Navy; 1943-1945
3 Correspondence, between United States Hydrographic Office and Lt. Commander Irving Johnson, including memorandum on the U.S.S. SUMNER; 1942-1945
4 Papers regarding Naval career of Lieutenant Commander Irving Johnson, including certificates, pictures and other papers; 1941-1945
5 “U.S.S. Sumer (AGS5) Instructions for Keeping Deck Log,”; 1944
6 “Surveying the South Seas,”by Irving Johnson; ca. 1945
7 “Typhon,” by Irving Johnson; ca. 1945
Papers related to related to Irving Johnson’s lectures; 1930-1976
Box Folder
3 8 Correspondence related to Irving Johnson’s lectures; 1946-1964
9 Ephemera regarding lectures by Irving and Exy; 1930-1976
10 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1966
11 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1967
12 Notebook of lecture expenses; 1967
13 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1968 Jan-Dec, undated
14 Notebook of mainly lecture expenses; 1962-1968
15 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1969
16 “Photographic expenses”; 1970
17 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1970 Dec-1971
18 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1972
19 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1973 Jan-Dec
20 Bills and receipts relating to Irving lectures, including airfare, rental cars, and food; 1974 Jan-Dec
Box Folder
4 1 Bound transcripts of eight lectures given by Irving Johnson for “National Geographic,”; 1938, 1949, 1952, 1956, 1965, 1967
Papers related to the Schooner YANKEE; 1932-1941
Box Folder
5 1 Charter party for a “pleasure cruise between Hamburg, Germany and Gloucester, Massachusetts; 1933
2 Irving and Electa’s wedding invitation and a letter to Electa from her father; 1932
3 Letter to Exy & Irving, signed Mother; 1933
4 Letters from Irving and Exy while in Hamburg, Germany and Copenhagen to buy the Schooner YANKEE, to Irving’s mother, Mrs. Clifton Irving; 1933
5 Letters to and from home First World Cruise from Irving and Exy; 1933-1934
6 YANKEE (Schooner) Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, 1st Voyage; 1933-1935
7 “A visit to the Lonely Isle of Mutiny”, “New York Times”, Electa Search Johnson; 1934
8 “The other side of Cruising”, article written by Exy; ca. 1934
9 “Certificate of Survey”, Schooner YANKEE; 1935
10 Article Drafts, by Exy, probably 1st cruise, published in Springfield Republican; ca. 1933-1935
11 Various articles written on First Cruise. Some sold in Cape Town: Electra Johnson; ca. 1933-1935
12 “Housekeeping Afloat” by Electa Search Johnson; ca. 1933-1935
13 “Pitcairn”, article written by Exy; ca. 1933-1935
Box Folder
6 1 Newspaper clippings of Schooner YANKEE and the Johnsons; ca. 1932-1935
2 Electa Search Johnson: Articles published in “The Times-Union” and written by Electa Search Johnson, aboard the Schooner YANKEE on the Johnson’s 1st world cruise; 1933-1935
3 “The Skipper, Irving Johnson”, a biography of Johnson and the first cruise, by Dr Rujus Southworth; ca. 1935
Box Folder
7 1 Business papers between the first and second cruise; 1935
2 Charter Parties, Schooner YANKEE; 1935
3 Letter, written by Exy to “Dear Father”, with description about experiences in Pitcairn Island; 1937 Feb 16-Mar 22
4 Letters, from primarily Exy to various friends, including a few articles written by Exy; 1936-1938
5 Crew list from the 2nd world cruise, including list of port stops and packing suggestions; ca. 1936
6 YANKEE (Schooner) Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, 2nd Voyage; 1936-1938
7 “The world looks different a second time” article draft, by Irving Johnson, from the 2nd world cruise); ca. 1936-1938
8 “The wonders of Galapagos” article draft, probably written by Irving Johnson; ca. 1938
9 Newsletters, “The Log of the YANKEE”, written by Irving Johnson for the 2nd Voyage of the Schooner YANKEE; 1936 Nov 1-1938 Apr 30
10 Newsletters, “The Log of the YANKEE”, written by Irving Johnson for the 2nd Voyage of the Schooner YANKEE, copy (missing the first page of the first newsletter); 1936 Nov 1-1938 Apr 30
11 Exy’s letters from third World Cruise, a few other letters; 1939-1941
12 Crew list and luggage tag from third world cruise including flyer promoting the 3rd world cruise; ca. 1939
13 YANKEE (Schooner) Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, 3rd Voyage; 1939-1941
14 Newsletters, “The Log of the YANKEE”, written by Irving Johnson for the 3rd Voyage of the Schooner YANKEE; 1939 Oct 29-1941 Apr 27
15 Newsletters, “The Log of the YANKEE”, written by Irving Johnson for the 3rd Voyage of the Schooner YANKEE, copy; 1939 May 29-1941 Apr 27
16 Description of unknown pictures of the third cruise, written by Irving Johnson; ca. 1940
17 “View of War on Cruise 1939-1941” (third world cruise); ca. 1939-1941
18 “The Rudder”, Yankee article, parts I-VIII, by Robert T. Leary; 1941-1942
19 Papers relating to summer business before and after the third world cruise; Girl Scout Mariner Cruises; correspondence, info, schedules, etc.(Margaret Rutter’s letters from a summer on the YANKEE with the Girl Scout Mariners); 1938-1941
20 Charter party between Irving Johnson and the Girls Scouts Inc.; 1941
Box Folder
8 1 Correspondence between “Dr. Ludy” and Exy; 1934-1939
2 Application Letters of People Wanting to Join YANKEE cruise; 1933-1939
3 “My Home in Singapore Harbor”, article written by Exy; ca. 1933-1941
4 Magazine and Newspapers Articles (most are duplicates of others in the collection) of Schooner YANKEE; 1933-1941
Papers related to the Brig YANKEE; 1946-1960
Box Folder
9 1 YANKEE Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, Summer; 1947
2 Correspondence between “Dr. Ludy” and Exy (before 4th cruise); 1946
3 Brixham, Fitting out Brigantine YANKEE, Exy’s letters (before 4th cruise); 1947
4 Exy’s letters from 4th Cruise, to family members containing descriptions of each place visited; 1947-1949
5 Brigantine YANKEE, World Cruise IV; 1947-1950
6 YANKEE Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, 4th Voyage; 1947-1949
7 Business papers between the 4th and 5th cruises, primarily correspondence, info, schedules, etc. for Girl Scout Mariner Cruises; 1948-1950
8 YANKEE Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, Summer; 1949
9 Girl Scout diary; July 1949
10 Charter Parties, Brig YANKEE; 1950
11 Letters from 5th Cruise Crew, some applying, some underway, some later; 1949-1953
12 YANKEE Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, 5th Voyage; 1950-1952
13 Bound copies of newsletters written by Irving Johnson for the 4th & 5th Voyages of the Brigantine YANKEE; 1947-1952
14 Various untitled articles by Electa Search Johnson from the 5th cruise; “American Samoa”, “One night on Pitcairn Island” and “Quiros in 1606”; 1951 ca.
15 Girl scout diary; July 1952
16 Newspaper articles regarding the YANKEE; 1952
17 Lecture Series Flyers, Mary (Booth) Johnson; 1952
18 Business papers between the 5th and 6th cruises, primarily correspondence, info, schedules, etc. for Girl Scout Mariner Cruises; 1952-1953
19 Charter Party, Brig YANKEE with the Larchmont Girl Scouts; 1952 Aug 1-8
Box Folder
10 1 Sixth Cruise Crew letters, before and after; 1952-1956
2 YANKEE Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, 6th Voyage; 1953-1955
3 Business papers between the 6th and 7th cruises, primarily correspondence, info, schedules, etc. for Girl Scout Mariner Cruises; 1954-1956
4 Charter party the Westfield Local Council of Girl Scouts and Irving Johnson; 1954 Oct 26
5 Letters from seventh crew, many of them applications, some after voyage; 1953-1958
6 Christmas card to Irving from William Miller; 1956
7 “Exy’s letters from seventh voyage; 1956-1957
8 Correspondence, postcards, newsletters, etc., written by Irving and Electa Johnson, to their friends, Dr. & Mrs. Henry Haines of Stonington, CT, relative to their travels on board the Brigantine YANKEE; 1957-1958
9 YANKEE Provisions: Lists, Accounts & Receipts, 7th Voyage; 1956-1958
10 “Eight Sailors and Kilimanjaro” Newsletter by Edward Howland, from the 7th cruise; 1957
11 “Trade Wind Islands, article (not written by either Irving or Exy); 1956-1958
12 “Federated Metals Digest”, “Four bells and she’s back again or just starting out”; 1958 ca.
Box Folder
11 1 Bound copies of newsletters written by Irving Johnson for the 6th & 7th Voyages of the Brigantine YANKEE; 1953-1958
2 Copies of newsletters written by Irving Johnson for the 6th & 7th Voyages of the Brigantine YANKEE; 1953-1958
3 Correspondence from Erich Merrle to Irving Johnson regarding the history of the Brigantine YANKEE; 1960
4 Form letters for the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th world cruises; 1947-1956
5 Magazine and Newspapers Articles (most are duplicates of others in the collection) of Brig YANKEE; 1947-1958
6 “Singapore”, article, probably written by Irving; 1947-1958 ca.
7 [Rodrigues], article, probably written by Irving; 1951-1958 ca.
8 “Hong Kong”, article, probably written by Irving; 1953-1958 ca.
9 “Loos and Chiengmai”, article, probably written by Exy; 1954-1958 ca.
10 “Angkor”, article, probably written by Exy; 1954-1958 ca.
11 Business correspondence of Yankee Cruise Inc. to and from Arthur S. Johnson, including post card lists, plans for cruise homecomings, crew updates and addresses; 1947-1959
12 Photocopies regarding the Pilot Schooner DUHNEN which later became the Brigantine YANKEE; undated
Papers related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1958-1964
Box Folder
12 1 Ketch YANKEE Construction Expenses; 1958 Jul-Dec
2 Ketch YANKEE Construction Expenses; 1959 Jan-Jul
3 Ketch YANKEE Construction Invoices, Scheepswerf, Westhaven; 1958 Jan-1959 Aug
4 “General Motors Diesel Marine Power;” Bulletins and correspondence from General Motors Overseas Operations to Captain I.M. Johnson regarding an engine for the Ketch YANKEE; 1958 Sep 29
5 “Specifications No. 1278; for the Construction of a 42’6″ W.L. Auxiliary Ketch”; rev. 1958 Jun 19
6 Catalogs and Brochures; advertisements for marine hardware; ca. 1958-1960
7 Letter; To Irving Johnson from Ratsey and Lapthorn, Ltd.; 1963 Sep 11
8 Sales Order #2599-2600; H.M. Davidson to Kenneth S. Van Strum, orders placed by Capt. Irving Johnson to Yacht ARGONAUT; 1964 Dec 21
9 Notes and sketches regarding water and air system for an unidentified vessel similar to YANKEE; unknown
10 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1959
11 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1960
12 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1961
13 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1962
14 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1963 Summer
15 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1963-1964
16 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1964
17 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1965
18 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1966
19 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1967
20 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1968
Box Folder
13 1 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE and from Israel; 1969
2 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE and from ARGONAUT; 1969
3 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family, while aboard the Ketch YANKEE and from ARGONAUT; 1970
4 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family from the Ketch YANKEE; 1971
5 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family from the Ketch YANKEE; 1972
6 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family from the Ketch YANKEE; 1973
7 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family from the Ketch YANKEE; 1974
8 Correspondence primarily from Exy to family from the Ketch YANKEE; 1975
9 Correspondence, postcards, newsletters, etc., written by Irving and Electa Johnson, to their friends, Dr. & Mrs. Henry Haines of Stonington, CT, relative to their travels on board the Ketch YANKEE; ca. 1960-1977
10 Ketch YANKEE Christmas Newsletters; 1958-1986
11 Ketch YANKEE Provision Lists; 1965
12 Notebook of expenses aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1967 Apr-Oct
13 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1967 Oct-1968 Jun
14 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1968 Jul-Oct
15 Notebook of expenses aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1968
16 Notebook of expenses aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1964-1968
17 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE and Yacht ARGONAUT; 1968 Dec-1969
18 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1969 Mar-Nov, undated
Box Folder
14 1 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1970 Jan-Jul
2 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1970 Aug-Dec
3 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1970 Dec-1971 Dec
4 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1971 Apr-Jun
5 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1971 Jul-Oct
6 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1972 Jan-Dec
7 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1972
8 Notebook of expenses aboard the Ketch YANKEE; 1970-1972
9 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1972 Dec-1973 Dec
10 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1973
11 Bills and receipts related to the Ketch YANKEE; 1974 Feb-Dec, undated
12 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1974
Box Folder
15 1 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1975 Feb-Mar
2 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1975 Apr
3 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1975 May-Jun
4 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1975 Jul-Aug
5 Ketch YANKEE Expenses; 1975 Sep-Dec
6 “The Ketch YANKEE; Her Conception and Performance”, article drafts by Irving Johnson; ca. 1958
7 Magazine and Newspapers Articles (most are duplicates of others in the collection) of Ketch YANKEE; 1958-1961
8 “Memorandum dictated from the YANKEE, cruising in Greek Waters, in Apr 1964, and Received Mar 5, 1964” author unknown; 1964
9 Order form from W. W. Norton & Company to buy a copy of “Yankee Sails the Nile”; undated
10 Business correspondence of Yankee Cruise Inc. to and from Arthur S. Johnson (expenses, crew lists, charter parties, etc.); 1960-1961 and undated
Miscellaneous papers related to Irving and Electa Johnson or one of the YANKEEs; 1965-2001, and undated
Box Folder
16 1 Letter; To Jan Kok from Sparkman and Stephens regarding “Mr. Van Strum’s yacht,”; 1964 Dec 31
2 Correspondence from Arthur Johnson (brother) to Irving Johnson; undated
3 Miscellaneous expenses for one of the YANKEEs; undated
4 YANKEE Provisions: Lists and Accounts from undeterminable voyage; undated
5 YANKEE, Recipes not associated with any one voyage; undated
6 Checks written by Irving and Electa Johnson; 1966 Nov-Dec
7 Checks written by Irving and Electa Johnson; 1967 Jan-Apr
8 Bank statements and checks written by Irving and Electa Johnson; 1967 May-Dec
9 Checks written by Irving and Electa Johnson; 1968 Jan-Jun
10 Bank statements and checks written by Irving and Electa Johnson; 1968 Jul-Dec
11 Checks written by Irving and Electa Johnson; 1969 Jan-Apr
12 Bank statements and checks written by Irving and Electa Johnson; 1969 May-Dec
Box Folder
17 1 “Brigantine Yankee (prod no. 71049) Wolper Productions, Inc.”; 1965
2 “Sea Fever” article, by John Masefield, short history of the YANKEEs; ca. 1965
3 Bark PEKING Newsletters, to bring the PEKING to the South Street Seaport in New York; ca. 1970
4 Alumni and Friends Lists and Reunion Programs; World Voyages, 1-5 & 7, Trans-Atlantic Crossing-1947 and crews aboard Ketch YANKEE; 1961-1974
5 Correspondence from Exy Johnson to Claire Calabretta; December 1996
6 Article on the Girl’s Mariners Troop; 1996
7 Johnson, Irving M.: Biographical Data on Irving M. Johnson, including newspaper article of his father, Clifton; article “The Skipper’ by Dr. Rufus Southworth and two books on the history of Amherst and Hadley, Massachusetts; 1933-1997
8 Los Angeles Maritime Institute article regarding vessels named after Irving and Exy Johnson; 2001 Nov-Dec
9 “Pacific World” screen play, Walch Green; undated
10 Magazine and Newspapers Articles Miscellaneous (some are duplicates of others in the collection); including an article on the Schooner WANDERBIRD; undated
Accounts from the crew of the various voyages; 1932-1964
Box Folder
18 1 “Informal Log, Schooner TWILIGHT”, by Robert Irwin; 1932 Jun 25-28
2 Dr. Rufus Southworth: Letters to family and friends by Rufus Southworth, aboard the Schooner YANKEE, on the Johnson’s 1st world cruise; 1933-1934
3 Dr. Donald T. Hall: Mss diary kept aboard the Schooner YANKEE, on the Johnson’s 2nd world cruise; 1936 Nov 1-1937 May 26
4 David Donovan: 373 page typescript copy of “David Donovan’s Log of Trip Around the World in the Schooner YANKEE, Nov l, 1936-May 1, 1938” written by David Donovan, engineer. Describes the Johnson’s second circumnavigation; 1936-1938
5 Edmund Zacker: Articles written by Edmund Zacher of Hartford, published in the “Hartford Times”, taken from his diary aboard the Schooner YANKEE for the 2nd world cruise; 1936-1938
6 Dr. Donald T. Hall: diary kept aboard the Schooner YANKEE, on the Johnson’s 2nd world cruise; 1937 May 27-1938 Apr 30
Box Folder
19 1 Jop M. Dutilh: Transcribed copy of diary kept aboard the Schooner YANKEE, on the Johnson’s 3rd world cruise; 1939 May 29-1941 Apr 27
2 Hayes, John A.; “Journal, 3rd World Cruise, American Yacht YANKEE”; 1939-1941
3 Raymond Moeller: 19 typewritten and bound letters written “To all my friends” by Raymond Moeller, a crew member on the Brig YANKEE’s 4th voyage; 1947-1949
Box Folder
20 1 Douglas, Edward O.; “Brigantine YANKEE, 4th World Cruise” explanatory letters; October 1998
2 Douglas, Edward O.; “Brigantine YANKEE, 4th World Cruise” [photocopy]; part 1, pp. 1 – 100; 1947-1949
3 Douglas, Edward O.; “Brigantine YANKEE, 4th World Cruise” [photocopy], part 2, pp. 101 – 200; 1947-1949
4 Douglas, Edward O.; “Brigantine YANKEE, 4th World Cruise” [photocopy], part 3, pp. 201 – 300; 1947-1949
5 Douglas, Edward O.; “Brigantine YANKEE, 4th World Cruise” [photocopy], part 4, pp. 301 – 401 (end); 1947-1949
Box Folder
21 1 Scrapbook and Journal of Ernest Hadcock; 1950 Jan 24-1951 Mar 17
2 Scrapbook and Journal of Ernest Hadcock; 1951 Mar 18-1951 Aug 21
Box Folder
22 1 Jim Ford: Letters to family and friends by Jim Ford, aboard the Brigantine YANKEE, on the Johnson’s 5th world cruise; 1950-1951
2 Julie Pyle; Articles published in “Motor Boating” and written by Julie Pyle, aboard the Brigantine YANKEE, on the Johnson’s 5th world cruise; 1950-1951
3 Dr. Edwin Pyle: 22 bound “Motor Boating” articles written by Dr. Edwin Pyle, ship’s doctor for the Brig YANKEE’s 6th voyage; 1954-1955
4 Kenneth Viard: 17 letters entitled, “Galley Gazette,” written by Kenneth Viard, aboard the Brigantine YANKEE during the sixth world cruise; 1954-1955
Box Folder
23 1 “Seventh World Voyage, The Brigantine “YANKEE”, transcript of tape recordings of Judy Huggins Balfe”; introduction and reports 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; 1956 Nov 2-1958 May 2
2 “Seventh World Voyage, The Brigantine “YANKEE”, transcript of tape recordings of Judy Huggins Balfe”; reports 6, 7, 8, and 9; 1956 Nov 2-1958 May 2
3 “Seventh World Voyage, The Brigantine “YANKEE”, Judy Huggins [Balfe], student report of the cargo cult in New Hebrides.; 1958 Nov 25
4 “Seventh World Voyage, The Brigantine “YANKEE”, transcript of tape recordings of Judy Huggins Balfe”; reports 10, 11, 12 and 13; 1956 Nov 2-1958 May 2
5 “Seventh World Voyage, The Brigantine “YANKEE”, transcript of tape recordings of Judy Huggins Balfe”; reports 14, 15, 16 and 17; 1956 Nov 2-1958 May 2
6 “Seventh World Voyage, The Brigantine “YANKEE”, transcript of tape recordings of Judy Huggins Balfe”; reports 18, 19, 20 and 21; 1956 Nov 2-1958 May 2
7 Edward Holland: 190 page typescript copy of Edward Holland’s journal kept aboard the Brig YANKEE on the Johnson’s 7th voyage; 1956-1958
8 Correspondence, itineraries, newsletter, and assorted ephemera of Gould Eddy’s voyage to Egypt aboard the YANKEE; 1963 Jan-Mar 1964
Logbooks; 1933-1958
Box Volume
24 1 Logbook; 1st Voyage; 1933 May 14-Aug 30
2 Logbook; 1st Voyage; 1934 Mar 16-Nov 30
3 Logbook; 1st Voyage and Gloucester to Bermuda Voyage; 1934 Dec 2-1935 May 5; 1939 Jun 1-17
4 Logbook; 2nd Voyage; 1936 Nov 1-1937 Apr 16
5 Logbook; 2nd Voyage; 1937 Apr 26-1937 Dec 2
6 Logbook; 2nd Voyage; 1937 Dec 3-1938 May 1
Box Volume
25 7 Logbook; 3rd Voyage; 1939 Oct 29-1940 May 2
8 Logbook; 3rd Voyage; 1940 May 3-Nov 23
9 Logbook; 3rd Voyage; 1940 Nov 24-1941 Apr 27
Box Volume
26 10 Logbook; 4th Voyage; 1947 Jul 14-Dec 5
11 Logbook; 4th Voyage; 1947 Dec 6-1948 Mar 7
12 Logbook; 4th Voyage; 1948 Mar 8-Jun 19
13 Logbook; 4th Voyage; 1948 Jun 23-Nov 14
14 Logbook; 4th Voyage; 1948 Nov 15-1949 Feb 16
15 Logbook; 4th Voyage; 1949 Feb 18-May 1
Box Volume
27 16 Logbook; 5th Voyage; 1950 Oct 29-1951 Feb 1
17 Logbook; 5th Voyage; 1951 Feb 2-May 10
18 Logbook; 5th Voyage; 1951 May 15-Sep 3
19 Logbook; 5th Voyage; 1951 Sep 4-1952 Jan 15
Box Volume
28 20 Logbook; 6th Voyage; 1953 Nov 1-1954 Feb 4
21 Logbook; 6th Voyage; 1954 Feb 6-1954 May 25
22 Logbook; 6th Voyage; 1954 May 27-Oct 1
23 Logbook; 6th Voyage; 1954 Oct 2-1955 Feb 5
24 Logbook; 6th Voyage; 1955 Feb 6-May 1
Box Volume
29 25 Logbook; 7th Voyage; 1956 Nov 4-1957 Feb 13
26 Logbook; 7th Voyage; 1957 Feb 14-Jun 19
27 Logbook; 7th Voyage; 1957 Jun 20-Nov 5
28 Logbook; 7th Voyage; 1957 Nov 7-1958 Feb 23
29 Logbook; 7th Voyage; 1958 Feb 24-May 4
Account books; 1933-1958
Box Volume
30 30 Account book, “Yankee Cruises, Inc.”; 1933-1935
31 Account book; ca. 1935-1946
32 Account book, “Ledger”; ca. 1935-1946
33 Brigantine YANKEE account book; 5th voyage; 1951-1952
34 Voyages expenses; 1955 Jul-1958 May
35 Accounts, “6th Voyage”; Charters; 1953-1955; 1952 Apr-1955 Jul
Scrapbooks; 1920-1991
Volume
36 Scrapbook; 1920-1932
37 Scrapbook; 1932-1935
38 Scrapbook; 1933-1935
39 Scrapbook; 1935
40 Scrapbook; 1936-1941
41 Scrapbook; 1941-1947
42 Scrapbook; 1946-1950
43 Scrapbook; 1950-1953
44 Scrapbook; 1953-1955
45 Scrapbook; 1955-1958
46 Scrapbook; 1958-1962
47 Scrapbook; 1962-1965
48 Scrapbook; 1966-1968
49 Scrapbook; 1969-1972
50 Scrapbook; 1973-1976
51 Scrapbook; 1975-1977
52 Scrapbook; 1977-1980
53 Scrapbook; 1979-1984
54 Scrapbook; 1984-1986
55 Scrapbook; 1987-1988
 

 

56

57

Scrapbook; 1988-1991

Scrapbook; 1930-1933. Newspaper Clippings. Articles written by Electa Search for various newspapers.

Oversized material; 1938-1947
Box Folder
HF 1 Oversized Scrapbook; 1938-1947

Top →