Abalone: Santa Rosa Island
Abalone: Santa Rosa Island
The Chinese abalone industry peaked on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and San Clemente islands from 1892 to 1895. The U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries Report of the Commissioner for the Year Ending June 30, 1896 reported a Santa Barbara yield of 238,463 pounds of abalone in 1892 and 207,068 pounds in 1895. The report also notes:
- The Chinese have a monopoly in the abalone fishery, and in the preparing, eating, and marketing of dried abalone. The meat and shells are handled by a Chinese merchant in Santa Barbara and by him forwarded to other Chinese at San Francisco, where, having supplied any local demand for dried abalone from their countrymen, the surplus is exported to China or the Sandwich Islands. There is one camp of Chinese in the abalone fishery, if it may be so called, on each of the islands of Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and San Clemente. The abalones are gathered from rocks around the shores of the islands, a small, thin, iron bar being required to pry them loose. They are then taken from the shell and for two hours boiled in seawater, to which a small amount of salt is added. After the boiling they are spread on the rocks or ground until the sun and air have dried them almost as hard as bone. The average price of dried abalone meat in 1895 was 4-1/2 cents a pound. The shells, also sold by the pound, have a wide fluctuation in price, which has averaged $20 a ton—a much lower price than in past years. Only the best shells are now saved, a large proportion of those gathered being cast aside. The shells are sold to button, fancy-box, and ornamental workers in America and Europe. A small portion of the highest-colored and best are polished and sold for decoration of private homes.
In the News~
April 2, 1857 [SBG]: “March 27. Arrived schooner Elsie, [Captain Winding], from Santa Rosa Island, with twelve tons abalones. Reports a man lost overboard last Sunday, while coming to anchor. The man was knocked into the water by the forepeak, and did not rise to the surface afterwards. His name was Thomas White, and it is believed that he came to this country from one of the English Channel Islands. Sailed April 1 for San Francisco.”
September 12, 1873 [SBWP]: “The schooner Star of Freedom arrived from Santa Rosa Island carrying abalone.”
April 18, 1876 [SBDN]: “The schooner Matinee arrived from Santa Rosa Island yesterday with 100 sacks of abalones, and the archaeological specimens recently made by Messrs. Bowers and party.”
August 14, 1876 [SBDP]: “The Matinee, Captain Frank Thompson, sailed this afternoon for Santa Rosa Island for a load of abalones.”
August 17, 1876 [SBDP]: “The Matinee returned from Santa Rosa Island last evening, whither she had gone for a load of abalones. It was too rough to take the freight, so she came away without it.”
October 28, 1878 [SBDP]: “The schooner Laurie, Captain Percerville, from Santa Rosa, discharged 140 sacks of abalones yesterday.”
December 17, 1878 [SBDP]: “The schooner Surprise arrived yesterday afternoon from Santa Rosa Island with a load of shells.”
November 3, 1879 [SBDP]: “The Surprise returned from Santa Rosa Island Saturday night with a lot of abalones and a few otter skins for Rogers Brothers.”
November 8, 1879 [SBWP]: “The Surprise returned from Santa Rosa Island Saturday night with a lot of abalones and a few otter skins for Rogers Brothers.”
June 2, 1883 [SBWP]: “The schooner Vesta, which has been unloading lumber at our wharf for some time past, has sailed for Santa Rosa Island. There she will take on a cargo of about seven hundred bales of wool and a lot of pelts and sea shells for San Francisco.”
October 27, 1883 [SBDI]: “Abalones. A peculiar article of commerce of Southern California. An odd source of wealth… Parties of Chinese fishermen were on the various Channel Islands most of the year. Messrs. Rogers and Brothers of this city sent out today for San Miguel, a party of five men for abalone, seal skins and oil. The number of abalone to be obtained by such a party is impossible to estimate. Low tide being the only time when they can be gathered and the lower the tide, the more are exposed to view… San Miguel, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Nicolas, Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, all found being protective points of supply. Messrs. Rogers and Brothers of this city sent out today for San Miguel a party of five for abalones, seal skins and oil. The number of abalones to be obtained by such a party is impossible to estimate. Low tide being the only time when they can be gathered, and the lower the tide the more are exposed to view…”
November 3, 1883 [SBWI]: “The abalone business is carried on more or less along the sea shore of the semi-tropic, but at this place on the islands of the Channel the occupation is conducted, though quietly, upon larger scale than any other locality further south. The abalone is a greater success than the egg in point of natural economy, in that the shell also is materially viable. The meat is taken by the Chinamen and dried. The dried abalone is esteemed as a great dainty and is worth in San Francisco six cents per pound. It is exported from that point in large quantities to China and gourmets of that frugal people do not hesitate to pay the heavy price it commands in that Empire after first cost, freight and handling are added. The particular charm that this dried meat has for the celestial palate is not apparent to the barbarian tooth. The Independent reporter found it much resembling in consistency, color and odor a piece of veteran sole leather... San Miguel, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Nicolas, Anacapa, Catalina, and Santa Barbara islands are all productive points of supply. Messrs. Rogers and Brothers of this city sent out today for San Miguel a party of five for abalone, seal skins and oil. The number of abalone to be obtained by such a party is impossible to estimate, low tide being the only time when they can be gathered, and the lower the tide the more exposed to view. It would seem that the practical mind of the American should be able to find some manner of preparing this healthful article of food in a manner acceptable to the taste of white men.”
May 9, 1884 [SBDI]: “A party of 15 Chinamen were shipped in two parties this morning for the islands of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa by the schooner Santa Rosa. They are abalone fishermen and have with them a complete outfit for a long stay on the islands. They use long flat bottom boats, like the sharpie of the New England coast, save that it is steered by a clumsy Oriental-looking sweep tied to the stern instead of the ordinary oar or rudder.”
September 1, 1885 [SBDI]: “The Ocean King returned from Santa Rosa Island yesterday with a cargo of abalones.”
June 9, 1889 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa arrived from Santa Rosa Island Friday night with A. P. More, L. W. More and J. B. Joyaux. A. P. More shows no signs of his recent disaster, except a sprained arm which he still keeps in a bandage. The schooner brought over 440 sacks of abalone shells and 197 abalones, which will be unloaded at Goleta.”
May 17, 1891 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa leaves today for the islands with a gang of Chinamen to collect abalone shells for Captain G. F. Ellis.”
October 19, 1892 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa left for Santa Rosa Island with a crew of Chinamen who have been engaged in securing a cargo of abalone shells. Mr. John T. Moore will return on the boat.”
April 2, 1893 [LAT/SB]: “The schooner Santa Rosa came in from Santa Rosa Island yesterday morning bringing a load of abalone shells and a number of sacks of dried abalones. They have been gathered on the island in the past four months by a camp of Chinamen located there for that purpose.”
April 4, 1893 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa left for the islands yesterday for another cargo of abalone shells.”
April 7, 1893 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa arrived from Santa Cruz Island yesterday with a cargo of abalone shells.”
April 22, 1893 [LAT/SB]: “The schooner San Mateo came in on Friday morning from Santa Rosa Island bringing live seals and some abalones and other shells…”
May 26, 1893 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa brought Mr. Moore over from Santa Rosa Island yesterday and will return taking two Chinamen over to look for abalones.”
May 26, 1893 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa brought Mr. More over from Santa Rosa Island yesterday and will return taking two Chinamen over to look for abalones.”
October 18, 1893 [SBDI]: “The schooner Santa Rosa, Captain Thompson, is in with a cargo of 321 sacks of abalone shells, 69 sacks of abalone, and five sacks of seaweed from the Chinese camp on Santa Rosa Island. The abalone and seaweed are for shipment to China, where they are cooked and served in oriental style and considered great delicacies.”
January 11, 1894 [SBMP]: “The schooner Santa Rosa, has gone to the island with a crew of Chinamen to gather in a supply of abalone. They are not intended for the amphibia.”
April 11, 1894 [SBDI]: “The schooner Santa Rosa brought over seven tons of shells and ten tons of abalones.”
August 15, 1894 [SBDI]: “The schooner Santa Rosa arrived from Santa Rosa Island this morning and unloaded 130 sacks of abalones and 100 sacks of shells at the wharf. This is the result of about three months’ work of a number of Chinese abalone fishermen.”
August 16, 1894 [LAT/SB]: “The schooner Santa Rosa tied up at the wharf this morning to unload one hundred and thirty sacks of shells from Santa Rosa Island.”
May 9, 1896 [SBDI]: “A party of fifteen Chinamen were shipped in two parties this morning for the islands of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, by the schooners bearing the same names. They are abalone fishermen and have with them a complete outfit for a long stay on the islands. They use long flat bottom boats, like the sharpie of the New England coast, save that it is steered by a clumsy oriental-looking sweep tied to the stern instead of the ordinary oar or rudder.”
November 4, 1896 [LAT/SB]: “Captain Thompson returned to port with his schooner, Santa Rosa last night, having failed to land his Chinamen on the islands on account of rough seas. The Chinamen went over to gather abalones.”
March 11, 1897 [LAT/SB]: “The steamer Santa Rosa, going north last night, carried thirteen tons of abalones gathered on Santa Cruz Island. Four hundred and fifty sacks of shells will be shipped on the next north-bound steamer.”
June 13, 1897 [SFCall]: “Dr. Gustav Eisen, curator of the department of biology of the Academy of Sciences, has just returned from an exploration trip to Santa Rosa Island and reports that he is highly gratified with what he saw and found there… Santa Rosa Island is about the only place on the coast where abalones can still be obtained. They are still plentiful, although a few years ago the Chinese found out about it and the work of exterminating them is progressing as fast as possible. Last year they secured fifteen tons and expect much more this year…”
April 29, 1898 [LAT/SB]: “A boat was capsized recently at Santa Rosa Island containing five Chinamen, who had gone to hunt abalones. They reached the shore after a hard struggle with the breakers and losing their provisions for a whole season, and everything else but the clothes they had on.”
September 7, 1900 [SBMP]: “Frank Reina, the man arrested for stealing abalones from Santa Rosa Island, was arraigned in the Superior Court yesterday. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in San Quentin. William Gerald, his accomplice, pleaded not guilty.”
September 9, 1900 [LAT/SB]: “The trial of the case of the People vs. William Gerald, the channel pirate, who stole abalones from Santa Rosa Island Chinese, is set for the 27th inst.”
April 22, 1905 [SBMP]: “The fishing sloop Peerless left for the islands yesterday with a number of fishermen and a load of supplies, for the purpose of establishing abalone camps on Santa Rosa and San Miguel islands. Besides gathering abalone shells, meat and pearls, they will also collect sea grass, which commands a good price in Chinese markets.”
December 4, 1907 [SBMP]: “That rakish piratical craft, the Rover, which some years ago was instrumental in the abduction of the girl Bessie Benson by Captain Hall, aided by one John Warnell, part owner of the vessel, is again figuring in a crime of the erstwhile Rover, alias the good steam schooner Baltic, which was alongside the commercial wharf. John Warnell was arrested together with his mate Charles Hansen, by the constable Jack Fullington upon a warrant issued by Judge Overmen. The charge is grand larceny preferred by Captain George McGuire and Vasquez, who allege that Warnell and Hanson, while craw fishing around the islands, made a piratical cruise to the south side of Santa Rosa Island, and there discovered a store of nearly $100 worth of abalone shells, some 48 sacks, and abalone meat in separate sacks ready for shipment belonging to Captain McGuire. The Rover at once lay to, and the valuable load of shells and meat were transferred from shore to the schooner. The Rover, alias the Baltic, hoisted sail and away from Santa Barbara to dispose of the ill-gotten booty. A purchaser was promptly found in a representative of Charles Tetson and Company of San Francisco, who gave them about 3 cents per pound for shells and 6 or 7 cents for the meat. Then in true buccaneering style, Warnell and Hansen proceeded to celebrate on their ill-gotten gains. While flush with wine and victory, Warnell boasted to fellow seaman Captain Jerry Shively, who owns a launch, and to Charles May, of the clever trick he and his mate turned with the aid of the Baltic - once the Rover. Now May happened to be one of those flowers that bloom in the spring, and was picked up by Captain McGuire to help abduct the abalones from their native resting place on the rocks of Santa Rosa Island. Wherefore May was fully able to appreciate the interest of the news imparted in vinous confidence by that bold buccaneer John Warnell and his mate, ‘The Terrible Swede,’ Charles Hansen. Having heard all that was necessary, May hastened to Captain McGuire. Captain McGuire tried pacific measures at first, and confronting Warnell, giving that hardened and salty sinner a chance to make an accounting. Warnell, however, was haughty and disdainful, an attitude that resulted in a conference with Judge Overmen and a warrant in the hands of ‘Big Jack.’ At one time it was thought that Jack would have to hoist sail and hike over the heaving main after his prey, but as it happened he had hardly emerged from the little alley that leads to so many judicial chambers and sorrowful cells, before the keen eye of Captain Vasquez espied the peculiar gait of the Baltic’s part owner. Fullington had secured Warnell, but a short time before, Hansen, who had indulged in a shave and clean up preparatory to renewing court to the girl he left on shore, was encountered coming out of a barber shop. Both were arraigned before Judge Overmen who informed the men of their rights and will set their examination later on, bail being fixed at $500 each. Up to a late hour the necessary bonds had not been forth coming.”
September 2, 1908 [SBI]: “Abalone shells are disappearing from the shores of Santa Cruz Island because fishermen gather them for bait, paying no attention to size, and disregarding state law. On Santa Rosa Island the shells are becoming scarcer, although Chinamen who gather them for market are said to obey the law and take only shells, which are twelve inches or more in circumference. Twelve tons of shells, filling 50 gunny sacks, were brought from Santa Rosa Island this week by four Chinamen and sold for $12 per ton… G. M. McGuire who probably handles more abalone shells than any other man on the Pacific coast, buying from Chinamen and shipping to San Francisco and other cities, is authority for the statement that fishermen are responsible for the disappearance of abalones…”
September 4, 1908 [LAH]: “San Pedro. The steamer Santa Rosa Island sailed into port today with 450 sacks of abalones on board, which have been gathered on Santa Rosa Island during the past six or eight months by a bunch of Chinamen who have been living there and make a business of catching and drying them. They are a most valuable article and are considered a choice delicacy by the Orientals. The cargo is valued at the rate of $10 per sack, or $4500 for the entire lot. In addition to this are the shells, which are also very valuable, as there is always a big demand for them at the curio stores.”
June 29, 1911 [SBMP]: “In preparation for the opening of the abalone season July lst, large camps of Chinamen are being established on the Channel Islands. These enterprises are being organized in the local Chinatown. The Gussie M, Captain Vasquez, has already landed one large party on the south side of Santa Cruz Island, and will sail tomorrow with another party, having concessions from Vail & Vickers, owners of Santa Rosa Island. They will also be located on the ocean side of the island. Both camps are provisioned for an extended stay.”
August 3, 1911 [SBMP]: “Captain Rosaline Vasquez of the Gussie M, returning yesterday from Santa Cruz Island, reported that he stood off Forney’s Cove on the south side of the island for two days awaiting moderation in the weather so that he might land, and then gave up the idea. A cargo of abalone meat and shells is awaiting shipment from that harbor where a party of Chinese fishermen is encamped. He will return to Forney’s today hoping for better luck. A heavy swell has been running since the northwest blow of Sunday night.”
August 27, 1911 [SBMP]: “...Captain Vasquez, in his Gussie M powerboat, leaves today for Santa Cruz Island to secure seven live seals to fill eastern orders. He will also call at the Chinese abalone camps on the north side of Santa Rosa Island to bring over 300 sacks of abalone meat and shells. One of the camps will also break up, as fishing has been slow on account of the wind.”
September 28, 1911 [LAT/LB]: “C. B. Linton, who owns pearl and abalone concessions on San Nicolas and Santa Barbara islands, this morning purchased of Judge A. C. Lawson the launch Flyer, which he will use in transporting his shells to the mainland. Captain George Childs, formerly of the schooner Santa Rosa Island, will be in command.”
October 4, 1911 [SBMP]: “Captain Vasquez, in his Gussie M, will call at the Chinese abalone camps on the north side of Santa Rosa Island to bring over 300 sacks of abalone meat and shells. One of the camps will also break up, as fishing has been slow on account of the wind.”
October 12, 1911 [SBMP]: “Captain Rosaline Vasquez, returning with the Gussie M yesterday from the other side of the channel, reports continued rough weather around the islands. He was unable to land at the abalone camps on Santa Rosa Island. He did make a landing at the crawfish camps on Santa Cruz Island, and brought over 3000 pounds of these California lobsters, the catch representing several days’ work.”
November 19, 1911 [SBMP]: “Captain B. G. Crist of the power boat Comet just missed sending his vessel to the bottom of the channel last week, while attempting to cross with a load of abalone shells and meat from Santa Rosa Island. While loading the hold, unknown to Crist, one of the Chinamen of the abalone party opened two of the portholes for ventilation. In the heavy sea outside, water poured through the openings, and as the hold was full of sacked shells, it was impossible to close the apertures. The first Crist knew of the calamity was when one of his engines went dead—drowned out. Speedy investigation revealed the cause, the hold and engine room being half full of water. They were then about two miles from shore, and Crist headed his boat for the nearest island cove, meanwhile throwing overboard about two tons of shells in the effort to keep the boat afloat. The Comet came finally to a safe anchorage, and the cargo was removed. Crist came over yesterday with the last of the shells, leaving, however, a number of sacks scattered about the bottom of the channel.”
November 20, 1911 [LAT]: “Narrow escape. Captain G. B. Crist of the powerboat Comet just missed sending his vessel to the bottom of the channel yesterday while attempting to cross with a load of abalone shells and meat from Santa Rosa Island. While loading the hold, unknown to Crist, one of the Chinamen of the abalne party opened two of the portholes for ventilation. In the heavy sea outside, water poured through the openings, and, as the hold was full of sacked shells, it was impossible to close the apertures. The first Crist knew of the calamity was when one of his engines went dead—drowned out. Speedy investigation revealed the cause, the hold and engine room being about half full of water. They were then about two miles from shore, and Crist headed his boat for the nearest island cove, meanwhile throwing overboard about two tons of shells in the effort to keep the boat afloat. The Comet came finally to a safe anchorage, and the cargo was removed.
December 10, 1912 [SBI]: “A party of Chinese left for Santa Rosa Island today to establish an abalone camp there.”
August 24, 1914 [SBDNI]: “Three tons of abalone shells and one ton of meat was brought in to the wharf from Santa Rosa Island this morning by Captains Nidever and Hanson in the launch Flyer. The shells will be shipped to San Francisco.”
March 15, 1925 [LAT]: “…Leaving San Pedro at 9:00 P.M., the 6th inst., the Woofels reached Santa Rosa Island in apparently good condition in exactly twelve hours. The day was spent in gathering mushrooms and abalones, which are claimed to be of fabulous size by the Woofels. The abalones unwisely clung to the rocks at Santa Rosa Island above the low-tide level, and it was a comparatively easy task to collect several sacks of the delicious sea fruit…”
