By Larry Clinton, Sausalito Historical Society
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAUSALITO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Herb Madden Sr. served two terms as Mayor of Sausalito — the second after serving time on a rum-running rap during Prohibition
During a recent library presentation featuring retired firefighters and chiefs sharing reminiscences, it was generally agreed that the fire that destroyed the Madden and Lewis shipyard in 1960 was one of the most disastrous conflagrations in our history.
The headline in the March 19, 1960 Sausalito News read: “MADDEN, LEWIS BOATWORKS RAZED - Ceramics Shop Also Destroyed.” Here are some lightly edited excerpts from newspaper reports of the day:
Property valued in excess of $lOO,OOO, belonging to J. Herbert Madden, Sr., and A. E. (Dick) Lewis, was demolished Wednesday evening in the torch-like blaze and series of explosions which brought regular and volunteer firemen from nine cities to the boatworks at Bridgeway and Locust. [The Mill Valley Record had already reported damages exceeding $750,000].
The conflagration, which was brought under control in about 75 minutes, was attributed to spontaneous combustion of rags in a construction building, the first structure which burned, according to Fire Chief Matthew Perry. The possibility of arson was, ruled out for the blaze, which started at 6:02 p.m. Herbert Madden Jr. was on the scene and raced across the street to the gas station to telephone the firehouse, about three blocks away. Exact financial damage may not be determined for another week, according to sources at brokers who handle the boatworks’ insurance. Three firemen received minor injuries, Capt. Harold Cardwell gashed his leg in a fall over the piers on which the plant was built. Harold Swift, volunteer fireman, received blistered hands while dragging a hose. Wallace (Wally) Wright suffered a cut hand from splintered glass. No other injuries were reported. The explosions were caused by exploding butane tanks. Two diesel engines belonging to the State Department of Fish and Game were burned. The engines were being stored gratis by Madden and Lewis. The company’s safe was so badly burned that firemen estimated Thursday it would take several days to cool so that it could be opened. Contents of the safe were not immediately ascertainable.
Approximately $lO,OOO damage was done to the La Paz ceramics shop next to the boatworks and there was some blistered paint on the Edgewater Boat Shop, according to Frank Pasquinucci, owner of both buildings. The Edgewater is leased to Clyde Kilian and Lawrence Zeiger. Their shop had burned down exactly one year ago Wednesday and it was only by quick work of the fire department that it was saved this week.
The ceramics shop was occupied by its owners, David and Helen Morris and their son Nicky 11. The Morrises lost everything but their kiln, potter’s wheel, and the handful of clothing they managed to grab while escaping from the building. George Gudckunz, part owner of Ondine, Thursday announced plans to sponsor a benefit buffet luncheon, with entertainment, for the Morrises, whose high-quality work has received praise in national and trade magazines.
Five boats were destroyed. One was the $lO,OOO, 40-foot cabin cruiser Hi Ho, which belonged to Herbert Madden. Jr. and was to have been launched within two weeks. Two smaller motorboats also were destroyed. Most of the boats, however, were saved by volunteers.
Regular firemen and volunteers from all over the county responded quickly. The city lost about 1900 feet of fire hose and a nozzle when chemicals flared up on the north side of one building. The hose was promptly re-ordered Thursday. Two 12th District Coast Guard boats stood just off the scene. The San Francisco fireboat Phoenix couldn’t get close to the scene because of low tide.
The entire Sausalito police force, aided by five state highway patrolmen and three sheriff's deputies, held back the traffic and curious onlookers most of the time. Volunteers such as Howard Peek helped to direct heavy northbound commuters’ traffic, which was routed from Bridgeway along Caledonia St.
Mayor Howard Sievers Thursday praised the many volunteers who rushed to aid in fighting the fire, serving refreshments and in carrying out boats and equipment from Edgewater Boat Shop. Volunteers included the Red Cross, hastily organized to serve hot drinks by Sally Stapp and the Sausalito Woman’s Club which donated coffee. Richard Phillips, husband of the Woman’s Club president, was seen passing out coffee from his station wagon. Members of the new Boys’ Athletic Club helped to cut boats loose. The Mill Valley Women's fire auxiliary passed out coffee. Mrs. Jay (Juanita) Musson provided coffee and hamburgers to the firemen. She was assisted by Mrs. Perry, wife of the fire chief, several other ladies, and members of the state patrol, the latter providing transportation.
About 25 persons assisted in carrying boats, motors and equipment from the Edgewater Boat Shop when it looked as though this building was going to burn. Among them was Mrs. Louis Souza, who carried two small motors on her back and later helped to move larger ones. “I didn't know I could do it,” Mrs. Souza said. Water pressure was described as “adequate” by Fire Chief Matthew J. (Mats) Perry, although some volunteers had complained of the lack of pressure. Out-of-town trucks hooked into the Caledonia street main. The county fire equipment pumped water out of the bay. Telephone service to seven subscribers was interrupted during the fire. Service was restored by Thursday to all except those whose buildings were burned.
Shortly after the fire, it was feared that Madden and Lewis would have to sell their property, but they persevered and developed it into the Sausalito Yacht Harbor. Today the SYH contains more than 600 berths, one of the largest harbors in Sausalito.
The Sausalito Historical Society’s latest exhibit, “FIRE!” features stories and photos of local fires plus artifacts, and ephemera from the Sausalito Fire Department. A timeline depicts significant fires, fire houses and fire chiefs throughout Sausalito’s History. The exhibit is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the top floor of City Hall.