I remember riding the ferry over to the beautiful Fair at Treasure Island 1939-1940. On one visit, we watched as the passengers paraded with the crew to the gangplank and dock to get on the Pan American Clipper. We saw it taxi out of the Cove, and eventually it flew over our heads. I was so thrilled by the whole thing I wrote a composition describing the event for my English class.
Later, while working during World War II in San Francisco, I was inspired to go out to Treasure Island, and they gave me a job in the PanAm Personnel Office. It was a wonder to go to the Island every day to work. Nat Farbman was the Pan Am photographer and he instructed me how to use the camera and take the pictures of new employees for their badges.
I was there on D-Day 1944. All the employees gathered in the hangar to learn the latest about the invasion and to say a prayer for our servicemen there. It was a very touching moment.
On a blustery, cloudy day, I was given the opportunity to visit the Control Tower. Such a view, with all the active waves. And one time I went out in the launch that accompanied a Clipper out of the Cove to be a second pair of eyes, so I was able to actually see the Clipper increase speed until it lifted into the air. During that time, PanAm was under government contract to MATS.
A couple years ago I stopped by the Island and was disappointed that everything was blocked off except what I could see from the parking area. I am very happy that venerable old Administration Building is there. That is where I worked back in the 40's.
I hope you get the Museum going while I am still able to visit it. If only the walls of that Administration Building could talk!