One of the most important days of the year from the standpoint of
the children of San Quentin was May Day. Everybody looked forward to
this wonderful outing and picnic. It really was unique and a day to
be remembered. It was planned by the San Quentin school, but the
School Trustees and the town people took part as well as the teacher
and children. There was a paddle wheel steamer named The Caroline,
owned by Captain Leale, who had the contract to haul freight and
produce from San Francisco to San Quentin to supply the prison.
Captain
Leale generously offered his ship to the children and the people of
San Quentin and took them on a cruise of the bay, terminating at El
Campo, a picnic grounds across the bay from San Quentin point. The
people would prepare elaborate basket lunches and would board the
Caroline in the morning on May Day. The deck where freight was
usually carried was cleared and an orchestra was hired to play for
dancing. There was a dance pavilion at El Campo (now Paradise Cove)
and besides dancing on board the ship, there was dancing in the afternoon.
At
the picnic grounds there was also a bowling alley and a race track
where the school children would compete in races for coveted prizes.
The sack races and the three legged race were very amusing. The
school children always had a May pole Dance.
At
about five o'clock in the afternoon the steamer would blow the
whistle and the people, tired but happy, would board the Caroline for
the return trip to San Quentin. Music and dancing was in order on the
homeward journey. Sometimes a good accordionist would supply the music.
The
spring time weather always seemed to be ideal and the May Day
picnics on the Steamer Caroline were always outstanding.
Author:
William J. Duffy, Jr
Return
to Point SQ
