SS Palo Alto

Wednesday, 16th November 2005 by

Originally built for WWI (although not completed before the war ended), the SS Palo Alto is an oil tanker unusually built using concrete. After sitting in dock for years doing nothing Palo Alto was permanently grounded at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, California in 1929 to serve as an amusement ship. Connected to the shore by a long pier, Palo Alto boasted an arcade, dining room, dance hall and swimming pool.

Unfortunately, the owners soon went out of business and Palo Alto was stripped down and turned into a fishing pier. Over time the ship has been battered by the waves and is now in a bit of a state. Hooey History has ground level photos showing how Palo Alto once looked, and how she looks now.

Thanks: John King & Steve S

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James Turnbull develops websites, including this one.