50th Anniversary Canal Zone Pilots
Our next anniversary item for this week is showcasing the 50th Anniversary of the Canal Zone Pilots!
From the completion of the canal in 1914 to 1964, this document, by A.L. Guinn, names every Canal Zone pilot by year.
In our Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, we have a conversation with Albert Wilder where he talks about the Canal Zone pilots in depth. If you are interested in listening to this oral history, follow the link below!
http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00013354
What can you guys share with us about the Canal Zone pilots?
Please share with us in the comments section below!
7 Comments
Bob Zumbado
The last name in the year 1939 in this document is Alan Wallace, my step father. I have a certified copy of his pay record which he obtained after his retirement. The record is certified on July 17,1958,
to be a true copy by John H. Terry, Chief of Personnel Records Branch of the Panama Canal Company. The record shows my dad was assigned as a Pilot in Training on October 1, 1939 at the rate of pay of $266.67 per month. He was rerated as a Pilot Probationary on April 1, 1940 at the rate of 341.67 per month. Exactly one year later he was rerated as a Pilot at the rate of $416.67 per month.
An interesting note about my step dad. He was born in May 1906. He dropped out of Cristobal high school at he age of 14 and on June 2, 1920 was hired as a Seaman in the Marine Division. The pay record shows that on June 4, 1920, two days later, he was discharged “account of being a minor.” He returned to school and three years later on June 20, 1923 he was reemployed by the Panama Rail Road as a “checker” at the rate of $72.50 per month. During this time he also attempted to qualify for the U. S. Olympic Swimming Team in the 100 meter free style. He didn’t quite make it but he claimed he got a good view of Johnny Weissmuller’s behind in the pool while trying to qualify. He also befriended Duke Kahanumoko and his brother during the trials. My step ad was a persistent and ambitious fellow working his way to a transfer to the Marine Divsion a year later, then the Dredging Divison. Over the years he went back and forth between Dredging and Marine Divisions holding jobs as a machinist, a foreman, Engineer, tug boat operator, tug boat master…up and up ultimately to become a full fledged and very proud Canal Pilot.
Wilbur Vantine
I am disappointed in that the author of this fine document, Captain Albert Lee (Al) Guinn, is not credited anywhere in the article. He did the research, organized and personally did the fine engraving of this document. I greatly value one of the original production issues that I have. Al listed his own name on the document for becoming a Panama Canal Pilot in 1962.
You probably know who to contact to correct the omission of not giving Al the credit that his memory deserves.
Captain Wilbur Vantine
Retired Canal Pilot
ufpcmcollection
Hello Wilbur,
Thank you for your comment! A.L. Guinn is credited as the publisher of this document in our database. We have amended the blog post to include this information as well.
Audrey Gale Guinn Gassiot
To whom it may concern:
Capt. Albert Lee Guinn “Al” who authored this historical document was my father. I would treasure a copy of this historical document. Please let me know if there is a way to receive a copy.
Thank you for any attention you may give to my request.
Very sincerely yours,
Audrey Gale Guinn Gassiot
Tracy
I have a copy of this . What is it’s worth?
Morris Daniels
I believe the 2nd entry under 1923: Daniels, G, is my uncle. Family history has it that he died in a plane crash on or about when he was to leave the canal. Is there any way I can get a copy of Panama Canal Pilots? Also is there any information on “Guy Daniels”?
Lauray Griffin
Enjoyed te article.
My grandfather was a pilot in 1914.
William L. Will