Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty

Subject: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: GUEST,Dick Holdstock, Calif.
Date: 12 Apr 00 - 05:53 PM

Chuck Bencick Librarian for thr San Diego Maritime Museum is looking for the tune to the following words that are refered to as an old Packers Shanty on page 225 of Bassil Lubbock's, book the Down Easters. The referance is to the Alaska Packers Ships that sailed from San Francisco to the Alaska canneries through the early 1930s. Incuding the Balclutha and the Star of India.

The Packers' ships are Northward bound;
There is one that sails to-day.
Her skipper's got his orders
To proceed to Bristol Bay.

The anchor's up, the topsails set --
The sky looks kind o' murky,
But fair or foul, she's comin' back
With choice Alaska turkey

Don't sound like no dam shanty to me but can any one out there shed a

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 07:13 PM

Hmmm. Can't believe we didn't get an answer for the estimable Mr. Holdstock.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 08:34 PM

Hi, Dick--

There is some Alaska Packers song in the video "Sockeye and the Age of Sail." I have only seen the video once and don't know if it's the same, but I can try to find out about it next week--I'm pressed for time now. The video is in the Maritime Library at SFMNHP. Ted Miles, Park historian, may know something about it.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: mg
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 10:58 PM

I would surely tell you if I knew but I don't think I ever heard the Seattle singers do it...are you coming to Singtime by the way? I am if you need any further enticement.. mg

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 12 Mar 03 - 01:36 AM

Hey, Dick, sorry I'll miss you at Singtime. So when are you and Carol coming to Hawaii?

The only Alaska canning song I know is Linda Chobotuck's "Canning Salmon", and I know that's not the one you want.

Aloha,
Mark

Oh. I just checked the date of the first post. Well, somebody ask him for me, please!

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: mg
Date: 12 Mar 03 - 01:46 AM

I think she is writing about B.C. canning, isn't she? I thought it was on the Fraser River. But it is a great song regardless.

mg

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: mg
Date: 12 Mar 03 - 01:49 AM

Yep..Fraser River...try and get hold of this song peoples..it is truly a classic. I think Rebel Voices do it. I don't know if LInda has a C.D. out or not. I also wish someone would redo the midi...it doesn't really do justice to the tune...mg

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: mg
Date: 12 Mar 03 - 01:50 AM

is working on the slime line a cannery song?

mg

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 03 - 01:39 PM

Wow: Thanks Joe the mystery still exists. It's funny I had forgotten all about the song until last night when I came across a typed copy and couldn't remember where I got it.

I have enjoyed Linda's song for some time. We probably won't be at the Spring Sing this year.

Cheers Dick

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 05:36 PM

Still unanswered

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Mar 06 - 02:50 PM

never have found this one...

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shantey
From: EBarnacle
Date: 03 Mar 06 - 12:14 PM

The bark, Kaiulani, became the Star of Finland while working for Alaska Packers. She was eventually broken up by the scrappers while lying in Manila Bay. This vessel was the cause of the foundation of the National Maritime Historical Society. I was supposed to be one of the crew to sail her back to the US, representing the National Geographic Society. Parts of her can be found at San Francisco Maritime Museum. I would suggest that you speak to Ted Miles [give him my regards] and/or National Maritime Historical Society.
Eric

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 06:27 PM

Refresh, once again...

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: GUEST,999
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 06:42 PM

Those wot can blow it up will or shall.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 07:45 PM

Thanks, 999. Here's the snippet I gathered from the article:

The Packers' ships are headin' North;
There's one that sails to-day.
Her skipper has his orders
To proceed to Bristol Bay.

Her anchor's up; her tops'ls set,
The sky looks kind o' murky;
But fair or foul, she's comin' back
With choice Alaska turkey.

Can anybody add anything more? I see that Alaska Packers is capitalized in the article, a proper name indicating that "Alaska Packers" might be the name of a company.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: GUEST,999
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 08:38 PM

It is.

Something I noticed is that the article seems to contain lots of info regarding ships at that time. It's a worthwhile read from what I've seen so far. I highlight, copy then paste to Word.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: GUEST,999
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 08:42 PM

History of Alaska Packers.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Sep 12 - 12:12 PM

I have written to the NMHS asking if they are aware of the song, etc. I'll post if/when.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: GUEST,#
Date: 24 Mar 21 - 02:18 PM

https://books.google.ca/books?id=6nQCG7prgjIC&pg=SL1-PA676&lpg=SL1-PA676&dq=Her+skipper+has+his+orders+To+proceed+to+Bristol+Bay

See pages A 675 and A 676

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune Req: Alaska Packers Shanty
From: GUEST,#
Date: 14 Jul 21 - 07:05 PM

https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/61602/hebertk_1.pdf;sequence=1

That's a doctoral thesis by Karen E. Hébert entitled

"Wild Dreams: Refashioning Production in Bristol Bay, Alaska"

The song requested isn't in there that I could locate, but it might provide a lead to someone out there in future.