| Foreign Tourism and Freighters Ships 1945 |
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In March 1945 a 200-ton motor freighter named Velero II arrived in Puerto Vallarta amidst the time of Second World War. The ship was made in Panama, but came from New Port Beach, California. Peter Stein the Captain and Mr. Tiver, a Mechanic Engineer and officer commanded the ship. Captain Peter invited several people to travel on the ship as his guests. This included a crowd of writers, journalists and businessmen the freighter Velero II exported banana roatán to the United States. After the ship returned to Newport Beach, California, two local expert seamen, Alberto Gomez Amaral and Trinidad Chavarin Sevilla joined the crew.
Velero II made three additional trips to Vallarta. Captain Peter Stein also commanded another American 150-ton freight named El Paragón, which followed the route of Velero II. First officer was Alvin Daniels, Second officer Alberto Gómez Amaral, and mechanic engineer Mike Ross. Roberto Lampros, who was port of the crew, married Genoveva, better known as Veva, a local girl well know in the communities of Vallarta and Ixtapa. Veva was the daughter of Don Eduviges Muñoz.
The ship freighters brought us a lot of publicity within the United States and created tremendous tourist made commercial growth. Freight passengers who visited Vallarta from the United States went bank to their country talking about the beauties of our Port. Rapidly, Vallarta gained popularity, and its name appeared in newspapers and magazines all over the United States.
Captain Peter Stein became well known in Vallarta of his kindness and generosity. Every time he arrived in Vallarta from the States, he brought a shipload with apples, grapes, cheeses, American magazines, cigarette, etc, and he would shower his friends with present. And, he made many friends! Stein liked inviting local people as his guests, on dinner trips aboard his ship around the Bay. I especially remember one time he invited us and many other local personality as his guests, on a recreational trip to the Marías Island. We were impressed with the lavishly and succulent buffet served on board. Only the best wines were poured. It was a magnificent experience. Among the locals who were invited were, Adán Mantecón, Manuel Gutiérrez, the Güereña's, all personnel from the Harbormaster office, and some of the local young ladies from our society.
Approximately from 1947 to 1949, more foreign freighters started regular routes to Vallarta. I remember; Coastal Star a banana freighter commanded by Captain Harold Carpenter, Western Star commanded by Captain Roy, machine Engineer Jan Winters and Cook Robert Bend. From our country I remember freighters Santa Providencia and Anáhuac. The captains of freighters were, in general, socially orient people who liked getting acquainted with locals. Although I got to meet several captains, I can say for sure that Captain Peter Stein was the most highly regarded by the community. And, it was not only because he was big hearted, but for the love he shower for Vallarta. Stein helped promote the beauties of our charming paradise and never forgot about us. After many years of absence, Stein came back to Vallarta as the new captain of John Wayne's private yacht. Captain Stein introduced my daughter, Yolanda, and me to Wayne. We were astonished! John Wayne was so tall that he looked looked a giant to us. He made fun of the fact that he couldn't find a shirt big enough to fit him. He autographed his picture for us. I now consider it a treasure.
Mr. Milton Sheap was another American seaman who was well liked by the community. He was tall, awkward and walked funny as if he would still be on the boat. He never took his cap off. His mate was a blonde, older lady with short, curly hair. She walked swiftly with rhythm and always wore see through dresses. One could easily see mature skin through the dresses. One could easily see mature skin through the dresses. She loved going to the market carrying a basket and greeting everybody with a friendly smile, speaking half English and half Spanish.
Mr. Sheap exported fish, bananas and papaya on his small freighter. He made special trips to the towns of Tecomate, Pizota and other coastal towns in order to get the best products. Sheap told everyone he had found his ideal place in Vallarta. He lived happily in a rustic house on top of the hill. He collected birds of different species, parrots and a variety of plants. After a few years Sheap moved away and nobody ever heard from him again.
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Note: The segments from the book "Puerto Vallarta en mis Recuerdos" -both versions- are published in PVMirror.com with the express authorization of Sra. Yolanda Contreras de Garduño, co-author of the work and owner of the copyrights thereto. Any reproduction thereof, partial or total, in any medium is prohibited.
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