The Largest Whaling Port on the West Coast, 1880s

Pothill$arctic-oil-works-drawing.jpg

Arctic Oil Works was established at end of 23rd Street in 1883 to produce refined oils from seals, whales and elephant seals.

Arctic Oil Works began processing oil and other by-products from seals and whales in 1883. Drawing of the Oil Works. Photograph of Baleen drying at the facility in 1890.

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In 1890, baleen from the jaws of whales dries in the Arctic Oil Works yard. After drying it was cut into stays for corsets, collars and umbrellas, as well as for buggy whips.

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images courtesy Bancroft Library, Berkeley, CA

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