Farragut Harbormaster Shed

L-R Norma Jean Knowles, representing Waterford Marinas and Linda Hackbarth, savior of the shed in the process of being removed from the trailer that transported it ot the park.


Sitting lonely atop a naval boat shed, next to a few on the navy side that still exist sat the U.S. Navy harbor master shed. From 1942 through 1944, the hyperactive training base taught small boat handling with whale boats and cutters, swarming in and out of the small harbor at what was for years after the war, Bayview Marina. From this lofty perch, a local man, Haven Berg directed traffic, counted the boats that left and accounted for the same number that returned. Built by two other local men, Bill Bockstruck and Harold Stewart, this cupola stood sentinel over the comings and goings of boat traffic from then to 2006, when the marina was tore down in preparation for a new rebuilt, modern dock system.

The old roofed docks were patched together with a wish and a prayer, the pilings having been driven back in the forties. rotted off then spliced, they stood, kind of, until the wreckers came. One person, Linda Hackbarth, a noted local historian, noticed the shed, still perched above the marina, and asked then manager of Waterford Park Marinas, Tina Arendt, if it could be saved. The question was put to President, Bob Holland, and he approved the effort to rescue this last remaining artifact from Naval presence.

Hanging out in Arizona at the time, Hackbarth wa unaware that her wish was about to be granted. On her arrival back in Bayview, Idaho, lo and behold, there it was,sitting high and dry on the front lawn of the Boileau's Marina. Then the year long quest for a home started. Thinking the existing navy base would be the proper home,negotiations were started, but to no avail. It seemed that security would be breached if the hut were to be mounted in front of the navy base entrance.

Finally, the Brig museum at Farragut State Park was queried. Would they be interested? Boy howdy were they. They jumped all over the chance to obtain this one last artifact from World War 11 for their collection. Tuesday, April 31, the shed found a home. With the cooperation of Bob Holland, Dave Vig, construction superintendent, and a large cast of caring players, it was transported to the brig, where it will be completely restored to it's original condition, which strangely enough is still pretty good. When it is done, it will rest on a pedestal inside the courtyard at the brig for sailors coming back for yet another reunion will be able to enjoy it.

Haven Berg is gone lo these may years, but the shed will be preserved for future generations to learn from. Linda Hackbarth, sometimes laboring under lack of appreciation and even disrespect, has yet again graced the community with her love.