Boat Owned by Bogie

In the glamorous world of Hollywood's heyday, yachting was a symbol of the good life, and one such vessel was the Santana. This luxurious yacht had Los Angeles as its home port, a fact that holds a historical connection to a prominent figure - William Jennings Bryan, Jr.

Bryan, the son of the three-time Democratic Presidential candidate and Wilson's secretary of state, served as the Collector of Customs for the Port of Los Angeles for an impressive 15 years. His appointment by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938 marked the beginning of his tenure, which lasted until an unspecified date.

The Santana's history is intertwined with Bryan's role at the port. Historical documents related to the yacht include the Designation of Home Port applications, signed by Bryan in his role as the Collector of Customs. Notable signatories include George Brent, Ray Milland, and Dick Powell, who were previous owners of the Santana.

Powell owned the yacht for 15 months, while Milland held it for just three. However, it was Humphrey Bogart who owned the Santana for the longest period - 12 years. Bogart purchased the yacht for $50,000 in 1945 after a cruise with Powell. Eva Gabor's husband was also among the Santana's subsequent owners.

Bogart's connection to the Santana and Bryan's role as the Collector of Customs are fascinating historical footnotes. The story of the Santana serves as a reminder of the glamour and intrigue that once defined Hollywood, while Bryan's service at the Port of Los Angeles left a lasting impact on the city's maritime history.

In the grand scheme of things, the Santana and Bryan's tenure as the Collector of Customs may seem like separate stories. But when brought together, they paint a picture of a time gone by, a time when Hollywood and the Port of Los Angeles were intertwined in ways that continue to intrigue us today.