In the 1930s, the "Santa Rosa" was one of the most modern ships to visit northwest ports. It carried passengers and freight from Seattle through the Panama Canal and on to New York City, with many stops along the way. The ship's dining rooms had sliding roofs so that passengers could dine under the stars in the tropics.

This 1932 photo shows the "Santa Rosa" arriving in Seattle on its maiden voyage. Dignitaries from Seattle, Washington state, and British Columbia greeted the ship. The ship unloaded its passengers and a large cargo of cocoa. When the vessel left, it carried passengers and fresh and frozen cargoes of fruit and fish.

Description in handwritten inventory: S.S. Santa Rosa Arriving 12-18-32
Photographer's Reference Number: 139095