Saw this abandoned pier in Half Moon Bay. Research reveals that it’s Romeo’s Pier, once used in the sardine and salmon business. According to one source, it was built in the 1940′s by Joe Romeo.
I don’t advocate trespassing (AKA urban exploration or urb-ex). In a case like this, it can be dangerous to one’s life and limb, as well as having legal repercussions. Leave it to the pro’s, like the good folks at Bay Area Society of Exploration. But there I was, and on impulse I scrambled up on to the pier.
The deck of the pier is in good shape- no visible holes, feels sound. The pier is currently owned by the County of San Mateo. No doubt it would cost millions to either renovate or demolish, so here it sits.
Lots of excellent rusty stuff. In the 1950′s, the sardines were all fished out, just like on Cannery Row in Monterey, and the Romeo family transitioned their business into fertilizer for the many coastal nurseries and farms. 
Imagine the last day; they said,” That’s it, boys”, locked the gate behind them, and never went back.
In their prime, Romeo’s Packing Co. had labels on their cans featuring a fish named Charlie, who wore glasses. He was modeled after Joe Romeo’s son. Later they sold that part of the business to Star-Kist, and the fish on the label became Charlie the Tuna, star of many television commercials.
What is this?
As the sun sets, we bid a fond farewell to Romeo’s Pier.
October 8, 2009 at 2:32 am |
Nice find! I particularly like the rotting forklift. Gonna have to get down to 1/2 moon bay and check this one out.