What you’re looking at is more than just a concrete block by the water; it's a fascinating remnant of a crucial training ground during World War II, where Merchant Marine officers learned vital skills using "Flying Balloons and Practice Cranes."

This large concrete base, historically referred to as a "masthouse," was once the foundation for a massive crane. It was part of the US Merchant Marine Officer Training Academy, which was located here during the war. Merchant Marine candidates, essentially the civilian sailors responsible for transporting goods and supplies across the oceans, trained extensively at this site. Their curriculum involved mastering the loading and unloading of cargo using a variety of cranes, winches, and a complex network of cables.

One of the most peculiar and ingenious aspects of this training involved "barrage balloons." These large, blimp-shaped balloons, sometimes bright orange as a safety measure, played a crucial role in defending against air attacks. Ships were incredibly vulnerable during cargo transfers at port, presenting easy targets for enemy aircraft. The solution was to deploy these barrage balloons, tethered by strong cables, around ships. Their purpose was twofold: either entangle low-flying bombers in their cables, or force them to fly higher into the range of anti-aircraft guns, making them easier targets.

The practice cranes on this very masthouse, though long gone, would have helped officers learn the mechanical advantage of lifting and moving heavy cargo both vertically and horizontally, simulating real-world port operations. The primary duty of these merchant marines was to transport essential goods for the war effort, often crossing dangerous waters. The ingenuity of defenses like these barrage balloons highlights the innovative ways in which people adapted to the threats of wartime. Even the small cleats still visible on the concrete block are a testament to this past, as they were used for tying up these large fabric balloons.