Lab History
1960's Lab Conception
The marine lab was conceived in the early 1960s by Humboldt Professors William Laphear (Wildlife), Fred Telonicher (Zoology), and Harrie MacGiinitie (Physical Science and Facilities). The motivation was to develop a lab for the rapidly growing fisheries and aquaculture industry in the region and build on the student experiences of Telonicher at Hopkins Marine Station and Lamphere at Friday Harbor Marine Laboratory. At the time of the lab's conception there were no marine labs located between Monterey and Puget Sound and Eureka had the third largest fishing fleet in the state.
The area of the marine lab in Trinidad in 1965, prior to construction. Photo: Humboldt.
The current location of the marine lab in Trinidad in 1965, prior to construction. Photo: Humboldt.
Plan Approval & Building
The plan for the marine lab was approved in 1961 and bidding began in April 1965 for the $524,962 contract. The contract was awarded to the Baldwin Warren Company of San Francisco. Ground was broken in June of 1965 and the lab opened in spring 1966. At that time the initial-phase of the lab consisted of 7,237 sq. ft which included a 24 station teaching lab, a two station faculty office, and a 50,000 gallon seawater system. The total cost of the initial phase of the marine lab was $653,000.
Surveying site for the future marine lab, 1965. Photo: Humboldt.
Breaking ground for the marine lab, June 1965. Humboldt President Siemens (far left), Marine Lab Director James Gast (far right). Photo: Humboldt.
Trinidad and the marine lab in the late 1960s, before the lab was expanded. Note the absence of ocean front homes near the lab at that time. Photo: Humboldt.
Second Storage Tank & Building
A second 50,000 gallon water storage tank was added a few years later. In 1974 an additional 9,000 sq. ft. building was added on the south side of the lab which largely completed the footprint of the lab today.
Another view in the late 1960s. Photo: Humboldt.
Late 1960s/early 1970s, before the expansion. Photo: Humboldt.
The original wet lab in the early days. Photo: Humboldt
Hanging out in the new wet lab, 1960s. Dr. James Gast (center). Photos: Humboldt.
Many Modifications and 2010 Renovation
Over the decades the lab has been modified by subdividing the 1974 expansion into additional classrooms, faculty offices, instrument rooms, and faculty research laboratories. The seawater system underwent a major renovation in 2010 with funding from the National Science Foundation and Private donors. The old wet lab was completely gutted and a new seawater piping system was installed along with state-of-the-art water tables and supporting structures. The public aquaria were also renovated and updated along with the installation of a small aquarium room for student projects and renovation of the culture room.
The wet lab as it appeared just before the 2010 renovation. At that time the lab was over 40 years old and constant exposure to seawater had taken its toll.
The renovation process in the wet lab, 2011.
Removing the public display tanks with a forklift
The wet lab as it looks today. Photo: Humboldt.
See Also:
- Humboldt’s Marine Lab Turns 50 (Sept. 16, 2015)
Professor Fred Telonicher (1903-1977)
Fred Telonicher began his career at Cal Poly Humboldt Teachers’ College in 1927. In the 40 years of his tenure, he saw his institution become Cal Poly Humboldt College, and just a few years after his retirement in 1967, it became Cal Poly Humboldt. Professor Telonicher’s contributions to the college were diverse and numerous. He taught marine biology and helped plan the Cal Poly Humboldt Marine Laboratory, which opened to students in 1966. He coached the Lumberjack football team from 1927-1934 and was instrumental in starting the track and field program in 1932. Humboldt dedicated the marine lab facility in honor of Professor Telonicher in recognition of his long history of service to Humboldt.
Fred Telonicher was renowned for his dedication to his students. His classes were characterized by frequent field trips, and Mr. Telonicher considered the the intellectual development of his students to be the most satisfying aspect of his career. He held himself to high standards, and expected the same level of integrity from his students.
Today, Cal Poly Humboldt’s natural resources programs are among the best in the country, but this might not have been the case if Fred Telonicher had not envisioned and helped create these ground- breaking programs. A staunch environmentalist, he helped steer Cal Poly Humboldt on a course that has made it a destination for students interested in environmental science, natural resources, and marine biology. His legacy lives on with every student that discovers a passion for the natural world at Cal Poly Humboldt.
On Gary Brusca, Director from 1970-1972
… for students of the California coast Gary may be best remembered for his excellence in the classroom and the field where he trained legions of marine biology students over the years at University of the Pacific (1964-1967) and Cal Poly Humboldt (1967-1998). One of his greatest joys in life were early morning field trips with students, arriving at the coast just as the sun was rising and the fog was lifting on those cold gray northern California beaches.
