Remember, we are still in Phase I of this reporting wherein we report the observations of those who visit this fine Museum and the U-505 exhibit and find rude and impolite people there, usually those in high places. Here is what Member 5???-C-1998 wrote to us:

".....such a shame to have a U-boat in the middle of the country that U-boat groups don't feel comfortable in approaching. "

A fellow named Howard Turk (not a Member) wrote here with some questions about U-505 & her history. In his letter, he wrote: "I have written twice to the Museum in Chicago, and no answer. "

It is unfortunate that those in power at the Museum have allowed this great place to have that kind of reputation for lack of service. Perhaps they will small the roses soon and make visitor satisfaction their uppermost goal with this priceless treasure that is housed at this superb museum.

Member #5???-1999 wrote that he and his family visited U-505 in June last year and that technicians had removed pieces of the hull of the boat. He asked if he could have one as a souvenir and to his surprise, they gave him a large piece of the boat with the grey paint still on it. His brother also asked for a piece, and got one. It might seem strange that they were giving away pieces of the boat, but they were. Here is what he wrote at the end of his letter:

"I'm very interested in the problems at the Museum that you wrote about in your recent issue. Keep up the good work "

Apparently, many people are interested in this situation and they hope it has a happy ending. We know some of the things going on behind the scenes (which you'll read later) and we aren't so sure.

Our Member who had at one time been a guide on U-505 at the Museum of Science and Industry has sent us another e-mail with another item of interest. Here is his e-mail quoted directly:

"I did think of one other incident that you might be interested in. One morning when coming to work on the boat (U-505) I noticed Keith (caretaker Keith Gill) in the watch leathers that are usually on display in the case. He said that he was wearing them to take pictures for friends. I really didn't think anything of it at the time except `Gee, I wish I could do that.' The set of leathers may have been from storage in the back room area, but it was definitely an authentic set.

I also seem to remember that he threw a fit concerning rehabbing the sub because he couldn't find the actual rubber seals for the hatches, especially the hatch in the kitchen area. The tour guides noted to him and others that it would leak when it rained, was cold etc. If my memory is jogged more, I'll let you know."

U-505 to be Broken Up?

Okay - this sounds pretty far-fetched, but is it really? A visitor to the St. Mary's Submarine Museum of which Sharkhunters are `Plank Owners', told them a remarkable story. He told JOHN CROUSE (4680-1996) that he had heard that U-505 was going to be broken up on site and scrapped out.

Sound far-fetched? Maybe not as much as you might think! Look at the five topics of oddities we are going to bring to you regarding the Museum of Science and Industry and U-505. The 4, which we call oddities in fund raising; may surprise you when you read of the contingency plan `in case something bad happens to U-505 during the move' and who gets to keep all that money they raised. Keep watching this section and you may very well be shocked.