Lt Col Harry F Cannon from the Real Eight

[saltydog5]

Don, you are so welcome and thank you, this site is quite interesting.I have some things from the 1960's which include the '65 National Geographic, the original "Real Eight" book signed by my uncle, a pie ce of eight that is quite heavy and an original replica crucifix made from a mold and from the real silver from the wreck,they broke the mold and I believe mine is the only one except the one in the museum.Any information on the value of the cross etc. would be helpful.Thanks,Salty Dog

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

How to Research for Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting From Lead Generation to Vetting - Grab it through Amazon!

[Mackaydon]

Salty Dog:
If you post a pic (both sides) of your 8R, I'm sure you'll get a reaction here as to its ID and value.
Don.......

 

[saltydog5]

We are trying to post pic's, didn't work the first time.I just saw the exact crucifix at the McClarty Museum in Sebastian Bch. Fl.Mine is actually in better shape since it's been in a safe box since the 1960's.These replicas were made from the original gold one and from the wreck silver. Mine does not have the pearls nor did it when I received it around '65-'66.The piece of eight I used to wear as a necklace but did not have the inclosure around the coin saudered as I did not want to ruin the integrity of the coin.Will get these pic's up later I hope.Thanks, Salty Dog

 

[hannacannon]

I am Harry Cannon's granddaughter. I see you have gotten a lot of information you have requested, but if I can help in any way, please let me know. His wife (my grandmother) is still with us and I would be happy to ask her any questions you may have. Also, if there is anything you would like to share with me, I would love to hear it. My grandfather passed away when I was 18, and though I learned a lot about him and his life, I was still young and took for granted the information about his life that I learned. I miss him dearly and always venture to learn more. Thanks for remembering him, he was an amazing person and grandfather!!

 

[PhipsFolly]

As far as I am aware, John Jones and Del Long are still alive and are the last two from Real Eight, Inc.

 

[capt dom]

Lou might know since, I believe, he and Harry worked together on the space program.

You are going to have a tough time asking him!

 

[Mackaydon]

Capt:
Note the date of my entry; at that time he could have talked to Lou.
Best,
Don....

 

[KatyMae]

Hi. I am looking for family members and/or photos of Del Long or Dan F. Thompson (original members of Real Eight). Anyone know how to reach them?

 

[rozycs]

Tom:
When I worked for them, it became obvious to me in short order that the powerhouse in the group was Bob Johnson, whom I worked for on the Grifon. Bob was one of the best guys I ever worked for and I admired him greatly... still do. We kept in touch with one another over the years. Dan Thompson's son, Dan Jr. also worked with me on the Grifon, but he was attending college at USF and I have not heard from him since. The Thompsons lived in Indian Harbour Beach, and Bob Johnson took over the marina there. I went to the Thompsons house once to get some pictures of the old Derelict and about 5 years ago, I saw Dan Sr. at a Bob Marx lecture in Eau Gallie.

I worked on the Derelict when Rex Stocker was the skipper, and over the following years I did some short stints with Rex and Sam Staples on boats running under "Doubloon Salvage". I have talked to Rex on the phone once or twice in the last 30 years, but we have yet to meet up after all this time. I only met Kip Wagner once, and when we had our annual end-of-season lobster cookout at the "Crow's Nest" (used to be in the area of the shower house at present-day north Sebastian Inlet jetty) Lou Ullian, Del Long, Dan Thompson and Doc. Kelso would be there as I recall. Only went to two of those partys.

When I worked with Real 8, we (the crew) were simply paid hands and not paid that much either. At the end of the season, we got an 8 reale. Considering that they had thousands of them on hand, that should be a pretty good indicator as to what level of esteem we achieved as their "employees". We were paid $90.00 for a 60 hour week, almost always at the Cabin Wreck. Did not matter how the water was at the time: we went there and dove it regardless. We took turns working on the Gold Digger with the Fishers up at Corrigans.

There were only two divers on the Derelict that were there for sport: Larry Harvey and John DeBry, both of whom had their own money. The rest of us were wage earners and I was the only one who made a living as a commercial diver. The rest were college students or surf bums looking for summer cash. Kip Kelso Jr. was an anchor monkey and he kept watch on the compressor. Have not heard from him since then either. He was just a young kid at the time.

But, you just don't know how much fun your really having till the good times are gone. Just like life. I'm positive that any of the Real 8 would tell you the same.

My grandfather was Sam Staples, my older brother and I have been starting to do more research about what he use to do. All of it is so amazing! My father is Sam staples Jr.

 

[liverock]

My grandfather was Sam Staples, my older brother and I have been starting to do more research about what he use to do. All of it is so amazing! My father is Sam staples Jr.

Dan was my neighbor in a duplex on base 1961......i was like 11....