After 2007's highly successful year of restoration workshops and experiential programs, 2008 will be even more exciting.  In addition to continuing the Diesel Engine Theory restoration workshop series and the stay-aboard Tugboat Experience Program, 2008 introduces Tugboat Night and a week-long large-plank replacement workshop.

Storytime aboard the Arthur Foss (our 100-year-old tugboat) features stories about boats, kids and the sea. Aimed at kids 2-5, Courtney Bartlett, CWB's Education Specialist reads from a host of great kids books about boats, the water, and the animals in the sea. The tykes might sing a song and check out this historic tug.

Wawona Sails Into the Future of Lake Union Park
NEWS RELEASE
September 19, 2007

The 1897 schooner, Wawona, to be permanently berthed on land in the southeast corner of the new Lake Union Park.  Northwest Seaport begins $2 million fundraising campaign.



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SEATTLE.  In an agreement reached between Northwest Seaport, the owner of the Wawona, and the City of Seattle, a memorial to the historic schooner will be prominently located near the entrance of the Lake Union Park.  The memorial will retain the size and key dimensions of the Wawona incorporating significant pieces of the original vessel in the structure.  The memorial’s open framework will show how the Wawona and her sister ships were built and the unique challenges of large wooden ship construction.  The on-land interpretation of the Wawona at Lake Union Park, together with the display of key components in the new MOHAI Museum, ensures that the vessel will be a prominent landmark and attraction to the new park.

While preservation and restoration work slowed the decay of the vessel, a professional survey in 2005 found many structural and other parts in poor condition.  Northwest Seaport and its partners convened the Wawona Summit in December 2005, bringing in national and local experts in wooden boats and maritime heritage to help chart the future of the schooner.  The experts recommended that the Wawona be moved onto land.  The agreement reached this week develops this recommendation into a permanent tribute to the vessel.

The 110-year-old Wawona was built in California specifically to haul lumber from Washington ports to California.  She became a fishing schooner in 1914 and supported a fleet of 18 dories in the dangerous waters of the Bering Sea.  The Wawona excelled in this task, engaging in the fishery for 29 seasons until 1947.  During WWII, she was Army barge and hauled lumber to the Boeing Airplane factory for building military aircraft.  In 1964, the Wawona was purchased by civic leaders including Wing Luke, Ivar Haglund, and Kay Bullitt for use as a museum ship.  Thousands have walked her decks, marveled at her dimensions, and learned of her contribution to the economic and cultural development of Seattle and the Northwest.  In 1970, the Wawona was the first vessel to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a City Landmark in 1977, and named as a Historic Naval Ship in 1999. 

Northwest Seaport President Joe Shickich said, “The Wawona memorial celebrates the vessel’s contribution to making Seattle a special place.  She will be a landmark at Lake Union Park for future generations.  We are grateful to the visionary engineers and designers at KPFF Consulting Engineers, a local company, for developing the dramatic and fresh design for the on-land display.”

The vessel will be removed from its present berth at Lake Union Park and will be deconstructed at a nearby facility.  Its stored parts will be refurbished and reinstalled in three years when the park is being finished.  The anticipated cost is $2 million and Northwest Seaport is commencing a fundraising campaign seeking donations and grants.