In November, Fellow Woody Boater Casudi brought this historic project to our attention. Much has been written about the history of Kalakala over the years. Certainly most folks around the Seattle – Puget Sound area and throughout the San Juan Islands are familiar with the life and times of Kalakala, but we thought it would be fun to share this story with the rest of the Woody Boater Community.
The MV Kalakala, world renowned as the “World’s First Streamlined Ferry” and named after the Native Chinook word meaning “Flying Bird” holds a nostalgic and magical place in the hearts of countless ferry-goers in the Pacific Northwest.
The Kalakala (pronounced kah-LOCK-ah-la) was notable for her unique streamlined superstructure, art deco styling, and luxurious amenities. The vessel was a popular attraction for locals and tourists, and was voted second only to the Space Needle in popularity among visitors to Seattle during the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.
She served over 100 million passengers in 32 years of ferry service, and was the second most photographed man-made structure in the world, second only to the Eiffel Tower! (Courtesy of Kalakala Port Angeles)
This photo (above) shows how revolutionary the KALAKALA was in 1935, compared to the BAINBRIDGE, a typical ferry of the day. (Photo courtesey Don Gray Collection)
The sleek aerodynamic styled Kalakala utilized 5 decks and had room for over 2,000 passengers, plus automobiles on the lower deck.
Below, the Kalakala’s famous “Double Horseshoe Cafe” which, in 1946 diners could feast on a full breakfast of Ham & Eggs with Toast and Potatoes (hey Matt – Mmmm Ham & Eggs) for .75 cents. Coffee was served with breakfast for an additional .10 cents.
The grand ballroom (below) was used for the evening “Moonlight Cruises” complete with 8 piece orchestra.
Passengers on the upper deck viewing area.
Postcards circulate around the country, showing off Seattle’s newest ferryboat. The Kalakala is an international sensation. News reels, magazines and Sunday supplements carry stories. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce predicts that the success of the Kalakala will lead to contracts for new ships in local shipyards.
October 2, 1967 The KALAKALA completes her final run as a WSF ferry and is moored at Eagle Harbor in Winslow. She is sold to high bidder Robert Ressoff of American Freezerships Co., and be converted to a crab-processing vessel for Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
November 8, 1998 The KALAKALA triumphantly reenters Elliot Bay after 32 years. She is moored at Bell Street, Pier 66 where thousands wait in line over the Holidays for a chance to tour her once elegant decks.
September 24th, 2004 The KALAKALA is towed to her new home in Tacoma, WA
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After many years of failed negotiations to save this historic vessel and an uncertain future, it appears that finally the long awaited restoration of Kalakala may soon move forward.
Many of the images for this story were provided courtesy of Kalakala.org, Don Grey Collection and the Kalakala Port Angeles site, thanks to everyone!
Hummmm…… Verrrry Interesting…
(as Truman Capote used to say).
Actually, it is interesting maritime history that I had missed, until now. Thanks, Texx!
How cool would it be to use that as the Mother Ship to carry your collection of woodies from show to show on the coasts?! It's nice to dream.
Also wasn't that line (Hummmm…… Verrrry Interesting…) used by the German soldier played by Arte Johnson in Laugh-In?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IHAZeqwQvA
Hey Rick, you're right. I remember well, now that you pointed that out. Truman was probably mocking it by repeating it to Johny Carson on several occasions.
It looks like a floating Airstream, or a Chris Craft Land Cruiser on steroids. Thanks Texx!
Thanks for the great story Texx! Living here in the Seattle area, it has been really hard to watch the Kalakala history over the past 10 years or so. I was so excited when it returned to Seattle after being saved from the mud in Eagle Harbor. Lack of money and legal battles over moorage gave it a big black eye in the area (I have trouble parking my runabouts, imagine storing a ferry!) I hope the newest charge will work out and it is fully restored to its former glory!
Great story Texx! I have ridden the Bremerton ferry several times, beautiful trip & a great way to travel. Makes you slow down & notice things & you are on a boat! Glad this beauty has been saved.
WoodyGal
This is a really beautiful write up. Thank you.
CASUDI
Thanks for the great article, Texx. Seattle, the rainy city, has as its unofficial city "animal" the slug. Hence the nickname for the Kalakala is the Silver Slug. We hope to see it restored one of these days soon.