 By John Stewart April 2, 2007
Thank you for this fine public service. I liked seeing Terri Jirschele's photo of the Bee, thanks for publishing it. It also got me thinking this might be a good forum to get a feel for any interest within the community for a maritime museum. I took on the Bee in addition to my other boats with the notion that she should be shared with others. I have long wanted to see a venue commemorating our ties to marine transportation in this state. There is more coastline in Alaska than the rest of the country put together and we are still completely dependent upon our weekly tug and barge and ferry traffic here in southeast and container ships farther north. It seems to me that there is a fine opportunity to establish such a facility in Ketchikan with its large visitor population. I've talked to other owners
of antique and classic boats who express an interest, but we
are aware of the need for public support in the form of a place
in the downtown harbors. The boats would continue to pay moorage.
Others have done the same, and the result is that there are many smaller items that can be shared as well. There are engines powered by steam, gas, diesel, deck hardware and navigation lights, helms, Compasses and whistles from sailing ships, steam ships, trap tenders, Pile drivers, tugs, gillnetters, sieners and trollers. There are also skills, a complete complement of tools and machinery, and a library of around the world charts including near coastal, harbor, and mid-ocean prevailing conditions. Does anyone in this island community care about such a concept? Really? John Stewart About: "Sucker for old wooden boats; raised in a boat yard." Related Front Page Photograph:
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