| Dick Wagner, founding director of Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle - on continuing discussions surrounding the future of the three-masted schooner Wawona, currently moored at South Lake Union Park. |
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This concerns the fate of Wawona and the other historic ships of the Northwest. Our city decision makers have, at best, little confidence in the values of our historic vessels. They are seen as lost causes taking up a lot of space that could be better used for purposes of economic gain. They see the ships as they formerly saw Pioneer Square, The Public Market, the houseboats. They feel it is their obligation to transform the sites the ships are on by providing vital new amenities that can generate income. Immediately.
How should we evaluate an urban area? It's not the number of Starbucks, Nordstroms or professional sports arenas. A successful urban area provides a rich, deep quality of life for all its citizens.
One of the most important characteristics of a successful urban area is the pride of place - especially the history of the place. Historic sites and structures are second only to natural wonders as tourist attractions.
Puget Sounds' many special historic themes include the era of exploration when Euro-Americans made first contact with Native Americans, the Gold Rush, the Mosquito fleet, logging, fishing and shipping. All were maritime-based. It is amazing how many icons of those eras are still with us and recognized in the National Register as historically significant because they are the last of their types. These treasures are the 1897 schooner Wawona, 1909 fireboat Duwamish, 1889 tugboat Arthur Foss, 1904 lightship Swiftsure, and 1922 Steamer Virginia V. We have a critical mass of history afloat that other cities would die for.
We have a lot of old buildings in our region, but they are derivatives of derivatives; the late 19th and early 20th century Seattle buildings are copies of types built earlier in east coast cities which are copies of 18th and 19th century buildings of France, England or Italy. However our old ships are the real articles. Each vessel was uniquely designed and built with awesome craftsmanship for special functions that contributed to the social and economic web of our past.
Saving the historic ships is a wise investment by urban areas. They add new dimension of education and historic significance that can be interpreted through direct experience. Hands on museums are the most popular because they provide exciting right and left-brain experiences, which are the most long lasting means of learning. Imagine not just one historic vessel, but five of them all giving youth and adults the most entertaining education possible. If we lose our icons of place we lose the citizens who have the means to support our cultural resources; those that can will live wherever they find both natural beauty and intellectual stimulations. It was worth it to save Pioneer Square, Public Market and the houseboats. There is greater value in saving our ships because of their primal role in what Seattle has become.
The measure of urban success is impossible to define because emotion is the ruling factor. The elements of success may include tree-lined streets, human scaled plazas, access to a wide variety of cultural resources and access to the water. Yes, water; most cities were built because they were on navigable water - our first freeways for vigorous commerce. Where there is water, there are memories of boats and ships and colorful characters who resound in literature, music and visual art. People remember their maritime culture.
The question about preserving our historic vessels should not be "who cares?" There are over 2000 people who signed petitions "Keep the Sea in Seattle!" About 1600 (of these petitions) were turned over to Seattle City Council in December 05 and about 600 more are signed and ready to deliver to the council again. About 1800 people signed petitions to specifically save the Wawona. It would take little effort to multiply the signatures by at least 10. Just ask folks what Puget Sound would be without historic ships. Every year the Opening Day parade is lead by an historic vessel. When tall ships come, the waterside is packed with people instinctively drawn to see them. People care about their maritime heritage.
The question about preserving our historic vessels should not be "where's the money?" Over 90% of donations to public benefiting organizations are from individuals. The City, County or State is not obliged to give money but are obliged to honor the northwest heritage vessels and have the passion to preserve them by providing moral support and free moorage at publicly owned and publicly accessible waterfront. Site security comes first! Then with a plan of sustainable operations and inspirational leadership, the cash will come.
Dick Wagner
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