“M/V KALAKALA”

Over 400 years Peabody family history was written of the wind,
As they served their time on the Black Ball Line,
AY, tear her tattered flag down!
Long she has waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see The Black Ball Flag in the sky;
Beneath her flag many masters of the seas
have sailed to and from Liverpool,
They sailed the mighty ships “Neptune and ” “Columbia”
along with many other Packets too.
The fleet became known as Queens of the Sea,
“M/V KALAKALA” –“Flying Bird”, is the fleets last Queen
they do not want to see,
And her masters without hope to ever remain
our one and only Queen
As a final lost horizon is now truly seen,
With the last Black Ball Line survivor being prevented to fly,
With her flag never to sweep the skies again for the Black Ball Line.

After nearly 2 centuries as a passing meter of the air
During a time when Packet ships served the new world
and her many pilgrim passengers,
When many noble forefathers toiled and sailed at sea.
Now remembered from only written messages
within her documented history,
As generations of her fleet were reputed
with many world’s First’s as America’s Ferry ships;
That first sailed on a fixed schedule across the Atlantic from New York,
First to ever use iron knee and straps and have three decks,
And “M/V Kalakala “ from Seattle was known
for six of her own Worlds’s firsts,
She is still the World’s only Streamlined Art-Deco Ferry
but no longer the glory of her fleet!
As in the past no more clouds of canvas for sail
nor engines nor radar used to fly
As the day of their sails and engines power along
with their dignity are too far gone by.
The Black Ball Line Packet ships inspired a gleam of hope
throughout their history,
As did the “M/V KALAKALA” during
America’s Great Depression memory.

She was designed never to sink
but now suffers from pressures unrelated to the seas.
Even her long lost Packet ship “Columbia”
that nearly gave birth to a pioneering Territorial name,
And her 22 Black Ball Line ferries giving birth
to a States Ferry System on the Puget Sound,
But, all still not enough to save her legends renowned.
Can the Queens all truly be lost from the sea,
no longer be world renowned, nor ever to have any glory?
Can she recover from being as a hopeless orphan without a country
without even a place to call home,
Without more time, without those to toil, no more wind to share,
Without faith, encouragement, or hope
to make her shine beautiful with paint again?
The winds may never again hurry o’er her flag.
No waves white below, no more ports of calls, no passengers to tread,
Not one safe public harbor, nor city skyline
for a Queen in her glory to shine or to rest?
Under-tow “Kalakala” must fly unlike a Queen,
and be shamed into eternity?
Even during her shame that lasted well over a quarter century
she still has been blessed along the way,
Granted miracles in the past the Queen of the Puget Sound-“Flying Bird”
refuses not to fly, sink, or die!

Her legendary treasures will forever
remain within many hearts and souls,
And, as a National Historic Land Mark
she could forever be shared with many more,
They will be proud of the forefathers that all had saved her,
From the harpies of the shore who wanted to pluck an eagle of the sea!
No longer standing guard to imagine her glory that can not be;
But she still prays that one last miracle calls,
O without she may sink beneath the wave,
And lose the last of all the past Black Ball Line’s treasures.
Even below a swirling sea she still silently shines in peace above,
As if never succumbed by any storm
nor her grave within the mighty deep!
Now it is time to again fly her honored flag,
to have engines running, a captains wheel to steer.
When the miracle calls one last time she shall fly to a shipyard,
a graving dock, and finally home!
Or shall she and her Black Ball Line be towed on a final trip,
to be given to the God of Storms the Lighting and the Gale?

by Steve Rodrigues

Press Release for Immediate Release April 26th, 2005 5:00PM PDST

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE:
By Steve Rodrigues

The Kalakala Alliance Foundation was invited to the;
Association of King County Historical Organizations
April 26th, 2005 Annual Awards hosted by:
Washington Museum of History & Industry
2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle, WA.

AKCHO - Kalakala nomination and 2005 Long Term Project award
The Association of King County Historical Organization's (AKCHO) received a 1935 M/V Kalakala nomination from Mr. Kurt Selvig from Portland, Oregon. He submitted the Kalakala project to compete for the AKCHO category of; the best Long-Term Project award. On April 26th, 2005 at the 2005 AKCHO annual award ceremony the Kalakala won, and was awarded the honor for the best Long-Term Project.
Kalakala Alliance Foundation (originally named Kalakala Foundation) was presented the Long-Term Project award from AKCHO at their 2005 annual award ceremonies. Steve Rodrigues, President, accepted the award, and dedicated the award to each and every 1935 M/V Kalakala enthusiast and supporter within the past, present, and future. Including those individuals, businesses, merchants, and community minded citizens that have helped or will offer to help the Long Term Kalakala Project. It is because of their combined spirits and faith that her valued maritime history and the Kalakala will have a renewed hope to be saved within the Puget Sound.

Kalakala Alliance Foundation and its supporters
The Kalakala Alliance Foundation is very happy to be given this award opportunity, and feel privileged and honored to accept this Long Term Kalakala Project award. We know that all the other nominated projects are worthy of this award, and only one could be selected as a winner. We would like to share this symbol of hope with all the other nominated projects as well. We especially thank the Association of King County Historical Organization's (AKCHO) on behalf of 100's, 1000's, and even 10,000 are of individual Kalakala enthusiasts from the State of Washington, Alaska, many other states in America. Also, since the Kalakala is known throughout Europe and other regions of the world, we would like to thank the enthusiasts in Canada, France, Italy, Germany, England, Scandinavian Countries, and other European Countries. With today’s computer technology and the internet we have received encouragements and shared memories from emails that have become added valued treasures of the Kalakala beyond measures of the vessel alone.

The Kalakala Alliance Foundation would like to thank the individuals that have been good stewards of the Kalakala last year; Kurt Selvig (who nominated the Kalakala for this award) Elizabeth Lightfoot (13 year old girl's documentary), Charles Mourie, Russ Knudsen, Victoria Lovely, Raymond Vidic, Dr. Konopasky, Dr. Dubey, My Son and Daugther, Doug Bratton, Michael Siegrist,Terry Roberson, Buster Ide, Karl Anderson (City of Destiny -City of Tacoma), Allan Nielsen (retired Boeing employee and Kalakala designer), Steve Cox (Boeing employee and volunteer), Cornelia Klier (model architect from Germany) the 100's of 2004 donors, the 1000's of email memories from around the world related to their own personal memories on board the Kalakala (such as;Fae Adams Deaton-North Carolina - a Teacher in US, AK, UK, and Newfoundland) and Bob Eaton-from Seattle on-board the inaugural maiden voyage on July 3, 1935), the Makah tribe, the City of Tacoma, Foss tug company, United States Coast Guard, Log Cabin Resort, Heritage Marine Tug, Seabring Marine Tug, Encore productions, our Insurance company, Sea magazine (January 2005), Power Cruising magazine (fall 2004), Maritime Life & Traditions (May 2005), Chasse Marree (future magazine article from Paris, France), and many others from around the world that have given encouragements throughout the year.

This Long-Term Project award recognizes the Kalakala past, present, and future historical maritime values. Over many years she has served millions yet has faced many losses, hardships, trials and many times she has faced tremendous odds that without the single-minded strength, passion, and spirit from a few individuals she would have been lost forever.

Redeeming the time and Miracles
We are redeeming the time, which is buying up an opportunity. This means; that you've had this opportunity in previous times, but failed to grasp it. In 1935 over 7,000 students were released from classes to watch the inaugural maiden voyage, in 1941 & 1942 she served 12 million passengers between Seattle and Bremerton, prior to the Seattle's World's fair in 1962 the Kalakala was still the crown jewel of the fleet and was Seattle's largest tourist attraction. But, still in 1967 another opportunity was missed instead she was towed away from the Puget Sound to Alaska. In 1999 the opportunity to dig her up and bring her back to Seattle was like a miracle. But, again failed after 5 years to grasp another opportunity to save her. But, today is April 26th, 2005 and it is nice to have AKCHO and many others reaching out to grasp a renewed spirit and new opportunity to help preserve a significant element of our maritime history.

The Kalakala has become one of our worthy maritime miracles. A miracle is a decision that you only have seconds to decide. The Kalakala still exists within our world community because of small miracles along her path. She has nearly faced the torches and many have rather had her visit the bottom of the sea forever. I'm delighted to share the good news with all those that still believe in saving her instead. It was from all the combined spirits and passions that have continued to make all the difference. And, together we have managed to save the worlds, one and only, streamlined art deco ferry. Today, the spirit of the Kalakala is stronger, and I know that she will never be lost and can always be protected so that future generations can see what she still has to offer.

Dreams and a City of Destiny
Our dreams are not forgotten victories, and our Kalakala treasures come from past miracles that are valued more than gold, silver, or diamonds and still shared today; The first dream started in 1935 with the Peabody family and The Puget Sound Navigation Company. Another dream was when the State of Alaska allowed Peter Bevis to return the Kalakala after being buried for over 30 years, and his 1000's of supporters that helped to return her to the Puget Sound and protected her over the past 5 years while back home in Seattle. One of the treasures came from Gil Reel, the caretaker in Alaska who refused to leave the Kalakala when she was abandoned by her owners, and another treasure came from Judith Ennes who was the author of Kalakala Comes Home - No Dream too Big and Happy 67th birthday which is still on our Kalakala website. They are no longer with us but we are still grateful, for without their contributions we would not have our gains that are now their rewards.

The new Kalakala Alliance Foundation
April 26th, 2005 is a very special day. I was born 54 years ago today, and receiving this award today has become a wonderful birthday gift. On April 26th, 1951 Alexander Peabody (President of the Puget Sound Navigation Company) sold 24 ferries, including the Kalakala, and terminals to the State of Washington. And, 54 years later the "Washington State Ferry" system is one of the largest and best ferry systems that exist in the world. Today, they are building 4 more new ferries that will cost over $220 million, and will replace 4 old Kalakala vintage ferries over the next 4 years. They are creating a new Public-Private partnership, although I believe that in 1951 Alexander Peabody and the State shared their past dreams that created the best Public-Private partnership that the "Washington State Ferry" system ever created. The early 20th century Kalakala marveled the world in design, speed, and performance, and even today the Long Term Kalakala Project will again have an opportunity to marvel the world and once again become another great community project.

The Kalakala Alliance Foundation is currently attracting an elite group of community minded businessmen and women that will become the new board of directors. Steve Rodrigues will be retained as the President and an active board member for the foundation. The new board of directors will advertise and select a qualified full time director to manage all the day to day activities.

During the past 7 months the government has left the Kalakala Alliance Foundation alone. And, this has allowed us to progress towards completing a new set of original 1935 design drawings, start a new set of interior designs that will lease up to 120,000 square feet of waterfront commercial space to be used as; a restaurant, special event center, museum and gift shop, and other rental spaces on board the ship. The foundation has also attracted a Boeing model architect volunteer, a new marketing firm, a new potential interior architect from Oregon, a new business plan and grant writer, a marine window manufacturer, a welding manufacturing shop willing to mobilize his entire shop onto the ships deck, and is anticipating leasing or purchasing a new water front site located within The City of Tacoma's empowerment zone. Tacoma can become our City of Destiny, because they truly have proven to step forward to redeem the time and have potentially grasped this opportunity.

Since September 25, 2004 the Kalakala has been delighted to have rest and peace within their community. Perhaps, from simply being welcomed, given a new breath of life, and a temporary home the Long Term Kalakala Project dream will eventually come true and be shared within the City of Destiny. The new 2005 board of directors will start seeking a renewed sense of spirit within their communities from local businesses, merchants, and community minded individuals. Today, with continued progress in research in new technologies, new designs, construction plans, and creating a new tourist attraction and business development planning the Kalakala now has a renewed hope. We look forward to pursuing a Long Term Project development, so that, the Kalakala can serve as a viable world class tourist attraction and be shared within the community and with the rest of the world.

"The Knight in Shining Armour”?
I can recall one of the Seattle Times 2004 news paper headlines which stated in very bold letters, "The Knight in Shining Armour”?. One of the reasons I remember this article so well is because my Armour was never on the outside but was on the inside from the very beginning. Nor was the Kalakala's Armour made of steel or just one person but of many peoples hope and faith. And, her shield was within the millions of hearts from around the world. The news article focused on the vessel, but we continued to focus on saving her treasures of history and spirit of within community instead. What would America, any country, or community do without playing a role in saving their own history? It would be like their own city was broken down. I hope that our role is without all the Armour and that the Kalakala helps to preserve and protect our valued sense of maritime history. The government is the best that we can have and our founding forefathers were pioneers that discovered, created, and gave to us a new world of opportunity. History should always be envisioned as our combined past, present, and future combined community endeavors. Without looking at them as being one all together we will continue to be like a city broken down and suffer great losses. The Kalakala Alliance Foundation will continue to make proactive efforts to save the Kalakala's world class history.

Diamond in the Rough
Perhaps, the 1935 M/V Kalakala's dreams will survive without focusing on the vessel as she is today, some see her get old, unproductive, ugly, and abused but most of us still have not failed to see her treasures of maritime history and her glorious world wide shared spirit. Perhaps, we will never have another chance to redeem the time or grasp this opportunity again. This award today can become a simple miracle in the future that can be shared with many more citizens within our State and the rest of the world. Also, this AKCHO Long Term Project award helps to restore that single-minded spirit that is needed to restore a "Diamond in the Rough" back to her former glory. This alone would be the true treasure that we all have to share from this award. It is not just about the award, the vessel, the Kalakala, but about our opportunity to save our valued history of the world.

Godspeed,
Steve Rodrigues - President
Kalakala Alliance Foundation

Contact
the Kalakala Alliance Foundation
PO Box 1475
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 277-0518
Mail: kalakala.info@comcast.net