I can still remember going to the 1962 World’s Fair as a little tyke. (I guess that tells you I’m now an ol’ codger). I still remember being blown away by the height and majesty of the Space Needle, originally built for the World’s Fair. Ever since then, the Needle has served as the worldwide symbol of our city. In fact, there are probably just a handful of iconic symbols on the entire planet that identify a city as well as our own Space Needle does ours.
It’s difficult to even imagine Seattle without the Space Needle. Every time I pass by it, whether under its shadow or viewing it from a distance, I still get a thrill from seeing it. We have some other wonderful symbols here that serve as reminders of how fortunate we are to live in such an amazing place. Pike Place Market is known around the world as a must-see place to visit while here and the outdoor sign is recognized all over the world. Seeing the ferry boats traveling across Puget Sound never fails to thrill me as does crossing the 520 bridge and looking over at the quaint houseboats on Lake Union. Of course, if we include one of nature’s creations, then nothing even comes close to Mt. Rainier as a symbol of our region.
There is, however, one other great symbol of our region that we have let get away. An icon that I find to be totally unique and impressive. It saddens me that our city didn’t embrace it. If I had Bill Gates or Howard Schultz like money, I would have found a way to help fund the restoration of this metallic relic of the past. I’m speaking of the Kalakala, the ultra cool ferry billed as “the world’s first streamlined vessel”.
Built back in 1935, the Kalakala was used off and on in our ferry system and was even voted the second biggest attraction of the World’s Fair after the Space Needle.
If you haven’t seen the Kalakala or don’t know much about it, I’d encourage you to check it out at www.kalakala.org
Steve Rodriques has been working for many years to have this amazing ship restored to its original magnificence. If after checking it out, you agree that the Kalakala should not be lost to us, you can even help save this incredible vessel.
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