Aberdeen Council Unanimously Supports Seaport Landing

The Aberdeen City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to support the Historical Seaport's efforts to acquire former sawmill property in south Aberdeen for a new regional tourism destination and maintenance facility for the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. The council passed a resolution in favor of Seaport Landing, adding that it "looks forward to working in a cooperative manner with the Seaport and state agencies to redevelop the former Weyerhaeuser Aberdeen Sawmill into a first class public waterfront facility."

More than two dozen Seaport supporters from several Grays Harbor communities listened as the council discussed the resolution. Several members of the public spoke during the public comment period, thanking the council for their action. Hoquiam resident Bob Esposito noted that Aberdeen Mayor Bill Simpson and the council have become strong backers of Seaport Landing. The Seaport is currently in negotiations with Weyerhaeuser, the state Department of Natural Resources, and other state agencies over terms of an acquisition.

Important Meeting 4/25 on Seaport Landing

GHHSA Executive Director Les Bolton sent this email today to Historical Seaport supporters in Grays Harbor County, Wash., the home port of Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain.

Dear Historical Seaport supporter,

I’d like to let you know about an important meeting of the Aberdeen City Council at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at Aberdeen City Hall, 200 E. Market St. During this meeting, the Aberdeen City Council will take up a resolution on the proposal by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority to acquire the former Weyerhaeuser sawmill property in south Aberdeen. If acquired, GHHSA intends to develop this property into Seaport Landing, a regional tourism destination and maintenance facility for the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain.

It is extremely important that you attend this Aberdeen City Council meeting and express your view on this matter. If passed, the council’s resolution could have a significant impact on the future of the project. Copies of the resolution will be available at the meeting. The council will give members of the public an opportunity to speak at the beginning and end of the regular meeting. Members of the public may also simply observe the proceedings. GHHSA staff and members of the board of directors will be in attendance.

Thank you.

Les Bolton, Executive Director

Fan Photo: Pirates on Hawaiian Chieftain

One of our Sonoma County fans, Preston Addison, sent us a few photos of his family's trip on the Hawaiian Chieftain last weekend in Eureka, including this one. We're concerned about the short pirate, whose sneer is especially menacing. If you have a photo to share of your trip--in pirate get-up or no--send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

The Hedgehog Log in the Spar Shop

The Spar Shop is hard at work turning a new mast for the schooner Ernestina, which is based in New Bedford, Mass. The surface of the wood reminds us of a hedgehog, rough and prickly. But the mast will be smooth as silk once we complete the work in the next few weeks. Here's more info about Ernestina.

Fan Photo: Flashback to Bodega Bay

Here's a flashback to Bodega Bay, which we visited earlier this month. This enhanced photo of Lady Washington was sent to us by Larry Snook. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photo: Both Boats in Eureka

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain have arrived in Eureka, and here's a photo of both resting easy near the Adorni Center. The photo was sent to us by Lisa Perkins. If you have a photo to share, send it to photos@historicalseaport.org.

Fan Photos: Fun in Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay was one of our most successful visits during our current California tour, and fan photos from guests are starting to arrive. Top: Hawaiian Chieftain, photo by Rob Wood. Middle: Photographer Rob Wood firing a cannon on Lady Washington on his birthday. (Happy birthday!) Photo by Ben Lee. Bottom: Joe Marchionni as a pirate, photo by Robin Marchionni. If you have photos to share, send them to photos@historicalseaport.org.