This image of passengers boarding the Ferry Kalakala at the U. S. Naval Marine Corps Armory (now MOHAI) on Lake Union is part of a series of photographs taken during the 37th biennial convention of the National Association of Letter Carriers, which took place in Seattle on September 4-7, 1950. Two boat rides were scheduled aboard the ferry Kalakala for the convention delegates. Festivities also included a parade on September 4 through the Seattle downtown business district featuring floats, 14 letter carriers' bands, marching units, and costumed delegations.
MV Kalakala was a Washington State Ferry from 1935-1967, running primarily between Seattle and Bremerton but also making party trips around Puget Sound. The Kalakala was notable for her unique streamlined superstructure, art deco styling, and luxurious amenities. The vessel was a popular attraction for locals and tourists, and was voted second only to the Space Needle in popularity among visitors to Seattle during the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. The ferry's name means "flying bird" in the Pacific Northwest Native American trade language Chinook Jargon.
Inscription: A-235
Caption information source: The Seattle Daily Times, September 1, 1950, page 7
ID Number: 1972.5319.78
Date: 1950
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv68076
Credit: MOHAI, Seattle Post Office Photographs and Other Material, 1972.5319.78
