The Blanchard Boat Company was one of the leading yacht builders of Seattle. Founded by N.J. (Norman J.) Blanchard (1885-1954) in 1905, the company built nearly 2,000 boats over its 64-year history, including commercial ships, classic motor cruisers and sailing yachts, some of which are still in use today. Following N.J.'s death in 1954, his son Norman C. Blanchard (1911-2009) took over as head of the yard. Partly due to the growing popularity of fiberglass, the Blanchard shop closed in 1969, as did many of the wooden boat shops in the region.
The Gadget belonged to T. Harry Gowman, owner of the Gowman Hotel at 1620 Second Avenue in Seattle. This photo shows the cabin of the motor yacht "Gadget," built by Blanchard Boat Co. and launched in 1928. In the summer of 1929, when he was 18, Norman C. Blanchard worked for owner Harry Gowman on the crew of the Gadget for $50 a month-- "pretty good pay in those days for a teenager."
Written on verso: 48 ft. Cruiser Gadget bulit 1928 for T. Harry Gowman. Designed and built by N.J. Blanchard Boat Co. 3201 Fairview Ave. Seattle. Single screw powered by 6 cyl. Kermath.
ID Number: 1989.89.391
Date: 1929
Physical Description: 1 photographic print on linen backing : b&w ; 7.5 x 9.5
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv38317
Credit: MOHAI, Blanchard Boat Company Photographs and Other Material, 1989.89.391
