WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES

Islanders celebrate Illahee's 75th birthday

posted 05/06/02
Ferry riders helped Washington State Ferries celebrate the Illahee's 75th birthday with an onboard party Saturday, May 4, 2002. The ferry, originally named Lake Tahoe, began its career in 1927 in San Francisco Bay serving the Oakland - San Francisco route. When the bridge was built, the vessel made the last auto ferry run on that route.

Geordie Marriner, Clinton Gauthier, Forest Dayton, Eddie Nash and Justin Browne write greetings on the Illahee's birthday card.

San Juan Island Librarian Laura Tretter reads to children during the Lopez to Friday Harbor run.

Four skippers who have navigated ferries on the San Juans route pose with current crew members. The skippers are Larry Brewster (fourth from left) , Ted Hofstad (in hat), Jack Santi (second from right) and current skipper Jack Hamstra (right).

The Island Chordsmen serenade riders.

There was plenty of cake from Costco.

Washington State Planning Director Ray Deardorf wrote up the history of the ferry for the birthday celebration. In 1940 the Black Ball fleet brought the Illahee and five other ferries north to Puget Sound after construction of the bridges. During the journey north the ferry was almost lost. Deardorf wrote:

According to The Black Ball Line 1920-1951 by Grahame F. Shrader: "The Lake Tahoe ...found herself in trouble when nearing Coos Bay, Oregon. With the weight of water on the main deck threatening to capsize her, the tug Commissioner was ordered to drop the towline and remove the ferry's crew. One engine was left running to keep pumps operating. When the winds subsided during the night, the Lake Tahoe pumped herself dry, the crew was returned aboard and the voyage completed."

Renamed the Illahee, the vessel served the Seattle-Bremerton route. It was renovated in 1957. The car deck was widened and the passenger cabin raised to accommodate larger vehicles. In 1086 it was renovated again. Work involved re-engining, installation of an elevator and replacement of the wooden passenger cabin with metal.

In 2000, the ferry became the inter-island ferry serving the San Juans. While there are other 75-year-old ferries in WSF's fleet -- the Quinault, Klickitat, and Nisqually -- only the Illahee got a party. WSF Public Information Officer Susan Harris said only the San Juans showed interest in celebrating.

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