Thanks to a story written by Greg Johnston in the Kirkland Patch, we learned of a new Kirkland playground with a charming new name…MV Kirkland.
The MV Kirkland was a special vessel with an interesting history and one that Argosy Cruises will never forget. The old ferry boat, built in 1924 and originally called the Tourist No. 2, was used for transportation from Astoria, Oregon to Illwaco, Washington. In 1994 she became part of the Argosy family and underwent a complete refurbishment before making the city of Kirkland her home. Fittingly, the vessel was renamed the MV Kirkland, weaving her into the eastside community. On August 28, 2010 a faulty engine‐room wire led to a fire on the 86‐year old vessel, causing damage too severe for the wooden vessel to survive.
The new playground at Houghton Beach is a wonderful way to commemorate the sad loss of the old ferry boat that was loved by many. According to the Kirkland Patch, the playground was voted on by kids of Lakeview Elementary and will represent a ship…perfect for its new name, the MV Kirkland.
Read the full article in the Kirkland Patch to learn more about the new Houghton Beach playground.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What a fitting name! How we miss that old, beautiful boat.
You’re absolutely right, Chuck!
Sorry to hear of the loss of the old Tourist-2 Many trips I made aboard the ferry. As a kid in the 1950′s I lived in Astoria and a trip on one of the ferries was a great way to spend part of a afternoon.
My favourite ferry was the Tourist-3. It was in my opinion the classiest of the ferryboats.
A trip on the bridge just isn’t the same as a trip on the ferry.