❖ WAITING FOR THE ALVERENE ❖

"Waiting for the Alverene"
Carrie Hammond and Charlie Hammond,
Crane Islanders in Old Bob,
Pole Pass, San Juan Archipelago, 1923.

The Alverene
Built in Everett, WA, 

by A. J. Goulette for
Captain J.H. Prather in 1912.

Here operated by the 

well-known Capt. Kasch,
detail from 8" x 10" undated photo.
Original from the archives of the S.P.H.S©

The pioneer navigator, William H. Kasch, "Capt. Bill" (as he was affectionately called), the owner of Kasch Navigation Co., bought his first boat in 1901 to haul freight and mail to Friday Harbor, between towing jobs. He found business was so good, he formed the Inter-Island Navigation Co. in 1913. After the war, Kasch returned to his inter-island business to sell the slow, old Georgia and purchased the Alverene, which quickly became a very popular boat among his many island and Bellingham patrons.
      Following the death of "Captain Bill" in 1927, his wife, Adelaide, continued to operate the fine steamer for several years.
Below, the Yukon Club members, the Crenshaws, and the Jeffersons
were helping with the preparations. Tug Skookum was scheduled to 
tow the Alverene to the firemen, while the city fireboat, Duwamish, 

would be standing by.
Photographer unknown.

Age 40 years ... Going out ablazing.
The Alverene seen here at
the Fremont Boat Co
was chosen for the annual ship burning
ritual to take place on Elliott Bay, 
part of the Seafair celebration.
 Seattle, WA, July 1952.