The year almost slipped past without a cheer from us but San Juan County did send at least one boat for the 1917 parade and a century later, the birthday event had lots of coverage. Let us join in with a tip our hat to the big celebration for people from all over Puget Sound. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks turned 100 in July 2017 and people, some in classy period dress, were dancing in the street to ragtime music. Others were picnicking on the grass for the holiday weekend party for what is more commonly called the Ballard Locks.
A historical display from Rainier Valley and Fremont Historical Societies, History Link, and Friends of the Ballard Locks was open for viewing.
The Ballard Locks, one hundred years later, are the most heavily used locks in the entire US with more than 49,000 transits in a given year.
Of the 200 boats in the 1917 parade, only two are known to still be afloat. To see more about the parade leader please click here.
One of the large vessels that was a participant in the parade was being built on Orcas Island and finished just in time to sail down for the party in 1917.
About Us
- Saltwater People Historical Society
- San Juan Archipelago, Washington State, United States
- A society formed in 2009 for the purpose of collecting, preserving, celebrating, and disseminating the maritime history of the San Juan Islands and northern Puget Sound area. Check this log for tales from out-of-print publications as well as from members and friends. There are circa 750, often long entries, on a broad range of maritime topics; there are search aids at the bottom of the log. Please ask for permission to use any photo posted on this site. Thank you.
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