Falls of Clyde’s rich history deserves preservation

In her heyday, Falls of Clyde was a magnificent sight, an inviting venue with parties on her main deck and tours to the ‘tween deck and cabins. Marriages, birthdays and anniversaries were celebrated aboard. Visitors now come by and talk about their memories of visiting Falls of Clyde. What are your memories of this ship?

Vivid in all memories is the majesty of Falls with her four-masted rigging. Though the ship is now derigged and severely deteriorated, she remains a ship of memories.

If you believe all things, animate and inanimate, have what Hawaiians call mana or life force, you will feel the mana of Falls of Clyde if you come aboard.

Her colorful history built memories into her decks. This iron-hulled sailing ship, built in 1878 in Scotland, was one of the fastest ships transiting between Britain and Asia. She first sailed to Hawaii to carry passengers and goods between California and Hilo.

Purchased by Capt. William Matson in 1898 as the first ship in his fleet, she briefly sailed under the Hawaiian flag carrying sugar machinery and goods for sale in plantation stores. Sold in 1907, she was converted to a sailing oil tanker with 10 steel tanks. She continued to serve Hawaii by carrying fuel from California and taking back molasses.

When sail gave way to steam, Falls was sold and de-rigged to serve the fishing boats in Alaska as a bunkering barge, a floating fuel station.

To avoid becoming a breakwater in Vancouver, B.C., journalist Bob Krauss and historian John Wright arranged her purchase and permanent home in Honolulu Harbor. A 1,000,000 penny campaign, especially from Hawaii’s keiki, raised money to pay off her debt. She must have felt the Aloha Spirit of Hawaii citizens.

After restoration in the early 1970s, her life was renewed as a museum ship. Visitors could experience life at sea in the 1890s by stepping into the galley with its iron stove or peering through portholes or climbing wooden steps and turn the wheel on the poopdeck. Many adults remember field trips from school days.

For three decades, Falls of Clyde served Hawaii’s people and our visitors. She was honored to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Though physically declining over the past two decades, she remained a central draw at the Maritime Center, until closed to the public in 2007. When scheduled to be sunk as an underwater site for sea life, members of the community stepped up to rescue her.

Her recent memories are of dedicated people searching for the best way to preserve her. The Falls of Clyde restoration is a passion for those who continue to walk her decks, climb into her tanks and absorb her mana. Memories of her past glory motivate us to strive for new life for the 21st century. Today’s keiki need to experience her presence and carry her memories forward.

The 2009 state Legislature passed a joint resolution declaring "Falls of Clyde is recognized as a historic symbol of Hawaii" and "should always be treasured and protected by the state of Hawaii and its residents."

Those words echo the sentiments of Bob Krauss: "For the people of Hawaii, Falls of Clyde became a symbol of their seagoing heritage, the soul of Honolulu Harbor." And, "Like every museum ship, her future depends on how much value we place on her survival. … Her goal is no longer profit, but the enrichment of our lives."

Hawaii’s people must again rally to support her restoration. Please commit to restoring the Falls of Clyde for everyone to enjoy.