Plumb Crazy Vintage is run by treasure hunter Joan Plumb, finding vintage, antique, and delightfully unique pieces with personality. I collect because I love the thrill of the hunt—and giving special finds a second life in a new home. If it makes me smile, it made the cut. I usually ship the 1st business day after purchase. By purchasing from me you are contributing to my local food bank in Sequim (pronounced Skwim) Washington. I give a portion of my proceeds to them each quarter.
Nostalgic Puget Sound / Lake Washington History - The Ferry DAWN Before The Bridge
Lovely small vintage framed print / ceramic tile of "The Dawn" - the beloved 55-foot wooden passenger steamer that was transportation from Mercer Island to Seattle before the first floating bridge was built.
The History:
Built in 1914 at the Anderson Shipyard in Houghton (Kirkland) for $7,500, the Dawn ran from Leschi Park in Seattle to about 8 landings along the west side of Mercer Island. Part of the famed Mosquito Fleet, she carried 150 passengers with a crew of 2. Many riders were school children commuting to Seattle.
She served from 1914 to 1938 and was replaced when auto ferries took over. After retirement she sank at her moorings and was scuttled in 1946 in 112 feet of water off the south end of Mercer Island, where she sits upright and is now a dive site. The first Lake Washington Floating Bridge (now I-90) opened July 2, 1940, ending the island's isolation. 
The Personal History - Handwritten on Back:
The back of this frame has a wonderful handwritten note in blue ink that reads verbatim:
"THE DAWN"
TRANSPORTATION
FROM MERCER ISLAND
TO SEATTLE
MADE ABOUT 8 STOPS ALONG THE WEST SIDE
I AND MY SIBLINGS RODE IT
EVERY DAY TO GET TO HIGH SCHOOL 1929 -1
FRANCIS WENT TO FRANKLIN
LUTHER + LINCOLN + I TO GARFIELD
REESE + WARREN + TED TO ROOSEVELT
AFTER THE FAMILY MOVED INTO THE CITY
Franklin, Garfield, and Roosevelt are all historic Seattle high schools. This is a first-hand account of daily life on Mercer Island in 1929-1930s.
Condition & Size:
• Frame: Approx 6.75" wide x 5.5" tall x 1" deep - gold and barn-red painted wood. Light scuffs and age wear to frame, glass intact.
• Image: Black and white print on white tile / board - approx 3.5" x 2.5" image area. Clean, no chips.
• Back: Paper backing with tape and metal hanger tab, handwritten note as above. Some staining and wrinkling to paper as shown.
Wonderful piece for a Mercer Island family, Lake Washington collector, Washington State ferry enthusiast, or Seattle history wall.
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