Gig Harbor in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

"Memory Vessel"

2014

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2021

1. "Memory Vessel" Marker

Inscription.

"Memory Vessel" was commissioned by the City to honor the Scandinavian heritage of families that influenced early development at the head of the bay. The artwork references the bond between the Scandinavian cultures and the sea. The vessel represents the classic Gokstad faering, a wooden clinker-built boat powered by two pairs of oars. The shield is of a typical design from the Viking era along with a "boss" which provided protection to the wearer's hand behind the shield. The ornamental cross icons reflect traditional Scandinavian colors, and the star designs, taken from Nordic sweater patterns, grace the bow and stern of the faering.

The Artist, Stuart Nakamura, wishes to thank the City of Gig Harbor Arts Commission and Public Works Department, Ballard Sheet Metal, and Washington Patriot Construction for their involvement in making this possible.

Erected 2014 by Gig Harbor Arts Commission and Public Works Department.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 47° 20.301′ N, 122° 35.459′ W. Marker is in Gig Harbor, Washington, in Pierce County

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. Marker is on Harborview Drive north of Burnham Drive, on the right when traveling north. Marker and sculpture are on the Bogue Viewing Platform overlooking Gig Harbor. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8800 North Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor WA 98332, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Two of Our Best on Mount Everest (a few steps from this marker); Our First Downtown (a few steps from this marker); The Historic Finholm District (within shouting distance of this marker); A Pioneering Woman (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Heart of the Harbor (about 700 feet away); The Sehmel Family, Pioneers of the Gig Harbor Peninsula (about 700 feet away); Peninsula Light Co. (about 700 feet away); A Living History: the S'Homamish (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gig Harbor.

"Memory Vessel" Sculpture and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2021

2. "Memory Vessel" Sculpture and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 19, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.