Group Steps Up Effort to Restore Historic Kirkland Ferry Clock by Year's End

A citizens committee working to preserve a piece of Kirkland’s colorful lakeshore history is stepping up its effort to restore the ferry clock that stood for decades on the corner of Lake Street and Kirkland Ave.

A “Ladies Night Out” fundraising function -- men are welcome too -- is planned for Nov. 12, and the committee is again asking for contributions so it can get the clock back in place by the end of the year.

About $3,500 of the $9,000 needed has been raised to repair and re-post the clock, which was donated to the city in 1935 by Lake Washington ferry Capt. John Anderson and built in Kirkland by Fred Zable of Zable Signs. It was taken down in a state of serious deterioration by the city in 2011.

Here are details on the committee’s cocktail hour function at Parkplace Books, which includes a showing of the movie “Bridesmaids at Parkplace Cinema:

Just a reminder to mark Monday, November 12 on your calendars and get your tickets early for LADIES NIGHT OUT -- a fun evening with a cocktail hour (at Parkplace Books) and a private showing of the movie ”Bridesmaids” (at Kirkland Parkplace Cinemas).

The Kirkland Heritage Society is having a fundraiser to restore the historic Kirkland ferry clock at the corner of Lake St. and Kirkland Avenue in downtown Kirkland.

The fun starts at 5:30 at the bookstore with wine (compliments of the Grape Choice & Larry Springer & Penny Sweet), a full bar (compliments of Santos & Sue Contreras) and appetizers, compliments of several Kirkland establishments. The theater and movie are generously donated by Jeff Cole. Bartenders: Larry, Santos and Bill Ballantine.  Servers: Jim Walen, Scott Becker and Kurt Triplett.

Limited to 100 tickets ($40) which can be purchased at The Grape Choice, Parkplace Books or via email: scon1965@hotmail.com

Gather some friends and come join the fun!

And here is the Kirkland Heritage Society’s plea for citizen help:

A Kirkland citizen committee and the Kirkland Heritage Society are working with the city to restore our historic ferry clock to its original design. We hope to have the clock project finished by the end of the year so we need your help NOW to make that happen.

The clock-at the corner of Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street- was given to the people of Kirkland in 1935 by the Lake Washington Ferries’ Capt. John Anderson. The clock has suffered the ravages of time over the past 77 years and we need to raise $9000 to professionally restore it to its original condition. When completed it will boast its original light globes, illuminated ferry arrow and the original ferry schedule that were removed over the years. So far we have collected $3,500 toward our goal. Contributions have ranged from $5-$500.

The clock itself is currently undergoing its restoration. The clock pole has a big “fund raising thermometer” on it right now-so you can track the progress.

If all of us could donate to the project we could reach our goal in no time. We would greatly appreciate your support in preserving this important piece of Kirkland history. There will be a public ceremony dedicating the new clock when it is completed.

To donate by credit card please visit our website, www.kirklandheritagesociety.org, or mail a check to:

KHS-ferry clock
203 Market St.
Kirkland, 98033
Donations are tax deductible & eligible for matching funds

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Historic Clock Committee: Loita Hawkinson, Bob Burke, Matt McCauley, Mark Padgett, Vince Isaacson and Sue Contreras.