...In 1931, the fleet was sold to Walter C. Coggeshall and NELLIE C. was renamed Madaket after an Indian name from
the East Coast's Nantucket Island. Madaket is the last remaining vessel of a seven vessel fleet that once transported
families and workers around Humboldt Bay. Amongst these workers were hundreds of mill workers and longshoremen
employed by timber companies such as Hammond Lumber Company, Dolbeer-Carson, Simpson, Georgia Pacific and
others of the era. The ferries (known locally as Launches) would operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, each carrying
no less than 1,500 people a day around the shore. They were a vital link to the early day economics. The completion of
the Samoa bridge in 1971 put the ferry service out of business and gave new life to Madaket as the Humboldt Bay
Harbor Cruise Flag Boat and ambassador of Humboldt Bay. Built in 1909, launched in 1910 and refurbished in 1989, she
is a reminder of our bays maritime past preserved for the future and has become a vital part of the local heritage tourist
industry. The Motor Vessel MADAKET is one of 700 historic vessels registered in the United States. She was built for the
shallow waters of Humboldt Bay at Fairhaven Ca, in 1909, by shipwright McDonald. 47.5 feet in length, 12 foot at the
beam and draws a mere 3.75 feet. Launched onto its placid waters on June 6th 1910, She is the oldest passenger
carrying vessel in continuous service in the United States and boasts the smallest licensed bar in California.
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