Newest Ferry to Be Named for 19th Century Jamestown S’Klallam Chief, Chetzemoka

I just received word that this new ferry is being named after my cousin's husbands ancester. I think this is great news and want to share it with my friends.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Betty Prince (My Cousin), Les Prince, JoAnn Bussa (Historical Society Leader)

The Story:
Olympia Washington. Chetzemoka will sail again from Port Townsend next summer. The Washington State Transportation Commission agreed Tuesday that the first new 64-car ferry should be named after the former chief of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe known for befriending white settlers of the Olympic Peninsula.

Les Prince, Chetzemoka’s great-great grandson, and his wife Betty (my cousin), of Sequim, were in Olympia on Tuesday when the commission adopted the name. According to the resolution the commission adopted, the name “honors the natives of the region and their seafaring skills and traditions and also continues the proud name of the historic ferry that served Port Townsend.”

“It’s always good to have your family recognized that way,” said Prince, one of Chetzemoka’s few direct descendants and chairman of the tribe’s elders committee.

Prince told the commissioners that, “If the old chief were here today, he’d look out at the boat, raise his hands and say, ‘Ha’ non-son, Ha’ non-son,’ which means ‘Thank you, thank you.’”

Chief Chetzemoka was buried in 1888 at the age of about 80 at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Port Townsend. A park in the town bears his name. He is remembered for his peaceful relations and diplomacy with the white setters and explorers, including in 1857 when he went against other tribal leaders who wanted to drive them out of the area.

Congratulations Les and Betty on this historic event!