Now that the historic Bear is safe again and en route south, let’s revive that former suggestion for preserving the grand old ship for Seattle.
Some time ago the Chamber of Commerce started a movement to bring the ship here after her last voyage as a coast guard cutter, and turn her into a sort of monument-—an embodiment of the spirit of the Northland. That is a worthy idea; it should be carried thru. And what better place for the Bear than Seattle harbor, from which so many tall ships have sailed to the storied lands to the northward?
Shall the Bear be allowed to rot in an ocean graveyard, or be smashed by junkmen’s hammers? A thousand voices say “No!”
Bring the Bear to Seattle, when her voyaging is done—and keep her here, a monument to the valiant service in which she sailed so many years,
The Seattle Star, Seattle, WA, August 15, 1925