SHIPYARD

Short Histories of Whatcom County's Boatbuilders & Shipyards, with Remembrances From Those Who Worked Them

by TODD WARGER

for the Whatcom Maritime Association

Did You Know:

• Bellingham introduced the nation’s first line of fiberglass boats.

• The famous PBR river patrol boats used during the Vietnam War were designed and built in Fairhaven.

• Bellingham had the largest privately owned wooden shipyard in the country.

• Whatcom County was once the epicenter of the largest fish cannery operations in the world, and built nearly all of the workboats to support it.

For over 120 years, Whatcom County has been at the forefront of boatbuilding and ship construction. Its shipwrights, carpenters,and manufacturers have led the way in marine technology and innovation, never afraid of embracing the use of new building materials, methods—and at times, pioneering the industry itself. Local historian, author, and filmmaker Todd Warger spent years researching this intriguing subject—collecting thousands of pages, photographs, and film—resulting in an award-winning documentary. Now, he's joined forces with the Whatcom Maritime Association and Village Books to share this amazing piece of local history in book form. Check out Shipyard —available late March. Pre-order your copy today!

Friday, April 21 at 7pm - Village Books

TODD WARGER

in Fairhaven

In addition to being the author of numerous popular local history books, Todd Warger is an Emmy Award nominee for the documentary film The Mountain Runners and a recipient of the Washington State Historical Society’s 2008 David Douglas award for the documentary film Shipyard. Join us as he discusses the research and writing of Shipyard. Reserve your seat at villagebooks.com.