Kids wave at the Leschi as it passes. Circa 1960. (Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives)

One of the unique characteristics of Puget Sound is the fleet of ferry boats used to carry passengers and vehicles across the water. In fact, these popular boats have been used to get people over the sound in one form or another since the 1850s.

The second Archives treasure for July is the collection of photos and documents about the state’s ferries.

This report, published by Archives in 2004, provides a guide to the records of Washington State Ferries, covering the history of the ferry system, as well as a list of the files for individual ferry boats.

The Kalakala crosses between Seattle and Bremerton.

WSF has spent the past year celebrating its 60th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, it has a special edition magazine called Compass that is available on all State Ferries vessels and terminals.

Our third and final Archives treasure post will be later this week, so make sure to watch for it. Later on, we’ll start our online poll so you can choose your favorite for July.

Ferry commuters (check out the orange VW Beetle!) in 1978.