Small Ship Models

For many children, the mere sight of a sailboat conjures the promise of fun and adventure. Legendary tales of the high seas – either true or fabricated – have only cultivated the sailboat’s irresistible allure over time. Not every child is lucky enough to command a view of the ocean from home, but the sense of wonder can be captured forever in the form of scale model boats.

Model boats can provide an interactive history lesson, as well. Many of them are facsimiles of real historical crafts such as the Mayflower, the Titanic and the USS Constitution. These model ships can be used in conjunction with informational reading material, giving the young reader a feel for what the vessel actually looked like. They serve to remind children of the U.S. shipping industry’s illustrious past.

I recently moved to a big city in the Pacific Northwest. My home isn’t far from a canal, and I’m reminded every day just how deeply ingrained maritime culture has become in this area. Shipping industry accents are evident at every turn – they even show up in the interior décor of local pubs. Although there are plenty of ways to get around town, few provide the stunning views afforded by a ferry as it inches away from a downtown dock.

Every once in a while I like to amble along the city streets, checking out any shops that might happen to intrigue me. Recently I came across a nautical bookstore, decorated impeccably with a maritime theme. There were volumes of books dedicated to ocean expeditions, and one corner seemed to be reserved for outdated charts. A model sailing ship in the window provided the final touch, giving the little shop more culture than a dozen chain stores combined.