11.14.06
Machigonne
The story you will read below is an excerpt from the November/December issue of Central New York Magazine. The title of the 12 page article is “Hope Floats”. It was written by Linda Bien.
“…wherever Yankee goes, they say it will carry a rich legacy, as well as a spirit of hope. Richard recalls how both were conveyed to him when a mother and daughter came on board suring a public tour when the boat was at Pier 25.
The mother, who was in her 90’s, insisted that Yankee was the ferry she had traveled on from Ellis Island, although she remembered it having a different name.
That name was Machigonne, which was what Yankee was called when it was built in 1907 and when it served as a transfer ship from Ellis Island from 1919 to 1929. Mother and daugter were thrilled that it was indeed the same ship.
And, so was Richard, who had witnessed a tearful reunion of the ferry and a former passenger. “It was astounding, ” he says. “This ship represented hope to so many people.”
You might say that it still does, particularly to its latest passengers, Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs. “
Linda Mantelli Potter said,
February 7, 2007 at 5:58 am
I recently saw your boat on HGTV then found your website while looking for Mackenzie -Childs furniture. Love your Yankee hope floats boat. it As I read about it’s journey as being a boat that brought people to and from Ellis island, I too found it tearfully nostalgic. Both my pairs of my Italian granparents came here in 1921, or closely around thereabouts through Ellis Island.
I am an artist, and love too pieces your play on patterns in your works.I have some pieces, though small, of yours, and forever wish I could afford more. Sail on and never stop creating ..through your works you fuel others creativity.
I wish I could find more of your stuff in the Bay Area…
I live in Redwood City. Please let me know if your boat ever floats into the Port of Redwood City. I would love to see it. The port is the last on the San Francisco Peninsula .
Tutti Grazi. Linda Mantelli Potter
Joan Ostrin said,
April 6, 2007 at 10:47 am
Bravo and Brava Richard and Victoria! You two are the most inspiring, bedazzling models of re-inventivity! You always leap ahead no matter what obstacles may hover or lurk. You show us again and again that always turning toward the llight, embracing and expressing possibility and trusting creativity leads foward. Thank you for sharing your visions and creating beauty wherever you go !
Gilda Oliver said,
June 27, 2008 at 7:36 am
Dear Richard and Victoria,
Hi! it’s Gilda. I wanted to let you know that my art work is on the cover of Ceramics Technical August 2008.There is also a five page article about my new monumental works, huge tile paintings. I want to thank you again for everything you did for me. After all you both introduced me to ceramics and were my first teachers. I come to nyc almost every weekend and I would love to come and see you on your boat. How is my darling Heather doing? Is she married? Does she have any children? Please email me your number so I can call you. Okay my number is 4434338975 but wait a few days to call me as I just got back from Italy where I am working on my doctorate degree of fine arts. The cute little gypsies there stole my cell phone, so i just ordrered a new one which should be here in a few days. Mean while you can email me at gitoli716@yahoo.com. I live in Baltimore now when i’m not traveleing.I have a 2,000 ft art studio here
Margaret Ellsworth said,
July 7, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Have been to your Aurora store many times and am looking forward to going to the King’s Ferry store.
Saw your Ferry on HGTV and the first thing I recognized was the Courtly Check and I thought someone loves McKenzie-Childs as much as I do. Then they showed you and your husband.
My mammogram Dr in Rochester had one of your pieces in her waiting room and I thought how nice of her to share it with everyone instead of keeping it in her home for her own enjoyment.
Keep those creative juices flowing.
Margaret Ellsworth
KAREN THOMAS said,
July 31, 2008 at 10:06 pm
So happy to find you again !!!!!!!!!!************************************