Of the four exciting eras of Bainbridge Island history it is the third period, that of the steamboat age, that is recorded here. It has vanished only recently and is still vivid in the minds of many Islanders not yet willing to be called old timers. Change comes so quickly nowadays that it is hard to realize that most present day Puget Sounders have never seen a real Sound steamer other than possibly the Sightseer or the Virginia V. Cross sound transportation means only a diesel ferry or a bridge; preferably, in the minds of many, a bridge, in order to get to where one is going faster while seeing as little as possible in route.

The Islanders complained about boat service like they complained about the weather, but they loved the white steamers and their landings along the shore.