Many recognize landmark, but few know history

Valley Life editor

The old ship sits out in Knik, across from Knik Lake, seemingly inviting tourists and residents alike to photograph the vessel, with the spectacular Chugach Mountains as a backdrop.

The Nomad is one of the most recognized sights in the Valley, but few know its history. Artist Lisa Redington is trying to change that. Her grandparents, the legendary Joe Redington Sr. and his wife, Vi, owned the boat, and Redington is releasing a gicl/e print of the Nomad (see related story).

"You know right away what boat it is when people talk about, but not too many people even know it's name," Redington said.

The boat was built in the early 1950s by Bob Matheson and his brother, specifically for use in Turnagain Arm.

Turnagain Arm's rough waters precipitated the need for a custom-designed boat.

The ship's builders used it for a couple of years before selling it to Joe Redington Sr.

Upon getting the relatively new fishing boat, Joe Redington tore off the cabin, which contained cots, and built a holding area for fish.

The Redingtons used the boat to commercial fish, and also used it to haul supplies from Anchorage to their homestead on Flathorn Lake.

On each trip, they would anchor it in Knik, because of it's close proximity to their home.

In 1967, the Redingtons dry docked it near its current site. It has sat there ever since, except when it has moved around a bit. It doesn't move anymore, as it has since been anchored, essentially giving the Nomad a permanent home.

"We've thought about going out there and fixing it up, but then it wouldn't be the Nomad anymore," Redington said.