To me, they represent the most exotic, most luxurious travel experience in the history of flight. The Boeing Clipper ships. Built from 1934-1941, these were essentially flying boats with no capacity to land on the ground at all. Hence the name, “Clipper ships.”
The largest of these planes, the Boeing 314, had room for 74 passengers—and could even provide sleeping accommodations for 36 of them. And remember–this was before World War II.
A dining salon served meals on linen covered tables as passengers relaxed in comfortable chairs. These planes featured washrooms, hot and cold water, air conditioning, and a lounge for playing cards or writing letters. They also traveled with an anchor which was let out whenever they landed in a harbor to let passengers on or off.
Cruising at about 150 miles an hour, the Clipper Ships opened up the possibility of travel to Asia. There were routes to Hawaii, Guam, Wake Island and the Philippines. No big deal today, but it was truly cutting edge back then.
Just as these marvelous machines showed their mastery of the skies, World War II broke out. By the time the war was over, the era of the Clipper Ships was ended. The advent of the jet engine made flying much faster. Plus, passengers wanted to land on the ground, and not be confined to water.
So the Clippers were scrapped, sold or sunk.
Sad, in one way, but necessary in another.
The older we get, the more inclined we are to reminisce and wish for the good old days. But I wonder if as Christians, we hang on too long to techniques, strategies and even ministries that were useful in the past, but are no longer truly effective. Like an airplane carrying a boat anchor, some things just…no longer fit.
With respect to those who have navigated the skies long before us, maybe it’s time to lose the anchor.
P-s-s-s-t! Come hear Jon Gauger speak this Sunday at West Suburban Community Church in Elmhurst. Topic: When You're Out of the Comfort Zone. Time: 10:00am. Directions: westsub.net.