File:Heckmann & Hanson Ship Architects & Builders advertisement, circa 1895 (MOHAI 12714).jpg

Ship architects and builders Heckmann & Hanson was established in 1893 by Norwegian immigrants C. Andrew Heckmann and Martin E. Hanson. The company grew quickly, with Mr. Hanson overseeing the shipyard and Mr. Heckmann overseeing the business. The company soon became involved in real estate at the recommendation of their lawyer Richard A. Ballinger, but by 1901 the company declared bankruptcy and was sold by the Superior Court of the State of Washington to settle debts associated with their bankruptcy in the lawsuit William M. Curtiss v. Heckmann & Hanson. The sale included their property in Ballard, a marine yard in Salmon Bay, supplies, tools, equipment, bills receivable, the yacht "Vigilant," and the steamer "Clara Hawes." Lawsuits between Mr. Ballinger (mayor of Seattle from 1904-1906, Commissioner of the General Land Office from 1907-1908, and U. S. Secretary of the Interior from 1909-1911) and Heckmann & Hanson would continue on until 1910. This card advertises ship launching and hauling at the marine ways in Ballard, with an office on the Yesler Dock on the Seattle waterfront.

Caption source information: "Ballinger Will Sue Muckraking Weekly Journal," The Seattle Times, April 1, 1919, p. 1-2; and Legal Notices, The Seattle Times, December 14, 1901, p. 8.

• Subjects (LCTGM): Boat & ship industry--Washington (State)--Seattle