First the Boathouse on Lake Echo Park was restored. Then the paddle boats are saved. Then the restaurant 15 turns into the Allston Yacht Club -- never mind that it's three blocks away from the mighty Lake Echo Park. Then Martin (aka Martin Cox, Chicken Corner's waterfowl correspondent) gets a title. The Steam Ship Historical Society of America has named this EP boho/citizen Local Commodore of the year for 2009. The title is in recognition of Martin's blog-keeping: For a decade the photographer has publishedMaritimeMatters.com (Ocean liner history and global shipping news). The site has well over a million views. Congratulations, Martin!

Martin on deck in 2007.

More details, from the Socal chapter of the Steamship Historial Society:

The Southern California Chapter of the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. has named its award recipients for the year. Martin Cox has been awarded the Local Commodore of the Year for his ongoing dedication and service to the maritime historical community with his MaritimeMatters website. Martin has consistently demonstrated dedication to the subject matter and the quality of treatment afforded it on his pages. His inclusion of notables as Peter Knego in the task only support the insistence on quality reporting that has become the standard for MaritimeMatters.

The Local Commodore of the Year is given out annually to the person, living in the Southern California area, who has distinguished themselves through their contribution to the promotion of maritime history within the greater community. Awards are made by vote of the Chapter Board of Directors.

Submitted,
Bruce Vancil, Western Regional Vice President
Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc.
Chapter President
Steamship Historical Society of America, SoCal Chapter