Published in the December 7 – 20, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
The Magic Ship of Christmas has been a fun community tradition, appearing at shopping centers, schools, retirement homes and private functions for more than four decades. Born as a 1963 Studebaker Lark, the vehicle made its transition into a 35-foot boat for a parade in Fremont in the 1970s. The body was cut off and a pseudo-Spanish galleon was placed on the chassis frame.
After its first appearance, the Magic Ship was placed in a field where for several years it deteriorated from the weather. Then the magic really happened. A scout master with Morgan Hill Troop 799 and Venture Crew 799 discovered it and brought it back to a prime condition where it could once again delight people during the holiday season.
The Magic Ship is operated as a community service project by Boy Scout Troop 799 with the support of the Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club. Every year, it becomes a unique part of Morgan Hill’s Christmas tradition as it rolls through the community bringing Santa to various locations and creating smiles on the faces of children. The ship spends the holiday season sailing about town bringing cheer to local businesses, Christmas parties, rest homes, neighborhoods and day care centers. Many long-time residents remember it from their own childhoods, and now share the tradition with their children and grandchildren.
Children can board the ship to visit with Santa and are given a candy cane and small toy at no cost. The Boy Scouts also provide a photograph of the children with Santa for a nominal donation.
The Magic Ship of Christmas brings benefits to the scouts of Troop 799 as well. The scouts experience the act of serving and supporting the community, especially the children and seniors. They learn public speaking skills, volunteer management, public safety and crowd control, business practices and entrepreneurship, and community service. The scouts also learn business and leadership skills as the operating crew for the events.
