Hello Mark, very nice to make the connection. I have a buddy in Ellensburg that I motorcycle camp with once in a while. I did 8 years in the naval reserve due to the mechant marine experience and am surronded by ex-Coasties at the ferry system.

Family lore is that we did found Bethlehem as you mention. I will inform my parents in Ohio of our connections, as they sent me the "Nitchman's in America" it sounds like they have either met your Uncle or at least corresponded with him in the past.

I find it pretty ironic that there are two Mark Nitchman's who followed the sea and ended up in Washington State. Until yesterday I had never heard of or met another person with the last name of Nitchman outside of my immediate family.

How small the world can be, is amazing.

Let's stay in touch, it would be nice to meet sometime, when the passes clear....