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February, 2008 Archive

The Kingdome, Home Of The Mariners

February 15th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Old Sport | 6 Comments » border

Just about a month and a half until baseball season starts! To tide us over until March 31st when the M’s take on the Rangers, I dug up this 1979 Mariners program feature on the Kingdome. Just in case you were dying to know where injured fans (who cheered too hard) were to be taken, how many men’s restrooms there were (15), and whether or not the facility was used for a circus (yes) — well, it’s all here. Go Mariners. Click on the images to investigate.

Kingdome and game information. 1979 Mariners Official Program & Souvenir Magazine.

Kingdome: Home Of The Mariners. 1979 Mariners Official Program & Souvenir Magazine.

Views Of Washington In Color Pt. 2

February 14th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 2 Comments » border

This is a continuation of our look at the Views of Washington In Color picture book. The collection of photographs, Twenty-Four Views of Washington and Oregon in Color, was published in the late 50’s or early 60’s. This second installment features photos of Mount Baker, San Juan Islands, Bailey Range, and Lake Chelan. Like the first batch, they’ve got a bit of a creepy look. Spy the pics below.

Mt. Baker, Washington, from Austin Pass ski shelter.

Picturesque San Juan Islands off the Washington Coast.

Washington’s towering evergreens frame Bailey Range in the Olympics.

Lake Chelan in Central Washington lies deep in the Cascade Range.

Past Post: Seattle, Glamour City Of Wa.

February 13th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 9 Comments » border

Vintage Seattle reader Deran Ludd wrote in with this super cool Art Deco postcard of, as he puts it, “a more mythic Seattle.” A big thanks to all of you who have been sending in your favorite old-school Seattle content. Keep it coming! Deran writes:

This is a non-photo card of Seattle that evokes a lot to me. It is in sort of a WPA/American Regionalist/NeoExpressionist sort of style. This one with the Smith tower at the center is my all time favorite mythic Seattle.

Front: Art Deco Seattle postcard. Postcard courtesy Deran Ludd.

Back: Seattle, Glamour City of Washington. East meets West, Far North and Orient in metropolitan Seattle, U.S. gateway to Alaska and the empires of the Pacific. Postcard courtesy Deran Ludd.

Past Post: First Methodist Church

February 13th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 3 Comments » border

Jenni Pertuset of the Open Book Blog sends along this postcard of First Methodist Church. As you may know, the church was saved last year and now the developer has unveiled plans for the adjacent skyscraper. Like it? Hate it? Regardless, Jenni writes:

Here’s another from our friend Nicky in Chicago.

Handwritten on the reverse: “April 20. 1915″

Printed:
“Pub by The Acmegraph Co., Chicago.”

Front: First Methodist Episcopal Church, Seattle, Wash. 12718. Postcard courtesy Jenni Pertuset.

For Sale: Mount Baker Craftsman

February 12th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 3 Comments » border

You just can’t keep me away from 1914 Craftsman houses like this one. Someone just scooped up this 4 bed, 3.5 bath Mount Baker home selling for $950,000. But before it was subject to inspection, I stopped by with my camera in order to bring you the goods. I really haven’t spent that much time in Mount Baker, but every time I drive around the area I come away impressed. Click on the images to see the photos.


Exterior of the home from the curb.	The back yard of the home with mature landscaping.

Showing the back of the property along with master bedroom balcony.	A view of the tree lined Mount Baker street.

The living room is situated at the front of the house.	A formal dining room sits just off of the living room.

The kitchen shows signs of a relatively recent remodel.	The first floor bathroom. Hex tile and claw foot tub — you cannot go wrong.

The top of the stairs heading to the second floor.	This bedroom looks down to the front yard and street below.

This extra room could be used as a workspace.	A sun-filled master bedroom with doors leading to a balcony.

Northwest Icons Of Women’s Suffrage

February 11th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 4 Comments » border

It’s been two days since our Washington State Caucus. At first I was pretty disturbed at the lack of organization but came away pretty impressed with the local involvement with a record turnout. With this recent political momentum I wanted to look back at two Pacific Northwest icons of the Women’s Suffrage movement. After all, it wasn’t until 1920 that the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution came about — granting women the right to vote. Pictured first is Emma Smith DeVoe, a major player in the movement and presidential elector. Below DeVoe you’ll find Dr. Cora Smith King of Seattle, who was a prominent member of the Advisory Council of the Congressional Union for Women Suffrage.

P.S. I’m locked in a heated contest over at Metroblogging Seattle against another blog in their Blarch Badness Blogging Contest. Click here to head over and stick up for Vintage Seattle. They’ve also posted an interview with little ol’ me. Something tells me I should have had Shipley answer the questions for me.

Mrs. Emma Smith Devoe, of Seattle, Washington ca. 1910-1920. Image courtesy Library of Congress, U.S. Copyright Office.

Dr. Cora Smith King of Seattle, Washington ca. 1913-14. Image courtesy Library of Congress, U.S. Copyright Office.

Past Post: Arches & A View From The Top

February 10th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 8 Comments » border

So how was your caucus? Was it as out of control, disorganized, and chaotic (but fun) as the one Anna and I attended at T.T. Minor School? Anyway, we were talking last week about some of Minoru Yamasaki’s architectural trademarks that can be seen on the Pacific Science Center Building. Here’s a 1960’s vintage postcard showing the arches lit up at night (nearly as thrilling as the 96 second Monorail ride). The second card also shows a night scene, this time from the Needle. Click on the cards for full-res versions.

Front: U.S. Science Pavilion Arches

Back: Seattle World’s Fair. U.S. Science Pavilion at Night. Color photo by Mike Roberts.

Front: Seattle From The Needle.

Back: Night panorama of Seattle’s metropolitan business and hotel district. A view reserved for sightseers and diners on Top of the Needle where the restaurant revolves once an hour. Street in center is Fifth Avenue marked by the tracks of the Monorail which covers the 1.2 miles route from downtown to the “Seattle Center” for a thrilling 96 second ride.

Pioneer Square’s National Building

February 8th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 6 Comments » border

I can never get enough of those beautiful brick buildings in Pioneer Square. Back when it was warmer and the sun didn’t go down at 4:30 pm, I stopped by one such building — The National Building located on Western Ave. Designed by Kingsley and Anderson Architects, it was built in 1904 to act as a produce and grocery warehouse. At the time, it was the headquarters of the National Grocery Company with its strategic location near Railroad Avenue (now Alaskan Way). By the 1950’s the building housed light industry, offices, and shops. From 1980 through 1982 the National Building was renovated with the heavy structural timbers and floors stripped of years of paint and the cornice restored along with other missing architectural elements. The structure was then listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Seattle Landmark Building in 1982. A real beauty, isn’t it? Have a look at the photographs. Click on the images for full-res.


The National Building at the corner of Western and Spring.	The front of the structure along Western Ave.

The section of the building facing Madison.	A look down the alley between the National Building and the adjacent structure.

Alternate angle of the streetscape along Western.	A closer look at the Spring Street face.

Dramatic shadows cast by another building.	“National Bldg” painted onto the brick exterior.

A look inside the fourth floor office space. Pool anyone?	Opposite angle of the fourth floor office area. The brick was also stripped of years of paint in the early 80’s and repainted.

Mitchell, Lewis & Staver Co. 1900

February 7th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Vintage Ads | 6 Comments » border

Along the lines of the Hallidie Machinery Co ad I posted in December comes this vintage 1900 ad from the Mitchell, Lewis & Staver Company of Seattle. In addition to the usual hardcore equipment listing, the ad has a fun little diagram of a typical mining operation in Alaska. Click on the image for a larger version.

Mitchell, Lewis & Staver Co. Seattle, Washington. Mining In Alaska. General Agents For Ingersoll Drills and Compressors, Snow Duplex Steam Pumps, Cameron Mine and Sinking Pumps, Pulsometer Steam Pumps, Ottumwa Mine Hoists, Herules Gasoline Engines, Phoenix and Double Diamond Steam Hose, Belting, Packing, Oils, etc. Manufacturers of Automatic Hoists and Conveyers, Steam Thawing Points and Boilers, Klondike Saw Mills, Engines and Boilers. Dealers in Wire Rope, Drill Steel, Shafting, Oar Cars and Buckets, Ore Crushers. We carry a large stock and can make prompt shipments. The Argus, 1900.

For Sale: William H. Thompson House Pt. 2

February 6th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 4 Comments » border

Yesterday I introduced the William H. Thompson house selling at 3119 S Day St in Seattle’s Mount Baker area. As promised, today we take a look inside this 1894 classic Queen Anne style home. The current seller has painstakingly restored most areas of the residence, which was in shambles when he came into ownership. Since the property had been used as a sanatorium for many years, it was partitioned with little care given to flow. The layout has now returned to the original plans and it is a pretty nice example of historic preservation in our area. Remember that the home is now selling for $1,398,000 so if you have the means and are interested in a historic Seattle property, give it a look. I want to again thank Sally Beane of RE/MAX for showing me around. Click on the thumbnails for higher-res images.


The front entryway into the home with stained glass door.	As you enter the residence, you’ll find the dining room.

The base of the three story tower stands in this living room with hearth.	The fireplace is listed on the historic registry and cannot be altered by owners. And who would want to?

The banister is also on the historic reserve and you can see why.	Close-up of the vintage light fixture in the dining room.

The kitchen was originally through the doorway to the right of the frame.	Detail shot of the entry lighting fixture.

Alternate angle of the banister with stairs leading to the second floor. The first floor is stained while the second and third are painted white.	Some pieces of the banister had gone missing over the years and had to be restored and matched.

This photo shows one of the two claw foot tubs in the home.	Another claw foot tub rounds out this functionally odd room.

This large second floor room was originally partitioned but the wall has now been removed.	The stairwell leading to the third floor.

Close-up photo of some trim. Some of the original trim remains, but other pieces had to be recreated.	Though not all lighting fixtures are original, replacements were found from the appropriate time period.

Alternate angle of the stairwell to the third floor.	One of the five bedrooms. Each room has a unique color choice.

Like the lighting, many pieces of hardware had to be matched at antique shops.	A simpler piece of hardware.

This third floor bedroom takes advantage of the tower view and has a walk-in closet.	The view from the tower.

Close-up of the fir floors and baseboard trim.	Light filtering through the banister spokes.

A bedroom with mustard yellow walls.	Yet another bedroom rounds out our look at the home.

For Sale: William H. Thompson House Pt. 1

February 5th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 1 Comment » border

You can find the William H. Thompson House high atop the Mount Baker neighborhood, one in Seattle’s line of architecturally significant Queen Anne style treasures. The house was built by Ernest MacKay in 1894 for an estimated price of $4,500. The next owner, William H. Thompson (of the law firm Thompson, Edsen and Humphries), lived in the residence from 1897 until 1917. At 5 bed, 4 bath it was originally used as a single family dwelling but it was later used as a boarding house and sanatorium. It’s now selling for $1,398,000. Being that there are quite a few photos to study, I’ll break this feature up into 2 parts. Part 2 featuring the home’s interior has also been posted. Special thanks to Sally Beane of RE/MAX for giving me a tour of the premises. If you get a chance, go by the house and take in the sights. The house and the view are really something special.


An 1800’s era photograph of the William H. Thompson home. Two people pose on the wrap-around balcony while another spies the photographer from the front porch. Photograph courtesy Washington State Historical Society.	The same frame as captured today. Note that the 2nd floor balcony does not extend quite as far as it used to.

The north face of the home. The front entry and door are on this side of the residence.	A view of the northwest edge of the home. The first floor area on the right of the frame was originally the home’s kitchen.

Alternate view of the north end of the home.	This three story tower anchors the home’s exterior.

The top-most portions of the facade feature imbricated shingles.	The Queen Anne style residence features many decorative brackets.

The west face of the home with eight-over-one double hung sash.	Another angle of the tower with finial.

The windows along this east face feature some incredible views.	The north face of the home with one-over-one sash.

Reader Photo: The Court In Recess

February 4th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 3 Comments » border

Vintage Seattle reader and Portland-based historian Kathy Tucker was kind enough to send in this fascinating photograph of her great grandfather and State Supreme Court judge, as a child in Seattle. I’ll let Kathy explain:

I have this old photograph of about 7th and Pike, ca. 1892. From the top down: McBurney Mitchell, Donald A. McDonald (later state supreme court judge, and my g-grandfather), Dr. Herbert Coe, Dubois Mitchell, Harry Coe, last unidentified. My grandmother’s (Elizabeth McDonald Parsons) cousin Marshall McDonald (he has died now) told me that Donald had a sharp wit and that family get togethers were full of zingers and laughter.

At the Washington State Historical Museum right now is an exhibit related to Donald and Bess’s son, Frederick A. McDonald. He was a World War II chaplain, and he went just after the front lines. He collected little shards of glass from religious sanctuaries and saved them in a shoebox for 50 years. Then his friends helped him achieve his dream of having them made into new windows. He died a few years ago, after the project started. The artists interviewed him and incorporated his stories into the windows. The windows include the shards and the artists had a lot of freedom in interpretation. It is on exhibit in Tacoma until March. Here is a link to the windows project: http://www.interfaith-presidio.org/mcdonald/index.htm

From the top down: McBurney Mitchell, Donald A. McDonald, Dr. Herbert Coe, Dubois Mitchell, Harry Coe, last unidentified. 7th and Pike, ca. 1892. Photo courtesy Kathy Tucker.

Past Post: Pacific Science Center

February 3rd, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 5 Comments » border

Today’s Past Postcard is a 60’s era piece showing the Pacific Science Center. The building was designed by Minoru Yamasaki (known for his work on the World Trade Center buildings) for the 1962 World’s Fair, then known as the United States Science Pavilion. You could also see the building in Elvis Presley’s It Happened at the World’s Fair film. Wikipedia has this shot, which shares a similar frame with the postcard. Also, for those who didn’t know, Minoru Yamasaki was born in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington. Give the thumbnails a click for a closer look at those 1960’s women’s clothing styles.

Front: Pacific Science Center.

Back: Pacific Science Center is a special attraction in the civic center of Seattle, Washington. It is one of the architectural wonders of the nation.

Player O The Week: Manu Tuiasosopo 1980

February 2nd, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Old Sport | 1 Comment » border

Go ahead, just try to say his name fast. Vintage Seattle Player O The Week is none other than former Seahawk defensive tackle Manu Tuiasosopo. He played in Seattle from ‘79 to ‘83 and then went down to San Francisco from ‘84 to ‘86. In addition to getting over his fear of high-water pants Manu has had three sons that have played professional or near-professional sports — Jets quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo, Buccaneers fullback Zach Tuiasosopo, and Mariners minor leaguer Matt Tuiasosopo. Go ahead, just try to say their names fast. Quite a family dynasty! Click on the image for higher res.

Manu Tuiasosopo, Seattle Seahawks, Defensive Tackle, Topps, 1980.

Wowee, Don’t Shut Down The Gayway

February 1st, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 5 Comments » border

We all know that Seattle Center is in pretty pitiful shape these days and has been for a number of years. Topping off the decay is Fun Forest, which is likely to close next year. It wasn’t always this depressing, though. Case in point, this advertisement for the Gayway (which would later become Fun Forest) from the official 1962 World’s Fair souvenir program. Check out the wonderfully brilliant and manipulative nostalgia driven marketing, pretty much forcing dad to remember the good old days and take the kid to the Gayway for some rides and ice cream. That copy writer definitely deserved a raise. Click on the images for larger views.

Grownups don’t seem to understand. About the Gayway, I mean, and what it is to a kid. It’s like a great big magnet. Just standing outside waiting to go in is a shivery feeling.

All those things, must be a million of ‘em. All those places and rides and games. They look like little funny houses. Boy, that Space Wheel sure is high; I betcha can see clear over the world from the top.

I wonder if grown-ups hear the same things kids do… the special sound the Gayway has. If I listen hard, I can hear the whirring rides and the screams and the buzzing people always make.

Coasting downhill on a bike is fun. But, wowee, the Wild Mouse is faster and the hill is steeper and your stomach sinks when you hit a bump. That Calypso — you swing way out and lose your breath and feel like you’re flying.

My dad says there were rides in the amusement parks when he was a kid. I don’t guess there’s much difference between them and the Gayway. But I wonder if he remembers good enough to really understand. About the Gayway, I mean. It sure would be swell if he did. Because then he’d go with me on all the rides.

Gayway Advertisement. Official Souvenir Program, Seattle World’s Fair 1962.

Gayway Advertisement. Official Souvenir Program, Seattle World’s Fair 1962.