Past Post: 2nd Ave South From Pike 1911

February 13th, 2009 @ 12:53 am by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post |

Past Postcard this week is from 1911, showing a pre-skyscraper Second Ave. South from Pike. Our writer describes his trip (and means) in detail. Click on the thumbnails for more resolution.

Dear Eva, Am now in United States of America. Was 2 weeks in Vancouver B.C. Canada. Took boat to Victoria B.C. which is 100 miles 6 hrs to do. Was 1 week in Victoria B.C. which is Capital of B.C. took boat to Seattle which is 206 miles by steamship 9 hrs. Send all letters to Vancouver General Delivery, Canada. Lots of Love, M.A. Schmitt

Seattle, Wash. Second Ave., South from Pike.

Sent to London, England from Seattle, Wash April 17, 1911.

9 Responses to “Past Post: 2nd Ave South From Pike 1911”

1. Chainsaw Riggins says:

   February 13, 2009 at 9:08 am

   Looks like everyone shopped at the same awning store back then.
2. Jonathan S says:

   February 13, 2009 at 10:23 am

   I appreciate the writer’s detail! 206 miles by steamship. Not 200 miles. Oh, no, it’s 206 miles (331.4 KM for you friendly Canadians).
3. Shannon says:

   February 13, 2009 at 2:59 pm

   I think that last part says, “General Delivery Canada” as part of the instructions on how to send the letter.
4. didi says:

   February 13, 2009 at 5:37 pm

   I think I am gonna catch that trusty steamship next time I visit Seattle.
5. Ben Lukoff says:

   February 13, 2009 at 9:36 pm

   Yes, I think it’s “Send all letters to Vancouver General Delivery, Canada”
6. Julie Anne says:

   February 13, 2009 at 11:22 pm

   Another vote for “pls. send all letters to Vancouver General Delivery, Canada”

   This is a lovely prospect down Second from that period, made more interesting in that it doesn’t have any skyscrapers. The Smith Tower would have been under construction, but apparently not tall enough yet to be seen (It was under construction from the spring of 1910 to July 1914.)
7. Cliffe says:

   February 14, 2009 at 1:08 am

   Updated it.
8. RPH says:

   February 14, 2009 at 6:29 am

   It appears that the red stripes on the multiple awnings were added by the artist who hand colored the photo.
9. JDmoney says:

   February 15, 2009 at 11:16 pm

   Each week will do a __ your home?