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| Sunset on Mount Rainier as viewed from Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, Washington. Lights from the city center and waterfront enhance the beauty of this evening scene.. Ektachrome by Bob and Ira Spring. |
Archive for June, 2009
From Queen Anne Hill
June 5th, 2009 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure |
17 Comments »
Here’s a shot of downtown and Rainier from Queen Anne Hill. It isn’t dated, but I’d have to guess late 50′s or early 60′s — looks to be pre-Space Needle. There’s the Armory in the middle left. Click for higher res.
Ballard’s Fire Station No. 18
June 4th, 2009 by Cliffe | Sorted Historic Buildings | 6 Comments »
Ballard’s Fire Station No. 18 had been in continuous use for 63 years before being retired by the city in 1976. The 1911 Germanic Revival brick structure was designed by famed Seattle architects Bebb & Mendel. This incredible space now houses one of my favorite restaurants in the city, The Hi-Life. Check it out for the food and the history. While you’re in the neighborhood, you can cross the street to admire the Carnegie Free Library. Click on the photos for higher resolution.
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| Fire Station No. 18, front. |
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| Building edge and overhanging eaves. |
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| What remains of the original bell tower. The building is now used as a restaurant and office space. |
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| Closer view, showing restaraunt seating. |
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| Illuminated sign. |
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| The station originally used horse-drawn engines. |
On The Horizon House 1966
June 2nd, 2009 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 4 Comments »
Oh no, not another one of those “things ain’t what they used to be” posts. Afraid so. In the first half of the 20th century you’d find postcards of the monumental Smith Tower and breathtaking Mount Rainier in background. By 1966 we turned to the Horizon House, whose glory was in name only. Horizon House fans, tell me I’m a jerk — I’ll admit that it was a cheap shot. Click for higher res.
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| Horizon House. |
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| Horizon House. A Retirement Residence sponsored by the Washington North Idaho Conference of the United Church of Christ, 900 University St., Seattle, Washington 98101, Phone MA 4-3700. Postcard sent July 15, 1966. |
Pike Place Market 1908
June 1st, 2009 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 11 Comments »
I believe I haven’t seen this Pike Place Market photo before. It dates back to 1908, showing the direct-to-consumer market we all know well. Couple things of note. What is that castle-like building in the upper left? Were the streets tamped dirt or asphalt? The 1920 shot has the familiar brick. Early ad placement on the umbrella, wow. Maybe the only thing worse than a viaduct blocking your way to the water is a railroad yard. Then again, there weren’t many things to do on the dock back then except work. Click for super high-res.
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| Photo shows long narrow roofed structure with tables loaded with produce, many vendors, and horse-drawn wagons filled with crates. Nearby buildings are labeled “Virginia Street Dock and Warehouse Company” and “Pier 9.” An umbrella says “The Bon Marche sells for less” and “Seattle’s Largest Store The Bon Marche”. Photo courtesy Washington State Digital Archives. |
