Georgetown History

Annexation to Seattle - Marking the Date with Wheelbarrows

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:36:00 +0000

Georgetown Councilman Conner would give anti-annexation Councilman Hale a ride in a

wheelbarrow from City Hall to Junction (Dawson) Street and return. The barrow had been decorated, while Hale wore a silk hat in honor of the occasion.

The date was March 29, 1910.

On March 28th, 2010, the Friends of Georgetown History would like to commemorate this wager and historic date with a wheelbarrow parade from Old City Hall to Grand* Avenue, which is only a few blocks away.

When: Sunday, March 28th – 3pm

Where: Old City Hall at 13th and Bailey

It is hard to truly speculate which events actually triggered a decision to annex to Seattle in 1910. Some say water improvements promised in the Seattle mayoral elections would benefit area businesses and were hard to pass up. Others say annexation was looming due to illegal vice surrounding the roadhouses and saloons on Estelle Street (Carleton Avenue), or even that Georgetown was an impediment to “progress” in the Duwamish Valley. All of these issues were discussed, debated and finally decided upon 100 years ago this month

Georgetown was entirely surrounded by Seattle by 1910, and this historic vote would change the face of the Duwamish Valley forever. Mayor Mueller, Georgetown Mayor 1904-1908) had decided not to run in the 1909 mayoral race. It would be Mayor Slocum’s administration moving into the newly completed City Hall on Bateman (Bailey) Street. The writing seemed to be on the walls by this time.

Council members moved to shut down the saloons and roadhouses along Estelle Street (Carleton Avenue). It could be argued that council members were protecting their interests and in their saloons over in the “business district” Rainier Avenue (Airport Way). Only existing liquor licenses to remain valid at the time of annexation.

Proprietors from all the roadhouses on Estelle/were charged with conducting unlawful houses, and asked to meet with council members to discuss the revocation of their licenses. All attended, even bringing with them signed testimony from neighbors in favor of them keeping their businesses.

I have a family and own considerable property here, also in Seattle. I do not object to the saloons on this street or any other part of the city if they are only conducted, as they ought to be, one o’clock is late enough. The Saloons on this street ought to have the same privileges they have in other parts of the city, the licenses my be high enough, but any man who wants to drink ought to be able to consume all he could hold before one oclock in the morning. – Joseph Huber, contractor and builder

I don’t see what our city council are thinking about unless they want to compel us to annex to Seattle, how do they think we can afford to pay for street improvements, County, State, and School tax if we derive no revenue from our property, I am a heavy tax payer and own considerable property on Estelle Street, part of which is leased for legitimate saloon purposes, and I do not approve of business carried on in any other manner. – Mrs. Annie Horton

Even with compelling testimony and petitions in support, all the roadhouses on Estelle (Carleton Avenue) Street would not be granted renewals of their liquor licenses. It did not help that the rest of Washington State had gone almost dry in the last statewide elections either. It would be the administration under Mayor Slocum who would be vexed with convincing the public that annexation would be a savior or downfall of the city.
But the question of annexation would have to be settled at a later date.

This new administration inherited a number of problems. Income was down; expenditures were up. Roosevelt (South Beacon) Hill lacked water and the new Maple School had been built but could not be occupied as a result. The Georgetown School was overcrowded and high school students were forced to pay tuition to attend school in Seattle. Proposals for paving Rainier (Airport Way) Avenue with brick were being urged; the city was asking for a railroad flagman at Colvin (Graham) Street and for $2,800 for improvements on Swift Avenue. Road improvements to be made in the hill district would cost the city $56,000.

Annexation would bring water and streetcars to Roosevelt Hill. Voting before the census would allow Georgetown to be counted within Seattle and bring much needed funding for the improvements the council was seeking. The council voted unanimously to set the annexation vote to March 29, which Mayor Slocum indicating he did not want to sidestep the issue. But not all council members supported annexation. CouncilmemberBertoldi declared he had always opposed but did not believe in sidestepping. “Let’s hold the elections now, vote on it and let the city attorney advise it”. New Councilman Gehring stated he did not know what to do and asked the City Attorney to advise them. Councilmen Ennis believed it was too soon, yet Georgetown would be ready in two or three years, asking, “ What do we want to help out the census of Seattle for?”

The Election Day was clear and mild. Beautiful weather, combined with all the saloons closed, was bringing out the voters in a steady stream. More than 80% of the votes cast early in the day favored annexation, and anti-annexationists were reportedly throwing up their hands and scrambling to get on the bandwagon. Annexationists were reported to have $6oo ready to wager on the result, but could not find a bettor.

When the polls closed at 8pm, 389 votes were for annexation, 238 against. When the votes were tallied and announced, the brewery whistle blew, many voters came out on the streets to rejoice. “It was a fair, clean election,” said Mayor Slocum, “and I am glad it is over.”

But it was not over in regards to an historic wager placed two weeks before the election. Georgetown Councilman Conner would give anti-annexation Councilman Hale a ride in a
wheelbarrow from City Hall to Junction (Dawson) Street and return.Conner chose the roughest part of the street. Hale, a bronco rider in his younger days said he’d never had a ride like that. It required all hands to stay on the barrow and to keep his hat straight. Community cheers were bipartisan.

Today, in March 2010 we can look back on the last century and speculate what our community could have become should the anti-annexation voters had won that election? Some say Georgetown died that day when it annexed to Seattle, and others say the water district improvements saved the community. What we can all agree upon is Georgetown has had significant changes in the last 100 years. Arguably, some of those changes have been good and others not so good.

We are soliciating votes now and you can cast your ballot at Coliman Mexican Restaurant or the Carleton Avenue Grocery. How many people, 100 years later, will vote for annexation?

The tally of votes will be announced and prizes will be awarded for the best hat and best decorated wheelbarrow. We hope to set in motion the desire to learn more about the early days of Georgetown, when it was a town.

When: Sunday, March 28th – 3pm
Where: Old City Hall at 13th and Bailey

What to bring: A sense of humor, a decorated wheelbarrow, and a decorated hat.
Motivation: Learn more about history and win prizes!

* Some homework for you, what is 2010 name of Grand Avenue?

Come tell us on March 28th!

References:
The Georgetown Story, that was a town 1904-1910

and the Georgetown City Archives

A Sore on the Body Politic

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:26:00 +0000

While my friend was looking up information about the Odd fellows Comet Lodge (she is still on the hunt), I was scanning council minutes for anything about Everett “Big Hutch” Hutchings and the saloons on Estella Street. I was quite surprised to find only two liquor licenses remain in the city files – one for the Country Inn Roadhouse, Big Hutch’s digs, and one for the Vienna Bar that was directly across Estella Street from Hutch.

Hutch is mentioned in the city minutes along with the proprietors of several other “saloon-keepers”. After perusing the files I found several letters of interest – let’s start with a correspondence from the “Office of Kenneth MacKintosh, Prosecuting Attorney for King County” dated April 22, 1908.

“I desire to call your attention officially to a condition of affairs existing in your city which you have within your power to rectify. There are six resorts selling liquor under licenses granted by you which are being so conducted that they are constantly violating the laws of this state. The places … are as follows: “Roxy’s,” the proprietor of which is Roxy Reber; “Rainer Bar,” the proprietor of which is L.C, Bregonze; “Lincoln Park,” the proprietor of which is Charlton and Bowman; “Germania Park,” the proprietor of which is F Brand; “Vienna Grocery and Bar,” the proprietor of which is L. Pavish; and “Bohemian Park,” the proprietor of which is Richard Bishop. The proprietor of each one of these places has been found guilty of selling liquor on Sunday and of maintaining a nuisance, and it seems to me that these convictions give you sufficient foundation to revoke their licenses.”

The letter goes on to say…

“There exists no reason why one man upon your police force, to say nothing of the entire department, cannot keep these places from being, as they have been, the harbor for dissolute and depraved men and women, and form violating every law upon the statute books which it is within the power to violate”
“You may choose one of three courses in dealing with this matter, -
(First) You can revoke the licenses of these resorts and thus entirely abolish them with t her attendant vice, or
(Secondly) You can see to it that your police department compels them, if you still allow them to hold their licenses, to maintain order, disperse the degenerates who frequent them, clean out their dance halls, close up their bedrooms, and conduct themselves in an orderly and decent manner, or
(Thirdly) You may allow them to continue in the way in which they have been going, to the discredit of your city and the humiliation of your citizens, and compel the county to bear the expense of policing and prosecuting them.”

In conclusion…

“I sincerely hope, however, that you will co-operate with me and cut out these sores which exist in your body politic.
Yours respectfully,”

The question now is how did our city fathers respond to the County Attorney. Did they revoke the licenses of those named above, allow them to continue up until annexation, or did the offices of Kenneth MacKintosh enforce the law of the land?

City Archives

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:27:00 +0000

With a keen interest in all things Georgetown, an appointment has finally been made to visit the City Archives. I am so excited to be able to search through Georgetown Council Meeting Minutes, City Ordinances and Liquor Licenses from 1904-1910.

Next Friday, another old foghi (well new old foghi) and I will trek downtown to see if there are any records of members of the secret societies - the Masons and the Oddfellows.

We will give you an update to those findings when we return. If there is something which interests you - give us a shout and we can see if we might find it too.

Haunted Survey 2009

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:56:00 +0000

How did we do?

Thank you for your support by attending the Haunted History Tour. We need your comments to make next year even better

2010 will mark 100 years since annexation to Seattle (March 29, 2010) and we like your comments in order to start planning in advance.

This year we had several new volunteers who enjoyed learning the script and telling you stories about our neighborhood. It is always nice to have volunteers but things don't always go smoothly.

A few people have already given some comments on their experience... but we would like to hear from you. Send any comments to gthistory@yahoo.com - your name will not be mentioned to your guide or the character but used to help us fine tune the tour and make next year special for the centennial.

Please include the following: the date you attended and the tour departure time.

If you have feedback about the ghostly characters or general comments please send them in - we put this tour together for you to enjoy and if you are not enjoying it we need to know.

BTW - There is also a box on this page where you can post you comments.

Haunted History Tour 2009

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:53:00 +0000

This is Bob.

You may have seen him on a dark night ... working at digging holes.....perhaps you hung around a few moments so he could tell you a story or two..... stories that gave you goosebumps. All these stories are true.

The Annual Haunted History tour is back for a 5th season! October 23rd and 24th, 2009.

This year we have a couple new stories to tell.

Come meet some Georgetown ghosts - but beware - this tour is just under two hours - so comfortable shoes are a MUST.

Links to ticket information will be posted shortly. Plan on $10 per person/ children under 9 are free. Please use your discretion when bringing children - creepy stories and bumps in the night may frighten little ones.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/85916

The TOUR

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:43:00 +0000

It's the first day of October and time to announce the Fourth Annual Georgetown Haunted History Tour. We had so much fun last year we decided to expanded and cover two nights of haunting this season!

We are also teaming up with the Theatre off Jackson for this spine tingling experience. Creepy stories, haunting theatrics and ghoulish music.

October 24th and 25th
Four tours nightly: departing every 20 minutes.
Walk Only- $7.00
TOJ Brew House only - $10.00
Combo ticket (both tours!) - $15.00
* children under 9 are FREE - please use your discretion as this event can be too scary for some little ones

Walking tours depart from the Coliman Mexican Restaurant at E Marginal Way and Carleton Avenue South and last approximately an hour.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets. How the ticketing will work.

Pull up Brown Paper Tickets in your web browser
Choose date for the tour
Choose your walking tour departure time (ie 6:00, 6:20, 6:40, or 7:00)
Click "begin order", you will asked if you want walking tour only or both the walking tour and brew house tour (a better value and not to be missed!)
Select the number of tickets you would like
Purchase tickets
Plan your costume**, be on time and have fun!

**Costumes are encouraged, BUT REMEMBER, comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Any questions? Please contact us at gthistory@yahoo.com.

***** UPDATE*****
If you have purchased tickets - WILL CALL is at the start of the tour. Coliman Mexican Restaurant. Please plan to arrive a bit early to check in - WILL CALL opens one hour prior to the first tour departure (5pm)

Thank you all for your support!

Georgetown Radio: A film and soundtrack from the early 90s

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:18:00 +0000

Blogging Georgetown linked to another great blog Washblog who has posted a two part video recording life in Georgetown during the early 1990's.

Old Foghi remembers the Georgetown Tavern, Hamilton Hall before the facelift, the Blue Max (yes, drinking with pilots and cabin crew!) and the Rainier Lady covered with vines. Most of the bars and businesses along Airport Way were yet to be concieved, boards over windows shielded our view of people living in lofts and small apartments.

Part 1

Part 2

One thing that is striking is the shot of the traffic entering I-5 from Carleton Avenue. Old Foghi and the Old Fart moved into Georgetown in the late 1990's so we were not around when the traffic was routed straight up Carleton.

Traffic circles and a traffic divider have changed the way people navigate these historic streets. I am so glad I only have a few cars and the bus to worry about when I ride my bicycle on Carleton.

This week in history: O-W-R &N Company to Extend Spur to Seattle City Limits

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:05:00 +0000

After 95 years, you think we could get some crossing arms? This article comes from the Oregonian, April 11th, 1913.

INDUSTRIAL TRACT INVADED
O.W.R. & N. to Extend Spur to Seattle City Limits
Seattle, Wash, Aug. 11, 1913 - Construction will be begun at once by the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company on a spur track extending from Lucile street, near the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company's plant at Georgetown, to Fourteenth avenue South, the city limits, which will serve the industrial tracts recently platted by King County through the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce. A permit has been granted by the Board of Public Works for this track as well as for a spur on Bailey street for a connection with the tracks of the Puget Sound Traction, Light and Power Company, over which the Big Four Iron Works in South Park will be served.
For months, the Chamber of Commerce, various railroad officials and A.L. Valentine, superintendent of public utlities, have been working on the plan connecting the industrial tracts with railroads. So far as Seattle is concerned this is one of the most important railroad extensions that has been undertaken in a long time.

Landmarking Georgetown?

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Looks like there might be a group forming interested in landmarking houses in Georgetown. Below is reposted from the neighborhood listserv. Perhaps with enough interest, Georgetown will become a historic district. Links galore 1.)to the person who penned the email so you can get in touch and 2.) the Nomination and Designation Processes.

I am interested in landmarking my own house, and meeting with others who own property who wish to do the same......My own home was built in 1898, and is one of the last examples of work force housing from that period. In the 1930's, the county had determined that it only had 8 years of life left. I'm working on restoring the street side closer to what is in the assessors photos from the 1930s, in spite of the "improvements" made in the 80's. If anyone wishes to chat more drop me a line.

Historic property threatend by development?

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:32:00 +0000

I do not have all the information on this - but perhaps someone can look into this one. The Double House at Carleton and Willow now has a land use sign in front of it. I dont know if it is going to be modified or torn down for more development.

The Joseph R. Huber Double House was built in 1911 and was contructed from plans you ordered out of a builders catalog. This one screams history! I would love to see someone take up the cause on this one... I would be up for doing it myself if I were not currently working on a HUGE project at the moment.

"An intact, however slightly altered, example of an early 20th C. multi-family residential design that exhibits distinctive Bungalow design features. This property is a double house (two family dwelling) that appears to have been constructed according to a plans that were commonly available through architect/builder’s plan books or Aladdin type house catalogs. This double house exhibits design features and historic building fabric that reflect the popularity of early 20th C Craftsman/Bungalow design modes: a one & ½ story side gable main form with symmetrically placed cut-away entry porches and bay windows on the principle facade. The house is distinguished by low roof pitches, wide barge boards, wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafter ends and kneebraces. Each entry porch includes a wooden column supported on a low wall plinth. The windows are typically standard double-hung and in some cases they have been altered or replaced. The house is currently clad with narrow clapboard siding (at body) and double course shingles (at gable ends & base). The original cladding treatment along with trim and architectural features emphasized the horizontal design character."

Walking History tour - Sunday, July 13th

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Details, details, details.

Meet us at City Hall - 13th and Bailey - at either 11am or 2pm for a fun walk around Georgetown. This is a simple introduction to the early history - we will be walking from City Hall and into the residental quarter. Be sure to wear your comfortable walking attire.

A small donation of $3 bills each is much apprieciated. We will be applying this toward our larger event - the Haunted History Tour - scheduled for late October.

Social business

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:03:00 +0000

Dear readers,

I must apologize for the lack of any historical updates over the past two weeks. I am sure something of a historical, hysterical or perhaps mythical nature happened "this day in history".

My yesterdays and todays have been jammed packed with activities brimming with adventure and excitement. I will endeavor to organize all of my notes so I can share them with you, dear readers.

I will be joining another old foghi (perhaps not quite as old) in the Seattle Rooms this Monday evening to read old maps, phone directories and perhaps, just perhaps, microfiche. I don't know how to bait my hook to catch one of these microfiche - but to do hear tell you can read them with a special whats-it located within the stacks.

Interested parties should also note a newly designed walking tour is being developed and will be unveiled at the 13th annual Georgetown Art and Garden Walk - July 13 -2008. More details to follow.

Best regards,

Olf Doghi

R.I.P. Ruby Chow

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:53:00 +0000

Ruby Chow: 1920-2008

Most Georgetown residents are only familiar with the name, Ruby Chow, as a park at the northend of Boeing field. Yet, Ruby Chow was the first Asian American on the King County Council, elected in 1973 and serving three terms before retiring in 1985.

She was a larger than life figure in the Chinese community. Ruby and her husband Ping owned the first Chinese restaurant outside of Chinatown. While active in the community she campaigned to demystify Chinese culture, inviting the general public to Chinese New Year celebrations and other community events, publicizing positive images of Chinatown.

For such a feisty woman, it would seem she would deserve a larger tribute. Something more than a little used park, under the flight path located at north end of a runway.

You can't even fly a kite at Ruby Chow Park.

Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:28:00 +0000

Traditionally, Memorial Day is a day to remember veterans.

This year, I spent Memorial Day remembering things which are lost and often forgotten. Comet Lodge Cemetery is beautiful and sad at the same time. I placed a few red carnations around on some of the remaining headstones. Here are a couple photos:

This week in history

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:24:00 +0000

Seattle's first aviation disaster occurred on May 29, 1912, at the Meadows Race Track when an airplane crashed into the grandstand, killing one and injuring 21 others.

Special thanks to an old foghi friend for pointing this out.

Saloon keeper's assault may result fatally

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:53:00 +0000

SEATTLE, May 19, 1909

John Mueller, mayor of Georgetown, who was assaulted Monday morning by E.A. Hutchings, proprietor of the Country Inn is in such a precarious condition as the result of his injuries that he may not recover.

Mayor Mueller is in bed at his home barely able to move. Last night, he was irrational at times. One of the blows be received at the base of the skull was so severe that for a time the attending physician, Dr. W. H. Corson, thought the bone had been fractured.

Mayor Mueller is advanced in years and has been in poor health for several months, having taken several trips to health resorts recently to recuperate.

Hutchings, who is held in $5,000 bonds pending the outcome of his victim's injuries, has applied to the superior court for his release on a writ of habeas corpus.

from the 5/21/1909 Morning Olympian c Newsbank/American Antiquiarian Society 2004

It would seem that Hutchings was not a fan of the new closing hours saloons and pool halls must now adhere. Hutchings attacked Mueller at the entrance of the General Offices at the Seattle Brewing and Malting Company as Mueller was opening for the day.

Faust-Dahlstrom residence

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:53:00 +0000

The house at 6247 Flora has been on the lips of many around the neighborhood lately - it is up for sale with the properties adjacent.

I went to the Tim O'Brian collection to see if there was a property history. What you see here first appeared in the Georgetown Gazette-News January 28, 2000.

drawing by Jon Dove

The Faust-Dahlstrom residence, located in the 6200 block of Flora Avenue South, was built in 1893-1894 by August Faust, a carpenter and master sash maker. It is tempting to guess that fancy upper sashes on the house reflect Faust's skill at building sashes.

A close look at the facade suggests that the two major part of the house, the gabled half and the ell, were not built at the same time. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for 1904 and 1927 bear out this conclusion. The original house is the northern part with its two-story gable front. The lower hipped roof addition with the large bay window and hipped roof dormer was added some time after 1904 and before 1917. It was probably added before 1909 when William and Mary Eggert moved in.

By 1912 the Dahlstrom family, including Henry C, Herbert L, Edith and Ralph had moved in. Ralph Dahlstrom lived in the house form ore the forty-five years.

Henry Dahlstrom was on of the organizers and most active members of a social club known as t he Non-pareil Club.

In 1916, the Non-pareil Clubhouse was located in the Georgetown Castle (the large pink Victorian house with turret located at 6420 Carleton Avenue) The Non-pariel Club had more than 100 members. They played bridge and held ballroom dances. Club members also had their own twenty piece band and championship baseball team, known also as the Non-pareils.

In the mid 1920's, Henry Dahlstrom, Max Schmidt and Jules Maes were respectively the secretary, president and vice president of the crack Georgetown Merchants baseball team.

Mayor Mueller

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:56:00 +0000

John Anton Mueller, a German immigrant, was a brewer by trade and spent his early years in the business, becoming a brewer’s apprentice at the age of twelve. After coming to the states, he joined his brothers who were working at breweries in Illinois. In 1880, he completed studies at a brewer’s academy in New York State and, over the next ten years, was employed at a number of eastern breweries before heading west.

Mueller was a strong presence in the community, serving as school board president and organizing the district’s water, lighting and sewer systems. Mueller also helped establish the Rainier Volunteer Fire Department and served as its chief. He was elected Georgetown’s first mayor after it was incorporated as a city in January 1904. According to an editorial in the Georgetown-South Seattle News (December 3, 1904), his first year in office was a success:

For three years past Mr. Mueller has interested himself in public affairs where he has exhibited the same traits of sagacity and honesty that made his success in business. The Georgetown high school building is the result of his faithful work on the part of Mr. Mueller…The record Mr. Mueller has made as mayor for the first year of Georgetown is altogether commendable…Any man can rest assured that as mayor of Georgetown Mr. Mueller assumes personal responsibility and if he makes a mistake, you do not have to go to any man but Mueller for its correction. A vote for John Mueller is a vote for an honest, capable administration of the city affairs, and his past record is proof positive for this statement.

Special thanks to Gary Flynn of Brewery Gems who sent this wonderful photo of Mayor Mueller. The Mueller residence can be seen at the corner of Carleton and Bailey (please do not disturb the current residents).

Oral History Project

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Fri, 02 May 2008 19:12:00 +0000

The Friends of Georgetown History are seeking candidates for an on-going oral history program that identifies, collects, and preserves the first-hand recollections from our neighborhood.

We are looking for individuals who have lived, worked, or visited the Georgetown neighborhood in the past 90+ years and who will be willing to record their remembrances and add to the growing historical record of this unique community.

If you are interested in sharing your stories, or know of someone whom we should contact regarding this project, contact Patricia Filer at plfiler@hotmail.com or 206-334-5757

Project will run from May-September 2008.

Weigh in with the Landmarks Board

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:55:00 +0000

A couple of old foghi friends of mine went to a landmark workshop last week and heard the Landmarks Board has recieved very little comment from the community regarding the new “Ice House”.

It is important to make your thoughts known. If you have already sent comments to Sabey - great - they need to hear from you too.

The Landmarks Board is our public forum to discuss the planning and design of this future site. What do you think of the new design? Do you like the overall look? Please send comments to Beth Chave or Karen Gordon.

Happy May Day!

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:24:00 +0000

May happens to be Preservation Month – we are pleased to be working on some great projects and presentations in the next few weeks.

May 19th – History Presentation at Coliman Restaurant – 7pm

CORRECTION! May 24th – Historic Walking Tour starting at Old City Hall - 10am -

Georgetown Googie

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:39:00 +0000

When the Hat n' Boots were landmarked, the term Googie architecture was used in the application and presentation. I was just preusing Vintage Seattle and see there will be lecture at the Swedish Cultural Center (1920 Dexter Avenue NW).

Docomomo WEWA and its co-sponsors welcome California architecture critic Alan Hess to Seattle. He will examine how Googie architecture successfully combined Modernism and popular culture and why it is important today.

Alan Hess is the author of Googie Redux: Ultramodern Roadside Architecture (2004) and Googie: Fifties Coffee Shop Architecture (1985).

Searching for postmarks

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:52:00 +0000

While out for a walk from my “oh so very exciting” desk job, I started thinking about what I want to share on this blog and what should I talk about this week. Sadly, my old foghi friends have yet to contribute articles, ideas, or anything of use to me. Although one of them sent me the following in an email:

“The first commercial settlement, set up by John Low and Charles Terry in November had a name drawn from the hybrid trade language. The New York Marook House (marook oe makook meaning trade) kept "constantly on hand and for sale at the lowest prices. All kinds of merchandise usually required in a new country.”” ***
*** from the book "Native Seattle" by Coll Thrush

I guess I am supposed to file this in with my grocery store fascination. I don’t know how to build a whole blog entry around this. So I will share with you my latest acquisition: look carefully at the postmark. Seems this must have been a postcard exchange between pen pals – Enjoy!

"The Brick Store" Georgetown's oldest brick building

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:12:00 +0000

Dating back to 1898, the structure standing at 5919 Airport Way South is Georgetown’s oldest brick building and is associated with its residential and commercial boom that took place between 1890 and 1916, which was fueled by the Seattle Brewing and Malt Company (SBMC) and the influx of foreign immigrants. Georgetown’s population reflected this tremendous growth, expanding from 1,913 in 1900 to 7,000 in 1910.

Historically known as the “Brick Store,” the building has served many functions, including a grocery and drug store, tavern, restaurant, meeting hall, hardware store, boarding house, and apartments. The building first appears in the 1898 Seattle City Directory when it was occupied by the “Duwamish Drug and Grocery Store” operated by Chas R. Ray. The company stayed at this location for only a brief time, however, and does not show up in the 1900 directory.

By 1904, John D. Mathews was operating the “Georgetown Grocery Company,” according to an advertisement in the Georgetown-South Seattle
News that stated: “We carry a full line of groceries. Buy your groceries from a grocery store.” According to the city directory, Mathews lived above the store. The 1906 directory shows the store at 201 Rainier Avenue North (renamed Airport Way South), with Mathews in partnership with Miles C. Conner.

Wilbert F. Robb leased the building at some point. Robb was a city councilman who went bankrupt and lost it all. In 1907, the building’s first floor was converted to a saloon with a lunch counter occupying the north side. An attached club room for gambling and placing bets for the Meadows Race Track was added around this time; the Seattle Club ran the show.

When prohibition hit Washington State in 1916, it put an end to the saloon business and the building was remodeled once again, this time adding apartments to the second floor. Bertha Rau bought the property in 1923 and built a rear garage, measuring 10 feet by 18 feet, that same year. Anton Rau, who is identified as the owner in 1934, applied for a building permit to alter the storefront and convert it for use as a hardware store. A tax asessor’s photo shows the first-floor brickwork painted with a checkerboard design and a “Sherwin Williams Paints” sign above. The hardware store remained in business until 1936, when it was purchased by Margaret Fox Herrman. She also bought the adjacent one-story masonry
building that housed a barber shop.

In September 1936, Jules Maes, Inc. leased the building and obtained a building permit to occupy it as a restaurant, beer parlor, and meeting hall. Jules Maes passed away two years later; however, it remained in the Maes’ family ownership for the next 58 years.

Jules Maes, a Belgian immigrant, started out as bartender and co-owner for August Ozar’s South Park saloon in the early 1900s. He returned to Belgium in 1905, married Leonie Verhulst and then came back to Seattle. Sometime between 1906 and 1908 he ran “The Maple Leaf Saloon” at 823 Rainier Avenue South, selling it in 1912 so that he could take over the Rainier Bar at 5953 Duwamish Avenue (now Airport Way South). An October 1912 article makes reference to his latest venture: “Mr. Maes understands that line of business thoroughly and is well liked and should
do a good business at his new place of business.” another article indicates that he had the place “repainted, repapered and put in good condition generally, and it presents a much more inviting appearance.” Initially, Maes’ bar offered wines, liquors, and cigars, but during prohibition it
changed its menu to soft drinks, cigars, and meals. By the early 1920s, the name changed to “Jules Maes” and in 1928, Jules’ youngest brother,
Valentine, started working there. The building was damaged in a fire in 1936 and torn down, forcing Jules and Valentine to move a few blocks
away to its current location. (Another story, told by Val’s daughter Mildred Maes Driscoll, says that Jules was told by the owner that he had to move,
so he went to city hall and had the building condemned.)

The new business contained a restaurant and beer parlor in the first-floor front section and a meeting hall in the rear room. According to one article (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 3, 2000), “There was food and drink. Men used to play cards in the back. They won 5-cent tokens. ‘Good for trade-in,’ Maes had printed on one side of them to make sure winnings stayed in the
saloon.” The Citizens’ Club regularly held meetings and hosted boxing matches called “smokers” in the back room, while the upper floor took on various uses throughout its history - hotel, boarding rooms, pigeon races, and offices of the original Georgetown Gazette. The upstairs was later converted to three apartments. Georgetown resident Joe DeRose rented one of the upstairs apartments for roughly 50 years.

After Jules Maes death in 1939, his wife Leonie took over the tavern, in partnership with Valentine (vice president) and Valentine’s brotherin-
law, Remi Kerkof (secretary-treasurer). The 1940 directory shows Leonie, widow of Jules G., as the president of Jules Maes Company and living at
6307 13th Avenue South. The 1943 Census lists Valentine J. Maes and Remi J. Kerkof as owners of the restaurant and beer parlor. By 1945, the
business is listed as a restaurant only. After Leonie died in 1949, the business passed to Valentine, who held onto it until 1962. Valentine died ten years later.

Throughout his life, Jules Maes was known as fair and generous. During the Depression, he was always willing to help out with a loan. Community service was also important – he served as the vice president of the Georgetown Merchants Base Ball Club and earned the nickname “The Mayor of Georgetown.” Many local residents have fond memories of this place. Dawn Hammer recollected that back in the 1950s there was “a big long counter that would hold around 15 people. Behind the counter were the cooks and their grill and the dishwashers were back there in front of everybody. And the cooks at lunchtime had a big pitcher of beer.”

Jay Espeland and his mom, June, bought the property in 1988 and operated the “Jules Maes Saloon and Eatery.” The regular bartender was Remi Maes, Jules’ nephew, who had worked behind the bar for the past 40 years. June, a former waitress, tended bar sometimes in the evening. Jay, who lived in one of the upstairs apartments, was in charge of the meals.

Following the Espeland’s ownership, Wolf’s Door – manufacturer of art glass and custom-made entryways – purchased the building and occupied
the first-floor space. The current owner bought the building from Patricia Barry in 2004, renovated the interior (including removing the second-floor apartments) and reopened it as the “Jules Maes Saloon,” thus continuing its historic use.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
This two-story brick structure is an intact example of a late-nineteenth century commercial building. Sited at the corner of Airport Way South and South Nebraska Street, the building occupies an angled footprint measuring 32 by 66 feet. A one-story wood-frame addition extends from the rear (west) end and contains a secondary entrance to the bar and game room. A one-story masonry building (#5915) situated adjacent (north) of the building – the old OK Barber Shop built in 1923 – is part of the property.

Although it has been altered and remodeled over the years, the building’s exterior still displays its distinctive two-part commercial block main (east) façade: plate-glass storefront at the firstfloor level and tall segmental arched windows at the upper level. The storefront level contains a central recessed entrance leading to the first-floor tavern, and an offset recessed entryway on the north side provides access to the second floor.

The second-floor windows and the intermediate cornice feature decorative brick dentil work. A corbelled brick cornice ornaments the building’s flat parapet roof. Windows on the south elevation have been replaced with aluminum-frame sash and shutters have been added. Several of the openings on the south façade have been enclosed with brick and/or covered with plywood. The interior still contains the original walk-in icebox at the end of the bar, an enormous office safe, and a 100-year-old Brunswick bar that was shipped all the way around Cape Horn. The firstfloor interior was remodeled in 2004 to return it to its use as a saloon, appropriately called “Jules Maes Saloon.”

The second-floor apartments were removed during this remodel and converted to a single apartment containing a large, open living area, front bedroom and kitchen, and rear rooftop deck. Interior features include exposed brick walls, new fir flooring, and replacement windows (south wall). The original double-hung, wood-sash windows are intact along the north, east, and west facades.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
Department of Neighborhoods, Office of
Urban Conservation, 1997 Architectural Survey
(Site No GT025); WSA, PSB, Bellevue Community
College, King County Tax Assessor’s Real Property
Records; “Jules Maes, A Brief Biography,” by
Friends of Georgetown History, The Gazette,
February 28, 2005; Seattle City Directories; Baist’s
Real Estate Atlases; Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps;Kroll’s Atlases of Seattle.

It's meet'n time again

noreply@blogger.com (foghi) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:48:00 +0000

The Friends of Georgetown History will have our monthly meeting on Sunday, April 13th at 2pm at 6601 Carleton Avenue South (and yes this was a former corner store). We will be reviewing a project to be featured in May for Preservation Month.