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Old newspapers, pinned to the places they wrote about — the streets you can still walk today.
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In 1891, promoters promised to turn the shores of Lake Washington into the 'Pittsburgh of the Pacific,' selling lots for a fortune and laying tracks for a empire that would vanish within a decade.
A British entrepreneur plans to transform a massive site on the shores of Lake Washington into a steel empire, promising jobs for thousands.
“This is the first attempt at steel making from the raw materials on the Pacific Coast.”
Promoters promise a new industrial powerhouse in Kirkland as rail lines expand and iron ore production begins.
“The happy realization of the dreams of princely iron capitalists, which was to make Kirkland the great iron city of Puget Sound, the Pittsburg of the Pacific, has come to pass.”
A legal dispute over the A.A. Smith road on the shores of Lake Washington leads to a significant ruling on eminent domain and the constitutionality of Washington road construction.
“The court is not required to perform the office of guardian for the landowner and assert rights for him respecting which he manifests an entire indifference.”
A young boy drowns while ferrying household goods across the lake.
“The boy made a brave effort to save himself but his boots and clothing pulled him down and he sank just as the steamer arrived.”
A Seattle man challenges the legality of a new road near Houghton, claiming private property rights are being trampled for the benefit of a few.
“The road is impracticable and of no general use nor public benefit, but for the special use of a few residents.”
A widower sues his business partners for $5,000, claiming a fraudulent land deal left them owning his property for free.
“Houston representing that he would go into partnership with Kennah in the purchase of this land... whereas in fact he had conspired to defraud the plaintiff.”
Capitalists promise that an industrial boom in iron production will transform the landscape of the Eastside.
“Kirkland is the gateway to the wealth of the Cascades; is in the heart of the greatest limestone ledge on the Pacific Coast.”
In 1891, developers and investors believed Kirkland would become a global powerhouse of iron production, fueled by a unique geological claim and massive railroad expansion.
“Kirkland is the home of a $3,000,000 corporation; is the gateway to the wealth of the Cascades; is in the heart of the greatest limestone ledge on the Pacific Coast; will be the place that can manufacture iron 25 per cent less than can be brought from the East.”
A young woman in Houghton is dragged into court by a neighbor on charges of insanity, revealing a tangled web of rural gossip, romantic rivalry, and petty jealousy.
“The court said that he had at first been inclined to put the costs of the case upon De Mott, but as it seemed probable that his action might have been justified through fear that the girl would do some harm to his family, he would tax the costs to the county.”
Hundreds gather on the east side of Lake Washington to christen the new woolen mill with a gala dance.
“At one time there were seven steamers at the docks.”
An innovative agricultural technique using explosives brings new life to Washington’s unique holly industry.
“The trees were literally blasted into health.”
A skeleton found buried outside Kirkland is identified as Alfred Earl Plummer, missing from Seattle since the same date last year—and a revolver beneath the body suggests he died defending himself.
“He says he knew the revolver to be his, and this gives rise to the belief that Plummer was shot while defending his life, as his revolver was found under him in the shallow grave.”
A state-of-the-art facility on Lake Washington begins turning local wool into blankets and flannels.
“I have no doubt we shall find enough local demand to absorb all we can produce.”
A 64-year-old gardener secures a one-year subscription to the Post-Intelligencer by showcasing 59 varieties of flowers still in bloom during the late autumn chill.
“I am sixty-four years old, and take much pleasure in caring for my garden.”
A prime 80-acre parcel on Lake Washington, featuring a half-mile of water frontage, goes to market with the promise of future manufacturing glory.
“Half a mile of water front. Well located for platting.”
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