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1. The Intellectual Meritocracy of the East

   In an era of intense anti-Chinese sentiment in the West, a Snohomish lecturer finds a startling, counter-intuitive argument for the superiority of Chinese governance: a rigorous, education-based civil service.

   Dec 8, 1877The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyCity Hall

2. The Spoils System Must Go

   In an 1880 letter of acceptance, a presidential candidate lays out a radical vision to dismantle political patronage and return to a government based on merit rather than party service.

   Jul 22, 1876The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyCity Hall

3. Baseball Fever in Snohomish: The Sport’s Dangerous Beginnings

   Before the professional era, Snohomish locals engaged in the early, rugged version of the game, resulting in more black eyes than home runs.

   Aug 18, 1877The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyNightlife

4. The Price of Staying at the Hotel

   In an era of credit-based commerce, a local hotelier takes a debtor to court to settle an unpaid tab for board and lodging.

   Mar 27, 1878The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyHousing & Rent

5. The Hustle of the Frontier Mercantile

   A deep dive into the aggressive marketing and 'work-from-home' schemes that fueled Snohomish's early economy.

   Dec 15, 1877The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyBoom & Bust · Snake Oil

6. The Impending Conflict: Labor and Capital in Snohomish

   An urgent editorial from 1876 calls for the wealthy to heed the growing unrest of laboring men before the struggle turns from strikes to bloodshed.

   Aug 25, 1877The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyWork & Pay

7. The Monster of the Beach: A Giant Squid in Snohomish

   A spectacular display of a thirty-three-foot giant squid in Snohomish invites locals to gawk at the creature Victor Hugo once called a 'sea vampire.'

   Nov 24, 1877The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyStrange But True

8. The Price of a Bed and Board: A Snohomish Debt Lawsuit

   In 1878, a Snohomish resident was taken to court over a $236 unpaid bill for room, board, and dry goods—a reminder of the precarious credit-based economy of the frontier.

   May 1, 1878The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyHousing & Rent

9. The Tulalip Residents' Stand

   A group of residents of the Tulalip Reservation sign a collective protest against an Indian Agent's interference in their logging operations and relationship with their white neighbors.

   Feb 1, 1879The Northern StarTulalip, Snohomish CountyExclusion & Resistance

10. Judge Lewis Seeks Revocation of Snohomish Liquor Licenses

    After a grand jury report, Judge Lewis urged revoking liquor licenses from tavern owners operating brothels and corrupt establishments in Snohomish.

    Sep 8, 1877The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyNightlife

11. A Steam-Powered Saturday at the Ballgame

    In 1877, a merry crew boarded the steamer 'Nellie' for a day of baseball and feasting at Port Gamble, capturing a rare moment of community harmony on the Sound.

    Sep 22, 1877The Northern StarPort Gamble, Kitsap CountyNightlife

12. The License Law: Who Gets to Drink in Snohomish?

    A new interpretation of the Territory's temperance laws gives local boards sweeping power to deny liquor licenses based on 'moral character,' effectively letting neighbors veto their neighbors' businesses.

    Feb 19, 1876The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyCity Hall · Nightlife

13. The Great Heartbreak: A Local Girl’s Secret Wedding to a Seattle Stranger

    When Miss Mary Ann Farmer married Mr. J.G. York in Snohomish, the town was left reeling—not just by the news, but by the sudden silence of their local bachelors who had been courting her.

    Apr 15, 1876The Northern StarSnohomish, Snohomish CountyScandal

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