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| Year | Stories |
|---|---|
| 1888 | 3 |
| 1889 | 12 |
| 1891 | 5 |
| 1892 | 20 |
| 1893 | 23 |
| 1894 | 31 |
| 1895 | 37 |
131 stories matching borrow
- The Treasurer’s Shadow
A local businessman on trial for graft testifies that he wasn't exploiting the city treasury, but merely acting as a 'friend' by borrowing city money at interest.
- The Mayor's Embarrassing Debt
Mayor Ronald finds himself in a legal and ethical bind after borrowing $1,500 from the city's disgraced, defaulting treasurer.
- The Unintended Cost of Taxing Mortgages
A Spokane assessor's push to tax mortgages sparks a debate over whether the burden of public revenue falls unfairly on the borrower.
- The Dream of Ownership in 1886 Seattle
A real estate advertisement from 1886 captures the enduring promise—and pressure—of the Seattle housing market.
- A Bank Scandal in Whateom
The Cashier of the First National Bank of Whateom faces a bench warrant over a $10,000 loan, allegedly secured with inflated land values.
- The Express Messenger Who Borrowed the Company’s Cash
A Wells Fargo messenger in Tacoma finds himself in a pickle after a 'borrowed' funds scandal lands him in hot water with his superintendent.
- A Striking Day for Seattle Baseball
A railroad strike in Portland forced players to arrive exhausted and without gear, but the game went on to a roaring crowd of 3,500.
- The Banker Caught in the City's Money Mess
As the corruption trial of Henry Fuhrman unfolds, his defense argues that his private financial dealings with the city treasurer were not criminal, but essential maneuvers to keep city payroll running.
- The Fight for Seattle’s Infrastructure Debt Limit
A delegation from Seattle appeared before the Washington constitutional convention to lobby for the city's power to borrow money to pay for critical infrastructure, including public water and street improvements.
- A Cry for Help, Then Two Arms Above the Tide Flats
Fred Wyott borrowed his roommate's boat for an evening fishing trip near Commercial and Charles streets. Neighbors heard him cry out but could not reach him in time.
- The Price of Liquid Hospitality
A gambling debt turns sour when a gambler sues for the return of bail money he fronted for a friend who lost it all at the dice table.
- Political Power at the Door of the Grand Jury
Prominent political and financial figures are called to testify regarding suspicious city treasury loans.
- The Land Locators Who Left Town on a Fraudulent Fortune
A band of swindlers targeting Seattle settlers skipped town, leaving behind forged documents and a trail of broken promises that the law couldn't quite reach.
- The Homesteaders Who Couldn’t Own Their Land
A delayed federal survey left settlers near Sedro unable to prove title, borrow money or improve their farms—red tape with real human cost.
- Seattle Merchants Fight New Mortgage Taxes
The Chamber of Commerce warns that taxing mortgages will strangle the city's growth and drive away essential investment.
- The Saintly Swindler of Burlington
A charismatic conman charmed his way through Skagit County, leading church hymns and social teas before vanishing with the town’s funds.
- The Mysterious Disappearance of Arthur P. Kent
A man vanishes from his familiar haunts, leaving behind unpaid debts and a forgotten bank certificate.
- The March on Washington
Seattle’s contingent of the Industrial Army prepares to depart for Washington D.C. by train, complete with yellow paper, drill squads, and a parade.
- The Smooth Swindler of Springbrook
A serial con artist attempts to swindle hotel keepers and produce merchants with worthless paper.
- The Case of the Martin Creek Bartender
A friendship soured by a missing $20 and a suspicious bar tab reveals the perils of saloon-based bookkeeping.
- The Ex-Geologist's Con Game
Former State Geologist George A. Bethune allegedly swindles Los Angeles investors in a fraudulent gold mine deal.
- The Policeman and the Neighbor's Chickens
A Seattle patrolman faced bizarre, whimsical charges of luring neighbors' hens onto his property to 'tax' their egg production.
- Stop Speculating and Start Producing: A Railroad Baron's Warning to Seattle
Visiting railroad magnate Samuel Hill tells Seattle it has been living off borrowed money and real-estate dreams — and must get back to farming, dairying and manufacturing before the bubble bursts again.
- Tacoma Votes to Expand City Infrastructure
Citizens approve a massive bond issue to fund a new City Hall and retire outstanding warrants.
- Seattle's Unemployed Turn Vacant Lots Into Gardens
A relief committee has placed sixty-seven families on borrowed land and handed out seed, but most applicants live in the north end while most lots are in the south.