The Sarah B. Yesler Dwelling
Seattle pioneer Henry L. Yesler donates $2,000 to furnish a new boarding house for working women in memory of his late wife.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
When Henry L. Yesler received notice that it was the purpose of the Woman's Home Association of Seattle to name its new building the 'Sarah B. Yesler Dwelling' in honor of his late wife, he was greatly pleased. His pleasure took a practical shape in a letter sent to Samuel L. Crawford, where he requested the privilege of furnishing the building in a comfortable style as a testimonial of his gratitude. The association's mission is to provide reputable women of Seattle, who earn their living by labor and have no home in the city, a comfortable place to stay at a reasonable cost, surrounded by elevating influences. Mr. Yesler authorized a committee—Mrs. W. R. Bentley, Mrs. Elizabeth W. Sackman, and Samuel L. Crawford—to expend $2,000 immediately for furniture and carpets to complete the furnishing.
“It is my understanding that the objects of the association are to provide and furnish to the reputable women of Seattle, who earn their living by labor and who have no home in the city, a comfortable home at reasonable cost.”
Henry Yesler was Seattle's most prominent early industrialist, and his donation reflects the era's 'paternalistic philanthropy.' Today, Seattle continues to struggle with housing affordability, though the focus has shifted from boarding-house models for individual working women to the urgent, city-wide systemic need for affordable permanent supportive housing.
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