The Scandal of a Seattle Boarding House
After sensational rumors of a cross-country elopement, two sisters speak out to clear their names of a scandalous 'love triangle' reported in the papers.
It proves that the story published in the Post-Intelligencer of April 20 about Miss Lizzie and Miss Mamie Waters having eloped from San Francisco to this city was incorrect and that a great injustice has been done them by the publications both here and in San Francisco. The fact appears to be that Miss Lizzie, in her anxiety to escape the attentions of Mr. Goldstone, accompanied her sister, Miss Mamie, to this city on a visit to their sister, Mrs. Goodkind. Miss Lizzie and Miss Mamie Waters are now stopping with their sister at 508 Fifth street, and Mr. Goldstone, though boarding at that house, lodges on James street, between Fifth and Sixth. Miss Lizzie Waters stated she was engaged to Mr. Goldstone until he broke it off to marry Miss Goldstein, and that he continued to pursue her against her wishes. Mr. Goldstone corroborated her statement, admitting he was unhappy in his marriage and had followed them to Seattle.
“I came here to get away from him, but I could not prevent him from following me.”
Public shaming and 'elopement' scandals were staples of the 1890s press, often distorting the agency of the women involved. The story serves as a reminder that sensationalized coverage of private lives has deep roots in the city's media history.
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