The Fading Mineral Palace
Citizens petition to remove the aging, unsightly 'Mineral Palace' from Pioneer Place.
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.
The Mineral Palace, situated on Pioneer Place, is apparently becoming an object of aversion to at least a portion of the Seattle people, judging from the following petition, which was yesterday filed with City Clerk Stoneman, and addressed to the mayor and city council. The petition is signed by forty-six residents and taxpayers: 'The undersigned residents and taxpayers of Seattle respectfully petition and represent that the so-called Mineral Palace, located on Pioneer Place, has served the purposes for which it was erected; that it is now an obstruction to the street and prevents the use and intention of making Pioneer Place an open public place. Said building is becoming shabby in appearance, and we respectfully ask that the same be removed at the earliest time possible; and your petitioners will ever pray, etc.'
“Said building is becoming shabby in appearance, and we respectfully ask that the same be removed at the earliest time possible.”
Pioneer Place remains the heart of Pioneer Square, Seattle's historic district. The 'Mineral Palace' was one of many booster-era structures built to showcase Washington's resources, reflecting the tension between early civic pride and the desire for modern, cleared public space—a struggle still echoed in current debates over urban park design and 'eyesore' removal.
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