The Wharfinger's Reward: A Real Estate Gift from Henry Yesler
In an era of rising industrial ambition, Seattle's pioneer mogul Henry Yesler gifted four prime city lots to his longtime wharf manager as a gesture of gratitude.
The story, cleaned up
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It may be considered a little late in the day to talk about that sort of thing now, but nevertheless this does not lessen our interest. Mr. George Foster, the popular and efficient wharfinger, who has had charge of Yesler’s wharf for a number of years, is the recipient of a notable New Year’s gift. H.L. Yesler is the donor, and its value approaches the round sum of $1,000. The present consists of lots 2, 3, 6, and 7 in block 11 of Terry’s addition to Seattle. Mr. Foster received the title to this property, in lieu of a deed, as a New Year’s present. It is a deserved tribute in recognition of efficient and faithful services, and is alike creditable to both the recipient and the donor.
“It is a deserved tribute in recognition of efficient and faithful services, and is alike creditable to both the recipient and the donor.”
This 1877 act of corporate paternalism—rewarding a key employee with city land—highlights a time when Seattle's future was being carved out by a handful of owners. Today, that same central downtown land is among the most expensive and densely contested real estate in the Pacific Northwest, a far cry from the days when blocks could be gifted as personal bonuses.
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