The Disappearing Waiter
A boarder at a Washington Street house reports her savings stolen, with a distinctively red-haired waiter named Willie as the prime suspect.
Eva Russell, an inmate of Annie Wilson's house on Washington street, was robbed of her purse containing $90 in cash and a Norwegian pocket piece valued at $10, two weeks ago yesterday, but the thief is still at large. She left her room about 2 o'clock in the afternoon and went downstairs to lunch, leaving her pocketbook on the dresser. When she returned it was gone, and so was 'Red-Headed' Willie, a waiter who was in the upper part of the house. The case was reported to the police and a description of Willie given, but Willie is still roaming about the country. Any one can tell him by his red hair and white eyebrows.
“Any one can tell him by his red hair and white eyebrows.”
Boarding houses like Annie Wilson’s were essential for single workers in 1890s Seattle. The report—complete with physical description—offers a glimpse into the transient lives of laborers and the lack of security for women living in such establishments during the city's boom.
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