The Bottomless Pit of Rainier Street
A fed-up resident petitions the city to fix a dangerous, muddy depression that has become a local hazard.
Thomas C. Marum, who desires a street crossing on Rainier street, filed the following characteristic petition with the board of public works yesterday, which was ordered filed and the matter will be investigated by the superintendent of streets: 'You are doubtless aware that a very serious depression exists on Rainier street beyond Taylor's mill, which some people attribute to divine providence and others to the fact that, the bottom having dropped out of the country, it is only reasonable that the bottom would drop out of the street. Unfortunately all the people living south of that sacred spot are compelled to wade, walk or fly across the street in order to save several blocks, and as the mud is remarkable for its awful tenacity, and as the atmosphere at that point is heavily laden with the deep blue tinge of the very latest fashion of profanity, your petitioner thinks that the souls of the Christian people that are now seriously endangered would resume their regular peaceful channel if a crossing was constructed at Oakley and Rainier street.'
“the atmosphere at that point is heavily laden with the deep blue tinge of the very latest fashion of profanity”
This petition highlights the perennial struggle of Seattle residents to get basic infrastructure—like paved crossings—in a city built on challenging, often swampy, terrain. The colorful language used by the petitioner reflects the deep frustration that still resonates with residents dealing with neglected street maintenance today.
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