The Stray Livestock of Early Seattle
A public notice reveals a time when Seattle's city streets were frequently shared with wandering livestock.
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.
Notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of May, 1890, the owner being wholly unknown to me, running at large in the city of Seattle within the limits prohibited by section 1 of ordinance No. 948, to wit: One dark gray mare, chestnust-maned, about 7 years old. One chestnut sorrel pony, about 4 years old. One bay colt, about 1 year old. One bay horse, about 4 years old, with white face. Notice is hereby given that I will, on the 24th day of May, 1890, on Occidental Avenue, at the hour of 10 o'clock a.m. of said day, offer for sale at public auction, and will sell to the highest bidder, for cash, the said described stock to pay the expenses of impounding said stock, and all other costs and charges incurred.
“Notice is hereby given that... the owner being wholly unknown to me, running at large in the city of Seattle.”
Today's Seattle deals with congestion of cars and transit, but in 1890, the city marshal had to contend with stray horses and livestock roaming the downtown core. This notice reminds us that the city's relationship with public space and the 'right of way' has evolved from managing animal traffic to urban density battles.
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