The Old Guard’s Grudge: Territorial Pioneers Clash Over Seattle’s Reputation
A simmering resentment against Seattle in 1885 threatened to derail the annual meeting of the Territorial Pioneers of Washington, sparking a debate about civic unity that feels remarkably familiar today.
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.
Tacoma, June 17.—The Territorial Pioneers met this morning at 9 o'clock in the district court rooms, pursuant to adjournment yesterday. The minutes of the previous session were read, and the thanks of the Association were extended to Hon. Elwood Evans and to Judge Francis Henry for their able and interesting addresses. A discussion ensued as to the plans for holding the next annual meeting of the association, arising from a motion of Mr. Barnes to hold it at Port Townsend. It was stated that owing to the bitterness existing at Seattle against outsiders, the association failed to get a full representation from that place for the meeting here, and that, as a conciliatory measure, the next annual meeting of the pioneers should be held at Seattle. Mr. Barnes noted his preference for Port Townsend as the point of the next gathering, but the association felt that Seattle should be given a chance to mend its ways. It was stated that Seattle had been too long left out, and it was high time she was getting into line. This sentiment seemed to be shared by the association as a whole, and several members spoke very manfully and to the point upon the spirit of jealousy manifested by the 'Fair City.' The matter was finally decided so as to read Seattle, instead of Port Townsend, as the place of the next annual meeting.
“It was stated that owing to the bitterness existing at Seattle against outsiders, the association failed to get a full representation from that place for the meeting here.”
The 1885 pioneers' frustration with Seattle’s perceived isolationism and 'spirit of jealousy' echoes the long-standing tension between the city's rapid growth and its historical reputation as a place that can be difficult for outsiders to navigate. Even 140 years ago, Seattle's internal civic culture was a point of debate that required external intervention to resolve.
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