ISSUE LXV SOUTHWEST HISTORICAL SOCIETY & LOG HOUSE MUSEUM WINTER 2007

Water Highways: Two Tales of Early West Seattle

What’s Inside . . .

Water Highways: Headline from the Seattle Star Two Tales of Early November 19, 1907. West Seattle page 1, 4, 5 (Courtesy the Bainbridge Island Historical Society) Gift Shop page 2 Volunteer News page 2 Director’s Report page 3 President’s Report page 3 The steamer Dix at Alki, circa 1905. (Gift of Richard and Vanetta Warren, Accession 1998.49.166) 100 Years Later: A Remembrance page 4, 8 iven Seattle’s heavy reliance on The Steamer Dix Tragedy off of G cars and buses today, it is almost Alki, November 18, 1906 Donors List impossible to imagine that transporta- The inland steamship Dix was built in page 6 tion for over 75 years to and from Seattle 1904, during the height of popularity for Holiday Tea was once done exclusively by water. A steamship travel. Long and narrow, page 6 vast fleet of small steamships, known these small steamers quickly sliced 2006 Financial Charts collectively as the Mosquito Fleet, took through the waters of . The page 7 passengers and freight to hundreds of Dix had been loaded with 30 tons of bal- docks in Puget Sound from the late last - extra weight in her hull - for stabil- 1800’s to the 1930’s. In 1888, the first ity when she was first put in service. ferry service transported passengers be- Normally operating on the summer tween West Seattle and downtown Seat- ―tourist‖ run from Seattle to popular the tle. Alki Point bathing beach, this Novem- This is the tale of two ships. The first is ber evening the Dix was doing a relief the tragic story of the Dix, the greatest run to Port Blakely as a replacement for What was the maritime disaster on Puget Sound wa- the mill town’s steamer, the S.S. Monti- original name ters. The second is the tale of the City of cello. of the Seattle, West Seattle’s first ferry, and Alki Homestead? now the centerpiece of a historic . . . continued on page 4 wooden boat district near San Francisco. Answer on back page Southwest Seattle Historical Society & Log House Museum

Footprints Carriage House is the official publication of the Gift Shop Books for a cold winter’s Southwest Seattle night: Historical Society &“Birthplace of Seattle” Come and visit the newly  Sweetbriar Series by Brenda Wilbee Log House Museum renovated gift shop today! Inspirational romance story and a 3003 61st Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98116  Over the past two weeks volun- history of the founding of Seattle at (one block south of teers and staff have been working Alki Beach. $10.00—$16.00 Alki Beach) on making room in the gift shop to Editor, Steven Mraz display more of our history and local products. Museum hours  Magnets ~ Images of West 12—4 p.m. Thursday, Friday Seattle including the Old Bel- Saturday & Sunday vedere Park totem pole. $1.25 How to reach us  Postcards ~ Log House photo- By Phone: graph cards by a local artist. 206-938-5293 $3.00 By FAX: 206-937-4475 Remember to present your Society member- (call first) ship card to the cashier for a 10 percent discount! By Mail: All proceeds from the gift shop benefit the 3003 61st Ave. SW Southwest Seattle Historical Society/Log Seattle, WA 98116 House Museum, a 501(c)3 organization. By e-mail: loghousemuseum @comcast.net Volunteer News ur push to attract more volunteers Betsy Ackerley, Hudson Burke, Judy Web site: in 2007 has begun with a bang. By Burke, Fran Civile, Bonnie David, Caty www. O loghousemuseum.org asking for a commitment of only two Ellis, Karl de Jong, Lois Grammon- hours a month, we now have over 30 Simpson, Connie Gunn, Tia Hallberg, Printing courtesy of serving as docents or helping with the Maggie Hanson, Bea Hughes, Diane gift shop, collections, or programs. Maier, Janet Mjelleli, Debbie Nichols, Most of those in collections and pro- Nancy Poole, Renee Rundle, Blayne Silverberg, June Silverberg, Norma grams work on a weekly basis, headed Templeman, Lane Townsend, Lew by seasoned veterans Robert Carney, The Log House Museum Townsend, Rachel Townsend, Dick is funded in part by John Kelly, and Don Kelstrom. Those Warren, and Will Winter. joining in the past year are Cory Gooch, Karen Haynes-Palmquist, Amalia by Larry Carpenter Kozloff, Alan Peterson, Martha Young, Volunteer Coordinator, 206-938-0887, and Jon Yurchak. [email protected] As of February 5, 2007, the following Annual Benefit Dinner Auction have completed a maiden two-hour September 22, 2007 stint as museum greeters or helped out with office or collections work: Volunteers Needed page 2 Footprints Winter 2007 Museum Director’s Report elcome to the New Year! 2007 is ber, or creating a link to the history of W turning out to be quite the stellar your area. year at the Log House Museum with I am looking for a group of West Seat- three centennials and one celebration. tle history-minded folk. Are you a font 100 years ago this summer, Luna Park of West Seattle information—or your was built, extended trolley service was specific neighborhood, street, housing established and West Seattle was an- style? Do you have email? Would you nexed to Seattle. It is also the 10th anni- like to be added to an email list of indi- versary of the Log House Museum viduals interested in the history of the opening. Keep an eye out for expanded Duwamish Peninsula? Many questions education programs, ―Once Upon Alki‖ that land on our doorstep are quick and summer program at the beach, and Andrea Mercado easy for us to answer… what happened Museum Director three local authors wildly knowledge- to Luna Park? How was White Center 206-938-5293 able and highly entertaining bringing named? Where was the Stockade Hotel amercado@ their talents to the Log House. located? But some take further research loghousemuseum.org If you have not stopped in to say hello or knowledge which may not yet be in yet, please do! I am truly amazed at the our archives. I would like to be able to depth of knowledge and dedication this send a quick email off to this West Seat- community devotes to local heritage. It tle history community to help to expe- is evident within the four museum walls dite the hunt for answers. There are no by the commitment of our volunteers requirements to be on this list, other and donors, who keep our doors open than to email me with your request to and our history, education and collec- be included. I will also not be using this tion programs running with the sharing list for anything but West Seattle history of valuable time, skills and financial re- questions, usually not more than three a sources. There are many ways to be- month. You are welcome to subscribe, come involved within the society and and never answer a question, just learn museum – volunteering a couple hours what your neighbors, from all parts of a month, funding a museum need or West Seattle, share. education program, becoming a mem-

Board President’s Report 007 is well on its way with spring on At the January board retreat at The 2 the horizon and winter’s harsh Pacific Institute the board addressed weather fading rapidly into memory. planning for fundraising, filling vacant The Society ended 2006 on a high note board positions, changes to by-laws, with Andrea Mercado being selected as planning for an advisory board, pub- director for the Log House Museum. licly launching the endowment pro- Andrea’s leadership skills are readily gram, updating the strategic plan and apparent to the board and visitors alike. re-visiting the conflict of interest policy. With Director Mercado concentrating This will be a very busy year for all of on museum staffing, educational pro- us, an exciting time for the Society as we gramming, facilities administration, and move forward with new ideas, fresh collections management, the board will plans and innovative programs, while Carol Vincent be able to focus on board related issues. remaining focused on our mission. Board President

page 3 Southwest Seattle Historical Society & Log House Museum

. . . Continued from page 1 On Their Way Home It is believed the Dix’ First Mate Den- About 77 boarded the Dix on its last nison did not see the Jeanie until he run that Sunday evening from Seattle. heard the whistle. Only at the last mo- Near the same time, the schooner Jeanie ment before impact did Dennison send  steamed away from Smith Cove at the down the message to the engine room to base of Magnolia Bluff with 400 tons of reverse the engine. He also made a fatal “We sailed out to iron ore for delivery to Tacoma. error, steering the Dix to starboard, or the site where the With the Dix on course toward Du- right, into the path of the Jeanie instead Dix sank, marked wamish Head, Captain Percy Lermond of port, or left, and away from the Jeanie. left the helm to First Mate Charles On contact, the 1,071-ton Jeanie leaned by the Sea Scout the 130-ton Dix over, and seawater ship, about Dennison while he descended to the lower decks to collect passenger fares. poured into her open hold and cabins. midway to Although not an approved practice for The Dix sank in less than five minutes Bainbridge. the Captain to leave the helm, most and only 38 were able to reach the open Family members steamship lines expected the captain to upper deck and survive. First Officer of the also become purser and collect the pas- Dennison went down with the ship in Dix Captain senger fares on the decks below, leaving 100 fathoms (600 feet) of water. Neither placed a wreath the piloting to the first mate. the ship nor any of the passengers who perished with the Dix were ever recov- into the water and It was a clear and calm night and the Jeanie saw the little steamer Dix speed- ered.* In 2005, an unsuccessful attempt we all tossed ing west, into the path of the Jeanie. The was made to secure funding for under- rose petals & Jeanie had the right-of-way so needed to water exploration of the site of the white carnations, maintain course, all the while noticing wreck. Located at the Log House Mu- while the US Coast the Dix was neither altering speed nor seum today is a map of Puget Sound Guard chaplain direction, placing them on a collision with the estimated site of the Dix wreck identified, along with photographs, a read the names of course. Jeanie’s Captain Mason finally ship model and oil painting of the Dix the victims and blew three whistle blasts, and rang to reverse the engine, almost stopping the and Jeanie. tolled the ship's Jeanie in the water, but to no avail… the *The list of those who perished aboard the bell - very moving ships collided. Dix varies between 39-45. ceremony. Then returned safely back to Seattle” 100 Years Later: A Remembrance

— Marge Carpenter n November 18th, 2006 two proclamations were O read aloud. Mayor Kordonowy of the City of  Bainbridge Island and Mayor Nichols of the City of Se- attle remembered those who lost their lives aboard the Dix one hundred years earlier. The proclamations both recognize the role that these communities had in devel- oping maritime industry and the importance of remem- bering our early pioneers who paved the way. The Southwest Seattle Historical Society, Bainbridge Island Historical Society and the Puget Sound Maritime Soci- John Kelly giving ety joined together to commemorate and to pay tribute historical narration to those who perished with the sinking of the Dix. Photo by Marge Carpenter . . . continued on page 8 page 4 Footprints Winter 2007

The City of Seattle in 1907, the City of Seattle took passen- Puget Sound’s First Ferry gers to Luna Park, the large amusement The green and white vessels of the center and natatorium on Duwamish State Ferry System are a Head. familiar sight to every Seattle resident With competition from streetcars, rid- and visitor, but did you know the very ing the ferry grew less popular and the first ferry with a consistent schedule on old ferry was sold to interests in San Puget Sound traveled between down- Francisco, California. The City of Seattle town and West Seattle? became another pioneer in ferry history  The 121-foot ferry City of Seattle was - the first steamer for the Martinez/ built in Portland, Oregon in 1888. The Benecia line in 1913, the same year Luna The City of Seattle is West Seattle Land and Improvement Park closed. The sidewheeler ferry’s last now nicknamed the Company used it to help promote the run before retiring was transporting "Yellow Ferry" for sale of real estate in West Seattle since shipyard workers to Mare Island from obvious reasons. It is the area was considered so isolated and Vallejo during World War II. The City of not only the center- difficult to access. Christmas Eve of 1888 Seattle was purchased by a preservation- piece of a historic saw the first ferry trip across , minded family and moved to a marina wooden boat district which took eight minutes and cost fif- in Sausalito, California in 1959. She in Sausalito, CA, teen cents. The Ferry ran between never again sailed Puget Sound. but also the oldest downtown Seattle and the West Seattle There are two stories to tell here. One wooden hulled Ferry Landing at Duwamish Head . ended tragically off the shores of Alki, sidewheeler on the Later, the fee was lowered to five and the other still exists to experience, west coast. cents, to encourage visitors and sightse- create and carry new tales. Both are ers. And visit they did as thousands en- threads that tie the community history  joyed the ferry across the bay to experi- of West Seattle together, supporting us ence the beach, or to purchase proper- with stories and a reminder of contin- ties in newly platted West Seattle. ued change on our shores. Visit the Log House Museum for more fascinating A Quick Commute tales and visions of West Seattle. Riding the ferry was much more By Andrea Mercado popular than traveling the ten mile overland trip around the bay. Beginning The ―Yellow Ferry,‖ 2005 (Courtesy Michael Slater, www.BoatingSF.com)

The ferry City of Seattle, circa 1902 (SWSHS Accession 2003.20.4)

page 5 Southwest Seattle Historical Society & Log House Museum

Business Members Donors Thank you for supporting the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. Admiralty House Donations received October 28 through December 31, 2006 Antiques Banana Pages Up to $1000 Better Business Mary Lou Richardson Bookkeeping Up to $500 Clear Channel Mrs. James H. Egan • Mr. & Mrs. John Kelly • Lou & Diane Tice Outdoor Up to $100 David Kehle Architect Anonymous (4) • Lorraine Agostino • Marvin & Gayle Anderson • Attachmate The Good Book Deb Barker • Beverly Barsy • Martha Beard • Judy & Allen Bentley Judy Crowson • Peggy Cullor • Marty and Ann Dirks Graphics Plus In Memory of Walter B. Williams • Kay Francisco • Ms. Verda Hansberry Jackson & Morgan Brooke Healy / Larry Tuke • Katherine Powell House • Dorothy Kaloper PLLC Ardath M. Karr • David Kehle, Architect • Chris L'Ecluse • Joan Mraz NW Art & Frame Edie Neeson • Eilert & Virginia Prestegaard • Adah Rhodes-Cruzen The Pacific Institute Carol & Charlie Vincent • Ms. Nancy L. Viney Sposari’s Concrete Mrs. Clyde (Virginia A.) Vinton • Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Warren & Materials Jeanette Wenzl • Dr. Bill Wooodward • Patricia O. Wright Tom’s Automotive In Memory of Villa Heidelberg A gift was given in memory of Walter B. Williams by James R. Ellis West Seattle Herald Holiday Tea at the Homestead Benefits Museum The annual Holiday Tea was held De- cember 2nd at the Alki Homestead Res- taurant to benefit the Log House Mu- seum. Thanks to owners Tom Lin and Patrick Henley for providing the perfect setting for this pleasurable experience for all who attended. The tea’s charming ambiance was enhanced with the holi- day strings of talented harpist, Heather Carmen. Friends visited and nibbled on the delectable tea sandwiches, scones and pastries with special afternoon teas. A wonderful way to launch the holiday season in this century old log house that evokes so much historic charm. Pictured clockwise; Carol Vincent, Patty Magnuson, Ada Hallberg and daughters Tia and Nancy Hallberg. page 6 Footprints Winter 2007

2006 Revenue / Expense Report 2007 Executive Compiled by Audrey Zemke Fundraising Chair Board RevenueIncome Sources Individual Contributions $ 11,578 Carol Vincent Memberships $ 13,675 President Museum Store ( 8.2% ) Foundation Grant $ 5,000 vacant Individual Contributions ( 15.9 % ) Programs ( 5% ) Events Vice-President Auction, Home Tour, Teas $ 18,777 King County Grants Aleta Woodworth King County Operating ( 11% ) Memberships ( 18.8% ) Capital Improvements $ 6,013 Treasurer King County Capital ( 8.3% ) Operating $ 8,000 Larry Carpenter Programs Board Secretary Museum visitor donations, Foundation Grant ( 6.9% ) Events ( 25.9% ) Heritage Kit rental fees, Joan Mraz Dix Remembrance Sailing $ 3,607 Membership Secretary Carriage House Gift Shop Sales $ 5,965 Trustees Total Income: $ 72,615 Judith Bentley Expenses Susan Christ Expenses Programs Jane Conrad Exhibits Marcy Johnsen Educational Programs Steve Phinney Collections $ 18,473 Administration ( 30.5% ) Ron Richardson Carriage House Gift Shop $ 8,235 Joey Richesson Programs ( 30.6% ) Membership postage & supplies Cassandra Tate ―Footprints‖ newsletter $ 1,328 Fundraising ( 8.6% ) Diane Tice Facilities Log House Museum Judy Townsend insurance, janitorial Facilities (14.5% ) building maintenance Staff Museum Store ( 13.6% ) grounds maintenance security and utilities $ 8,749 Andrea Mercado

Membership (2.2% ) Fundraising Museum Director cost of fundraising events David Keith postage & supplies Bookkeeper annual fund letter $ 5,225 Administration Erin Alexander salaries, taxes Gift Shop Supervisor telephone/internet, supplies Joyce Anderson computer expenses $ 18,449 Gift Shop Clerk Total Expenses: $ 60,459 NOTICE: THERE WILL BE NO Leave a Legacy HOME TOUR Put the Southwest Seattle Historical Society in your will. THIS YEAR

page 7 Southwest Seattle Historical Society & Log House Museum

Remembrance . . . Continued from page 4 Around 100 people boarded an Argosy Cruise ship and sailed to the exact location of the tragedy, where the Sea Scout ship Yankee Clipper awaited. With his- torical narration by John Kelly, two wreaths were laid Mission of the upon the calm water by Vicki Keeling and Deborah Lermond, granddaughters of Captain Lermond, and SWSHS & Log Mary Harris, descendent of the lost brothers William House Museum & Charles Buyler and of Lillian Granger. All aboard “. . . to advocate gave remembrance and honored the memory of a som- the collection, ber moment in time one century earlier. Special Thanks to: Joe Follansbee, Coast Guard Auxiliary protection and Chaplain Frank Gillock, John Kelly, Lorraine Scott of the preservation of Bainbridge Island Historical Society, and Argosy Cruises. Photo by Marge Carpenter historic artifacts Children listen while the US Coast Guard and sites, and to chaplain read the names of the victims sponsor programs and tolled the ship's bell Photo SWSHS and events which Descendents Mary Harris, Deborah Lermond, Vicki Keeling, enhance our and Larry Harris community's Photo SWSHS heritage”

Answer Fir Lodge The home of the Bernard Family built circa1904

FOOTPRINTS NONPROFIT Newsletter of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society & “Birthplace of Seattle” Log House Museum ORGANIZATION 3003 61st Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116 U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 4960