Beneath the Streets

08/23/2024

Guess what’s back? The Seattle rain! But don’t worry—our Underground Tour is rain-free (kinda). 😅 Escape the drizzle and explore the hidden side of Seattle with us beneath the streets.

08/20/2024

Once home to the Skid Road Show - 102 Cherry Street is now home to Seattle’s highest rated Underground Tour. Come Beneath The Streets with us!

08/17/2024

Thanks for restoring Chief Seattle! The new patina is wonderful and happy to have him back home in Pioneer Square.

08/16/2024

Link In Bio!!

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08/15/2024

Tina Bell was a brilliant songwriter, lyricist, and performer who fronted the Seattle grunge pioneers Bam Bam from 1983 to 1990. Often dubbed the Queen of Grunge, Tina was right there in the early days of the scene, making her mark with a sound that would later define a generation.

Tina first found her voice singing in the choir at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, but it was with Bam Bam that she truly made history. In 1984, they recorded and released one of the first pieces of vinyl on Seattle’s grunge scene—Villains Also Wear White—at the now-legendary Reciprocal Recording Studios.

Despite her innovative music and powerful performances, Tina’s talent went largely unrecognized during her time. Acceptance eluded her, and she retired from music in 1990.

No one person starts an entire genre on their own; it’s a collective effort. Tina Bell was there, day in and day out, contributing to the sounds and styles that would become grunge. Yet, her legacy was almost lost to history.

As we remember the many Northwest bands that shaped our music history, let’s make sure we never forget Tina Bell.

08/13/2024

In 1909, the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition at the University of Washington drew visitors from around the world. Many began their journey in Pioneer Square, where they hopped on trolleys headed to the fairgrounds. Among the many wonders awaiting them, the Forestry Building stood as a true testament to Washington State’s natural wealth and architectural ingenuity.

Sponsored by the State of Washington, this towering structure was designed by architects Charles Saunders and George Lawton. They beautifully blended the European style with the rugged log-cabin idiom of the early pioneers. The building, constructed with enormous unprocessed logs from Gray's Harbor County, boasted a grand colonnade and soaring interior spaces that evoked the majesty of our state’s seemingly endless forests.

An article in the fittingly described it as “Nature's storehouse, which is more striking than anything man could devise.” For the visitors who began their journey in the heart of Pioneer Square, the Forestry Building was a magnificent gateway to the vast potential and natural beauty of Washington State.

Discover the history Beneath The Streets and relive the stories of a time when Pioneer Square was the starting point for adventure!

📷 Forestry Building interior showing the stairs and timber columns, Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, Seattle, Washington, 1909

08/09/2024

Seattle's Globe Hotel operated from 1898 until the mid 1960s in a building originally built in 1891 as a warehouse. The building, historically called the Marshall-Walker Building, is a four story brick block located on the southeast corner of South Main Street and First Avenue South.

Come Beneath The Streets with us and learn more about Seattle's First Neighborhood.

📷 Bartenders and patrons holding beer glasses at Hotel Globe bar, Seattle, circa 1910

08/08/2024

to when our very own Terrilyn was featured on Seattle Refined showing off the historic Seattle Underground. Come learn with us Beneath The Streets!

When walking the streets of Pioneer Square, many have no idea what's underneath them — real history just below their feet.We're talking about underground pas...

08/08/2024

Explore the transformation of Seattle's iconic waterfront! From its origins as a vital hub for the Duwamish-Suquamish people to its drastic changes with the arrival of settlers, Seattle's shoreline has a rich history. The recent completion of a major overhaul, including the demolition of the viaduct and the rebuilding of the seawall, has created a welcoming new waterfront for all to enjoy. Dive into the story of Seattle’s evolving shoreline and its enduring legacy! Available at our gift shop.

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08/03/2024

Seafair returns this weekend, celebrating Seattle's maritime legacy with hydroplane races, the Blue Angels, and timeless city fun!

📷 Blue Angels flying over Lake Washington during Seafair, Mount Rainier in background, Seattle, August 1978

08/02/2024

On August 2, 1878, the Sisters of Charity of Providence opened Seattle's first hospital at 5th Ave and Madison St. The hospital served 88 patients in its first 17 months. Who knew Seattle's healthcare started with a $5,000 bargain and some divine DIY skills?

08/01/2024

Dive into the local art scene of Pioneer Square tonight with the first Thursday Art Walk from 6pm until 9pm. We cannot wait to see you at 301 Occidental!

📷 Boy standing on post posed to dive, Beaux Arts Village, Washington, ca. 1910

07/30/2024

Who needs a time machine when you have a bestie and a good pair of walking shoes? Forget boring brunches and same-old selfies—grab your partner-in-crime and explore the past on an Underground Tour with Beneath The Streets!

📷 Butch Smith and three friends, Seattle, circa 1948

07/28/2024

Dubbed "the most beautiful man in America" by Walter Winchell, Jackie Starr was a dazzling female impersonator at Seattle's Garden of Allah. Born in 1915, Starr's talents spanned singing, ballet, acting, and st******se. He performed in drag by 1929, and headlined at the Garden of Allah for a decade.

Opened in 1946, the Garden of Allah was Seattle's first gay-owned bar, known for vaudeville acts and female impersonation. It was a cherished safe haven for the LGBTQAI+ community until its closure in 1956.

Join us for our Q***r History Tour Sunday's at 1:30pm. Booking link in bio!

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07/22/2024

One year ago, Taylor Swift's "Eras" tour at Lumen Field had Swifties dancing so hard it registered as a 2.3 magnitude earthquake—two nights in a row! 🌟

Proof that when Swifties unite, even the ground can't Shake It Off. And yes, this is what happens when a Swiftie runs your social media.

07/20/2024

Discover the heart of Seattle's LGBTQAI+ history with our engaging and unscripted Q***r History Tour of Pioneer Square. Dive into the stories of Seattle's q***r community from its early days to the vibrant present. This tour offers unique insights into why Seattle has become a haven for q***r people and provides a concise history of the region's LGBTQAI+ community.

Wander through the same underground spaces as our daytime tour, but with a focus on the rich q***r history that shaped the city. Plus, enjoy a quick mini-lesson on the famous underground of Seattle.

Join us for a journey through time and uncover the hidden stories that make Pioneer Square the epicenter of Seattle's q***r history!

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07/18/2024

After hours our humble tour shop turns into a local theater. People in the Square" is a cabaret-style musical r***e that brings to life the diverse stories of Pioneer Square's past and present. With a four-member cast and a three-piece band, experience a musical journey through time, from the original Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes to today's vibrant community. Click the link in our bio for tickets!

07/17/2024

Feeling the heat in Seattle today? Let's take a page from history and cool off like it's 1911!

📷 Bathers at West Seattle, 1911, Property of MOHAI

07/15/2024

Our little corner of heaven. Step into Seattle's hidden past with our expert Underground Guides! Our tours, departing every half hour from 10am to 5pm, offer a unique glimpse into our city's fascinating history. Join us for an unforgettable adventure.

07/08/2024

Seattle is one of the most walkable cities in the US, with beautiful scenery, non-motorized trails, and year-round access.

In "Seattle Walks," David B. Williams blends history, natural history, and architecture to show Seattle in a new light. Discover how the city has evolved and how nature thrives in urban spaces.

These walks vary in length and topography, covering well-known and surprising parts of the city. Most are loops, but some are one-way with easy public transit returns. Explore panoramic views, intimate hideaways, architectural gems, and greenways.

Available at both of our gift shops - Happy reading and walking!

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07/05/2024

Seattle is buzzing with excitement as Toronto Blue Jays fans arrive for the epic three-game series against the Seattle Mariners! 💙⚾️ While you're here, why not dive deeper into our city's history with an Underground Tour? Discover the hidden stories Beneath The Streets and make your visit truly unforgettable.

📷 2022 Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times

07/04/2024

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 Celebrating freedom, community, and togetherness. Enjoy the fireworks and have a safe and joyful holiday!
- Your Friendly Neighborhood Tour Guides

07/03/2024

On this day in 1920, Seattle's Naval Shore Station opened at the foot of Washington Street. Though the structure is long gone, the beautiful wrought-iron pergola that fronted it still stands today, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the all-woman Committee of 33. Let's take a moment to appreciate this historic landmark and the amazing women who preserved it for future generations.

📷 Seattle Harbor Department dock (Daniel R. Huntington, 1920), later Washington Street Boat Landing, March 24, 1921 Courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives (2705)

07/02/2024

THANK YOU! We love showing you our little corner of Seattle 🥰
❤️ The History Nerds Beneath The Streets

07/01/2024

Riding into July in style!
📷 "Uncle Sam" posed with performers from the "Pageant of Democracy" in Woodland Park, Seattle, July 5, 1920, Digital Collection MOHAI

06/30/2024

Today, we mark a monumental milestone – 50 years of Seattle Pride!

Back in June 1974, Seattle’s first Gay Pride Week was organized by the fearless David Neth. The festivities included a picnic and street dance at Occidental Square Park in Pioneer Square, drawing around 200 people. The week also featured a “Gay-In” at the Seattle Center’s International Fountain, full of zany dress, general frivolity, carousing, and a circle dance! And who could forget the roller-skating sing-along atop the Volunteer Park Water Tower?

From those humble beginnings, our Pride has grown into a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion. Here’s to honoring our past, celebrating our present, and paving the way for a brighter future.

📷 Group climbing the International Fountain at the Seattle Center during Gay Pride Week, Seattle, Washington, June 30, 1974, Digital Collections University of Washington

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06/29/2024

Get ready, Seattle! Pride weekend is here, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate with our amazing community. Let’s make this weekend unforgettable as we celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion.

📷 Group posing on car during Pride parade, Seattle, June 27, 1993, Digital Collections MOHAI

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06/28/2024

On This Day In History: Seattle schoolteachers participating in the Gay Freedom Day parade through the Capitol Hill neighborhood hold a banner reading "Teachers with Pride Still Have to Hide," and wear masks to protest the discrimination they have endured.

In 1985, King County added sexual minorities as a protected class against employment discrimination, however many members of the LGBTQAI+ community continued to feel discriminated against in their daily lives.

This Pride lets celebrate the history, the community, and the true spirit of Pride.

📷 Gay schoolteachers wearing masks at parade, June 28, 1986, Digital Collections MOHAI

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