SnohomishWalks

13/08/2024

ARTIFACT OF THE DAY: This little dog tag from 1946. Ain't it cute?

Registering pets began in the 1880s in an effort to control the dog population and prevent the spread of rabies. A small licensing fee helped fund local animal control services and the work of the "poundmaster." A year's license in the 1940s cost $1 for male dogs, $2 for females.

Unlicensed dogs would be held at the pound, and the owner charged $1 to retrieve them, plus 25 cents a day for feed. After seven days, the dog would often be destroyed if unclaimed.

As Snohomish and the dog population grew, tags helped cities track vaccinated dogs and reunite lost (or delinquent) ones with their owners. Made of aluminum with a unique registration number, it's meant to attach to a furry friend's collar. 🐶

03/08/2024

DID YOU KNOW? My monthly newsletter is the best way to get updates on all things Snohomish history. Feature stories, upcoming events, product launches, vintage finds, and more. Not on it yet? I'll add you.

Send me a message with your email!

27/07/2024

Sad to say this is my last weekend in the shop. It's been such a fun experience being on First Street everyday!

Stop by today and Sunday 11a-6p. Still a few local antiques looking for a good home! 🏡

📍1015 First Street (the pop-up!)

16/07/2024

Once-in-a-lifetime local gift emporium. 👀 History, art, and all things Snohomish.

12 more days and it's gone forever. 🗓️

Own a piece of Snohomish's story. 📍1015 First Street, 11a-6p

13/07/2024

Snohomish alumni? 10% off in the shop today! (Saturday 7/13)

I've got vintage Panther logo shirts, plus collectible SHS antiques like this yearbook from 1907! That's the first graduating class from the campus we all know and love.

I'm here 11a-6p at 1015 First Street.

P.S. $1 from every SHS pin purchase supports the Snohomish Education Foundation.

09/07/2024

Last call for my special edition women's history tour! This Saturday at 3pm, uncover the hidden stories of the town's female founders. 🏋️‍♀️

This is a very accessible route, with one slight hill, minimal stairs, and lots of shade! 🌲☀️

Tickets available at https://snohomishwalks.square.site/

"Information shared in such interesting ways! Not the stuff you can find on Wikipedia. So fun and informative!" - NR

"Taylor provides a fun and interesting tour of historical Snohomish. Highly recommend whether you're a long time resident of the area, or want to get a great introduction to a charming PNW town." - TB

05/07/2024

Highlighting some of my favorite items in the shop: first up, these vintage local feed bags! 🚜

Central Feed was an agricultural supply and milling business established in the 1930s. Initially located across from the Carnegie, it moved in the 1940s to the current site of the Sno-Isle library. By 1953, the company had invested in a large warehouse and grain elevator, receiving shipments of grain via the railroad tracks beside it. (Spy the elevator in the background of the pic of Kla Ha Ya parade preppers. 📸)

Oats, barley, corn, and wheat were milled into feed, dispensed into these feed bags, and shipped to local farmers. By the 1990s, the mill had closed and the land was redeveloped into the new Snohomish library. 📚

I love their beautiful, clear, colorful lettering. I'm using mine as a funky textural wall hanging. 😎

I've got four more, so you too can own a piece of vintage Snohomish. Shop is open today 'til 6pm! 💛

📍1015 First Street

03/07/2024

Living large in a tiny shop! 😆 First day has been AWESOME so far. Thanks for the support. 🙏

I'm here 11-6 through the end of July. New & old, all of it local!

📍1015 First Street, Snohomish, WA

02/07/2024

Introducing.... the SnohomishWalks Souvenir Shop! 🗝️🎉

Join me for a month-long celebration of local history wonders: I'm popping up on First Street with stories old and new!

Delve into an expanded collection of books, prints, and memorabilia, plus a few treasured and hard-to-find local artifacts. (WOW!! 😱)

I'm also planning walking tours every weekend in July! Find dates for both Sundays and Saturdays on my website.

Grand opening is this Wednesday, July 3rd. See you there! ❤️
..

July 3rd to July 28th

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (most days)

1015 First Street, Snohomish, WA ( )

26/06/2024

Ready for that new pin I mentioned? Here it is! The wonderfully timeless time capsule that is the Blackman House! 🎉

Stewarded by our friends at the , this one-of-a-kind house museum is a treasure to our community. Built in 1878 for mill owner Hyrcanus Blackman, it's been lovingly cared for by the Society since 1969. A family home with masterful woodwork and charming pioneer Victorian details, it's also open Sundays for viewings.

And if you know old homes, you know they need upkeep - and that's why $1 of every pin sale gets donated directly to the Blackman House! 💪🥳⚒️

Help support this cultural icon and show off your Snohomish pride. Limited quantity, as always. Find it and its neighbor pins in the Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/snohomishwalks

03/06/2024

Excited to launch the first of two new pins: Snohomish High School! 🎒

This beauty honors the original 1890 building. Intended as a courthouse, its legal life was fleeting as the county seat moved to Everett just four years later. The building was occupied by the private Puget Sound Academy, then sold to the city for use as a high school in 1906. Much of the structure was demolished in a 1938 campus expansion, but the footprint of the replacement "A Building" remained the same. (Legend had it that the 1890s jail cells remained underground - and you know I spent all four years of my time there trying to get a tour!! 🕵️‍♀️)

Snohomish School District has supported my quest for knowledge since SnohomishWalks was only a tiny seed in my heart. Now we're finding new ways to partner and learn from eachother.

$1 from every high school pin sale will support the Snohomish Education Foundation. I'm so thankful to be a graduate and part of the SHS community! 🙏❤️📌

Stock is limited. Available in my shop now: etsy.com/shop/snohomishwalks

27/05/2024

Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

The first half of the twentieth century saw the tumult of two world wars. Though fought in distant lands, the conflicts deeply affected residents in Snohomish. Hundreds of local young men served in the armed services during WWI, WWII, and Korea, and many lost their lives. In 1961, on Memorial Day, the city of Snohomish unveiled a new monument in front of the Carnegie Library. 🗿

The etched stone monolith was the result of a campaign launched by the local American Legion. After discovering they lacked documentation on Snohomish veterans, a group of women stepped forward to help, led by Mrs. Joyce Zalewski, wife of the GAR Cemetery caretaker. The group posted notices in newspapers and store windows to compile a comprehensive list of local veterans. Then, they memorialized the names in granite, with donations from residents, businesses, and clubs, including the Snohomish High School student body. Librarian Geraldine Earls wrote that the tribute “added a touch of solemn dignity and pride to our grounds."

The memorial was removed to the GAR Cemetery in 2012 while the library underwent renovations. On May 29, 2023 it was returned to its home outside the Snohomish Carnegie. 📍

15/05/2024

🎉 NEW BOOK DROP 🎉

Find it in my Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/SnohomishWalks

For over a century, the Snohomish Carnegie has been pivotal in fostering literacy, education, and civic engagement. From first imaginings of a book club in 1873 to a dramatic restoration in 2019, the city library has been a place of significance and honor within the community. 🙏

This book is a tribute to an iconic landmark, featuring a complete history of the Snohomish library, its librarians, and the stunning building it once called home. True to SnohomishWalks , it's packed with historical images and original documents. 🕵️‍♀️

For every book sold, $1 will go to the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and continuing legacy of this historic building. 💞

09/05/2024

Come one, come all to this Friday's movie premiere! 📽️

Friday, May 10 2:30-4:30pm 📍Snohomish Carnegie

I'm so excited to share a documentary film I've been working on, in partnership with the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation and . There's a companion book too! (Launching exclusively at Friday's event.)

I've unearthed fascinating photos and facts from this town's deep-rooted history with libraries. This film is a testament to that legacy, and the grassroots organizing done decade after decade by a strong local community. 🙌

Enjoy the show (and fresh popcorn) and visit the Mini-Museum to see original artifacts! 🧐 Don't miss the "gift shop," stocked with copies of my brand new book. (What?!)

All sales benefit the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation.

See you there!

04/05/2024

Reminder for my special edition tour this Mother's Day! 💐

Beyond excited to share these stories of Snohomish's founding women. I am grateful I get to do this. I'm quite literally tearing up with this research because it feels important to resurrect and celebrate the incredible achievements of local female artists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. I am so inspired! ❤️🙏

Tours run May 12, 11:30 and 1:30 - tickets at https://snohomishwalks.square.site/

15/04/2024

Make Mother's Day memorable, and bring your mom along on my newest tour! 💐

Journey back to the heart of our hometown's heritage. This special edition Mother's Day tour honors the trailblazing local women who made history. 💃❤️ I'm so excited to share these rarely-heard stories!

For those familiar with SnohomishWalks tours, prepare for an entirely fresh perspective. This one has ALL NEW content and locations.

Get tickets at www.snohomishwalks.com

10/04/2024

PSA: Downtown Tour is sold out... but Homes is not!!! This rarely happens.

3PM this Saturday, come join me and discover Snohomish's historic residential district! Tickets at the link in bio.

(Old photo is the Webster family at 223 Ave H 📸)

06/04/2024

Sending these out to stores this week! 👩‍🍳❤️🏠

Fun to make, and 100% cotton. (It was a real headache trying to find good material. 🫡 Thankful I did. 🙏)

You can find this and other Snoho-products on my Etsy 🔗, , and

03/03/2024

Born in 1902, Earl Averill, the son of a logger, first learned to play baseball with the Snohomish Pilchuckers. His natural talent sparked hopes that he could be in the Major Leagues. In 1924, locals pooled their resources to send him to San Bernadino for spring training. 🌞

He had no offers that season, but his left-handed batting skills eventually caught the attention of the Cleveland Indians. He played baseball professionally from 1929 to 1938. ⚾

Earl retired in 1941 and returned to Snohomish. In 1949, he and his wife Loette opened Earl Averill’s Motel to accomodate tourists traveling State Route 2. It was located at 723 Avenue D, where Panther Square shopping center is today.

The motel had a mid-century motor court design, with variegated red brick. The main office sits beside an inviting neon sign declaring rooms are "hot water heated." 🛋️

The Averills sold the motel in 1969, and it continued to operate until 1981. Earl passed away from pneumonia in 1983.

02/03/2024

Guess what's back, folks?🚶‍♀️

The eagerly anticipated 2024 Walking Tour season has officially arrived! Our kick-off tour is next Saturday, March 9th - and Google is promising delightful 50 degree weather! (I am desperate for some sun around here...🤪) 🌤️

Join me and fellow adventurers on a journey back to the original stomping grounds of Snohomish's early pioneers. Uncover hidden architectural details in the iconic buildings of First Street, and sneak a peek at the secrets inside our town's beloved Historic Homes. 🏡

Tickets are available now on the website. Can't wait to see you there! 🔗

12/02/2024

Vintage Snoho-Find of the Week ♦️

This little piece of ephemera comes in a red leather case stamped: Fraternal Order of the Eagles

What is it? A membership card! And, more interestingly, an insurance card. Fraternal orders like the Eagles offered benefits to their members, including payments to cover medical expenses or care for loved ones in the event of a member's untimely death.

This card shows Brother F.P. Scklutar (Schluter? Other cursive translations welcome! ✍️) has paid his $5 dues to Snohomish Aerie No. 195 for the year 1933. This made him eligible for sick and death benefits, as well as discounted beer in the Eagles' own bar and access to gym facilities. In return, it was expected Mr. Scklutar take part in the group's many community fundraisers and volunteer events.

Find more history on the Eagles in my earlier post on the Eagles Building. 🦅

23/01/2024

"The World's Largest Cherry Tree" -📍Snohomish, WA

👉 The last pic in this post is the Shadinger House, built 1925. I have posted it before, but recently received more history on the family from one of their descendants. (I ❤️ when this happens!!)

John H. Shadinger was a dairyman living in Minnesota, but hating the long winters. In 1902, he leased a boxcar and loaded his farm animals into one side. He converted the other half into a temporary living space for the family. Hitched to a train, they made their way west to Snohomish. 🚂

John, his wife Hattie, and their 5 kids settled on a large farm a half-mile west of town. Known as Cherry Tree Farm, it was famous and featured often in promotional material from the time. The eponymous tree had been planted in 1857, about the same time Snohomish was founded. By 1906, it measured 12' in circumference and averaged one ton of fruit per year. 🍒

The first image is from renowned photographer Asahel Curtis, circa 1910. (Color by me.) The second image shows the tree with three girls, likely Gail, Greta, and Mary Shadinger. 📸

John and his wife, Hattie, eventually moved closer to town and built their home at Second and Ave E. In May 1944, John, aged 88, fell from the roof while fixing some shingles. He died of complications from a broken hip.

14/01/2024

Greetings! I've been quiet on here, but never fear: Snohomish history is being researched and written behind the scenes. ✍️

I've been spending time on more long-form projects, rather than short-form social media. I have another book coming out in 2024, as well as a documentary in partnership with the Snohomish Carnegie Foundation. I'll be publishing some Snoho-articles with HistoryLink and walking tours will return in March! And I'll be at a few of this year's markets with a new product (available now online): Snohomish kitchen tea towels, in 100% cotton. 👩‍🍳

Hope all is well with my Facebook community here, and hope to see you in Snohomish soon. ❤️👋

09/12/2023

One of my favorite Snohomish events is back! 😍 The Christmas Parlor Tour, hosted by the Snohomish Historical Society, happens next weekend: SUNDAY DECEMBER 17th. Get your tickets day-of at the Waltz Building, 116 Ave B. 🎄

25/11/2023

Happy Shop Small Saturday! 🎁 If you're on my newsletter, you already heard the news. It's here:

Snohomish-themed wrapping paper!! 🎉

And hand drawn, too. Make any gift more local & unique with a touch of this gift wrap. It's in my shop now, ready to ship before Christmas! 🎄

Today through Monday, get 10% off anything SnohomishWalks with code SHOPSMALL. (www.etsy.com/shop/SnohomishWalks)

10/11/2023

See you at the biggest local gifts market of the year! 10am-5pm Saturday at Snohomish High School. I'll be in the main gym! 🍂🎄🎁

27/10/2023

Looking for something spooky to do this weekend? Take a tour of Snohomish's haunted history! I've gathered 9 of the creepiest stories into a self-guided tour, available now for digital download in my Etsy shop. 👻

Find it at www.etsy.com/shop/SnohomishWalks

23/10/2023

Escape Old Snohomish offers some of the best entertainment you can find in Snohomish. They are closing December 17 - don't miss it, book your escape room ASAP!

Always an honor to have Taylor from SnohomishWalks come experience an escape room with us! They escaped The Blue Bird Hotel with time to spare.

22/10/2023

The C.F. Jackson House - built 1870s 🌹

Before there was the squash-colored Carnegie, there was this rose-colored confection! (📸) Snohomish’s first library was a simple reading room of donated books, operated out of this house.

The home was originally built by Charles F. Jackson (1855-1920). Charles was one of three sons of Daniel B. Jackson, a transplant from Maine who built a wharf (📸) at today’s Cady Park in 1875.

Daniel began to buy steamboats and, by 1884, had one of the largest shipping fleets in the Puget Sound. He did not stay in Snohomish, but his children married into Snoho-families (the eldest, Henry, married Emma Bakeman).

Daniel quickly became a shipping scion and invested his earnings in property development. The Jacksons commissioned Victorian homes In Port Gamble, Seattle, and San Francisco. In Snohomish they built at least two flamboyant, Second Empire-style homes, as well as a trio of connected houses still called Jackson’s Row. They also built the well-known Alcazar Theater on First Street. 🎭

Son Charles married Laura, daughter of Myron Packard who was in my last post. Her brother, Clayton, is listed on the 1880 census as a boarder in the Jackson home. By 1900, the Jacksons had moved to Seattle. Clayton’s friend Clarence Sinclair, brother of Mary Low, is living with them and working as a steamboat captain on Lake Washington, where he will sadly meet an early demise. 🪨

In 1901, Charles donated his property at First & Cedar to the city. A few years later, Snohomish was awarded a grant from the Carnegie Foundation to build a new library. They demolished this home and built the Carnegie we know and love today. 📚