Customer Reviews

Early Ballard (Images of America: Washington)

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Julie Pheasant-Albright has drawn a remarkable portrait of a time and a place in America where a sadly vanishing work ethic created the kind of town that made America what it is today. I am old enough and fortunate enough to have walked the streets she describes, met the kind of people who created them, and seen much of the artifacts this splendid little book recalls from Ballard's past.

There is no wasted writing in this book, each part provides crisp and accurate detail about key accomplishments, attitudes, and endeavors of the mostly Scandinavian immigrants who built this hard working place that has contributed so much to the culture, economy, and life of the Seattle area, from Ballard's huge fishing industry, to amazingly productive shingle mills, to engineering accomplishments such as the world-class Hiram Chittenden Lock, to schools, arts, homes and a life filled with color, energy, and commitment.

I admire this book and I admire the people who contributed their lives to the history of this unique place. And, heck, I am neither a Scandinavian nor a Ballardite, folks you might expect to sing the praises of the place. Ballard became part of Seattle long ago and we are all the better for it. Thank you, Julie, for the reminder.

If you like histories like this, I invite you take a look at my own book that includes chapters about early Seattle as well as much else. It's here on Amazon of course at Postcards. Little Letters From Life Thanks!
Dick

I bought this book as a gift for a person who grew up in Ballard in the 1950s. She was delighted to receive it and learned a great deal about her childhood community.

This is a great book if you're into local history. My husband loved it so much I buy everyone that comes out.