A Trip to Pike Place Market

Hello everyone, and a special belated happy birthday wish to Dad!!

I know it's been a while since my last post. Most people have probably despaired of me ever updating and have forgotten that this blog exists. Too bad for them, because I was held up by preparations for a special treat! My good friend and photographer Jennifer Wheeler was readying for me some fun photos of Seattle. This first installment features Pike Place Market. This market, perched near the waterfront, is a focal point of downtown Seattle.

You may notice that many of the pictures feature a small paper cutout person by the name of Flat Stanley. (Jen originally took these photos as a favor for her little brother.) Jen did some research and provides some historical information which some of you may find of interest. Anything she discovered I'll put in quotes. Otherwise, assume any commentary is spoken by yours truly.


"Pike Place Market. This is one of Seattle's most famous landmarks, and it is the oldest continuously running public farmers’ market in the US. It started in August 1907 when citizens were outraged over the price increases levied by middlemen on produce. 'Seattle City Councilman Thomas Revelle… proposed a public street market that would connect farmers directly with consumers.' One hundred years later, after many changes and some reconstruction, farmers and other merchants still sell their products directly to consumers at the Market. Today there are 240 year-round commercial businesses and restaurants, 190 craftspeople and 120 farmers renting table space by the day, as well as 240 street performers and musicians and 500 residents. (For more info: www.pikeplacemarket.org)"


Many of the streets around Pike Place are narrow, crooked, and sometimes cobbled. Their uneven slopes are reminiscent of the ancient streets of Italy. Turn the corner and you may cross paths with the curious character known as "The Balloon Man." This rugged-looking fellow has balloons twisted all around his body, and you can frequently catch him making for someone a bright and playful creature out of --you guessed it-- balloons.


The above photo is for me an unusual sight: Pike Place when not packed to the brim with people! As you can see, there are tons of vendors who sell food, hand-crafted items, and more.


Mmm. Pretty colors.


Of course, what would Seattle be without its seafood! These vendors are very charismatic, tossing large fish to one another and stacking them on ice. They can be tricksters and are something of a tourist attraction.


Before he left, Flat Stanley couldn't help but indulge on a 25-cent honey stick. (I can't blame him. I've done the same.)


On your way out, be sure to say hello to Rachel, the famous pig. There are various giant artistic variations of Rachel all across downtown Seattle. Stores decorate the large pigs to advertise their wares. (For instance, I saw a pig in front of a candy shop painted such that it looked like he was covered in chocolate.) These piggies make me smile.

For the historians among us, here are some interesting facts about Rachel:
“Rachel, the Market's bronze piggybank, has been bringing in the bacon for the Market Foundation since the Market's 79th birthday in 1986. The Market Foundation was established in 1982 to support the Market's services for low-income people, including its Clinic, Senior Center, Food Bank and Child Care & Preschool. The Foundation also supports the Market's heritage programs, public improvements and repairs to the Market's historic buildings, development of new low-income housing in the Market, and programs that assist the Market's farmers. People from all over the world feed Rachel with pennies, quarters, checks, pesos, lira, yen, and rials, contributing $6,000 to $9,000 to the Market Foundation each year.” (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/frameset.asp?flash=true)


This photo was taken between the market and the water, looking back toward the city. There's a nice little grassy area here with some nice views and a few climb-able trees. On the right you can sort of see some totem poles. These are scattered throughout the city in expression of respect for the original inhabitants of the area. As some of you may know, the city was named after Chief Sealth (Ts'ial-la-kum), whose gravesite I recently visited with Jen.

“Although we call him ‘Chief’ Seattle, there were no hereditary chiefs among the Puget Sound Indians. Strong leaders arose in each village from time to time who, distinguishing themselves by the actions or particular skills, were respected and followed. Knowing some of the settlers as well as he did, the fact that the small village bearing his name survived and flourished would not surprise him. That his people have survived the challenges of this century would please him.” (From The Eyes of Chief Seattle, published by the Suquamish Tribe.)

Stay tuned, for there are lots more pictures to post! This past weekend I went out on a camping trip with a bunch of friends, and Scott took some fabulous shots of the Olympic Park's old growth forest and the heavenly paradise that is Second Beach....