Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• A deep-dive into the life of Ivar Haglund

• Washington Trust Bank appoints a new CEO

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Be a voice, not an echo."

- Albert Einstein

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which bridge in Seattle is known for its distinct color and officially nicknamed "Galloping Gertie"?

A) Aurora Bridge

B) Tacoma Narrows Bridge

C) Fremont Bridge

D) University Bridge

Answer to Lasst Week's Trivia: In Seattle, the underground tour explores the hidden old city beneath B) Pioneer Square.

News

💼 Business

Full Tilt Ice Cream has announced its closure five weeks after the passing of its founder, Justin Cline, signaling the end of an era for the beloved White Center establishment. (Link)

Washington Trust Bank appoints a new CEO, promoting the longtime chief operating officer amid significant leadership changes. (Link)

Seattle Humane calls for increased donations to address rising operational costs and urgent needs for their Pet Food Bank. (Link)

Gas prices in Seattle approach the $4 per gallon mark again, reminiscent of the record highs experienced in the summer of 2022. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Seattle Mariners and key players face early season struggles, a trend they aimed to overcome in 2024. (Link)

Jose Berrios led the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners with a standout pitching performance in their home opener at the renovated Rogers Centre. (Link)

Fans were impressed by the renovations at Rogers Centre during the Toronto Blue Jays' home opener, though the impact on game play remains to be seen. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Diakonos Oncology's pioneering dendritic cell vaccine, DOC1021, has shown improved survival rates over standard treatments. (Link)

WeWork is considering leaving its lease in the Summit II office building in downtown Bellevue unless it can negotiate new terms with the landlord. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver 
Lumen Field, Seattle
Sun, Apr 21, 2024 | 07:00 PM | More Info

⚾ Seattle Mariners vs. Cincinnati Reds
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Monday, Apr 15, 2024 | 06:42 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎸 The Black Crowes 
 McCaw Hall, Seattle
Monday, Apr. 15th | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎶 Andres Cepeda 
 Neptune Theatre, Seattle
Monday, Apr. 15th | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎤 Between the Buried and Me with The Acacia Strain 
 The Crocodile, Seattle
Monday, Apr. 15th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎷 Flight Facilities 
 Showbox SoDo, Seattle
Thursday, Apr. 18th | 8:00 PM | More Info

Family Friendly events:

🎡 Washington Spring Fair 
Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup
Thursday, Apr. 18th - Sunday, Apr. 21st | More Info

🎉 International Children’s Friendship Festival
Seattle Center, Seattle
Saturday, April 20th - Sunday, April 21st | 11:00 AM - 6:0​0 PM | More Info

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Seattle with buildings that change shape and color.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

Mount St. Helens Eruption (1980) - Although not in Seattle, the eruption had significant effects on the city and region.

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, located in the state of Washington, erupted in a catastrophic explosion that marked the most significant volcanic event in the contiguous United States in over a century. While the mountain itself lies about 96 miles south of Seattle, the eruption had profound impacts on the city and the surrounding region. The massive explosion was triggered by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, causing the entire north face of the mountain to slide away in one of the largest landslides ever recorded. This landslide uncapped the volcano, releasing pent-up gases and magma in a colossal lateral blast that obliterated everything within a 230 square mile area north of the mountain.

The city of Seattle, although distant from the epicenter of the eruption, was affected in several ways. Ash from the eruption was thrust 15 miles up into the atmosphere, and over the course of several days, wind carried the ash eastward, blanketing large areas of the Pacific Northwest, including portions of the Seattle metropolitan area. The fine ash particles disrupted air travel, forced schools and businesses to close, and caused problems for vehicles and machinery by clogging air filters and abrading moving parts. In addition to the ash fall, the eruption caused a brief period of darkness in Seattle on the afternoon of May 18th, as the ash cloud passed over, turning day into night.

Moreover, the economic impact on Seattle and the wider region was significant. The eruption disrupted the logging industry in the areas surrounding Mount St. Helens, which was a vital part of the local economy, resulting in job losses and economic downturn. The cleanup of ash in cities like Seattle incurred considerable costs, and the tourism industry also felt the impact, though in subsequent years, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument would attract visitors from around the world. Despite the destruction and disruption, the eruption of Mount St. Helens has provided invaluable lessons in geology, volcanology, and emergency management, influencing policies and research in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Famous People From Seattle

Ivar Haglund (1905–1985)

Ivar Haglund, a name synonymous with Seattle's waterfront culture, was more than just a restaurateur; he was a folk singer, a storyteller, and a city character who left an indelible mark on the Pacific Northwest's cultural landscape. His life was a rich tapestry woven with music, entertainment, and a deep-seated love for his city, Seattle.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1905-1929)

Born in Seattle in 1905, Ivar Haglund was raised in a vibrant, cosmopolitan environment that fostered his love for music and the arts from a young age. He was deeply influenced by the city's bustling waterfront and the diverse stories of those who worked and lived there. Haglund's early exposure to folk music and sea shanties would later become a central component of his unique brand of entertainment.

Becoming a Folk Singer (1930-1938)

During the 1930s, Haglund emerged as a local folk singer, captivating audiences with his renditions of traditional sea shanties and folk tunes. His performances were not just musical acts but theatrical experiences, filled with storytelling that brought to life the rich history and folklore of the Pacific Northwest. This period of his life laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, combining his passions for music, storytelling, and the Seattle waterfront.

Opening of the First Aquarium (1938-1940)

In 1938, Haglund leveraged his growing popularity and his love for the sea by opening Seattle's first aquarium on Pier 54. This venture was more than a business; it was an extension of his persona, a place where he could share his fascination with maritime life while entertaining visitors with his songs and stories. It became a beloved Seattle attraction, drawing both locals and tourists to the waterfront.

The Birth of Ivar's Acres of Clams (1941-1950)

The success of the aquarium inspired Haglund to expand his waterfront enterprise. In 1946, he opened Ivar's Acres of Clams, a restaurant that quickly became a Seattle institution. At Ivar's, Haglund combined his love for seafood with his flair for entertainment, creating a dining experience filled with folk music, humor, and superb clam dishes. This period marked the beginning of Ivar Haglund's enduring legacy as Seattle's waterfront ambassador.

Expansion and Publicity Stunts (1951-1960)

Throughout the 1950s, Haglund expanded his business, opening additional restaurants and finding innovative ways to attract visitors to the waterfront. He became known for his clever publicity stunts, such as sponsoring a clam-eating octopus and conducting mock ceremonies to ""rename"" Seattle landmarks. These antics endeared him to the public and reinforced his image as a beloved local character.

Preserving Seattle's Maritime History (1961-1970)

In the 1960s, Haglund turned his attention to preserving Seattle's maritime history, acquiring and restoring historic waterfront properties. He saw himself as a steward of the city's heritage, using his resources to safeguard important landmarks and artifacts. This commitment to preservation helped shape the character of Seattle's waterfront, ensuring that future generations could enjoy its rich history.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy (1971-1980)

Haglund's contributions to Seattle went beyond entertainment and preservation. He was actively involved in community service, supporting various charitable organizations and civic projects. His philanthropy and volunteerism were driven by a deep love for his city and a desire to give back to the community that had supported his endeavors.

The Final Years (1981-1985)

In the last years of his life, Haglund continued to be a fixture on the Seattle waterfront, greeting visitors to his restaurants and participating in local events. His health declined, but his spirit remained undiminished. He passed away in 1985, leaving behind a legacy that stretched far beyond the businesses he built.

Ivar Haglund's Legacy (1985 and Beyond)

After Haglund's death, his contributions to Seattle's cultural and culinary landscape were celebrated by the city he loved. His restaurants continue to thrive, serving as reminders of his enduring impact on Seattle's waterfront. Haglund is remembered not just as a successful businessman, but as an icon of Seattle's identity, a man who embodied the spirit of his city.

Connecting to Seattle

Haglund's life and career were inextricably linked with Seattle. He captured the essence of the city's maritime heritage, infusing it with humor, warmth, and a sense of belonging. His achievements reflect the unique character of Seattle, a place known for its contrasts between urban sophistication and rugged natural beauty. Haglund's legacy is a testament to his deep connection with Seattle, a connection that continues to inspire those who walk the waterfront he loved so dearly.

Key Achievements of Ivar Haglund:

• - Became a beloved folk singer, known for his performances of sea shanties and folk music.

• - Opened Seattle's first aquarium on Pier 54, bringing maritime education and entertainment to the city.

• - Founded Ivar's Acres of Clams, a restaurant that became a cornerstone of Seattle's waterfront and a symbol of the city's culinary heritage.

• - Engaged in numerous publicity stunts that endeared him to the public and heightened the profile of Seattle's waterfront.

• - Played a significant role in preserving Seattle's maritime history through the restoration of historic properties and landmarks.

• - Actively contributed to his community through philanthropy and support of local charitable organizations.

Ivar Haglund's story is one of creativity, community, and connection to the place he called home. Through his restaurants, his music, and his larger-than-life personality, he became a defining figure of Seattle's waterfront, leaving a legacy that endures. Haglund's life exemplifies how one individual's passion and vision can leave a lasting mark on a city's character and history.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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