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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Global firm hires Seattle architect to lead 'mission critical' team.

• Upcoming Chris Brown concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Richard Hugo

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

– Joseph Campbell

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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!

The Seattle-based company that revolutionized online shopping with its two-day delivery service is:

A) Nordstrom

B) Amazon

C) Costco

D) REI

Answer to Week 28's Trivia:

The Seattle event famous for its live artistic pumpkin carving, typically held at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio, is C) The Pumpkin Carving Festival.

News

💼 Business

Former Burbs Burgers space near Lumen Field has new tenant. (Link)

Global firm hires Seattle architect to lead 'mission critical' team. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NFC West Check-In: 49ers star Aiyuk reportedly requests trade. (Link)

NFL Training Camps: Top storylines and more as rookies report. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Microsoft, Google among backers of $65 million round for LevelTen Energy. (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

⚽ Minnesota United FC at Seattle Sounders FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Friday, July 26th| (More info)

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Friday, August 2nd | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Violent Femmes
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
Thursday, July 25th | (More info)

🎵 Chris Brown
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Friday, July 26th | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🎨 Kids Creation Station Series
5511 1/2 Airport Way South, Seattle
Thursday, July 25th | (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 “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Seattle” 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

Pike Place Market Opens (1907) - One of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States.

Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States, opened its doors in Seattle in 1907. This iconic marketplace was established in response to the outcry from Seattle citizens against the high price of onions at the time. Local officials and citizens rallied together to create a place where farmers and consumers could meet directly, leading to more reasonable prices for produce. On its first day, August 17, 1907, Pike Place Market saw eight farmers selling their goods from their wagons to an eager crowd of shoppers, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy in Seattle's history.

Today, Pike Place Market stretches over nine acres in downtown Seattle, housing a vibrant community of hundreds of farmers, craftsmen, small businesses, and residents. The market has grown significantly since its humble beginnings, now featuring a diverse array of offerings including fresh produce, seafood, specialty food items, and handcrafted goods. The market also hosts a variety of restaurants and eateries, offering tastes from around the world. The iconic neon sign and clock, added in 1927, symbolize the market's enduring presence in the heart of Seattle, standing as a beloved landmark visited by millions each year.

Pike Place Market is not just a market; it's a living, breathing example of community and culture merging together. It embodies the spirit of Seattle, showcasing the city's commitment to supporting local agriculture and commerce. The market operates with the philosophy of ""Meet the Producer,"" emphasizing a direct connection between consumers and those who produce their goods. This ethos, established at its inception, continues to guide the market today, ensuring that Pike Place remains a vibrant, dynamic center of community life and a testament to Seattle's pioneering spirit.

Famous People From Seattle

Richard Hugo (1923–1982)

Richard Hugo was a distinguished American poet and teacher whose influence catalyzed the growth of many contemporary writers. His journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a pivotal figure in the literary landscape exemplifies the power of resilience and the transformative capacity of literature.

Early Life and Military Service (1923–1945)

Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1923, Richard Hugo faced a turbulent childhood marked by poverty and the absence of a stable family life. These early experiences would later become a significant source of inspiration for his poetry. Hugo served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, an experience that deeply impacted him and influenced his perspective on life and death, themes that recur in his work.

University Years and Literary Foundations (1946–1952)

After the war, Hugo utilized the GI Bill to attend the University of Washington, where he studied creative writing. It was here that he met Theodore Roethke, a significant influence who would become a mentor to Hugo, helping him refine his poetic voice. During these years, Hugo laid the groundwork for his future in poetry, honing his skills and deepening his understanding of the craft.

First Publications and Developing Style (1952–1961)

The 1950s saw the publication of Hugo's first poems in various journals and magazines, marking the beginning of his professional career as a poet. His early work, heavily influenced by Roethke, soon evolved into a distinct style characterized by a deep empathy for the landscapes and people of the Pacific Northwest, a region that would remain central to his poetry.

A Voice for the Pacific Northwest: The Seattle Connection (1961–1971)

Hugo's connection to Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest deeply influenced his poetry, shaping it into a medium through which he explored themes of isolation, community, and the rugged beauty of the landscape. Through his vivid imagery and deep-rooted sense of place, Hugo emerged as a prominent voice representing the region, encapsulating its essence in his work.

Teaching and Mentoring at the University of Washington (1971–1977)

In 1971, Hugo returned to the University of Washington, this time as a faculty member in the creative writing program. His teaching went beyond mere instruction; he became a mentor and guide for a new generation of writers, encouraging them to find and cultivate their unique voices. Hugo's approach to teaching, focusing on the writer's imagination and internal world, left a lasting impact on many students.

The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing (1978–1982)

Among Hugo's significant contributions to literary discourse is his collection of lectures and essays titled The Triggering Town. This work encapsulates his philosophy of writing, emphasizing the importance of the triggering subject—a place, memory, or idea that initiates the creative process—and the poet's emotional response to it. The Triggering Town remains a vital resource for poets and writers, offering insights into Hugo's approach to the craft.

Later Years and Reflections (1977–1982)

In his later years, Hugo's poetry delved into more personal themes, reflecting on his life, struggles, and the nature of memory and loss. These works are characterized by a reflective and introspective tone, showcasing Hugo's maturity as a poet and his ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and depth.

A Legacy of Poetry and Teaching (1982 and Beyond)

Richard Hugo passed away in 1982, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry that captures the human experience with compassion and honesty. His influence extends beyond his own writings, through the countless writers he inspired and mentored, many of whom have gone on to shape contemporary literature.

Key Achievements of Richard Hugo:

• Became a leading voice for the Pacific Northwest, capturing its essence through his poetry.

• Influential teacher and mentor at the University of Washington, impacting the lives and careers of numerous contemporary writers.

• Author of The Triggering Town, a foundational text on the craft of writing and poetry.

• Developed a distinctive poetic style, known for its emotional depth and connection to place.

Richard Hugo's life journey, from the adversities of his childhood in Seattle to becoming one of the most influential poets and teachers of his time, reflects the transformative power of literature. His deep connection to the Pacific Northwest and his profound impact on the University of Washington's writing program are central to his legacy. Through his poetry and teaching, Hugo championed the belief that everyone has a unique voice, capable of expressing universal truths—a legacy that continues to inspire.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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