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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Seattle beginning to turn to in-home A/C.

• Upcoming Seattle Storm game

• A deep-dive into the life of Frances Farmer

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”

– Paulo Coelho

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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!

What annual event in Seattle is known for its live music performances, comedy shows, and art exhibitions, typically held over Labor Day weekend?

A) Seattle International Film Festival

B) Bumbershoot

C) Northwest Folklife Festival

D) Sakura-Con

Answer to Week 23's Trivia:

The “Spheres” in downtown Seattle are part of A) Amazon’s headquarters.

News

💼 Business

Seattle is becoming an AC'd city. Are you cool with more air conditioning? (Link)

Seattle plastic surgery provider accused of posting fake positive reviews must pay $5M. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Seattle Mariners president of business operations, Catie Griggs, resigns. (Link)

Seattle Kraken, Eeli Tolvanen agree to two-year deal. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Debt soars as communities face financial barriers. (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

🏀 Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Wednesday, Jul. 10th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Collide-O-Scope
Here-After, Seattle
Monday, Jul. 8th | (More info)

🎵 Clue The Musical
5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
Tuesday, Jul. 9th | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🎉 Kids Zone: Ages 3 to 7
3622 SW Snoqualmie St, Seattle, WA
Thursday, July 11th | (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 celebrating a futuristic international festival” 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

Galloping Gertie Collapse (1940) - The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse affected the greater Seattle region.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, famously known as ""Galloping Gertie,"" met its demise on November 7, 1940, in a dramatic collapse that would fundamentally reshape engineering practices and understanding of bridge dynamics. Despite being the third-longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, mere four months after its opening, it failed spectacularly in a windstorm. Situated in the state of Washington, the bridge connected the city of Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula, serving as a critical conduit for the greater Seattle region. Its collapse was caused by aeroelastic flutter, a term unknown to engineers at the time, which refers to the uncontrolled, self-feeding oscillations induced by wind.

The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was a pivotal moment not only for local communities who relied on the bridge for transportation but also for the field of engineering worldwide. It starkly demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of failing to adequately account for environmental factors and resonance phenomena in bridge design. The event was extensively studied and led to significant advancements in our understanding of wind-bridge interactions. Engineers and designers subsequently incorporated these lessons into future projects, improving the safety and resilience of long-span bridges. In a way, the failure of Galloping Gertie became a stepping stone towards the development of safer and more reliable infrastructure.

The impact of the collapse on the greater Seattle area was profound, both in terms of immediate disruption and in the lasting influence it had on regional infrastructure development. A replacement bridge, designed with the harrowing lessons of the past in mind, was completed in 1950. This new Tacoma Narrows Bridge stood as a testament to the advancements in engineering that arose from the ashes of its predecessor. Today, the story of Galloping Gertie serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of diligent, science-based engineering practices. It also highlights the resilience of the Seattle region, capable of overcoming infrastructure failures to build safer, more durable connections that bolster local communities and economies.

Famous People From Seattle

Frances Farmer (1913–1970)

Frances Farmer was born in Seattle, Washington, into a family with a penchant for drama and literature. Her early education was marked by both her exceptional intelligence and her rebellious spirit. She attended the University of Washington, initially pursuing journalism, a choice that hinted at her future penchant for challenging societal norms.

Rise to Hollywood Fame (1935-1938)

Frances quickly transitioned from a university student to a Hollywood starlet after winning a trip to the Soviet Union and subsequently a screen test in Los Angeles. By the mid-1930s, Farmer had secured roles in several major films, including Come and Get It, which earned her critical acclaim. Her natural beauty and compelling screen presence made her one of Hollywood's bright new talents.

The Peak of Her Career (1938-1942)

During this period, Frances continued to rise, starring in prestigious films opposite top actors. Her performances in Rhythm on the Range and Son of Fury were highlights, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. Despite her professional success, Frances's personal life began showing signs of strain, marked by tumultuous relationships and a growing dissatisfaction with the Hollywood system.

Struggles with Hollywood and Personal Turbulence (1943-1950)

Frances's outspoken nature and refusal to conform to studio expectations led to conflicts with powerful Hollywood figures. Her career suffered as a result, and she found herself increasingly isolated. This period was also marked by her first encounters with mental health issues and the law, leading to her initial hospitalization and a brief incarceration.

The Legal and Mental Health Battles (1950-1958)

Frances's struggles intensified, resulting in multiple hospitalizations and a controversial lobotomy. Her treatment generated public debate about mental health care and patients' rights. Despite these challenges, Frances attempted to revive her career, although opportunities were scarce due to her reputation and health.

Return to Acting and the Public Eye (1958-1964)

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Frances made a comeback of sorts, finding work in television and theatre. Her performances during this period were met with praise and served as a testament to her resilience and talent. However, her health continued to be a significant obstacle, affecting her reliability and performance consistency.

Later Years and Reflections (1964-1970)

Frances Farmer spent her final years in relative obscurity, away from the limelight that had defined much of her life. She worked sporadically, wrote an autobiography, and made occasional television appearances. During this time, she reflected on her life and career, facing her past with a mixture of regret and acceptance.

Connection to Seattle and Final Days (1970)

Frances returned to Seattle in her later years, where she lived quietly until her death in 1970 from esophageal cancer. Her connection to her hometown remained a significant part of her identity, grounding the extraordinary and often tumultuous journey of her life.

The Rediscovery of Frances Farmer (Post-1970)

After her death, Frances Farmer's life story became the subject of renewed interest, spawning biographies, documentaries, and films. Her struggles with the Hollywood system and her battles with mental health issues have been reinterpreted, making her a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity and a tragic figure in the annals of American cinema.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Frances Farmer's legacy is complex, characterized by her immense talent and her harrowing struggles. She remains an enduring figure in American cultural history, representing both the glamour and the darker side of Hollywood and its impacts on individual lives.

Key Achievements of Frances Farmer:

• Inaugurated into stardom by winning critical acclaim for her role in Come and Get It

• Known for challenging societal norms and Hollywood expectations, making her a symbol of non-conformity.

• Made significant contributions to cinema with memorable performances in films during the 1930s and early 1940s.

• Her life story has inspired numerous works, reflecting her lasting impact on culture and discussions around mental health and celebrity.

Frances Farmer's life was characterized by dazzling highs and profound lows. From her early success in Hollywood to her personal struggles with mental health and legal issues, her story is one of resilience and tragedy. Despite her tumultuous life, Frances left a lasting legacy as a talented actress and a symbol of the struggles faced by many who grapple with mental health issues in the public eye. Her enduring impact on American cultural history is a testament to her complex legacy, invoking both admiration and sympathy.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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