Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Briston Maroney performance

• A deep-dive into the life of John Tornow

• Monster Energy AMA Supercross event

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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!

Seattle's first Starbucks location opened in 1971 at which popular tourist spot?

A) Pike Place Market

B) Seattle Center

C) Waterfront Park

D) Pioneer Square

Answer to Last Week Trivia: The annual event in Seattle famous for its parade, specialty foods, and cultural displays celebrating the arrival of spring is D) Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

News

💼 Business

An FAA audit of Boeing's 737 Max production has identified multiple issues, raising concerns.

New concept images for the proposed I-5 bridge over the Columbia River have been unveiled.

Christian Maas is set to succeed Derek Figueroa as president of Seattle Fish Co.

🏒 Sports

The Seattle Seahawks find themselves with significantly more salary cap space as the free agency period kicks off.

The Seattle Mariners, in collaboration with EL1 Sports, announce the opening of three new Mariners training centers.

🏦 Finance

In the state of Washington, Biden leads Trump in campaign contributions from major donors.

An LLC has been selected for a Hanford site contract valued at up to $45 billion.

Washington state is recognized for providing the highest level of need-based financial aid in the nation.

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 Kraken vs. Buffalo Sabres
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Monday, Mar. 18th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

 🏒 Seattle Kraken vs. Montreal Canadiens
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Sunday, Mar. 24th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Washington Huskies vs. UCLA Bruins
Husky Softball Stadium, Seattle
Mar. 22nd | 12:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Briston Maroney
Neptune Theatre, Seattle
Monday, Mar. 18th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly events:

🎭 Something’s Afoot 
5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
Now through Mar. 24th | Showtimes Vary | (More Info)

🚗 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Lumen Field, Seattle
Saturday, Mar. 23rd | (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 “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in 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

Lake Washington Ship Canal Opening (1917)

The Lake Washington Ship Canal, a significant engineering feat in the early 20th century, marked its grand opening in 1917, altering the maritime and economic landscape of Seattle. This canal connected the expansive waters of Lake Washington with the smaller Lake Union, and ultimately, Puget Sound, forging a navigable link that was pivotal for both commercial and recreational vessels. By facilitating movement between these significant water bodies, the canal played a crucial role in the development of Seattle's maritime industry and waterfront communities.

The construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal was a monumental project that involved the creation of locks, a dam, and a spillway to manage the water levels between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, which have a natural elevation difference. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, often simply called the Ballard Locks, serve as the gateway between Puget Sound and the freshwater lakes. This engineering marvel not only contributed to Seattle's growth as a shipping and boat-building hub but also helped control freshwater outflow, mitigating flooding in the surrounding areas.

The opening of the Lake Washington Ship Canal heralded a new era for Seattle, promoting economic development and enhancing connectivity between various parts of the city and beyond. Over the years, it has become an integral part of Seattle's identity, offering both functional transportation routes and recreational opportunities. Today, the canal and its locks are visited by thousands of tourists annually, symbolizing Seattle's ingenuity and its relationship with its natural waterways. The visionary project of connecting these waters has left an indelible mark on the city's landscape and heritage, demonstrating the transformative power of human engineering on regional development.

Famous People From Seattle

John Tornow (1880–1913)

John Tornow, known as the "Wild Man of the Wynoochee," is a figure shrouded in mystery and legend. His life, filled with tragedy, isolation, and a final, violent confrontation, captivated the media and the public in the early 20th century. This biography explores the complex man behind the myth, from his early years to his infamous end.

Early Years and Family Tragedy (1880-1899)

Born in 1880 in Montesano, Washington, John Tornow grew up in a family with six siblings. Living in rural Washington, his childhood was marked by the rugged wilderness surrounding his family's home. The wilderness would become both his refuge and his curse.

The Making of the "Wild Man" (1900-1911)

As he grew older, Tornow became increasingly reclusive, preferring the company of animals to humans and spending months at a time in the dense forests of the Olympic Peninsula. This lifestyle, along with his imposing physical presence and skilled marksmanship, earned him the nickname "Wild Man of the Wynoochee."

Family Conflict and Isolation (1902-1910)

The early 1900s brought tragic turns for the Tornow family, further isolating John. After the death of his parents, familial disputes over inheritance and property deepened his distrust of outsiders and intensified his retreat into the wilderness.

The Murders and Manhunt (1911-1912)

The event that transformed Tornow from a reclusive figure into a notorious outlaw occurred in September 1911 when his nephews, William and John Bauer, were found dead in the forest. Tornow was immediately suspected of the murders, sparking the largest manhunt in Washington State's history.

On the Run (1912-1913)

For 19 months, Tornow eluded capture, moving stealthily through the forests and surviving off the land. His ability to evade lawmen and bounty hunters added to his legend and stoked public fear and fascination.

The Final Stand (April 16, 1913)

Tornow's life came to a violent end on April 16, 1913, in a gunfight with a sheriff's posse near the Wynoochee River. The manhunt's conclusion was as controversial and sensationalized as the chase itself, with many questioning the justice of his death.

Tornow's Legacy and the Media Frenzy (1913 and Beyond)

In the aftermath of his death, Tornow's life and exploits became the subject of widespread media attention. Newspapers across the country sensationalized his story, cementing his legacy as the "Wild Man of the Wynoochee."

Connection to Seattle (Early 1900s)

Seattle, the nearest major city to Tornow's wilderness hideouts, played a significant role in the manhunt and the media frenzy that followed his death. Seattle newspapers were the first to report on the manhunt, capturing the city's fascination and fear of this enigmatic figure.

The Mythologization of John Tornow (1913-Present)

Over time, the story of John Tornow has been embellished and mythologized, often portrayed as a tragic antihero or a misunderstood loner. His life has inspired books, songs, and countless tales, reflecting society's enduring fascination with those who live on the fringes.

Reflections on a Life Enshrouded in Legend (1880-1913)

John Tornow's life story is a complex tapestry of facts, rumors, and legends. While he is remembered as the "Wild Man" who once terrorized Washington State, he also embodies the timeless allure of the untamed wilderness and the American spirit of rebellion and independence.

Key Achievements of John Tornow:

• Renowned for his survival skills, living off the land in the dense forests of Washington State.

• Became a legendary figure in Washington State folklore, inspiring numerous tales and myths.

• His life and manhunt captured widespread media attention, symbolizing the clash between wild nature and civilization.

John Tornow's story is a poignant reminder of the fine line between legend and reality. Known as the "Wild Man of the Wynoochee," his life was shaped by tragedy, isolation, and a fierce independence. Though he met a violent end, Tornow's legacy endures, encapsulating the fascination and fear of the unknown that continues to captivate the human imagination.

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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