Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Seahawks look to get ground game going against Rams.

• Upcoming Washington Huskies Women's Basketball match

• A deep-dive into the life of Ivar Haglund

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all."

— Helen Keller

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 Last Week’s Trivia:

In Seattle, the underground tour explores the hidden old city beneath B) Pioneer Square.

News

💼 Business

King County weighs 49% hike in development permit fees. (Link)

Ethan Stowell Restaurants picks Evergreens CEO as next leader. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Seahawks look to get ground game going against Rams. (Link)

Why Seahawks remain confident they can fix their run defense. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Town builder Casey Roloff outlines plan for Seabrook expansion. (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 U Redhawks at Washington Huskies Women's Basketball
Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, Seattle
Monday, Nov. 4th | (More info)

🏀 UC Davis Aggies at Washington Huskies Men's Basketball
Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, Seattle
Tue Nov 5 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Boyscott
Madame Lou's, Seattle
Monday, Nov. 4th | (More info)

🎸 Swirlies
The Vera Project, Seattle
Tuesday, Nov. 5th | (More info)

Family

🌮 Creating Amazing Tacos as a Team - Team Building Activity by Classpop!™
Traveling Chef North Seattle
Thursday, Nov. 14th | (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) - Folk singer and restaurateur, known for his waterfront establishment and contribution to the city's character.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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