Seattle’s Oldest House

According to the Seattle Public Library’s Shelf Talk blog, Seattle’s oldest house is the Ward House on Capitol Hill. Built in 1894 by pioneer George W. Ward, it’s a perfect example of the Victorian Gothic style.

To me, beyond being our city’s oldest house, this place also represents a special kind of Seattle magic—respect for the past somehow co-existing with our vision of the future. Maybe since we’re such a young city, relatively speaking, we cherish what history we do have? Even when it stands in the way of progress?

Slated for demolition in the ‘80s, the house was saved by moving it from its original location on First Hill to where it now stands. Though saved for its historical significance, the move hinted at Seattle’s current fascination—recycling.

Cut to present day Seattle and Cynthia’s post about recycling a Fremont home. For every profit-motivated developer, let’s hope there also exists a something-other-than-profit-motivated Seattleite to temper the effects of rampant growth.

(FYI, I recall this house being for sale recently, but I don’t believe it sold–at least it doesn’t appear in Redfin’s Sales Records search.)