January 18, 2016 - From Plymouth Rock to Alki

On Seattle's Alki Drive, a concrete obelisk commemorates the 1851 arrival of the Denny Party, credited to be the founders of Seattle.  The party of 22 dubbed the area "New York Alki".  Alki was a term used by the Chinook tribe to mean "by and by".  It is now the motto of the State of Washington. Arriving in November the group was assisted by local native Americans, including Chief Seattle, in getting shelter from the winter weather.  The next year Arthur Denny moved his nascent settlement across the bay.

The obelisk was erected in 1905 and contains the names of the Denny Party.

In addition to the names a plaque reads "At this place on 13 November 1851 there landed from the Schooner Exact Captain Folger the little colony which developed into the City of Seattle".


On this balmy 45 degree morning the long stretch of beach was busy with bikers, joggers, strollers, strollers with strollers, joggers with strollers, dogs and even a stand up paddle boarder.  All were watched by a Bald Eagle on a branch above the obelisk.

January 30, 2013 - Night L.I.F.E.

When the Territorial University of Washington opened its doors November 4, 1861, 28 years before Washington achieved statehood, these four columns graced the entrance of the university building.  They currently reside in the quiet Sylvan Grove Theater, near Drumheller Fountain and the Rainier vista, on the UW campus.  The seal of the University of Washington features the four columns and the Latin words "Lux Sit" - let there be light.

The land for the university's first location was donated by Arthur Denny, Edward Lander and Charlie Terry.  Each would later have campus buildings named in their honor.  That site was located in an area that is currently bordered by 4th and 6th Avenues and Seneca and Union Streets in downtown Seattle.  In 1895 the university moved 4 miles north.  In 1908 the original university building was torn down.  These four Ionic cedar columns, dubbed "Loyalty", "Industry", "Faith" and "Efficiency" - LIFE, were salvaged and relocated to the new university site by an alumnus and professor, Edmond Meany.  In 1935 on his way to give a lecture, Professor Meany died in the building named in honor of Arthur Denny.

When the university moved locations the regents couldn't find a buyer for the original piece of land.  So, they leased the property.  The university still owns this valuable tract of land and it generates millions of dollars for the university annually.