A tall, lanky man who takes steps two at a time, Vaughn pieces together bits and pieces of Leschi's past, then gathers them into books. Each of his four volumes has been published by the community council, which uses them to raise money for neighborhood projects. There are few fixtures in Leschi that serve as hubs or gathering places for the community, just the school, which was built in 1909 and remodeled in 1988, and a senior center. Most children at Leschi Elementary School live close enough to walk to class. The community council holds a rummage sale for the school every year, and the proceeds pay for library books and musical instruments.
Residents also tutor children.
Principal Patricia Newton didn't think there would be much interest and was surprised when 20 students signed up. A few blocks away, seniors congregate at the Central Area Senior Center. The mood is generally festive, and even more so on Halloween when volunteers, staff members and many of the center's regulars showed up for lunch in costume. But the prize for best costume went to Evelena Hatcher, who dressed as a witch. She received a gift pack of chocolates and coffee.