The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1878-03-19
THE SOUTH BEACH SIDE
WALK:

LD. 1NAELl4i6ENCEh II OF lOUS years
The old Pinnell house and kindred in
stitutions constituting what is known
as the "lava BEDS" like the skeleton
in the closet, have menaced our city's
progress southwark toward the head of
the bay. Had these pest-holes estab.
lished themselves in the northern in
stead of the southern portion of town
the result would have been cice rersa
for. like the skunk, they have gener-
ated foul, loathscme atmosphere
about them which q sensitive, respect
able community cannot approach. Thus
they have held their neighborhood in
tact from the progress of the city. A
change, however, is being brought
about by the force of circumstances.
Over year ago the "old mad house."
around which the dregs of the city's
population had collected, like vermin,
was Knocked down at auction to one of
the most enterprising citizens of the
Sound. As an initiative step in the
right direction, this gentleman speedily
set force of men at work, and sum.
marily RACED to the ground the large
number of old rookeries and pestilen-
tial dens that had sprung up on the
property about the mad house," like
mould heaps in filthy cellar. With
the destruction Of these, disappeared
the wretched, degraded creatures who
had so long infested that quarter. The
main building itself, which is one of
respectable pretensions, was closed up
forever ss den of infamy. With this
practical assurance that q change was
to be effected for the better, the more
southern portion of the city, known as
the " beach" section. began to pick up
perceptibly. with o promise of extern.
sive improvements in that quarter this
summer. This is in a fair way to be
realized. The movement of the Seattle
Coal Company's dock to the foot of
Commercial street will do much to
bring this about. The fact is unde-
niabls that the ridge overlooking the
head of the bay, extending from Main
street up to the mouth of tue river, is
one of the most desirable portions of
the city for private residences, except
ing the drawback mentioned. 1t has
fine and commanding view of the bay,
sound. mountains and city; the air is
always pure, fresh and cool in summer.
But as indicated, we npprshend that
it is. fortunately, no longer to
remain in its present isolated condi-
ton. The immoral stencil which for
merly surrounded the "old mad house"
has been effectually removed forever,
and access can easily be gained to the
ridge or beach section by way of Main
street. But as further barrier to pro-
gress IN that quarter there is no side
walk in that direction. Now. we think
that the improvements going on there
demand that there should be one. Sew.
eral houses are going up on the ridge,
and . great many more are projected
the coming summer. Citizens there
who are among some Of our best, as il
taking heart at the new order of things,
are now fencing in and identifying
their lots. improving their buildings.
etc. / have talked with q number of
property-holdcrs along the route from
the foot of Main street to the head of
the bay. and so far as have heard
they are all anxious for sidewalk. On
the route Messrs. Macintosh and Han |
ford agree TO build mile of walk along
their property near the head of the
bay. What is wanted is this A side
walk to commence on Main street. at
the intersection Of Second, running up
Main to Fifth thence down Fifth 10
Jackson lin front of the "old mad
house "; thence east again on Jack
son to Eighth down Eighth again to
Willow. and from Willow up along the |
country road to the head of the bay. 1t
is in the interest of property-ho holders !
along the route to see that this walk is |
built forthwith, as it will greatly en-
nance the value of their property. A
two or three-foot plank walk. as sup-
gested. would probably be sufficient for !,
present accommodation. l understand J
that subscription is to be started for !
this purpose soon, aud we hope that
property holders will respond literally. i
A RESIDENT.
SEATTLE, March Is. 1878.