Thursday, June 18, 2009

Edith's Dear Things

Edith's Little House

Photo & Text Copyright 2009 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

If you've seen the Pixar smash hit "Up," this scene may seem familiar. The main character is an elderly man living in his home surrounded on three sides by development. I shared images of this little house many months ago when cranes were in view, and was walking by it recently and noticed the dear little knickknacks of the now deceased owner still grace the front windows. Edith Macefield, the elderly woman who owned this home did not wish to move when developers offered her a million dollars to buy her home. Although quite frail, she continued to live in it while construction went on all about her. The builder befriended her, helping her with her groceries, errands, and appointments and looking in on her to make sure she was okay. Edith passed away about half way through the construction of Ballard Blocks. A neighborhood tattoo artist has created an image of her little house that is reportedly quite popular among Ballard patrons. The little house hemmed in on three sides is kept neat as a pin, and the light is still on.


18 comments:

brattcat said...

What a beautiful story. Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this. I wish I knew more about this woman and this house and this block.

JC said...

Wow ...

brattcat said...

I've just spent the last half hour or so watching and listening to clips, reading articles. This is such a great story. Thanks again, Kim.

Pat said...

Add this place to the places I want to see, Kim! Who lives there now or who takes care of the place?

Coskunca said...

Hi Kim,
Interesting story. I think that The old and beatiful house resist against to ugly new buildings.

cieldequimper said...

Lovely post. This little house is like a doll's house, so sweet.

Maya said...

Awwwwwwww

Corey Templeton said...

Nice shot! Interesting story, too.

poefusion said...

I remember this house being the center of attention for some time in the news. I'm so pleased she won out and got to stay where she most loved being. It's a beautiful old house with cute knick knacks. I hope they won't tear down the house now that she's died. I would like to see her house mark legend. Hope all is well. Have a great night.

Bob Crowe said...

A very tender story. I remember something similar when I was growing up in Queens - Macy's was building a big new circular store. The owner of a little house refused to sell and they had to cut a notch in the circle.

Who keeps the lights on and tidies up?

Small City Scenes said...

It is a nice story---with the befriending of Edity and all---but sad also. I wonder how long it will be take care of so nicely. MB

Chuck Pefley said...

Nice, Kim. I'm so glad you're revisiting Edith's house and keeping her story alive. She was truly an amazing and remarkable woman. I'm happy to hear her light is still on. Frankly, it would be great if her home were declared a historical site.

Hoping all's well in your world -:)

Don and Krise said...

I think the majority of us that live here and followed her story thoroughly admired her guts. Nice post Kim.

Hilda said...

Oh goodness, you've just made me cry. That's a wonderful story, Kim. Thank you.

D said...

This is very sweet. I'm so glad she got to stay in her home. Just proves once again that some things are worth more than money. I hope someone maintains her little corner. Her memory deserves to be preserved.

Dantes said...

ha! I want to buy this little house.. seems like a perfect home. Remember me? The student in Boston.. I still have my eye on moving to Seattle!!!

Ree said...

I love this story, thanks for sharing. Just found your blog - very nice!

Al said...

There was a Japanese manga on this subject (although set in Tokyo, not Seattle) about 15 years ago.