Queen Anne Historical Society

The loss of a beloved historic building to a community is no less than that of a loved friend or relative.

This community organization has been in the forefront of creating public awareness, for decades now, of the history of Queen Anne Hill, in particular its architecture and the people instrumental in building that legacy.

Queen Anne Hill lost its counterbalance (long long ago) and so much of what made it so distinctive as a neighborhood. It is still in the midst of condominium-ization--despite the slow-down in the economy. Most recent arrivals don't know and don't care.

This is where creating public awareness comes in. Part of the wall adjacent to the Bartell's on Queen Anne Avenue reproduces, on tiles, the appearance of the Hill in the early 20th century. It was the contribution of the QA Historical Society.

Most of the events, which include walking tours of sub-neighborhoods on the Hill, are open to the public. Member meetings are held at McClure Middle School on 1st Ave. W.

It has had its share of successes (the saving of the former 7th Church of Christ, Scientist on 8th Avenue W from the wrecking ball) and failures (the razing of the Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced J.C. Black House opposite Kerry Park*).

But no one can doubt its hard work and dedication over the years

* * * * *

Where the developers are just interested only in getting the most bang for their buck, the QA Historical Society continues to quietly fight for historical preservation.

* "The Black house was one of the 10 or 15 most significant houses in the city," said Jeffrey Karl Oschsner [professor of architecture at the University of Washington].

...[he] noted there is a strip of historic properties on West Highland Drive, and [that] the loss of the Black house will damage the neighborhood. Sometimes the whole character of a place gets destroyed when key properties are lost.

Karen Gordon, head of the city's historic preservation office, said the demolition was a travesty."

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