On Saturday, January 20th, at 2p, Fremocentrist.com is hosting an educational presentation at the Fremont Branch of the Seattle Public Library, on ‘The Industrial Evolution of Fremont.’ Local landowner and neighborhood icon, Suzie Burke, will speak on how the industrial zones of Fremont have changed and adapted over the last 100 years.
Burke’s father, J.R., moved his millwork company to Fremont in 1939, onto the former Bryant mill site. He operated the mill through World War II, employing 600 people, until the late 1950s, when he showed incredible foresight and slowly transformed the property into an industrial park. The Burke Industrial Park once again evolved, through land lease, into the Quadrant Lake Union Center – and the Fremont Silicon Canal.
Burke can speak from personal experience, and from the history she learned listening to the stories of her father and his contemporaries, about the changes to the mill, and industrial areas surrounding it. In addition to the changes to Bryant Mill, the rest of Fremont has changed from steel and gas works, asbestos factory and bakeries, into a place for a distillery, chocolate factory, glass works, and a distillery.
This Fremont Fireside Chat, facilitated by Kirby Laney, will provide insight into the ways the industrial areas of our community have transformed. Much has been written about the changes that have taken place in Fremont’s business district over the 20th century, but nothing about the manufacturing and warehousing zones. Come hear about this part of the development of our history, and how it will contribute to our future.
This free, one-hour, historical presentation will be recorded for future broadcast on KBFG 107.3 FM radio, but attendees on January 20th will be able to ask questions and delve deeper during and after the talk. Burke’s presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer period, and a small reception.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page or contact instigator@box2219.temp.domains
See you there!