‘Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone…’ the first lyric line from the song ‘Blue Moon,’ was recorded by Billie Holliday (among many). But here, the ‘Blue Moon,’ I’m referring to is the oldest operating tavern in the U-District (University of Washington District) neighborhood of Seattle. Opening its doors for business in early 1934, after the repeal of Prohibition in late 1933, the Blue Moon was an instant hit with students attending the UW. At the time Washington state law prohibited any drinking establishments or sales of liquor within one mile of the university campus, so it is a requisite mile away. Tom Robbins, author of ‘Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,’ was a regular and with visitors such as Alan Ginsburg, Ken Kesey and Dylan Thomas.
Located on the western western edge of the U-District, at 712 N.E. 45th Street, the tavern features live music Thursday through Sunday. You can get a soda, a beer or drink (if you’re so inclined), and bowl of peanuts. Shelves full of books line the walls, one large pool table occupies the ‘dance floor,’ and wooden booths line the east wall. Clientele come from all walks of life, you’ll see hold over hippies, UW students, business people, and just regular folks. Sometimes you’ll even see a dog or two as well. No need for formality here, just come as you are and be comfortable while you enjoy the music of a local band.
My husband’s band ‘ The Bare Roots’ (Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Classic Rock genres), was the featured act at the Blue Moon last year on November 27, 2010. They assembled a CD of the night’s performance called ‘Howling at the Moon,’ visit the band website for more information about them.
Recently a pre-dawn trip to north Seattle, took me past the closed for the night Blue Moon. I love shooting in low light and I also love neon signs, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a shot or two of this classic sign. I love the subtle electric blue-green color and design.
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‘WEEKLY TOP SHOT’ – Week #1
I have created a new meme, (‘photo sharing party’ or ‘linky group’) called ‘Weekly Top SHOT,’ which will open every Saturday morning at 12:01 Pacific Standard Time and close the following Friday evening at 23:59. ‘Weekly Top SHOT,’ is all inclusive, meaning this is not a themed party or linky group. You are welcome to share any kind of photo – rural life, urban life, still life, landscapes, portraits, your choice (family friendly)! You may post one photo, a photo collage, or several photos contained in a single post. So, let me see your top shot
There are just a few rules:
* Your post must be family friendly.
* Submit the url of your blog post, not your home page.
* Link up a photo that was taken by you by clicking on link below, (‘You are next, Click here to enter.’)
* Create a link back here in your blog post – (using the ‘Weekly Top SHOT’ button and a text link.)
* Visit a some other entries and leave comments.
Permalink to create a link back to this post: http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=4795
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I agree Madge, the neon is a classic! Nicely shot!
Thanks, Paul… there is just something about neon…
Great sign. I like Blue Moon Ales … are they related?
I don’t think so, Barb… I’ve never had one… are they good?
That’s a great sign.
Thanks, Randy… I agree… it is more than just neon tubes…
What a great old sign!
I agree… I’m not sure how old this sign is… the original in hanging on a wall inside, and the beautiful young lady has a red bikini on.
Cool picture and I recognized it !! We used to live in Eugene (near where we’re visiting this summer) and frequently came to Seattle. Our son took us to the Blue Moon on one visit — he was working up there and living in the U district. We will be in Tacoma soon, but visiting a grandson (and his parents ;>) and may not get up the road == times change!
I’m glad you did… hopefully you’ll have a couple hours to stop by for old times sake…
visiting you from Savannah Georgia I enjoyed your blog.
Thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying looking around! :-)
It is so great to capture these old signs. The talent used to make them is quickly dying. This one is a beaut!
I agree… we are lucky in Seattle to have very skillful shop creating new neon, called ‘Western Neon,’ down on the corner of 1st Avenue South and South Lander, across the street from Starbucks Headquarters…
Have a weakness for old neon signs too. This before dawn sighting must have perked you up.
I love getting out before dawn and whizzing around town… I can see things and ‘shoot’ things I couldn’t during the rush of the day…
This is great. Now you have me trying to remember what the book Even Cowgirls Get The Blues was about. I read it years ago. I will try linking up with Weekly Top Shot later in the week. I love the new link.
I know… I read it too, but such a long time ago… lol! Thanks, I hope you will try linking up with your ‘Top Shot!’
Thanks for sharing Madge. I love the photos of the old neon sign and I visited the web site of your husbands band and enjoyed some of the music. I almost had to have walked by the Blue Moon a few times in the 1968-71 era when I was attending the U of W. Your husband may have been singing there at the time, or elsewhere nearby.
Jim
Thanks Jim… I told my husband that you had visited the band site and gave a listen to some tunes… he was pleased…