Christmas comes to historic Pioneer Square. At the end of the Edwardian era in 1909, this iron pergola was built in what was then the core business district of downtown Seattle. These days the district is known as Pioneer Square and this little park as ‘Pioneer Place.’ The iron pergola was built as a shelter over the stairwell to underground restrooms, billed during the day as the ‘the finest underground restroom in the United States.’ The ‘comfort station,’ featured brass fixtures, marble stalls, oak chairs and white-tiled walls.
The 1889 ‘Great Fire’ destroyed virtually all of the business district of Seattle; the buildings now standing in Pioneer Square were built on top of the ruins of original Seattle downtown structures. A little of what still exists can be viewed on the popular ‘Underground Tour.’ The restrooms still exist, but cannot be publicly viewed. About ten years ago, the city of Seattle talked of restoring them, but the idea fell to the wayside never coming to fruition.
Here the pergola is decked out in festive greenery, ribbons and colorful lighting giving the park a touch of Christmas spirit drawing locals and tourists alike to view and photograph it and each other under its magical mood.
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comfort stations. ha! great shot!
merry christmas to you, madge!
Thanks, TexWis… isn’t that just like a more genteel era ‘comfort stations?’ ;-)
Now there you go! – I’ve admired that pergola on my visits to Seattle, but never knew it sheltered a bog.
Yes… I’d love to see the actual loo…
Happy Christmas Madge! I have enjoyed your photography this year. I love that picture it looks so pretty.
I will be entering your Top Shot link up in 2012, I would love to do that.
Thanks for all your lovely pictures this year.
Many blessings,
Kim
Thanks, Kim… I hope you’ll do that!
Merry Christmas, Madge! I’ll look forward to your pictures in the coming year.
Thank you, Kathy!
Beautiful shot! You’ve managed to get everything to look bright and glittery – very nice! And thank you for the piece of history. It’s an interesting spot. I’ve enjoyed visiting your blog and getting to know you through your photos this year. Here’s to many more of your truly gorgeous shots next year. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Kay… yes here’s to a colorful, image filled year!
Amazing color! Hope you are enjoying your vacation. Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Michaele… yes, I am enjoying my time off!
Happy Christmas, Madge!
Thank you, Peter… you too!
What a lovely spot. Great shot!
Merry Christmas!!
Thanks… yes, the lights make it even more magical!
I love the red and green lights! Wishing you all the joy and peace of the season!
I did too, Randy… it would alternate between red/green or just red or just green…
WoW! Love the lights! I’ve enjoyed visiting your blog this past year, too, & thank you for visiting mine! =)
Merry Merry Christmas! =)
Thanks Tricia…
Merry Christmas Madge, hope you have a lovely day. Thanks for all your visits to my blog over 2011. I also love seeing your wonderful shots from the other side of the Pacific Ocean. All the best Mark.
I love, love, love this picture!
Madge, I came across this lovely photo the other day and was just taken aback by how well it captures a whimsical holiday spirit. I hope you don’t mind, but we tweeted a link from our Twitter account (@TourUnderground) and also posted a link to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bill-Speidels-Underground-Tour/143327805707973). Wanted our friends to be able to enjoy your work, too!
Have a wonderful new year!
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