Boarded up and about gone… White River Feed Company faithfully served the rural farming communities in the Green River Valley between Tacoma and Seattle for many, many years. Located at 27600 78th Avenue South, the business was just barely hanging on the last twenty or thirty years as the face of the valley changed from a rural to suburban area with homes and warehouses.
The coup de grace was when the county declared imminent domain over the front of the property and the easy access into and out of the feed store was taken away. I talked to the owner several ago while I was out taking photos; he said he’d fought tooth and nail to stop the government from taking his property, but in the end he lost. Several weeks ago while driving by, I noticed that the buildings are boarded up with cyclone fencing surrounding the property, sadly it will probably be razed soon and another of the landmarks of my childhood will be gone.
oh that is so sad and really makes me angry. i would love to have that sign though!
Yes… I’d love to have it too!
It is sad when these old landmarks go – it is hard to find any of them in Bellingham – everything here is TEAR DOWN THE OLD. Even the old farmhouses are going fast.
I ‘get it,’ but then again, I don’t ‘get it!’ Such a waste…
I guess we shouldn’t get angry when old landmarks disappear. We have to make room for new growth, but it’s still sad. The circle of life goes on. Wonderful photo, Madge, and you’ll have it to look back on after the feed store is totally gone.
It’s just sad because so much of what was when I was a kid is gone…
Much the same happened here to our only in-town feed store – years ago the town wanted to widen the intersection it was on, so the store was razed.
Here our state and local governments are declaring ‘imminent domain’ to take people’s property to build malls and things like that too… what every happened to ‘liberty?’
Times they are a changin’. You will always have the memories, and a nice photo : )
Yes… I will… :-)
the more things change, the more we wish for them to stay the same.
our little town is like a city now, i long for peace, quiet and no traffic!!
i would LOVE to have that sign!!
I guess I feel ‘old’ when childhood landmarks are gone… I’d love to have that sign too!
That is just horrible. Wonderful sign.
I agree, Randy…
It concerns me that big companies and government put small businesses out of business, especially in the farming sector. We must all support these small businesses.
I agree, Mo… I try to shop local business as much as possible, so my money is going to neighbors rather than corporations…
I hope somebody snags that awesome sign before they tear it all down. Great shot, Madge!
I’m trying to think of a way to contact the property owner and see if I can have it…
It’s sad to lose these icons of the past. Especially when it means closing them down while they are still in business.
Well, seems the government can do what it wants…
How sad. It is a shame! The sign is awesome, you photo will be a historical reminder of what was.