Recipient of the Virginia Marie Folkins Award in 2000 for best history book written in King County, Magnolia: Memories and Milestones is a collection of stories and archival images that entertain, enlightens, and encourages all neighborhoods to begin the work of writing down their stories to create a tangible sense of place.
- Whitney Mason, Editor
- Chapters by Hal Will, Joan Santucci, Joy Carpine, Scott Smith, Monica Wooton, Bob Kildall, Rick Malsed and others.
- 320 pages, with over 300 photographs, many by Magnolia residents.
Also available for purchase on Kindle and at Magnolia's Book Store.
More on Magnolia Memories & Milestones
Magnolia Memories & Milestones is an elegant presentation of eloquent stories and enthralling archival images. Author Wendell Berry has this belief: “If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are…” It is all about getting “a sense of place.” Of this notion, author Wallace Stegner writes: “…He is talking about the kind of knowing that involves the senses…” The thimble-sized blackberries that grow wild in secret spots on Magnolia, more in the yesterday than today, and generations passing the information down for the possibility of one more taste of that hot August, Magnolia blackberry jam. The memoirs of Magnolia residents. Bob Kildall making history then writing about it in the history of Discovery Park; Hal Will and his Magnolia childhood of the ’30s, boys and their “Dumb Stunts…”; Dr. Henry A. Smith, Magnolia’s first white settler, “the first pioneer” a man whose vision and life made a difference for Magnolians while he lived and after he died. Magnolia: Memories & Milestones brings alive the roots of Magnolia and introduces us to a beginning sense of this place Magnolians call home.
This is the first of two (hopefully, on-going historical written records) that entertains, enlightens, and encourages all neighborhoods to follow suit and begin the job of writing down their stories to create a tangible sense of place.
What they’re saying about ‘Magnolia: Memories and Milestones’
“Magnolia: Memories & Milestones answers the question those of us who do not live there have often asked: “Why go to Magnolia?”-I mean, beyond Discovery Park and the garage sales. This is an elegant book full of charm, desire, and “enormous quantities of blackberries.” Hal Will’s chapter “Dumb Stunts and grade School Memories” is worth the price on the cover. I have one complaint. None of the book’s industrious authors has noted the obvious: Magnolia is shaped like a fluffed-up and satisfied jay bird with its beak at West Point, crown feathers in Lawton Wood, powerfully curved back along West Commodore Way and its feet sitting in Smith Cove.”
Paul Dorpat, Seattle historian
“Writing articles about a community’s past is among the most challenging aspects of historical enterprise. This delightful collection of essays contains valuable new source material and demonstrates considerable originality, skill and creativity. It is a significant contribution toward building the historical record of Magnolia and the City of Seattle.”
Charles Payton, King County Landmarks and Heritage board
“Magnolia: Memories & Milestones is a delightful study of one of Seattle’s best examples of an urban village. Photographs are the highlight as the drama of a community unfolds. Lovingly detailed with reminiscences and vignettes, this book will be a delight for historians, history buffs and people looking for magic and mystery from people who have been able to build and maintain a place called home.”
Irene Haines, Head Librarian Magnolia Branch