The Past Pictured

FOR THE NEXT two weeks we will go north to recognize the recent publication of "Snohomish County: An Illustrated History" and share some of its pictures. There are many. Not counting its 21-page index, the new hardbound history is 399 pages long — and most pages are illustrated.

While most of the buzz about it is understandably in its namesake county, it is also appreciated here and beyond. For instance, David Nicandri, director of the Washington State Historical Society, is a regular boomer for it. "This is what the new local history should be: incisive, inclusive, well-written and strategically illustrated. It's the best book of its kind that I have ever seen."

This illustration is "borrowed" from the top of page 149. The landmark structure is Edmonds' Carnegie Library — one of three that the philanthropic steel magnate gave to Snohomish County communities. (The two others were built in Everett and the town of Snohomish.) The picture's caption includes an explanation of the landmark's neighbors. "To the left of the Edmonds library are the fire bell tower and the town hall, shown here on Aug. 5, 1918. When the library opened in 1911 town offices were relocated to its basement."

Today you will find this picture in this building. Since 1973, Edmonds' old Carnegie Library has been the exclusive home for the Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society. This move not only gave new life to community history it also ensured that this elegant example of Andrew Carnegie's largesse would be kept in good repair.

For a copy of the society's book, check your local bookstore or write to Kelcema Books at P.O. Box 107, Index, WA 98256, or send an e-mail to camlind@richpoor.net.

Next week we will talk about Everett's first hospital.

Paul Dorpat specializes in historical photography and has published several books on early Seattle.