If you ask a native Seattleite, “Where are you from?” Chances are they’ll never just say, “Seattle”. Instead they’ll tell you what neighborhood they grew up in and where they live now. That’s because most Seattle neighborhoods were independent communities with their own personalities and histories before residents voted to be annexed by the City.

Map of Seattle annexations prepared by city engineer, 1938 Courtesy Seattle Municipal Archives (Record Series 2613-03)

As in most cities Seattle’s neighborhoods have changed over time and often developed new identities. What makes Seattle unique is that the City’s neighborhoods have retained a respect for their past.

This means you’ll find familiar landmarks with new uses or businesses that have been here “forever” still in their same locations. Two of my favorite places that come to mind are The Hat and Boots in Georgetown’s Oxbow Park and Borracchini’s Bakery in the Rainier Valley.

The Hat and Boots were built in 1954 as part of a Texaco gas station located on East Marginal Way. The Hat was the office and the Boots were the restrooms. Today these beloved artifacts have been restored and are part of Oxbow Park  (6400 block between Carleton Ave S and Corson Ave S).

Borracchinis is an Italian Bakery in a neighborhood which used to be called Garlic Gulch because the Italian families in the valley outnumbered everybody else.

Today the Rainier Valley is one of the city’s most diverse communities. And while you can still find Italian pastries you’ll also find noodle houses, taco buses, Creole and Cajun food, Eritrean and Mediterranean cuisine, soul food and of course Starbucks.

My Back Alley Seattle posts will feature information about the various landmarks, treasures and quirky places you can find in Seattle’s neighborhoods. You’ll also find helpful links to various community groups, web sites and maps.

As a native Seattleite I’m looking forward to sharing with you some of the people and places that I think make Seattle a great place to live.

All the Best,
Mary