Mount Vernon, Washington
and traveled North from Seattle when he discovered they had their share of jewelers. The first town he found without one was Mount Vernon. So there he settled.
The day he came to town the pool hall cleared a table and he was commissioned to work all day and through the night on folks' watches. This convinced him his services were needed, so he went to get his family and became the first jeweler in Washington territory north of Seattle.
He brought a piano with him, which was the only one in town. So he had a captive audience for his dance band he organized upon settling in the area. He charged $45 a night for his services: $15 each for him, his wife and the piano.
Mount Vernon's population grew to 2,381 by 1910. Washington's Office of Financial Management lists the April 1, 1999 population at 22,700.
Town today is newer, but a lot of the old buildings remain. The Hotel President, built in 1909, the big white building in the above view of First Street, still stands. It's now apartments. Walk on down this street and enjoy the wares of the City Bakery. If you like Thai food, the Thai House is a great place to eat. It's at First and Pine. In this same area of town you'll find a glass artist, a winery and a kitchen shop. There's also an Internet auction service business. Within walking distance you'll find four antique shops. This is the Old Movie House Antique Mall.
Walk town and visit the Grainery Mall. Besides the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, be sure to take in the Spring Craft and Antique Show at the Lynden Fairgrounds March 16-18. Expect a wonderful wash of spring colors and green.
Snow-capped Cascade Mountains to the East, Puget Sound to the west and Skagit Valley colors will take your breath away this time of year. Be sure to take a long breath and stop and see Mount Vernon. Take a walking historical tour of town. Enjoy some bakery goodies at City Bakery. And don't forget your camera!
Copyright 2000, Jerri Brooker
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