1909 Cathcart Trip - Seattle

Anna, Celia, William
ca 1910

16 year old Celia Cathcart is traveling with her parents, Anna and William Cathcart, and "grandmother." We're assuming this was Emma Sconce. Monday, July 5, 1909 the party arrived in Seattle, Washington after a cross country train trip from Sidell, Illinois. Read about that here. Celia is my father's mother.

Seattle was hosting the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition June - October 1909.

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Tuesday July 6

The next morning (Tuesday) we went out to the Exposition grounds. The buildings were all of a cream colored plaster-like substance. The main ones were arranged so as to face a rectangular park which consisted of sunken gardens. Beautiful flowers such as pansies, poppies, carnations, geraniums, foxgloves, Canterbury bells, etc. covered the terraces which rose from the walk to the buildings. We visited the Alaska, Hawaii, and Government Buildings, then went to the Eskimo Village on the Pay Streak. There we found Mr. Baber, who conducted us through the main amusements, such as Igerrote [Igorrotes] Village, Trip along the Yukon, Human Laundry, Scenic Railroad, etc. In the evening saw Ethel Barrymore in "Lady Frederick" at the Moore Theatre. In the boudoir scene she says to the desperately desperate Charley: "You have noticed that dark streak under my eye which gives so much feeling, so much pathos and sentiment to my expression?" "Yes", whispers Charley. "Well, here it is", as she picks up the pencil.

Wednesday July 7

Wednesday we again visited the fair, taking in the European, Oriental, Agriculture, Manufacturers, Forestry, and Music Pavillions [sic]. In the forestry building were two "big sticks", one 74 ft long by 4 ½ ft square, the other 156 ½ ft long by 17 in. square. The Washington game exhibit was especially fine; it represented a woodsy scene showing the cataract, hills, boy fishing, and wild animals. At the Music Pavillion [sic] we heard the Innes Band and also enjoyed two solos from a harpist. At night we admired the illuminations, and then went to the Natural Ampitheatre and saw the Iola Company, a squad of 48 K's of P, give their drill. 

Thursday morning was spent in taking an auto ride through the city. We went up on First & Last Hills, Capitol Hill, and Beacon Hill. Went through Volunteer Park and saw Washington Lake. Saw the men in their work on the streets, making them wider and removing the hills. At the Exposition we visited the Fine Arts Gallery, in which we saw nothing exceptionally appealing but a picture of Samson slaying a lion. The gladiator stood astride the monster, forcing its jaws open with his own powerful hands. The scene was in the mountains. We also went to the Canada building and to the Canadian Klondike where we heard a picture-talk.

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Exposition - The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition 

From article about the Exposition:

“The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened in Seattle on June 1, 1909 with nearly 80,000 visitors. Originally planned for 1907 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush, the Exposition was postponed two years to avoid a conflict with another summer long exhibition in Jamestown, Virginia, marking that town’s tercentenary. In addition to providing time in which to raise additional funds, the delay gave the planners the opportunity to expand the original concept from that of a commemorative Alaska exhibit to a fair encompassing all the Pacific Rim countries and territories. The new scope of the AYPE would not simply commemorate the past, but display the value of commercial trade with the Pacific Rim, celebrate a new era of commercial and industrial expansion and promote Seattle as its center. Nationally known landscape architects from Boston, brothers John and Frederick Olmstead, designed the fairgrounds. The central portion of the grounds was oriented along axes that exploited the natural beauty of the setting, with views of Mount Rainer, Lake Union and Lake Washington. Built on 250 acres of the largely undeveloped campus of the University of Washington (and partially funded by the state legislature for later use by the University), the AYPE grounds were close to downtown and convenient transportation. Though most of the buildings, designed by John Galen Howard, were too poorly built to survive, the landscaping of the grounds added value to the university by removing wilderness and opening new possibilities for future university installations.” source     jht - We saw remnants of this layout when we toured the University of Washington campus with our grandson years ago.

Click for images of Government Building and Alaska Building

Check out the Hawaii Building - Our relatives were likely dressed like the men and women in this postcard. Think how much space those dresses would take up in a suitcase! I wonder if they traveled with trunks such as pictured here.

Eskimo Building - It was supposed to look like a glacier.  source

Pay Streak - midway at the Exposition. Click here for an explanation and great pictures. One of the pictures shows a woman with the "native" children. I wonder if this is how Anna Cathcart and Emma Sconce dressed for the fair? 

Mr. Baber - mentioned earlier in the diary. On the train from Chicago to St. Paul, Minneapolis they met Helen Baber, "whose father my father had known a long time ago." 

Igorrotes – Filipino group that appeared in an anthropological exhibit at the Exposition. Slides #38-40, 42, 43 here 

Human Laundry – part of the Midway at the Exposition; I couldn't find an explanation of what this was

Ethel Barrymore in Lady Frederick at the Moore Theatre, images here and here. The theatre is still in use in Seattle. 

From Bill Holton's Recollections - "Mother took me to the Hartman Theater in Columbus to see Ethel Barrymore in "The Corn Is Green". I must have been in high school. That was my first real stage show, and it was wonderful to see an actress of the calibre [sic] of Ethel Barrymore." jht - Do you think Celia remembered her experience in Seattle and shared that with her son Bill as they watched Ethel Barrymore in person at the Hartman Theatre? I like to think that she did. *I found a program for a performance of this play at the Hartman on October 1943. Celia died December 1942. Barrymore performed "Whiteoaks" at the Hartman Theatre in January 1939. Perhaps that's the play that Bill and Celia saw. 

European, Oriental, Agriculture, Manufacturers, Forestry, Music Pavilions - click here for photos. Click here to see photos of the Forestry Building, including the big stick

Innes Band - from New York City; more here

Iola Company, K's of P - This must be Knights of Pythias. Click here for a newspaper article about a jubilee that was held the same time as the Exposition. It mentions a parade but doesn't say it was part of the Exposition. 

Auto ride through Seattle - removing hills - This is an interesting article on how Seattle's terrain has been shaped and reshaped over the years - with some pictures of what Celia and her family might have seen on their drive. More here

"heard a picture-talk" - from Wikipedia - "The first known public exhibition of projected sound films took place in Paris in 1900, but decades passed before sound motion pictures were made commercially practical. Reliable synchronization was difficult to achieve with the early sound-on-disc systems, and amplification and recording quality were also inadequate. Innovations in sound-on-film led to the first commercial screening of short motion pictures using the technology, which took place in 1923." more here

Click here to read an account written by Mateel Howe when Mateel visited the Exposition in June 1909. 

Whew! That's it for Seattle! I keep wondering how this group from tiny Sidell, Illinois felt about aIl they were seeing and experiencing. Sidell is only a few blocks wide and not many blocks long with about 1,800 people in the township in the 1910 census.  I enjoyed looking up links for this post.  I hope you enjoy Celia's account as well as the background information I found. 

*September 21, 2015 - information about Barrymore performance in Columbus, Ohio updated and corrected

Thoughts About A Triptik

I came across the Triptik put together for our move from Ohio to Washington. I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. As I paged through it, I thought about the "Triptik" we have for our journeys here on earth.

Total distance: 2,477 miles from Worthington to Kirkland - that's one way

What's the "distance" from heaven (pre-earth life) to earth and then back again to heaven (life after death)? I"m pretty sure it can't be measured in miles. I'm glad we all have a round trip ticket!

Total estimated time: 35 hours, 22 minutes

Average life span - about 80 years

Travel package, trip planning, expenses & reservations - These hints for planning the trip come in handy.

Our journey here on earth benefits from planning - goal setting, learning from others about their journeys, education, scripture study, .. we have many resources to help us.






Warnings about construction and other hazards; information on how to navigate the multitude of routes through big cities


The scriptures and the Holy Spirit give us cautions and instructions 

How to get help in emergencies 


Fortunately we have a 24/7, free, always accessible wireless connect to God









Driving regulations - essential to know these for a successful trip


We've been given the 10 Commandments & other counsel that make for a smoother trip through this time on earth



What an adventure this life is! I'm thankful for the individualized "Triptik" we each have access to through the love of our Heavenly Father, the example and teachings of Christ, and the help of the Holy Spirit. 

click here for more thoughts about journeys

Around Kirkland

Kirkland is a wonderful community. I know we say it quite a bit - it's truly a great place to live. Here are some photos from the last month.

One evening I was driving home from a meeting and noticed the setting sun was huge and very orange. I drove to a park where I knew I could get a great view. I wasn't the only one who stopped to watch this wonderful display of beauty. I wish the camera could capture the feeling of total awesomeness. Below - the sun as seen through the sculpture "Winter". 

 Marina Park is at the end of our street - in downtown Kirkland. These pictures show a rather quiet evening. Here's a description of what was happening on another recent evening. 

We sat on a bench, watched the people, and enjoyed this beautiful spot - families were out. Children were chasing the ducks - lots of dogs of all shapes and sizes - a woman had a rabbit on a leash - someone played a mandolin type instrument in one part of the park. In another part, someone was playing a piano that’s in the park as part of a “piano in the park” program. An artist was painting. Toddlers were learning to walk. Boats were coming and going from the dock. Paddleboarders were sharing the lake with the boats. So much to see and enjoy. 

Puddle Jumpers is one of my favorite pieces of public art in Kirkland. You can just feel children's joy. This sculpture is in Marina Park. 

Our son and his sons boated over one evening. (His wife and daughters were at Girls' Camp for the week.) They docked at Marina Park. We met them downtown for a wonderful visit and dinner outdoors.

Choices & Roads

At this point in our lives, we can look back at our earthly journey and ponder which roads we did and didn't take. We've become better at planning our journey and navigating the choices as we mature. We've gained experience, knowledge, and wisdom on our journey. That makes for better, and more informed, choices. 

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Alice finds herself in a strange place and contemplates the direction she should take. Talking with the Cheshire Cat - 

Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?

The Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to

Alice: I don't much care where.

The Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
   (Alice in Wonderland)

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We need to know where we're going so we can make good choices.

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Robert Frost talks about choosing a road. 

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

.....

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by

 And that has made all the difference.
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

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Christ shows us the road that gives us lives of purpose, service, and experiences that help us become like Him and Heavenly Father. His road leads to eternal life -  life with Him and Heavenly Father.

We're thankful for the road we have chosen. It has made all the difference.

road image

Gardens

These beautiful gardens at the Seattle Temple brought back wonderful memories of gardens I used to have. I enjoyed creating and caring for gardens. Every once in a while I miss having a garden. 

Our yard on North Street was very shaded. It took years of experimentation to discover which plants worked well with the soil and light (and my medium commitment to gardening). I remember when someone introduced me to hostas. Not only did hostas like shade, they are a low maintenance plant. That's a wonderful combination! Over the years I collected hostas from Mom, my sister, and others. I enjoyed purchasing some unusual varieties. I love the variety of sizes and colors. It was fun to share them with friends when the plants needed dividing. 

Click here and here to read about my "legacy" garden in Worthington

Full-Blown Perfection

"I am for everything starting into 

full-blown perfection at once." 

Susan Edmonstone Ferrier*

This made me smile. I know the value of gradual learning - line upon line. But that learning curve is often difficult, long, tedious, and frustrating. It's too easy to get impatient with myself (and others). 

I'm sure that full-blown perfection without the challenges and work of learning wouldn't yield wisdom. I'm also very aware of the joy that often comes from learning - But - I have to admit - that sometimes it would be nice to have it come all at once!

*I couldn't find the context for this quote. 

1909 Cathcart Trip - Sidell to Alaska - Part 1 - Sidell to Seattle

A few weeks before our Alaska cruise I was going through some of the family archives and came across this.

FROM ILLINOIS TO ALASKA, 1909

Celia Cathcart

Celia Sconce Cathcart turned 16 on May 9, 1909. In July she traveled to Alaska with her parents William Gabriel and Anna Sconce Cathcart as well as “Grandmother,” probably Emma Sandusky Sconce. Celia is my father's mother.

My father typed this manuscript March 10, 1965, probably from a handwritten diary. The original no longer exists. He wrote at the top of the first page “(with her father, mother, and grandmother (?Sconce)”

We had approximately the same itinerary as Celia and her parents, over 100 years later! However, they had a long train ride from Sidell, Illinois to Seattle before starting to Alaska. 

See what you think as you read her account. My guess is that she was writing this for school or perhaps for the local newspaper. I think if this was just for her personal diary there would be much more about her family and her own feelings. The account reminds me of the letters I wrote for the Madison Press when I lived in Germany and later when a friend and I traveled around Europe for a month and sent letters to the newspaper editor. 

Anna, Celia & William Cathcart

ca 1908

Here's the first installment

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FROM ILLINOIS TO ALASKA, 1909

A diary of Celia S. Cathcart

Friday, July 2, 1909

     Left home at 9:36, and went from Danville at 2:05. On the sleeper I sat across from an old duffer from Texas who called me "The Little Alaskan Traveller from Sidell". He was a terrible windjammer, but between his outbursts of conversation I managed to complete "The Call of the Wild" by London. Arrived at Chicago at 5:25 and went to the Grand Pacific where we engaged a room, as our train didn't leave until 10:00 that night. There was a college meeting of some sort representing Cornell, and they managed to keep something going all the time. While we were at dinner being entertained by Mr. Weig, a fearful storm came up. It was of short duration, however, as when we went to the depot the weather was delightful. The route upon which we travelled was the C. B. & Q. We slept real well on the train, as it was nice and cool even on the sleeper. The next morning we became acquainted with a Helen Baber, whose father my father had known a long time ago. At St. Paul we took the Great Northern Route, having travelled all morning on the C. B. & Q. which follows the Mississippi in its meanderings. The crops of oats, wheat, corn, and barley looked very well, though they were not so far advanced as in Illinois. We passed by a great number of very pretty little lakes, along which were situated cottages and a few summer hotels. Saturday evening the sun set about 8:30.

Sunday, July 4

The next morning we entered Montana. The scenery was very monotonous; nothing but hills, sagebrush, and black-eyed Susans, with now and then an adobe cabin. Late in the afternoon we passed by an Indian reservation known as the Flathead reservation. The Indians had been having a big powwow and all came down to the train decked in gala attire. Still later, about 8:00, we entered the Rocky Mountain District. By morning we were again out on the plains, our highest elevation during the night having been 5200 ft. In the afternoon we travelled across the Cascades. The road was very winding and in places the grade seemed quite steep, although the civil engineer who was on the train said that it was only 100 ft. per mile. We went through a tunnel 3 miles long, but instead of the regular train engine (steam), an electric one was used so that the smoke was done away with. The road was so winding that at times three tracks could be seen, one above the other as in tiers, At Everett we obtained our first glimpse of Puget Sound. Got into Seattle about 9:00 at night.

Went to the Hotel Perry, a large handsomely furnished building  recently erected.

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Comments from JHT

"Home" was Sidell, Illinois. 

They took the train from Danville, about 22 miles from Sidell. 

Something tells me that Celia, at age 16, would not have appreciated being called "The Little Alaskan Traveller from Sidell."

I smile when I sense her desire to finish her book rather than talk with or listen to the "windjammer" sitting across from her. Many of us can feel a kinship here - traveling with a book and becoming absorbed in the story. 

Click The Grand Pacific Hotel in Chicago 1912 for an image

C B & Q Railroad – Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, named for the original route between Chicago, Illinois; Burlington, Iowa; and Quincy, Illinois. As Celia states, it followed the course of the Mississippi River. 

At St. Paul, Minnesota, the group took the Great Northern Railway across the country. (Click to see map of the route)

Celia mentions the Flathead Reservation in Montana. Click here to see pictures of the reservation in 1909 - including Indians "decked in gala attire." 

Celia says the steam locomotive was changed for an electric one to go through a tunnel. The Cascade Tunnel was 2.6 miles long through Stevens Pass. Use of the electric locomotive was new in 1909. Later a second tunnel was constructed. Read more here and here. 

In Seattle they stayed at the Hotel Perry. It opened just two years prior to their arrival. The hotel no longer stands (demolished in 1996). This 1909 ad touts the features of the hotel

Check back for adventures in Seattle and then Alaska!