New Book Celebrates the History of Rainier Valley

Jan. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- New from Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Rainier Valley by the Rainier Valley Historical Society. This pictorial history boasts more than 200 vintage images and provides readers with a unique opportunity to reconnect with the history that helped shape their community.

Where could one find “Garlic Gulch,” a stadium named Sick, an urban fireworks factory on a hill, a Japanese American botanical garden, and the largest stand of old-growth timber in Seattle? All are icons of Seattle’s Rainier Valley, an area whose past and present are richly varied. Although the fireworks factory and the stadium are gone, the smell of garlic still hangs on mixed with the aromas of Asian spices, Ethiopian coffee, Mexican salsa, and fish and chips.

Saved from development by the organized protests of the community, the 85-year-old botanic garden still thrives. And Seward Park, with its virgin timber, is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a public park. The Rainier Valley, one of the most ethnically and economically diverse communities in the country, is a reflection of the many families, businesses, and events that filled the past 150 years.

Highlights of Rainier Valley include:
•   Several early images of Franklin High School, now celebrating its centennial.
•   Photographs from the Italian community, Garlic Gulch.
•   A rare photo of Kubota Garden founder Fujitaro Kubota with visitors.
•   The Rainier District’s longstanding PowWow festival.
•   An original drawing by Keye Luke, Franklin High Class of ’22.
•   Illustrates why the Rainier Valley is called one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the country.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

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With more than 7,500 local history titles published to date, Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Widely recognized sepia books feature hundreds of vintage historical images.