Angeline's Tree
09.4.2007 The tree is now gone, see the comment at the end of this post to find out more.
This is the Japanese white plum tree in the Soames Dunn courtyard. It is thought to have been planted in the 1870's by Princess Angeline (Chief Seattle's daughter) and it is also rumored to be a grave marker for the caskets of Duwamish Indians buried underneath the hillside. Whether or not those things are indeed true, does it matter when a community of people have assigned that meaning to the tree?
The current managment of the Market intends to remove Angeline's tree this Summer. It has had fruit for the last three years, showing that it is indeed a healthy tree. Also, at the base of this tree are the ashes of many Market people who have passed on and have asked to have their ashes scattered here.
I am asking each of you to write a letter and stop the removal of this tree. You may address your letter to Carol Binder, Exec. Director, Pike Place Market PDA, 93 Pike St, Seattle WA 98110.
Thank you!
-----picture provided by Anne, a recent tour goer
Reader Comments (3)
The tree is now gone. The Market PDA has removed the tree and cut it down to a stump. They cited rats living inside it's rotting trunk as the reason for it's removal. It certainly did look rotted. I walked up the other night during a tour, unaware that it was gone, and had to hold back the tears. I am very sad, but as Chief Seattle said " there is no death, only a change of worlds."
Why why why? I have to ask who are the real rats?
I share your tears. Trees are sacred gravemarkers and often outlast headstones.
Is it possible and respectful to plant another tree in rememberance? (I think Princess Angeline would smile at this).
Just because a tree is gone doesn't mean one can't be planted. Good Karma.
There is a new tree that is planted there. Many people are upset about the removal of the tree. I rarely write about politics in the Market, but for those who are concerned, now would be the time to get involved in the Market. There are very large and ill planned changes coming. The current PDA doesn't even know their property: at a recent meeting they cited the reason they are destroying retail space in one area to put in an elevator is that people are upset they can't get to the second floor of the Fairley building (Down Under)...the second floor is private residence and storage, as well as a commercial kitchen with a stop on the current elevator that you need a key to access because the second floor is private . They are planning on asking the city for a levy to do this work....some of the proposed plans would take out my parents shop. While I am in favor of restoring the current Market, I am not in favor of the levy, only because of the current PDA and how horrible they are. (There I went political!)