Bagley Avenue business district
Bagley Avenue, located in Seattle, Washington, derives its name not from the family initially credited, but from Dr. Herman Beardsley Bagley, who platted the area in 1883[1]. This thoroughfare, initially part of Bagley’s Addition, underwent a renaming process due to duplication with another “Day Street” within the city, ultimately solidifying its connection to Dr. Bagley’s legacy[2]. The avenue’s history is a testament to the evolving urban landscape of Seattle and the often-complex origins of street names.
History
The initial assumption regarding the namesake of Bagley Avenue centered on Reverend Daniel Bagley and his son, Clarence B. Bagley[3]. This belief was perpetuated by historical accounts, including those from Sophie Frye Bass’s _Pig-Tail Days in Old Seattle_ and Junius Rochester’s work on HistoryLink.org. C.T. Conover of _The Seattle Times_ also initially supported this attribution, publishing articles in 1950 and 1960 reinforcing the connection to the Bagley family. However, subsequent research, prompted by a letter from Colonel Cecil Clarence Bagley, revealed a different origin story.
Colonel Bagley clarified that his grandfather, Dr. Herman Beardsley Bagley, was the actual namesake[4]. Dr. Bagley filed the plat for Bagley’s Addition in 1883, and when a street name conflict arose with another Day Street in the city, the central street within his addition was renamed Bagley Avenue in his honor. This correction highlights the importance of revisiting historical narratives and the potential for evolving understandings of local history. The Bagley family’s initial westward migration in 1852, alongside figures like Thomas Mercer and Dexter Horton, further contextualizes their presence in the region[5].
Geography
Bagley Avenue N is situated northeast of what is now Gas Works Park along the Lake Union shoreline[6]. The original plat of Bagley’s Addition encompassed a small tract in this area, and the renaming of Day Street to Bagley Avenue solidified its position as a central thoroughfare within that development. The geographical context is important as it demonstrates the avenue's initial role in shaping the urban layout of the surrounding neighborhood.
The area surrounding Bagley Avenue has undergone significant changes since its initial development in the late 19th century. The construction of Interstate 90 impacted the surrounding landscape, particularly affecting a nearby S Day Street in Mount Baker, which was largely obliterated by the highway’s path[7]. This illustrates how infrastructure projects can alter the geographical and historical fabric of a city.
Notable Residents
While the sources do not detail a comprehensive list of residents along Bagley Avenue, one notable figure connected to the area is Henry Y. Alcorn[8]. In 1911, Alcorn, a foreman at the Seattle Lighting Company, commissioned the construction of a house at 4012 Bagley Avenue. The house was built by the partnership of Hedlund & Lauridsen, indicating a level of craftsmanship and investment in the area during that period.
The mention of Alcorn and the construction of his home provides a glimpse into the residential character of Bagley Avenue in the early 20th century. It suggests a growing community with skilled workers and a developing built environment. Further research may reveal additional notable residents who contributed to the avenue’s history and character.
Economy
In 1898, the Bagley Post Office and Townsite of Bagley were established[9]. This establishment signifies the emergence of a local economy and the development of a community center around the Bagley area. The presence of a post office indicates a level of commercial activity and the need for communication and trade within the townsite.
The sources do not provide detailed information about the specific types of businesses that operated along Bagley Avenue during its early years. However, the establishment of the post office suggests a potential for retail and service-oriented businesses to support the growing population. The employment of Henry Y. Alcorn at the Seattle Lighting Company also points to the presence of industrial or utility-related jobs in the broader Seattle area, potentially impacting the local economy of Bagley Avenue.