Residential Ballard is generally described as extending from the 8th Avenue NW to the east and the bluff to the west, and from NW 85th Street on the north to NW 65th Street to the south. The area primarily contains single family houses, but also includes a collection of mutli-family dwellings, commercial buildings, schools, churches, and other buildings. Most of the historic buildings in Ballard are modest cottages and builder's houses, and were not architect-designed. Building styles include, but are not limited to, Victorian (primarily Queen Anne), vernacular, Craftsman, American Foursquare, Colonial Revival (including variations), Tudor Revival, Minimal Traditional, and Ranch. The historic building fabric of Ballard is threatened by a rapid pace of development.
The City of Ballard was incorporated in 1890. It was the first community to incorporate after Washington achieved statehood in 1889. Although population increased rapidly, north Ballard was still relatively rural. In 1907, primarily due to lack of adequate water for its population of 15,000, Ballard citizens voted to be annexed to Seattle to ensure a good water supply for the area.
After annexation Ballard’s street names were changed to conform to Seattle’s: Ship Street turned into 65th Street, Main Street became 15th Avenue. During the Great Depression and World War II, construction in Ballard nearly ground to a halt, with the exception of some houses built by Earl F. Mench. However, following World War II, fueled by the G.I. bill and the rise of the automobile, Ballard boomed again, and new housing followed. In recent years, the demand for new housing has spurred a tremendous amount of change in Ballard, with old, modest houses being replaced by large box houses and multi-family units. These changes threaten to alter the character and feeling of this historic neighborhood.
Theodore Emmett Larson, wife Beryl, and son Theodore Jr. lived at 8027 Dibble Ave NW in 1931, the same year the home was built. Theodore would die in 1932 at the age of 41. In February 1933, Beryl hosted a party at this address which was recorded in the Seattle Times. Theodore Jr. and unnamed wife are recorded as having a child and living at the address in April 1932. The last record of Theodore Jr. living at this address is the 1934 city directory.
In 1934, a birth announcement in the Seattle Times shows Clarence Andrew Selden and wife living at this address. Selden was a railway postal-clerk. At the time of his death in 1959 he was not living at this address. His obituary states that he was survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edwin Willard, and two sons, Robert W. Selden and Theodor E. Selden
In 1936, a Lorna Buchanan is recorded as using this address for a marriage license.
In 1938, a real estate notice is posted showing the home is for sale.
The 1940 census shows Erling P. Brastad and family living at this address. Brastad job is listed as“Seaman’s Mate” and as owning the home. Elizabeth, his wife, Else and Jack, his two children, as well as Mary Dragich are also listed as residents. Erling later becomes a Ship Captain.
Several boating magazines, including the December 1953 issue of “Motor Boating” show the promotion of Arthur H. Nelson, who is listed as living at this home. His promotion is shown as factory Representative for Kermath Manufacturing. An obituary dated July 1967 shows a Selma M. Lygdman living at the address at the time of her death. She was 77 years old. She is listed as the Mother of Mrs. Arthur Nelson.
Current residents are peter and Kathleen Cameron, who purchased the home in 2005.
References
Ballard Historical Society Classic Home Tour guides.
Crowley, Walt. Seattle Neighborhoods: Ballard--Thumbnail History. HistoryLink File # 983, accessed 6/1/16.
King County Tax Assessor Records, 1937-2014.
McAlester, Virginia Savage.
A Field Guide to American Houses (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Alfred A> Knopf Press, 2013.
Oschsner, Jeffrey Karl
Shaping Seattle Architecture: A Historical Guide to the Architects. Seattle, WA: University of
Washington Press, 1994.
Passport to Ballard: The Centennial Story. Seattle, WA: Ballard News Tribune, 1988.
Side Sewer Cards
1940 Census
Seattle Daily Times
Seattle City Directories
King County Assessor’s Database
