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Seattle skies are still the bluest to me.

By
Industry Observer with ARFCO Media

Funny how times change... It seems everyone is talking about Seattle these days, but back in 1968 us locals were enamored with a new television series, Here Comes the Brides. It was a story of the lonely lumberjack pioneer days of the 1860s around Elliott Bay and the Bolt Brother’s scheme to recruit available women from New Bedford, Massachusetts to settle here and marry.

I had to refresh my memory and did a little digging to rediscover the cast included Joan Blondell, Bobby Sherman, and David Soul. I don’t remember the series much except for the fact it was totally corny, but in typical Seattle style, even for back then, it addressed social issues like ecology, business ethics, racism, and discrimination.

The biggest thing to us was it was about our town! Our story was on TV! We hardly missed an episode. Though the series only lasted two seasons the one thing that stuck with us all through the years was Perry Como’s 1969 hit single of the theme song.

Seattle Skyline from the Jose Rizal Bridge.

Forever and ever until the end of days we native sons and daughters of the Pacific Northwest (from that certain era) share a kind of secret anthem of sorts. We’re known to, on the occasion of a beautiful sunny day, to loudly blurt out the chorus, “The bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle.” Then we hum the verses because no one remembers the lyrics. We are, afterall, getting along in life... :O)

But none the less, it’s the spirit of the thing. It calls us home to more innocent times with lighter hearts. A time when we were unapologetic about our sappy sentimental local sense of humor. It was a uniquely Seattle way of interpreting life back then from a more remote upper left hand corner.

It has been said, however, by mostly transplants and visitors, that those of us whom actually believe the bluest skies are in Seattle only think so because there are so few of them. Maybe so, point taken. Yet, and perhaps ironically that's why we purchase more sunglasses per capita than any other metro area in the United States.

I live in the southend and often drive over Beacon Hill into downtown. I always enjoy this view crossing the Jose Rizal Bridge into the International District. Though the Seattle skyline has changed a lot over the years I love the kaleidoscope of buildings old and new. As a kid, the Smith Tower (at the very left) was the tallest building until the Space Needle was completed for the 1962 World's Fair.

Posted by

René Fabre

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

Please Note - The views expressed herein reflect only the individual’s personal views and are not the views of the author’s employer.

The Blackberry Chronicles, a blog by Rene Fabre and his travels around the Greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. Connect w/ Rene Fabre on Google+. Rene Fabre on Twitter. Rene Fabre writes reviews on Yelp. Rene Fabre on Linkedin.com The Audiorium YouTube Channel by Rene Fabre. Facebook.com/renefabre Rene Fabre loves digital photography and here are his shares on Flickr. Rene Fabre is a musician and composer and shares some of his orginal music and recordings on Soundcloud. Rene Fabre shares his interests on Pinterest.
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

When I was born in Seattle, it looked nothing like it does today but the sky will always be blue in my heart Rene Fabre 

Feb 17, 2017 08:38 PM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I came very close to moving to Seattle in 1982. It is a city I love and always want to return to.

Feb 18, 2017 07:23 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I remember making a trip to Seattle in 1958 with my parents.  I was a kid then.  I wasn't too impressed.  However, when I returned the second time in 1994, I was shocked to see how much more beautiful and sophisticated it had become.  It's a wonderful city, Rene'.

Feb 18, 2017 09:21 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. ... just caught that last night that you all are getting drenched! Wow! Hang in there!

Feb 18, 2017 11:46 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington !! Me too! It's been pretty amazing to watch this city grow over the years!

Feb 18, 2017 11:48 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Hi Joe Pryor ... I was living on Capitol Hill in 1982, one of my favorite neighborhoods. She ain't perfect, no city is... but she's pretty amazing! That's why I've stayed here for so many years.

Feb 18, 2017 11:51 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

It is a wonderful city Myrl Jeffcoat ... and I'm pretty fond of her. I remember late 50s and through the 60s it wasn't looking all that good. The world's fair sure helped to get this place remotivated. I worked downtown in the 90s and that was a real rebirth and a favorite era for me.

Feb 18, 2017 12:20 PM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Rene - I don't remember that tv series at all, but maybe that's because I was busy being a peace-creep hippie troublemaker back in the late 60's. And it may be just dumb luck, but on my many visits to Seattle, I've mostly enjoyed very blue skies, lovely weather and great views of Mt. Rainier.

Feb 18, 2017 01:12 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

I LOVED that corny old show and the theme song. Hahaha. And now I'm singing about those amazing blue skies. Seattle is like my home town of Juneau, when the sun is shining there are few places prettier. 

Feb 18, 2017 04:21 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

That's the thing, ain't it? Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD ... OMG!, it's just so absolutely CORNY! To think about then and now... I agree Debb, in June 2014 I was in Juneau for a few days.... No more beautiful place on the planet! 

Feb 18, 2017 05:27 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Great post about your town. Loved it. Have never been to Seattle but it sounds awonderful place.

Feb 19, 2017 10:21 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks Nick & Trudy Vandekar !! As Mom used to say, "You're a lucky one! You live in God's country!"

Feb 19, 2017 11:11 AM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Rene Fabre - It really wasn't until December 2014 or 15 that I had a T.V. that worked! And, it was only because I won the TV in a raffle. I don't remember the show you referenced, but I did and still love the movies. Seattle became intriguing to me when I saw the movie "You've Got Mail!" I've been fascinated by it ever since. And at night, when I can't sleep, I'm addicted to Fraisier. Someday, I hope to see those blue skies in Seattle and taste its coffee at the local coffee shops. I would enjoy meeting the people from Seattle and seeing your city.

Feb 21, 2017 06:40 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks Patricia Feager !! Love that movie, You've Got Mail! I'm such a fan of both Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan! I love Sleepless in Seattle too! Seattle is a great town and it's true, you can get a good cup of Joe here! :O)

Feb 22, 2017 02:07 PM
Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Rene Fabre - You're right! I was wrong! It was Sleepless in Seattle and not You've Got Mail! But I loved both those movies and Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan made a great couple in both of those movies! Thanks for correcting me!

Oh.... I could go for a cup of Joe at the top of the Space Needle in Seattle right about now! 

Feb 22, 2017 02:13 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Rene

Yes . . . . Seattle has great blue sky.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Feb 22, 2017 07:04 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

I blend those two movies together all the time Patricia Feager ... Those two, Tom & Meg had (have) a very unique and amazing chemistry in movies!

Feb 22, 2017 07:07 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks Lou Ludwig ... Indeed, a great blue sky!

Feb 22, 2017 07:08 PM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Dick Greenberg ... Me too in the 60s! But funny thing, my Grandma Pauline loved that show, and so did my Dad... I think they both were reminded of the 'old days' so I was happy to hang with either of them to watch it.

Feb 25, 2017 11:38 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Rene, probably one of the few that remembers Here Come the Brides and I recall with a sense of romantic wistfulness that I was drawn to the PNW even then (and the star who was the guy needing to get married...very big, strapping guy and oh-so-charming in a rustic way)! 

Who knew that more people buy sunglasses in Seattle?? I have to say that for Larry and I, that white-gray sky is hardest on the eyes without shades. 

Loved your viewpoint, and your throw-back to another era. Always fun to read your missives on your past! 

Apr 24, 2017 06:32 AM