Editor:

At the Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society Board Meeting in 1993, the monthly subject of the Museum finances were discussed, which led to various ideas of how to remain on the plus side on the balance sheet. It was felt the Museum should sponsor some sort of activity that would not only bring attention to the Museum but generate income over and above the membership fee. Further discussion led to a suggestion by Bette Bell that the Museum sponsor a summer market in the downtown area of Edmonds. Pros and cons of her idea were discussed and the project was approved. Bette was selected as Chair of the Market Committee and given the green light to proceed.

That summer Bette and I visited various markets in the Puget Sound area to gain insight as to what to expect. She formulated the idea and presented it to the Museum Board. It was approved, she then selected her committee members and the first market was held in the old Safeway parking lot, which is now the Waterfront Antique Mall, in the summer of 1994. In 1995, with the permission of Mayor Hall and businesses on 5th Ave South, north of the fountain, the market relocated to its present location. With this move it was decided to hire a Market Master to supervise the market for the Museum.

This move led further to the idea of having a “White Elephant Table” within the market. It was also approved, allowing members to donate to the Museum those items that wouldn’t sell at the usual “garage sale,” to be sold at the White Elephant Table with the proceeds going to the Museum.

The question then arose as to how the Market Committee could manage the White Elephant Table. They decided to ask for volunteers and the rest is history. Some 75 to 100 Museum members and volunteers volunteer annually, of which the Museum is most grateful.

Therefore as a courtesy to the volunteers, the Market Committee, the present Museum board and future board members, I — as past president — request you address the Market as the EDMONDS MUSEUM SUMMER MARKET…….NOT the Edmonds Summer Market.

Last but most important, I wish to thank the citizens of Edmonds, South Snohomish County and NW Washington who have supported and enjoyed our Summer Market.

Thank you,

Fred O. Bell, Past President 1994-1999, 2008-2010
Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society