Pike Place Market's unique and celebrated spirit didn't emerge from a vacuum. Just the opposite; its diversified character was birthed of similarly-disposed individuals. Individuals like Frank Goodwin, the first architect of Pike Place Market.

If you're local, or if you've been on one of Seattle's ghost-hunting tours, you may already know a little about Frank. But did you also know that, besides designing and building that initial Pike Place structure that shelters all our craftspeople and produce vendors, he was also a hugely successful Alaskan gold miner, a rigorous vegetarian, an engineer, and a healthful eccentric -- preferring to sleep outdoors to indoors? Pretty hip for the year 1900.

What to do with your mid-thirties.

In his mid-thirties, Frank chose adventure, heading from Illinois to the distant West. To Seattle, to live near family and possibly try his luck with the Alaskan gold rush. He touched base with his brother Ervin who was already living there, then both soon headed up to Skagway -- which ultimately didn't pan out for them there because miners weren't currently able to get through the northern passes. But Frank (and Ervin, and another of his brothers John, who was already in Alaska) did finally stake a claim in Dawson, 300 miles east of Fairbanks. And, when Frank returned to Seattle one year later, he was $50,000 richer.

$50,000 in 1900? That was big money.

So Frank returned to Seattle a wealthy man but, before fully engaging in real estate with his Seattle brothers, he took off to D.C. for a while to look for a bride. While there, he personally built his own automobile, which was extremely innovative for the times and one of the few cars around in D.C.; everyone else was on horse. Frank had auto parts specially manufactured for the vehicle he designed, then precociously assembled it himself.

And did he find his bride in D.C.? Yes, he did, and both soon returned to Seattle, where Frank got more involved with real estate.

And here comes 1907.

As you may know from a previous blog, in August of 1907 the city of Seattle finally decided to allow local farmers to sell directly to the public. No more "middle men;" it was the city's answer to the price-gouging on local produce that had been rampant throughout our region. The general public was ecstatic to see the farmers arrive at the Pike Place area with their goods and with their fair and affordable prices. They bought everything in sight. A new era had begun.

Pike Place's Market had begun.

And Frank? Frank was back in Seattle by that momentous day and saw the huge crowds clamoring around the farmers' wagons. He saw all the produce selling like crazy. He also saw everyone getting completely drenched during the whole process because, at that point, there weren't any shelters for the vendors and patrons. Just wagonfuls of fresh produce in the open air, and wetness everywhere. Rain in Seattle? You've got to be joking.

What to do.

Frank quickly began sketching, probably on the back of an envelope as was his tendency, and shortly thereafter fleshed out a design with his brother. Construction soon began on the main Pike Market building that we know today; in the design, Frank had drawn his inspiration from European markets, adding his own conservative elements to the design as well -- creating a stream-lined, practical structure that was perfectly functional. His own office, incidentally, was inconspicuous and on an underground level, which typified his unpretentious disposition.

Where am I going with this?

There are many stories associated with Frank, now. Too many for here. Suffice to say that Frank was a pioneer in spirit -- and who better to have facilitated our historic Market, now a symbol for the common man perhaps even more than we realize?

Well, more than I'd realized.

And, it's probable we can attribute a level of the Market's continued success to Frank's strong sensibillities, subtly ingrained in the very bones of the Market.

And ingrained also, apparently, in his descendants, a few of whom have kindly communicated with me. Thanks!

A passion for adventure, a respect for innovation, a sense of fairness and of contribution towards the common man, and a hope for economic prosperity.

I hear you, Frank. May we all live such a passionate, full life!

Keep talking.