The Highline Historical Society (we’re members – join here) has unveiled an exhibit of 54 historic photographs at the Burien Community Center, with interesting images of early settlers, local schools, homes, businesses and other scenes.

The photos, which will be on display until Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, were selected from the Society’s collections, span from the turn of the last century up to 1970, and include portraits of early settlers as well as photos of Sunnydale and other schools, early homes and businesses, a forested Lake Burien, Three Tree Point, the Toonerville Trolley and The Hi-Liners.

Here’s one example, taken at a July 4th picnic in 1913 at Lake Burien School (click on image to see larger version):

Click image to see larger version.

We love looking at cool old pics, especially ones taken long ago in areas we’re familiar with. Oftentimes, upon closer examination though, we find odd things, like these two “people” we found in the photo above:

Is this proof that a Werewolf once hung around Lake Burien?

And why is a headless person sitting up in a tree?

The exhibit, worth seeing just to check out period clothing as well as odd-looking B-Town settlers, will be available for public viewing during the Community Center’s open hours:

• Monday-Thursday, 8:30am – 8pm
• Friday, 8:30am – 5pm

The community center is located at 14700 6th Ave SW, in the recently-renovated building that once housed the library.

Highline Historical Society is a 16-year old non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and telling the stories of Highline. The bulk of the Society’s collections are in storage pending the construction of the Highline Heritage Museum in Burien. For more information visit the Society’s web site at http://www.highlinehistory.org.

We know that all our smart Readers love to stretch their hard-earned dollars, and today we’re proud to unveil the latest new feature of The B-Town Blog which will help you do just that – a local Coupon Page!

These coupons can be printed on demand (put those scissors down – there’s no clipping required!) and used by YOU to save money at our favorite kind of businesses: LOCAL!

To print coupons, just click on “Coupons” in the top navigational menu, then on a specific coupon, then on “Print” and you’re good to go!

We’ve also implemented a new “Featured Coupon” widget in our sidebar. You’ll find it just below the Tin Theater widget, and it randomly displays a different coupon every time a page is loaded.

At launch, we’ve got 15 great coupons from the following local businesses; to go directly to a printable coupon, just click on one of the links below:

• Burien Press: 2 for 1 coffee drink.
• GGC Embroidery: 15% off first order and 15% off all continuing Contract Orders.
• Herr Backyard Garden Center: 50% off Halloween Items.
• Leaf It To Me: 5 man hours cleaning for only $120 (plus dump fee).
• Mean Girls Massage: $20 off any service.
• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub: Buy any lunch sandwich and get a cup of soup, chili or small salad for FREE
• Piranha Joe’s: 2 for 1 Sunday Brunch.
• Pizza Source:
  • $9.99 for medium 2-topping pizza w/2 cans of soda
  • $3 off plus free 8-piece breadstick w/any order of $25 or more
  • Buy 1 get 2 half price: buy any large or XL pizza and get 50% off the purchase of up to 2 more pizzas
• Seahurst Chiropractic & Wellness Center: $39 initial chiropractic examination.
• Serenza Salon & Spa (formerly Market Place Salan & Day spa): 20% off any product or service.
• Tin Room Bar: $5 off any item.
• Tin Theater: Free Popcorn with purchase of two tickets.
• YellowVAN Handyman Roger Gee: $50 off Handyman Service.

YOU CAN GET A COUPON TOO!
If you run a business and would like to hop on board the B-Town Coupon Blog-o-lution Train, just click here to email Sales Diva Janet Grella, and she’ll send you details on how to join (HINT: our Rates are very affordable!). Coupons are an excellent way to Advertise, as they are tangible and trackable – you can really see if your offer is effective. Not only will you get on our new Coupon page, you’ll also get your offer placed in a rotating new “Featured Coupon” widget in our sidebar, just above the Weather widget. This randomly displays a different coupon every time a new page is loaded, keeping our local biz offers front and center for all our Readers to see!

SOME COUPON TRIVIA:
Did you know that the concept of Coupons was invented by a Philadelphia pharmacist named Asa Candler in 1895? Candler bought the Coca-Cola company from its original inventor, then promoted it by placing coupons in newspapers for a free Coke from any fountain. Here’s what many consider to be the very first coupon:

According to Wikipedia:

Candler … transformed Coca-Cola from an insignificant tonic into a profitable business by using innovative advertising techniques. The key to this growth was Candler’s ingenious marketing including having the company’s employees and sales representatives distribute complimentary coupons for Coca-Cola. Coupons were mailed to potential customers and placed in magazines. The company gave soda fountains free syrup to cover the costs of the free drinks. It is estimated that between 1894 and 1913 one in nine Americans had received a free Coca-Cola, for a total of 8,500,000 free drinks. By 1895 Candler announced to shareholders that Coca-Cola was served in every state in the United States.

The word “Coupon” is of French origin, usually pronounced “KOO-pon.” A common alternate American pronunciation is “CUE-pon.” Another increasingly popular term of pronunciation is “CUE-pin” which is especially prevalent in the Southern United States.

No matter how you pronounce it, everyone here at The B-Town Blog not only hopes you enjoy this new service, we hope you enjoy stretching your dollars LOCALLY!

Longtime Burien residents Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper have written a historical book about Three Tree Point, which is being released March 8th by Arcadia Publishing.

This new book, which is priced at $21.99, includes more than 200 vintage photographs chronicling the history of Burien’s beachfront community, and these good creative folks have been working on this project for well over a year.

We hope to be doing in-depth interviews with the authors soon, along with publishing some excerpts and photos from the book.

There will most certainly be a local book signing soon, so stay tuned to The B-Town Blog for updates.

Books may be purchased directly from the Authors, and will be autographed. Interested parties should call the Harpers at (206) 242-4144 for an early delivery. You can also click below to pre-order the book online through Amazon.com:

Here’s the press release, sent out by Arcadia Publishing on Tuesday, Feb. 16th:

Discover the History of Three Tree Point
New Book Traces the History of the Point Through Vintage Images

New from Arcadia Publishing and local authors Doug Shadel and Pam and Guy Harper, is Three Tree Point. This latest volume of the Images of America series is filled with more than 200 vintage images chronicling the history of Three Tree Point.

Three Tree Point is a prominent peninsula on the eastern shore of Puget Sound about 14 miles south of Seattle. Its name came from three massive fir trees that stood on the north side of the point at the beginning of the 20th century. The area remained largely undeveloped until 1903 when the Three Tree Point Company began marketing the community as a place to build summer homes. Seattle’s business elite built houses at the point to take advantage of the beach lifestyle for which it has become known. Over the years, Three Tree Point and its 2.5 miles of waterfront emerged as one of the Northwest’s most unique residential communities. Its history is a diverse mixture of family life, unusual characters, Fourth of July celebrations, shipwrecks, fishing derbies, and storytelling.

Highlights of Three Tree Point:

• Includes a Pulitzer Prize winning photo.
• Features never before published images including some from Asahel Curtis.
• Tells stories of the Point from shacks to mansions and residents past and present.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

And here’s Amazon’s description (Click here to order: “Three Tree Point (Images of America)”):

Product Description

Three Tree Point is a prominent peninsula on the eastern shore of Puget Sound about 14 miles south of Seattle. Its name came from three massive fir trees that stood on the north side of the point at the beginning of the 20th century. The area remained largely undeveloped until 1903 when the Three Tree Point Company began marketing the community as a place to build summer homes. Seattle’s business elite built houses at the point to take advantage of the beach lifestyle for which it has become known. Over the years, Three Tree Point and its 2.5 miles of waterfront emerged as one of the Northwest’s most unique residential communities. Its history is a diverse mixture of family life, unusual characters, Fourth of July celebrations, shipwrecks, fishing derbies, and storytelling.

About the Author
Pam and Guy Harper’s families have been residents of Three Tree Point for generations, and the couple has an intimate knowledge of the history, culture, and lifestyles of the people who have lived there. Doug Shadel is also a resident of Three Tree Point and an author of five previous books on a variety of topics. Numerous residents of the point generously contributed to this book by donating pictures from their personal collections.

by Gina Bourdage

I can’t say I have ever been the biggest fan of Valentine ’s Day. The mere thought of cheesy stuffed animals, cheap chocolates or sleazy lingerie makes me gag. You might as well do nothing rather than a last-minute, no-thought, no-heart gift.

Being in a relationship, romantic or otherwise, means compromise and sacrifice not to mention hopefully showing all year round how much your significant other means to you, and not just on the day stores tell you to. This year try something different – put some serious thought into what you’re giving or doing. The best gift is one that really comes from the heart, and not just a box that is shaped like one.

I am gonna let you in on a little secret…women love to feel beautiful, but sometimes we don’t get enough time in our busy schedules to pamper ourselves. Here’s is a hint: make the appointment for a relaxing afternoon of some pampering for your lady. Don’t just buy the gift certificate if you can avoid it. Scheduling the appointment and doing all of the leg work will put her mind at ease and allow the relaxations she deserves. Locally we have some great options from massage therapists like B-Town Blog Advertiser Ceiba Acupuncture & Body Work in Des Moines. For an unforgettable relaxing facial we have Burien’s Skin Perfect, where she will get the ultimate in facial cleansing and rejuvenation not to mention beautiful make up as well. Here she, or he, can get the skin boutique experience from A-Z. They are offering a unique chocolate facial this season for a sweet twist on the traditional experience.

All of us like to go out to a fancy dinner now and then, but Burien has a lot of options that won’t break the bank. Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar offers a delicious variety of cuisine that is priced so that you can enjoy more than one course and still spring for the bottle of wine. BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi offers an authentic Italian experience in a very romantic atmosphere. For you more casual diners you can check out Elliot Bay Brewery with a mostly organic, upscale pub menu or BTB Advertiser The Tin Room where the designer cocktails speak for themselves.

If you’re looking for that perfect gift she will never forget you will score major points going with something out of the “heart shaped box.” Women want to be able to talk about how amazingly thoughtful your gift was to all of her friends. This does not have to mean the biggest diamond you can find but I would caution against any gift that requires batteries or a power cord unless expressly requested or you might find yourself with some serious couch time.

Think about making a card, the less perfect the better. Try writing your own sayings inside that speaks to the uniqueness of your relationship. If you’re the poetically challenged you can go with a famous love quote on any number of quotation websites. If you are strapped for time after all of the other planning you’ve been doing you can find unique and thoughtful cards at The Card Bar in Olde Burien.

As for the actual gift itself, the more you plan, the more personal it is, the better. You are going to have to really think this one through on your own since no one knows the one you love more than you. Try reminding them of your favorite qualities in them, why you love them and special moments you’ve shared. A gift that creates a memory can never be exchanged.

Valentine’s Day is just about two weeks away, which means that now would probably be a good time to start shopping for something for your sweetie.

We here at The B-Town Blog strongly believe in shopping local, which is why we highly recommend that all our Readers buy their Valentine’s Day gifts from Burien-based Advertiser Dan the Sausageman.

I mean, what says “I Love You” better than a groovy gift box full of high quality meats, cheeses, chocolates and other goodies? And what better way to spend your money than by keeping it local?

Dan the Sausageman has been in business in Burien since 1988. Back then, Dan House (who also owns The Tin Room and the soon-to-be-opening Tin Theater) used to drive around selling sausages to car dealers and other businesses in the south end. Eventually he opened a tiny retail store in Seahurst, then moved into the classic old Hi-Line Tin Shop in Olde Burien where he still works every day.

And no, Danny hasn’t retired his retail sausage business – he’s just moved it in preparations for his new “Tin Theater” (which will be opening soon – stay tuned to the BTB for details) and is doing most work online now (check out his website here).

For Valentine’s Day, Dan the Sausageman is offering a great deal – purchase any gift box, and you’ll get both an extra 9oz Summer Sausage as well as a dozen chocolate kisses!

Gift Boxes are available at this web page, and here are three favorites:

“Dan’s Favorite“: Packed inside this hand made pine crate (15″ x 6.5″ x 4.5″) are all the things Dan loves and is a consistent top pick among our loyal customers. Contents: Summer Sausage (9oz), Sharp Cheese (4oz), Pepper Jelly (5oz), Smoked Salmon (3.25oz), Smoked Pate (3.25oz), Spiced Almonds (1.5oz), Sweet’N'Hot Mustard (2oz), Crackers (1oz), Chocolate Truffles (2pcs), Chocolate Covered Cherries, Blueberries, Cranberries and Apricots (4oz) – all for just $53.95! Click here to order.

“Retro Lunch Box“: If you took a lunch like this to work every day, you probably would WANT to go to work. Our nifty retro lunch pail is filled with all of the stuff that keeps our customers coming back for more. Contents: Summer Sausage (9 oz.), Hot Summer Sausage (9 oz.), Santa Barbara Garlic Stuffed Olives (2 oz.), Bandon Sharp Cheese (8 oz.), Seattle Chocolate Truffles (2.5 oz.), Gourmet Caramels with Almonds, Spiced Almonds (1.5 oz.), Venus Crackers (2 oz.), all for just $54.95! Click here to order.

“Perfect For The Palate“: No, we haven’t started selling paint like Martha Stewart. We do fancy the can though. Whether it is the office, home, or outdoors – all you have to do is spread this out and paint a smile on your face. Contents: Summer Sausage (9 oz.), Hot Summer Sausage (9 oz.), Santa Barbara Garlic Stuffed Olives (2 oz.), Bandon Sharp Cheese (8 oz.), Toffee Almond Cranberry Crunch (8 oz.), Eastshore Pretzels (4 oz.), Sweet ‘n’ Hot Mustard (2 oz.), Spiced Almonds (1.5 oz.), 1 Gallon Collector Paint Can. Just $47.95. Click here to order.

You can order these gift boxes online, as well as many others, safely and securely here (you can also order ala carte items too!).

by Ralph Nichols

King County Executive Dow Constantine re-affirmed in a talk in SeaTac on Friday (Jan. 8th) his commitment to creating a new spirit of cooperation with other local governments.

Constantine, who took office in late November, declared, “We are going to improve our relationship … between King County and the 39 cities in King County.”

This new relationship with the cities “will be one of partnership,” he said.

Constantine added that the county also has an opportunity to work with businesses to prepare and “provide leadership for the economic recovery that is to come.”

He spoke at a membership meeting of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce at the Cedarbrook Lodge.

“This region is the economic engine of the state,” he continued, noting that 30 percent of Washington’s population, 40 percent of its non-farm workforce and 50 percent of its economic activity is in King County.

These are primary reasons why “King County needs to reform the way it works with business … needs to reform the way it works with the cities.”

Reforms need to include county staff doing “the leg work” to find those regulations that affect individual businesses, so owners and managers can focus on running their businesses.

“We need to find ways to incubate new local businesses,” and then work to keep them here “rather than seeing them move elsewhere,” he said.

“Permitting in King County now is daunting,” Constantine said, and the county needs to establish “one-stop shopping” for business licenses and building permits, and to work with the state to simplify business tax codes.

County government also needs to be more efficient, he said.

“I’m very hopeful about our future as a region,” Constantine continued. “It’s clear that the economy in fits and starts is starting to come around. We need to make sure that living wage jobs are available to everyone.”

He added that “visitor taxes,” which helped build Safeco Field, Qwest Field and other public facilities, “need to go to help bring more visitors to King County.”

by Gina Bourdage

You been to all of the big box stores, gotten Timmy his newest electronic fad that he just had to have. The sister-in-law is getting the hat and scarf set and your boss is getting the novelty trophy with “world’s greatest” across the front. Okay so here’s the advice that will save you from looking like you put more thought into your shoes today than what to give the important people in your life.

We’ve scoured Burien, and lo and behold we gotta say – we’ve got some pretty awesome businesses…and none of them are hard to find. And what is more caring than a thoughtful gift that you can not only give to a loved one but back to your community by shopping locally?

We put some thought into this so that you can take all the credit…here ya go:

For the person who has everything stop by Glass Expressions. They have unique stocking stuffers and personal gifts like cheese spreaders, bottle openers and candle holders, and they’re all handmade, with lots of different colors and all for less than $20. If your gift recipient is more crafty check out the long list of classes they offer on stained glass and other projects. Better yet sign up together and enjoy the creating art experience together:

Glass Expressions
648 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-2213
(206) 242-2860
www.glassexpressions.com

For that someone special in your life…and your shower…we found a shower head that makes it seem like you are standing in a warn rain fall at McClendon’s Hardware in White Center for less than $30. They also have stocking stuffers for the foodie on your list like a garlic peeler called Garlic Zoom, which peels garlic without making a mess for just $10. For the person with a sense of humor that hates the slamming sound of toilet seats you can pick up a Whisper Close Designer Toilet Seat and Lid for around $30.

McLendon’s Hardware
10210 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146-1432
(206) 762-4090

For that hard to buy for co-worker, stop by Hans Deli in Burien, or as I grew up knowing it – “The German Store.” I would dare to say they have the largest selection of imported German Beers this side of Seattle, and they’re all for under $10 a pint! Never indulged in a fine German pastry? Then you are missing out! Pick up a hostess gift of Stollen (it’s a cake that comes in a variety of flavors including rum) for $12-$20 or try one of the assorted cookies in beautiful tins and all imported from dare I say the best chocolate in the world for $15-$30.

Hans Deli
717 SW 148th Street (between 7th Ave SW & 8th Ave SW)
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 244-4978

Every woman loves to feel beautiful and one of the best places to help her do that in every sense is at Skin Perfect Aesthetics in Olde Burien. Darla, the owner, knows her stuff and has passed it on to her super-friendly staff. The ladies in your life will feel like they are at a friend’s house getting honest beauty tips and some of the best lines of product including a full line of Bare Essentials and designer fragrances. Giving something from Skin Perfect makes you look like a true B-Town insider.

Skin Perfect Aesthetics
901 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 439-7546
www.skinperfectinseattle.com

Who doesn’t love a designer chotchke or handmade designer jewelry? You’re missing out if you don’t stop by Zizia Gifts in Olde Burien. There is so much to pick from that you can’t go wrong and it all has a story. From designer eggs to hand-stamped leather bags and jewelry. To say everything is handcrafted with love from different artists is an understatement. Every line has a story behind it and if you can’t find something for the most difficult to buy for friend at Zizia then I dare say they can’t be bought for.

Zizia Gifts
827 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-1841
(206) 242-2646

If you’re looking for that favorite aunt that can be found in her garden you’ll need to stop by Herr Backyard Garden Center (BTB Advertiser). They have huge selection of gardening necessities and unique gifts for the person with a green thumb or even some that don’t. From garden tools to furniture, hard to find plants and handcrafted gifts this place will help you check off more than one person left on that list.

Herr Backyard Garden Center
107 SW 160th
Burien, WA 98166
Ph: 206-242-2014

There are plenty more unique stores and restaurants in Burien and the local area, so avoid the mess at the mall and shop local…yule not be sorry you did.

Our friends at the Highline Historical Society remind us that their online auction fundraiser ends Tuesday, Dec. 15th, so there’s still time to get great deals on local restaurants, foods, trips, services (including an Ad on the BTB!) and unusual experiences.

And of course, it’s all for a great cause – the Highline Historical Society!

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the ongoing programs and activities of the Society, including their capital building campaign for the new Highline Heritage Museum on their property in “Old Burien.”

The new Highline Heritage Museum, designed by Rohleder Borges Architects, will be located on the Southwest corner of SW 152nd Street and Ambaum Blvd. SW, where Karuna Yoga Arts is currently housed.

You can access the auction here:

www.highlinehistory.cmarket.com

Jack Block Jr. with Manuela Horn, Burien's 6'2" "Yodeling Dominatrix" (photo from www.jackblockjr.com)

by Ralph Nichols

Jack Block Jr. declared victory late Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 4th) in his race for election to the Burien City Council.

Block, who served on the City Council from 2003 to 2007 and then made an unsuccessful bid for election to the Port of Seattle Commission, challenged first-term incumbent Councilwoman Sue Blazak for her Position 1 seat.

After Wednesday’s update was posted by King County Elections (with Block at 55% and Blazak at 45%), she said of her chances to overcome his lead of almost 10 percent, “It doesn’t look good.”

Blazak, who has served as deputy mayor for the past two years, indicated that she would call Block later in the day to congratulate him.

“I want to thank the voters of Burien for their confidence in me, and I will work hard to fulfill their expectations,” Block said.

With Wednesday’s update, Block now has 2,413 votes (54.61%). Blazak has 1,981 votes (44.83%). There was virtually no change in the gap between them from Tuesday’s initial vote.

Mayor Joan McGilton and Councilwoman Rose Clark, along with Brian Bennett, who will replace retiring long-time Councilwoman Sally Nelson, were not opposed in their election bids.

Soundly defeated was Proposition 1 on Burien’s ballot to create Transportation Benefit District No. 1, which would have funded sidewalks, curbs, bike paths and trails with a $25 motor vehicle license tab fee.

With Tuesday’s update, the transportation district proposal was going down to defeat by a 76.23 percent margin (3,647 votes) to 23.77 percent (1,137 votes).

Sue Blazak

Blazak was also a leading advocate for the transportation district.

Block said he “worked hard on the campaign and that’s reflective of what I’ll do in office.”

The city, he continued, needs “to refocus energy on being more active. We need to re-energize our community. There is a growing apathy and we need to engage our citizens to become more involved.”

As an example, Block noted that only one City Council race in Burien was contested this year, adding that more citizens need to run for office and work on city programs.

“Without that, we won’t grow and prosper as a community,” he said.

Block also wants the city to do more to “involve all of our citizens” in the community. The Nov. 1 “Day of the Dead celebration shows what can be done” to get various ethnic groups involved. “We need to do more of this.”

On the question of annexation, he said the city “botched the job” when it failed to take advantage of “an excellent bargaining position” to get funding from King County for capital projects in North Highline as part of the process.

Block said he will insist on this if there is any move by Burien to annex the rest of the North Highline unincorporated area.

Blazak attributed her loss to the fact that “he sent out three mailers and I sent out one. And he had a lot more yard signs out there.” [EDITOR'S NOTE: Jack Block Jr. also advertised on The B-Town Blog; Blazak did not.]

The proposition for a transportation district was defeated because “we didn’t inform the public well enough,” she added. I think it’s a great idea … when I talked to people they were usually pretty supportive. I hope we try again.”

October 2009 was another record-setting traffic month for The B-Town Blog, and like we did in September (and August and July), we’d like to shout out a huge THANK YOU to all our beloved Readers and Advertisers for the following statistics:

• 39,702 Unique Visitors – an average of 1,281 per day!
• 68.369 Page Views – an average of 2,205 per day!

That translates to an overall current average of nearly 1,600 Unique Visitors and nearly 2,700 Page Views per day for the lifespan of this website (launched in Dec. 2007), along with a current average visit length of over two minutes.

Here are the most recent stats from Sitemeter, a widely-used, independent website that tracks internet traffic:

As you can see, one thing that sets The B-Town Blog apart from others is our open policy of being totally transparent with our website traffic statistics – something you will NOT see on any other competing “local” websites (we use quotation marks because ones produced in downtown Seattle aren’t truly “local” now, are they?).

“Transparent” means that, at any time, you can click on one of at least three statistics links in the footer of the website (at the bottom of any page), and see what kind of traffic we’re getting right then and there from external, independent sources.

That’s right – we have no intention of hiding any information from you, our Readers, nor from our Advertisers or potential Advertisers.

And we challenge our local all media competitors to do the same.

Click on a logo below to see our stats (keep in mind that statistics vary with each independent measuring company, something that’s not in our control):

And remember, we are here to serve our community, since we all live, work, shop, eat and drink here.

We are active members of Discover Burien as well as the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce, and you’ll see us at various events, Farmers Markets, festivals, city council meetings and much more.

If you’d like more information on our Advertising solutions, please don’t hesitate to email us!