Thursday, June 19, 2008

Edith Macefield, 1922-2008. Thank You, Edith.

86-year-old Edith Macefield lived in her Ballard Cottage since 1966, refusing numerous offers by developers to buy her property. The most recent offer of 1 million dollars was refused as quickly as all the others, and as a result, the massive shopping complex of New Ballard was constructed around her. Stating that she didn't want the money and that since she had lived through World War II, the noise didn't bother her, she became a symbol of historic Ballard's struggle with the rapid gentrification of their once quiet neighborhood.

On Sunday, June 15, 2008, Edith passed away after a long battle with cancer. She will be missed.




The text of this letter reads, "We called you 'Ballard Bridge Betty' when we didn't know your name. Blessings, and we hope you like your new home. You were my hero, and an inspiration to keep fighting to save my home, Rest in Peace, Chris G."


2 comments:

OIMS said...

My first time hearing of Edith but what a great lady! Sticking up for her principles, she is (I'd say was, but I mean is) to be admired!

Brian Opalewski said...

Agreed!