Since we reprinted an early poem praising Factoria in this section a few months ago, it seems appropriate to follow up with one for central Bellevue. The poem will be run in two segments.

These verses appeared in an issue of the Kirkland News-Independent in March of 1915. According to the paper’s Bellevue correspondent Hugh Martin, “The following poem was written and read by Mr. Perkins at a recent entertainment given by the Improvement Club at Community Hall. It was very much enjoyed by the large audience present.”

It was only a joke that put my name

On the program. It was not for fame,

For the rhymes I make are very lame,

But what’s the use?

If I can only increase the fun,

Bring a smile to the face of everyone;

I’ll try to finish what I’ve begun.

It might be worse!

Know ye this land of the great Northwest,

The soil and climate invite a test;

Potatoes and apples the very best,

For a population yet to be.

Know ye the region of Puget Sound,

Whose waters by ice are never bound;

Its oysters are the smallest found.

It’s an outlet to the sea.

You’ve heard of a town on Meydenbauer Bay,

With Seattle only three miles away.

The inhabitants rush there every day,

A few with things to sell.

When the ferry leaves its Leschi port

They return to homes of every sort.

It’s evident everyone has bought,

How much, who can tell?

This town someone named Bellevue,

Hardly original and nothing new,

If the Indian name we only knew;

It might be unique.

Its streets someday may be made

With gravel or pavement over-laid;

Let us trust the taxes can be paid.

From these none can sneak.

…to be continued in the next article!

To learn more about Bellevue and Eastside history, contact the Eastside Heritage Center at 425-450-1049 or visit www.EastsideHeritageCenter.org