One of the most wonderful changes in Seattle is the gigantic regrade work, which in a short time will so change the topography of the city, that residents who left the city ten years ago, would on their return, have hard work in locating old land marks. I understand that to take the United States as a whole, this city is one of the best advertised cities west of Chicago, and one cannot visit any other city without being made aware that the majority of the people know all about Seattle. Of course these reports must be of recent date, as the "Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition" was the real advertising factor, as it certainly was the most grandly arranged, and most successful fair that it has ever been my privilege to see.
As I look through this book, written so many years ago, I am made aware of the old time citizens who have been called Home, yet feel that all who have not had opportunity to read the early history of the Scandinavians in this part of the country, will derive a great deal of pleasure in being able to refresh their memories, and to those Scandinavians who have recently settled in this part of the country, the book will no doubt be the means of many re-unions of friendship formed in other parts of the world.
In concluding this short sketch, permit me to add "Greetings from Puget Sound," a poem which I wrote some months ago, and which was published on a post card, and copyrighted by The Scenic Library Company.
Land and sea united greet us, Greeting all in words sublime; And with magic touches lift us, On the sunny wings of time. Over hills and laughing waters Plumage songsters hang and soar; From their hearts with gladness panting Greetings ever shake and pour.
In the distance mellow cloudlets Float around the old Rainier, Mixing with his locks of silver In the balmy atmosphere. And we hear Snoqualmie yonder Calling, calling, loud and free. In a voice which shakes with welcome He is calling to the sea.
From the mountain's snow-clad bosom Brooklets winding seaward sing; And the silver-braided wildwoods Tingle with the joy of spring. Breezes playing with the sea-nymphs Kiss the wooded land with glee, And the golden shore is warbling With the music of the sea.