Fall 2003

Author Continues Delving into Lighthouse History

Earlier this year local historian Junius Rochester began work on a book relating the history of the Seattle Lighthouse. Now, four months later, Junius is deep in the process of gathering information for this narrative. Here, in his own words, is an update on the project’s progress:

Seattle Lighthouse history is everywhere. Besides interviewing employees, trustees, donors and friends, I have looked at old Lighthouse files and roamed the stacks of the Seattle Public Library and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. Details continue to emerge about the Lighthouse, Handcrest (which merged with the Lighthouse in 1964) and the many contractors who have aided the Lighthouse growth over eighty-five years.

The most interesting part of the story, however, concerns the employees and supporters who are blind, Deaf-Blind and have other disabilities. Their frustrations, successes and personal tales are woven throughout Lighthouse history, helping create one of Seattle’s most remarkable growth industries.

Many readers of Horizons know something about the traditional Lighthouse path from brooms to federal contracts to Boeing to technological innovation. In between these large steps is also a series of less well known efforts aimed at product diversification and opening Lighthouse doors to individuals from throughout the United States and beyond.

Within the next six months, and with the help of employees, trustees, management and outside contractors, I will try to describe much of the above story. If you want to add a story or picture, please contact Annual Fund Manager Jennifer Moore, 206-436-2253 or jmoore@seattlelh.com at the Lighthouse’s office of Public Relations and Resource Development.

                                                                        Junius Rochester, Writer-in-Residence

The Lighthouse extends its heartfelt thanks to the individuals whose contributions have made this project possible:

Kirk Adams 
David Davis
Robert Francis, M.D.
Raymond W. Haman 
Don Helsel 
Paula Hoffman 
George Jacobson 
Karen Kidd 
Douglas M. Klan 
Tom Kuebler 
Albert F. Mladenich 
Henry Robinett 
Patrick Sullivan 
Teresa Summers 
Bruce Walker 
Ken Wherry 
G. H. “Oly” Wise  

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