Seattle Walk of Fame Honors Local Heroes
While staying at the centrally located Hyatt Regency in Seattle, it’s within walking distance to so many of Seattle’s iconic attractions. Three blocks from the hotel is the Seattle Walk of Fame in front and around the block of Nordstrom’s flagship store. This walk was commissioned in 1998, when the store relocated to the former Frederick & Nelson in the Westlake neighborhood. It’s an enlightening way for locals and visitors to learn how 33 individuals in their unique way, contributed to The Emerald City, the state of Washington and the world.
John Nordstrom on Seattle Walk of Fame. Photo by Jill Weinlein
Starting with John W. Nordstrom, I learned he arrived to the U.S. from Sweden with only $5 in his pocket. Unable to speak English, Nordstrom worked hard in mines and logging camps to save enough money to eventually open a shoe store in 1901. Sticking to his founding principals of quality, value and selection, Nordstrom became a leader in apparel and accessories.
One plaque reads, “Just like you and me, they walk the same streets, with grand visions and dreams etched in their mind. They put on their shoes one at a time, then inspire us with their giant strides.” A special thank you tribute is dedicated to the students of The Cleveland Arts Foundation, a Seattle-based Arts Education Program of South East Effective Development for this lasting tribute.
Another Nordstrom family member honored is Blake Nordstrom. Working for the company starting at the age of 11, he rose to serve as the company’s co-president, before succumbing to cancer at the age of 58.
Paul Allen and Bill Gates
World Changing Ideas
In 1975, Paul G. Allen and Bill Gates co-founders of Microsoft, created a personal computer to use as a valuable tool for every office desk and home. This collaborative idea became the #1 independent computer software company in the world.
Chairman and C.E.O Howard Schultz created Starbucks coffee and established the Starbucks Foundation as a tool to raise awareness for literacy and other social causes.
Howard Schultz
Artist Dale Chihuly attended Seattle University for two years before becoming an internationally renowned for his blown glass pieces, and co-founding The Pilchuck Glass School. His glass art is displayed in museum collections around the world, including one stunning piece displayed proudly at Seattle University. Many of his colorful pieces can be seen at the Chihuly Garden and Glass next to Seattle’s Space Needle.
Athletes
Michelle Akers led the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team to victory at the FIFA World Cup Championship in 1991 and 1999, and the Olympic Gold Medal in 1996. She is the all-time leading player in goals and points in World Cup competitions. In 1999 she was honored with the CONCACAF Female Player of the Century Award.
Michelle Akers
Born and raised in Seattle, Jim and twin brother Lou Whittaker are the most accomplished mountain climbers in the world. Jim was the first person to reach the top of Mt. Everest. He wrote, A Life on the Edge, for readers to discover that a true hero is someone who inspires others to seek challenges in their own lives. Brother Lou is the first American to reach the top of Mt. Kangechenjunga and Everest’s north side. Both are now 94 years old.
Mountain Climbers Jim and Lou Whittaker
Stepping into the footprints of Seattle Seahawk’s wide receiver Steve Largent one will learn he set six different career records and participated in seven Pro Bowls. As an active and popular community member in Seattle, he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1994.
Mark Morris
Bronze barefoot Mark Morris created the Mark Morris Dance Group in 1980. As one of the world’s top choreographers applying his innovative talents to opera, ballet and theater.
Apolo Anton Ohno
Apolo Anton Ohno became the U.S. National Champion at 14 years old and competed in the Winter Olympic Games in 2002, 2006 and 2010, earning eight medals. Ohno is the most decorated Winter Olympic athlete of all time.
Lenny Wilkens is honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players and one of the 10 Greatest NBA Coaches. In 1979, he guided the Seattle SuperSonics to their first World Championship.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Ken Griffey Jr. made his major league debut at the age of 19, leading the Seattle Mariners to two American League West Championships. Elected to eight All-Star games, he won a record eight straight Gold Gloves and the 1997 A.L.MVP award. He gives back to the community donating time and energy to Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club.
Music Inspiration
Stepping into the bronze footprints of electric guitar great Jimi Hendrix. Born in Seattle in 1942, not only did he become a musical pioneer on the electric guitar, his debut album, ‘Are You Experienced’, remains one of the most popular rock albums of all time.
Quincy Jones attended Garfield High School in Seattle and later became one of the greatest music, film and television award producer, winning over 25 Grammy Awards, plus composing more than 30 motion picture scores. Jones helped promote the careers of numerous musicians and performers. He produced ‘We Are The World’, as well as Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album, and the Academy Award winning movie ‘The Color Purple’.
Gerard Schwarz was honored in 1994 as “Conductor of the Year” by Musical America. He was the Music Director of the Seattle Symphony and led award-winning recordings, and active in music education.
Conductor Gerard Schwarz
Cultural icons Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman are the co-founders and record executives of Sub Pop Records in 1988. They showcased many Seattle area musicians, discovering Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney, leading them to international fame. Sub Pop has left an enduring legacy in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Education and Improving Lives
Father William Sullivan served as President of Seattle University from 1976-1996, leading the four-year University to record enrollment, financial stability, and new academic programs. He also served as chairman of the Organizing Committee that brought the 1990 Goodwill Games to Seattle.
Father William “Bill” Sullivan
Gary Locke was the 21st governor elected in the state in Washington in 1996, serving as the first Chinese-American governor in U.S. history. His goal was to focus on improving the state’s public schools. Throughout his career, he created more opportunities for citizens to attend state’s colleges and universities.
Gary Locke
Mary Gates devoted her time as a native to Seattle helping others. She served as the first female president of the Board of Directors of United Way of King County.
Mary Gates
Belding H. Scribner M.D. was a pioneer in kidney dialysis. He and colleagues at the University of Washington developed the the Scribner shunt enriching millions of people suffering from chronic kidney disease to live productive lives.
Dr. Belding H. Scribner
Seattle Walk of Fame is located at 500 Pine Street in Seattle.
