Was it defiance or stubbornness that fueled Edith Macefield to stand her ground? Here we are at the site of Edith Macefield’s House. It is a testament to one woman’s unwavering spirit. Edith Macefield became a folk hero when she refused a million-dollar offer. The offer was to sell her home to commercial developers in 2006.
Edith Macefield’s House is located at 1438 NW 46th St in Seattle. Developers wanted to build a five-story retail complex. But Edith Macefield wouldn’t budge. So the project was built around her 108-year-old farmhouse.
Edith Macefield was born Doris Edith Wilson. Her birth was August 21, 1921. She was born in North Bend, Oregon. Edith Macefield passed away on June 15, 2008 in Seattle. She was 86 years old.
Edith Macefield’s story touched hearts worldwide. Many saw her as a symbol against unchecked development. Her small farmhouse stood defiant. It stood against the looming commercial project.
After Edith Macefield’s death, she willed the house to Barry Martin. He was the construction superintendent. She was grateful for his friendship and caretaking. Barry recalled she almost sold the house. But she broke some ribs. That made things too difficult.
Edith Macefield had a colorful past. She was born in Oregon in 1921. She learned French and German. Edith even joined the military. But officials discovered she was underage. She was not yet 18 years old.
Edith Macefield stayed in England. She cared for war orphans. Later, she moved back home. She took care of her mother. She also worked at Washington Dental Service. Edith Macefield was married four times. All her marriages were in Europe. She outlived her last three husbands. Her only child died at 13 from spinal meningitis.
Edith Macefield bought her house in 1952. The house has 1050 square feet. It has four rooms. Those rooms are an attic, bathroom, and two bedrooms.
Edith Macefield’s final wish was to die in her family home. She is buried in Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle. She is beside her mother. Her mother died in 1976 on the same couch as Edith.
In 2009, Disney publicists put balloons on Edith Macefield’s house. This was a promotion for the movie Up. The movie features a house surrounded by development. However, Up’s script began in 2004. That was before Edith Macefield’s refusal to sell.
Barry Martin sold the house in 2009. The buyer was real estate investor Greg Pinneo. He paid $310,000. Pinneo planned to use it for his real estate coaching firm. But in 2015, the house went into foreclosure. Pinneo failed to pay back taxes.
The Macefield Music Festival began in 2013. It took place in Ballard. It celebrated Edith Macefield’s steadfast spirit.
Edith Macefield’s story continues to inspire artists. A BBC Radio 4 play titled The Macefield Plot aired in 2019. It starred Siân Phillips as Edith Macefield.
Edith Macefield’s House remains a symbol of resistance. It is a reminder that sometimes holding your ground is more valuable than any sum of money. It embodies the spirit of old Seattle. It stands against the tide of new development.