Whispers of illicit hooch and roaring twenties jazz drift on the breeze. Welcome to Kenmore. Right here on the shores of Lake Washington stands a city steeped in history. Kenmore wasn’t always the quiet suburban haven it is today. Once a bustling hub of activity its story unfolds before you.
From its humble beginnings as a shingle mill town founded by John McMasters in 1901 Kenmore’s identity took shape. McMasters named this new settlement after his Canadian hometown. This was a smart move. Kenmore Ontario itself was named after a village in Scotland. A charming and unexpected piece of trivia. The mill employed many workers establishing a small company town. Life wasn’t all work. Even before the improved Red Brick Road in 1913 Kenmore was accessible by boat. Ferries regularly travelled to Seattle Bothell and Woodinville. This created a unique atmosphere.
Prohibition transformed Kenmore into a legendary destination. The Blind Pig a lakeside speakeasy was famous throughout Seattle. This notorious establishment wasn’t alone. The Inglewood Tavern known as the Bucket of Blood was equally infamous for its rowdy patrons. Over thirty restaurants dance halls bars and clubs thrived in this three-block area. Kenmore was a lively place during the Jazz Age.
The Great Depression brought change. A small settlement of workers arrived as part of President Roosevelt’s Back to the Land program. This area became known as Voucherville after the WPA vouchers used for payment. Then came World War II. Kenmore became home to US Army Nike Hercules missile batteries. These nuclear-tipped missiles were meant to defend Seattle. They were removed in 1974.
The post-war era reshaped Kenmore. Kenmore Air Harbor a major seaplane base opened near the site of the Blind Pig. Its proximity to Seattle fuelled housing development. The Uplake neighborhood began selling plots in 1954. Shopping centers and industry replaced many of the older establishments. Yet some pieces of the past remain. The Jewel Box Building downtown is a Seattle World’s Fair artifact. It was moved to Kenmore in 1962.
Kenmore officially incorporated in 1998 after many years of discussion. The city government actively worked to revitalize the downtown area. They invested in new infrastructure and development projects. Today Kenmore is a blend of old and new. A thriving community with a fascinating past.
Kenmore’s story is one of transformation. From a remote logging town to a bustling Prohibition-era hotspot to a modern suburban city its evolution is striking. This is more than just a location. This is Kenmore a place where history lives and breathes.