Note: When I planned this series of stories as part of the #the100DayProject I’d identified several towns and areas to highlight as local travel destinations. The onset of the coronavirus and the ensuing lockdown led to a new focus. While not the stories I intended to tell, the first few are related to our new world. They are important – maybe more important than the originally planned stories.
They say there are at least two sides to every story and that holds true for this Six Photo Story. The photos were made early on a Sunday morning after the first lockdown in Washington State was issued. Being outdoors was still allowed for exercise, as long as people were mindful of social distancing.
I walked Seattle’s deserted downtown core early on a beautiful, spring, morning enjoying the rising sun and calm streets. But, as I approached Pike Place Market, even from a distance I could sense things were amiss.
One of the many signs throughout the Market as proprietors close their shops or reduce hours or services. The reflection in the window is of Shephard Fairey/ObeyGiant’s Fire Sale mural on the side of the State Hotel.
It was about 7:30 am, a time normally filled with scurrying activity before the official opening of the Market. The permanent stalls would be unpacking and setting up; vendors should be toting bags, buckets and boxes from their vehicles or storage, in the back halls of the market, to their assigned spaces; doors should be propped open in the shops that line Pike Place with sweet and spicy smells of pastries and ethnic foods swirling on the morning breeze. At this time, the Market would be humming with busy bees preparing for the weekend shoppers and crowds.
I could hear the quiet as I approached, the streets were inexplicably empty. I’ve been to the Market before or after hours many, many times. I’m used to the quiet solitude of the Market after it’s been put to bed and before it fully awakens. But this was different. As I came closer to the main entrance, my good spirits dissipated.
A stack of supplies since unattended on a countertop. One of the most popular booths at the Market, the Daily Dozen - like most Market businesses - is closed until further notice.
Areas of the market were blocked with traffic cones and yellow tape; doors between the buildings and stairways were locked or blocked; small signs on windows and doors detailed limited hours, reduced services, or total closures. I passed a couple walking their dog, a man purchasing piroshky, another man hoisting a backpack and walking along the cobblestones hoping for a cup of coffee. That was it.
A man walks through the Market looking for coffee.
Everywhere you looked there were signs this was not an overnight closure but something much more serious. I thought of all the interrupted lives – both those of the sellers and vendors who bring life and color to the market, and those of the locals and tourists who’d normally fill the streets looking for delicious treasures or creative mementos. My heart broke as I walked through the empty passageways.
The original Starbucks location in Pike Place Market. On any given day the line extends through the shop and onto sidewalk where stanchions and ropes keep the crowd in order and from blocking traffic. On this morning this woman was leaving as I entered. We were the only two customers.
As I looked through my photos, selecting them for this story, editing and working with them, I began to see something else. There was a shift in perspective, and the other side of the story emerged. I realized that what started as sadness was cause for celebration and pride. Seattle shut itself down for the greater good. The community was fully supporting the community. This is a story of people giving; acting responsibly; waiting to spring back to life. Many individuals are deeply and negatively impacted by this shutdown, but they stay home for the good of the city.
Seattle locals love Pike Place Market, the Market is all about supporting local makers and producers, it’s where we take visitors to show off our love of the city. and now the empty halls and tables are indicative of our love for our community.
Similar scenes are repeated around town, across the state and nation, extending throughout the world. This is a story of the good that continues to live in us and among us. It’s a story of compassion and hope.