|
A Community is Built
John Adams, James Colman, and Dr. Edward Kilbourne set out to build the remote Fauntleroy settlement into a community. On July 25, 1908, Fauntleroy Church was "built in a day" on land donated by Adams, labor by the community, and lumber by Colman. The Olmsted plan for parks and boulevards in Seattle recommended including land at Point Williams as part of their system. In time this was done and Lincoln Park was the result.
Laurence Colman and Dr. Kilbourne had been instrumental in building the downtown Seattle YMCA. In 1914, they proceeded to plan and build a gym and recreation center next to the church in Fauntleroy. This became the Fauntleroy YMCA. The "Y," along with the church, is a strong part of the community today.
The streetcar line, roads, and a dock at the cove combined to bring more people to the cove. In 1917, Adams sold land to the Seattle School District for a permanent Fauntleroy School.
With the church, YMCA, parks, and school, people of Fauntleroy were determined to build a community suitable for children.
Fauntleroy School, at 9131 California Ave. S.W., was built in 1917-18 and expanded in 1949 and 1952. In 1981, the school was closed and is now home to several businesses including the Hall at Fauntleroy and Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering.
|
