In Days Gone By Hung in effigy

On November 11, 1908, a figure representing T. A. A. Siegfriedt was found hanging in effigy in Edmonds, a dramatic symbol of the city's civic strife. This incident underscored a power struggle between the Citizens Committee and the Law and Order League, each advocating for different visions for the future of Edmonds.

The Citizens Committee, spearheaded by Zophar Howell III and Mayor James Brady, focused on economic growth and development, while the Law and Order League, including Siegfriedt and Rev. J. E. Tedford, aimed to curb the lawlessness prevalent in the waterfront area. At that time, Edmonds was effectively two towns: a rough lower section rife with saloons and a more respectable upper area filled with businesses and homes.

Rapid growth had led to increasing tensions, as the city grappled with its identity amid conflicting interests. Howell's efforts to bring industries to Edmonds met with mixed success, contributing to local frustrations. The hanging effigy serves as a historical marker, illustrating the struggles communities face when defining their paths forward. This episode in Edmonds' history remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of local governance and civic engagement.