New book brings First Streets past to life

"First Street Stories: A Mid-Century Snohomish Childhood," authored by Malcolm Bates and Taylor Russell, chronicles the historical journey of First Street in Snohomish. Bates, whose father was a notable local newspaper editor, recalls vivid childhood memories, such as riding his tricycle to Weed’s Variety Store. Russell complements his narrative with her research and historical articles, emphasizing the importance of local history. Bates' reflections reveal a newfound appreciation for the community's past and its colorful characters. The authors hope their work will inspire others to share their stories and explore Snohomish's history further.

Bates' daughter Rosie aided in editing the memoir, while his daughter Bella created the cover artwork. The book is self-published and available online at www. snohomishwalks. com/links. Both Bates and Russell are eager for future projects to enrich the documentation of Snohomish's historical narrative.