Malcolm Bates (left) and Taylor Russell show their newly published book “First Street Stories” while on First Street last week.
Photo by Doug Ramsay
SNOHOMISH — First Street in downtown Snohomish has evolved over the years, transitioning from a center of commerce to a place steeped in nostalgia and history.
Few have documented this journey as thoroughly as long-time resident and author Malcolm Bates. Now, in collaboration with local historian Taylor Russell, Bates has released a captivating book, “First Street Stories: A Mid-Century Snohomish Childhood,” that brings the town’s past to life and offers a window into its many changes.
“My earliest memories are of First Street,” said Malcolm Bates, whose father, Bill Bates, was editor and publisher of the Snohomish County Tribune from 1955 to 1981.
His nostalgic reflections, paired with historical records from the Tribune, serve as the foundation of his newly released memoir. “It’s a glimpse into an era of Snohomish that hasn’t existed in decades,” Bates said. “A real meat-and-potatoes town, where you could do all your business.”
Bates recalls riding his tricycle as his mother, Barbara, walked beside him, traveling the short distance from their home to Weed’s Variety Store on First Street.
For years, writing about First Street lingered as just an idea — something Bates considered but never sought after while he and his wife Carol pursued careers and raised their family. Now retired from teaching eighth grade and with his daughters grown, he revisited the project, enlisting Russell’s help. Russell added pages of her own with historical articles.
“I couldn’t have written the history without Taylor,” Bates said, who appreciated her experience not just on Snohomish’s history, but in editing and publishing books.
Russell’s passion for local history dates to her teenage years. Even as an eighth grader in Bates’ classroom, she was frustrated that so little of Snohomish’s past was recorded. It led her to study its history in greater depth. This eventually brought her and Bates together to collaborate on the book.
“It’s history, but it’s personal history,” Russell said.
In the book’s foreword, she writes that it “transports you to Snohomish as it was in the 1950s, a place both familiar and just out of reach.”
With a vivid portrayal of First Street’s past, the memoir captures the colorful characters and everyday life that once defined downtown Snohomish. As Bates reflected on his childhood while writing, he found new appreciation for his parents and the elders who shaped his formative years.
“I began to see people as complete flesh and blood, instead of stuffy old people,” Bates said.
He rediscovered his father’s work as a writer through old newspaper articles, and he’s curious whether others from his era will find their memories aligning with his or differing. Perhaps, he hinted, this first publication could lead to more stories about Historic Snohomish.
“There’s a lot we can do with Snohomish history,” Russell said. Both she and Bates are open to future projects and continuing the journey of documenting Snohomish’s history.
The memoir is written by Bates, and snapshot historical articles are written by Russell. Bates’ daughter Rosie helped with edits, and his daughter Bella made the front cover artwork. The book is self-published and may be purchased directly from the co-authors or ordered online at: www.snohomishwalks.com/links
Book cover
