Missing Fingers and Limbs: Shingle Mill Workers Endured Tough Times

For its first exhibit of the year, "Weavers, Wobblies and Woe," the turns the spotlight on the city’s former shingle mills—hubs of work, politics and social interaction.

You can learn about the town’s first sawmills, see artifacts and tools from the mills and learn about the dangers of working in the booming industry.

“We have a fantastic collection of photographs, artifacts, and books at the museum, so we really wanted to showcase some of those,” said museum director Tarin Erickson. “We did most of the research here, and worked with the Everett Public Library to obtain additional information and photographs.”

The first shingle mill in Edmonds was opened in 1888-89 by . According to Erickson, the last shingle mill, Quality Shingle Mill, closed in 1951, more than a mere memory for some in town. “For more than 60 years, the industry defined the waterfront,” she said.

Along with workers’ tools, original copper mill stencils, spiked boots and working ledgers are all on display. One wall of the exhibit focuses on the inherent danger in working at a shingle mill.

Shingle weavers (defined as anyone who worked at a shingle mill) were often identified by their missing fingers or limbs. It was a dangerous job, but one that was vital to the economy of early Snohomish county.

As part of the museum’s permanent collection, visitors can view a model shingle mill at work.

“Weavers, Wobblies and Woe” will be on display through March 4 at Edmonds Museum, 118 Fifth Avenue N. For more information, call 425-774-0900.