The Home of Edith Macefield

Edith Macefield (1921 – 2008) was a hero to many Seattelites, unwittingly becoming an icon of old Seattle holding its own against the influx of modern development.
She made an international stir after refusing to sell her tiny Ballard home for $ 1 million in order to make way for new construction. Edith says she wasn’t trying to make a point, other than that she was happy with her lot in life and didn’t need to change. «Somehow this old house wrapped its age-​old structure round me and hung on,» she wrote. «Why run away/I’m big enough for your needs it seemed to say.»
Finally developers were forced to build up on all sides around Edith and her home, leaving just a tiny corner for her to stay.
There’s uncertainty as to what will happen to her property now that she has passed away, but I certainly hope it will remain as it is today – something to make passersby pause and think. I’m not opposed to progress and development. Quite to the contrary, I’m all for it. But the best progress is getting smarter, not bigger, and I think that’s something that Seattle forgets at times.
Please… won’t someone step up and save Edith’s home?!?

When I grow old, I want to be feisty like Ms. Macefield. She’s an inspiration to all of us who may not believe we can hold onto our dreams in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
Godspeed, Ms. Macefield!