The Montlake neighborhood of Seattle has a rich history that dates back to its earliest settlement, where both Indigenous Peoples and European settlers acknowledged the significance of the region as a vital portage route for watercraft. This area, being the narrowest stretch of land between Lake Union and Lake Washington, naturally led early inhabitants to envision a future canal connecting the two lakes, thereby enhancing the value of the surrounding land. Surveys and purchases of the area occurred several decades prior to the establishment of the Lake Washington Ship Canal in 1916. However, residential development did not commence until 1905, and it took an additional four years for streetcar service to be extended to the neighborhood. The 23rd Avenue Line was originally built to transport visitors from downtown Seattle to the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, and it continued to provide service to Montlake until the streetcar lines were discontinued in the 1940s.

This image was taken of the Montlake neighborhood at the beginning of housing development. The view is looking west on Boyer Avenue from 25th Avenue North. The bulk of Montlake's housing stock was constructed between 1910 and 1940.

Handwritten on mount: Boyer Ave. Looking West, March 15th 1913

Handwritten on verso: Looking West from 25 North
Printed on sticker on verso: Phone Queen Anne 1042, L. B. Waters, Commercial Photographer, Views for Haftone cuts. Pictures in colors. At-home portraits. Kodak finishing. Enlarging, Etc. 417 1-2 First Ave. West, Seattle, Wash

Caption information source: "Seattle Neighborhoods: Montlake — Thumbnail History," by Paula Becker, HistoryLink.org Essay 10170.