First Street Stories: A Mid-Century Snohomish Childhood

Growing up, author Malcolm Bates knew Snohomish’s First Street as the heart of town—a place to shop for groceries, school clothes, a baseball mitt, even a car. Prescriptions could be filled, city bills paid, books checked out, and letters mailed. More than a shopping district, First Street was the backdrop for small-town celebrations, youthful misadventures, a few disasters, and many colorful characters who shaped the community then and now. Through his masterful storytelling, Bates brings the First Street of his youth to life, sharing everyday moments in heartfelt detail. Complementing Bates’s personal memoir are historical sketches by writer Taylor Russell, adding deeper insight into First Street’s evolution. Together, these stories weave a portrait of a place where the past lingers in faded advertisements, neon signs, and names etched into tile underfoot.For residents, history lovers, and anyone who has wandered down Snohomish’s First Street, this book is a tribute to the charm, change, and continuity of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved places.MALCOLM BATES is a writer and former teacher who grew up in Snohomish, the son of the local newspaper editor.TAYLOR RUSSELL is a historian, writer, and founder of SnohomishWalks, dedicated to uncovering and sharing stories from our past. Read more