So much to blog…so little time. The Big Thing I must get out today is that my radio interview on Frederick & Nelson is airing today on KUOW 94.9 FM at 2:20 PM!!!! The host, Dave Beck, and I only taped the segment yesterday…I had thought I might have a bit more time to get the word out but…I’m just thrilled it finally happened. This interview was supposed to originally air on Christmas Eve but the inclement weather repeatedly prevented the taping from taking place.
Taping the interview was a lot of fun. Being in the recording studio was just like being on Frasier! Except, of course, Dave is a lot cuter (and not as full of neuroses) as Kelsey Grammer. I, of course, looked particularly fetching as we all know that’s of primary importance on radio. I restrained myself from playing with the knobs and switches and trying to make them go to eleven.
The focus of the interview was on Frederick & Nelson’s contributions towards creativity and community. All the standard topics were covered and a few new stories for the listeners. Hope you get a chance to tune in!
January 29, 2009 at 4:07 pm
I heard the interview and it reminded me that we have a collection of letters at the Washington State Historical Society written by a woman who worked in food service at F&N from about 1960 to 1980. Reading these one could only conclude that F&N was one of the worst places to work. Mean spirited, unfair, cheap, and particularly unfair to women. No romantic nostalgia in these letters.
February 24, 2009 at 11:24 am
Hi Ed,
I’m sorry that your impression of F&N was created by the letters of one woman who worked there during what was arguably their declining years. As a fellow historian I know you know how important it is to get a full, well rounded story from extensive research and that’s certainly what I tried to do in my book. I hope you’ll give it a look or read the many positive comments on my blog from former F&N employees.
February 1, 2009 at 5:05 am
Hello Ann, I am writing to you from Germany. I am a Seattle girl who also grew up with fond memories of Frederick and Nelsons. I was so excited to find your blog and information about your book. I have been on a quest for many years and have been searching for the last nine years while living in Germany for a candy that my Grandmother and Mother use to buy at the candy department. We were told it was made in France and I do not remember a name. They were little pea sized crystalized sugar balls in pastel colors that were filled with perfume like flowery flavored liquid. Any rememberences of this candy? Any clues that might set me in the right direction would be appreciated.
I wish so much that I could have listened to your radio interview and attended the Reminiscense Tea. I am coming to Seattle next week for my Fathers 91st birthday and will look to purchase one of your books. I know it will be a treasure to enjoy. Thank you for keeping the memories alive for us. Arlene
February 24, 2009 at 11:19 am
Hi Arlene,
I’m so sorry for the delay in responding to you. I wish I could have connected with you when you were visiting Seattle. I hope you were able to find my book out there! If you check on my website (or my last blog post) you’ll find a link for the KUOW interview so you can still listen if you’d like.
I totally remember the candy you mentioned! Of course what I remember is putting one in my mouth as a child and immediately spitting it out because I thought it was filled with soap. A couple of others I’ve spoken with also remember the candy and think they may have been put out by the company who also made fruit and violet flavored (anise) pastilles. I’ll see if I can find more info…
April 19, 2009 at 8:56 am
I can still “taste” (in my mind, of course) the fabulous F&N fresh-baked bakery products – their dark rye bread in particular. YUM! Very special memories of trips to town on the bus with mom in the 50s and 60s. Our treat was to enjoy a roast beef on rye sandwich at the Paul Bunyan Room (restaurant) at F&N. Good times!