File:South Lake Union sawmills, ca. 1889 - DPLA - be00cca3bd458cb6af154badeec9a551.jpg

Transcribed from photograph: "This is an old-time picture showing the two mills which were build and operated at the south end of Lake Union in the early '80s. The mill in the foreground was erected late in 1881 and operated under various ownerships until comparatively recent years. It was quite generally known throughout its existence was the "Western Mill." David T. Denny, on whose original donation claim it was located, was for a time financially interested in its operation, cutting 25,000 feet daily. Later, in 1883, the second mill was built by a corporation with A. Brewster as President. It originally cut 40,000 feet daily. 'Lake Union' as the district became known, developed quite a little settlement, building largely around these mills, later augmented by a furniture factory, an ice plant, a brewery, two hotels and stores of various kinds. The first mill stood at what is now the intersection of Westlake Avenue with the lake shore. For some years after the mills started operation their supply of logs came from the timber on the shores of the lake itself. Later logs were drifted in from Lake Washington through the "ditch" which was dug between the two lakes of sufficient size to float logs."