Northwest ways draw in a ‘convert’

  • Reader Column / Reader Column
  • Tuesday, December 25, 2001 9:00pm
  • Local News

How does a farm girl from Virginia journey by car across the country to Seattle in the waning days of December 1950?

Carefully, very carefully, as I wrote in my family history books.

The FBI transferred my husband and I to Anchorage, Alaska. While in Seattle for a week awaiting the old Alaska steamship Denali, my "conversion" began.

The weather was mixed, with rain, snow and clear days as well. We busied ourselves gathering gear and selling our automobile. One of the FBI agents who assisted us kept saying, "You can’t see it today."

After hearing this a couple of times, my curiosity got the best of me. When the agent said, "You can see it today," I inquired what "it" was. His answer: "Mount Rainier." And there it was, in all its glory, for me to see for the first time. I think I was hooked from that moment.

With some apprehension, our five-day journey during Christmas week 1950 began as we headed north. All meals aboard ship were included, which helped our finances. Upon arrival in Seward, Alaska, we boarded the train to Anchorage and thus began our life in the far north.

Living in a territory was exciting, as were the dog sled races, the beautiful sun-draped pink mountains and above all the generous and spirited folks we met. Six months later, after a five-hour plane ride, we arrived in Seattle, this time to live.

The conversion was almost complete. Except for two other periods in Michigan and Virginia, I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for almost 50 years. The rain makes me feel alive, and the trees, plants, and I say "Thank you." The flowers that bloom year-round and the temperate weather suits my body and temperament. No air conditioning for me if I can roll down the car window instead.

Even as a cancer survivor, life has been both good and bad. However, the good has far outweighed the bad. Travel for career and pleasure has taken me to every state in the United States. In addition, I have been to Mexico, Hawaii several times, Canada, England, Wales and Scotland twice, and Ireland once.

Beginning my career at age 17 gave me the freedom to do these things and retire early. My retirement from the FBI and Census Bureau has consisted of earning a master’s degree in business administration; volunteering for many interesting jobs including reading to blind people over the radio; and assisting other women in financial matters.

As a mother of one and a grandmother of two, who live nearby, I feel especially blessed. Next year, my grandson will join the rest of our family who have completed college. I am truly thankful for the privilege of being a convert to the Northwest.

Lucie Hash Linville now lives in Everett.

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