From Wood Stoves to Induction Stoves
The Everett Station District has been known for manufacturing for many decades. From iron to cabinets and more, many different things have been and continue to be manufactured here.
One manufacturer was Washington Stove Works, which made stoves and other appliances. This company was originally founded in 1875 by the shores of Lake Michigan in South Haven, Michigan, and was called the Michigan Stove Company. The founder William Mackey, Sr. immigrated from Ireland to Canada and then the United States. The business came to Everett in 1903. The Ruckers donated land to them at the corner of 34th and Smith Avenue, where Sea Dog Line and Sea-Lect Plastics are located today.
Over the years, Washington Stove Works manufactured many appliances such as stoves, ranges, heaters, custom iron castings, and furnaces under the “Olympic” brand name. Many of these early stoves used wood or coal to circulate and spread warmth through people’s homes.
At its peak, the business employed 200 workers. Their products were sold and shipped to other places in the state such as Wenatchee for the local Elks Club, as well as throughout the country and world, even to a hotel in Shanghai China. The business was sold in the early 1980s to another company, and was shut down in 1988.
The stoves created by Washington Stove Works have intricate and ornate designs using different materials and are still sought after by stove enthusiasts for collection and restoration. Below are pictures from a Washington Stove Works “Alaska” model talked about on a Hearth.com Forum. Here’s an example of a Washington Stove Works “Neptune” stove that was sold in Stanwood on Offerup. Another model can be seen on r/woodstoving on Reddit. Advertisements such as the Fire Box Magazine from Washington Stove Works and stoves can be found on Ebay.
While stoves are no longer being manufactured in the Everett Station neighborhood, the Everett Station District Alliance is looking forward to showcasing an exciting, efficient, and fossil fuel-free variety of electric stoves on Friday, August 25 in collaboration with the Sno-Isle Group of the Sierra Club.
On Friday, August 25, from 12-1:30 PM at "The Yard at Everett Station" on 32nd Street between Smith and Paine Avenues, the Sno-Isle Group of the Sierra Club will showcase induction stove technology. Free food samples like tacos will be provided in a cooking demonstration.
Music will also be provided by the band Good Intentions.
Our local legislators are working to make electric stoves affordable through the Inflation Reduction Act and the High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHRA) program. If you are interested in learning more feel free to stop by the event. United States Representative Rick Larsen's field office will be there, and you can ask questions about this program.
Everett Station District Alliance looks to honor the history of stoves in our area while using the new neighborhood park as a way to showcase the new stoves of the future. Come by to learn more about the future and new developments in stove technology.
