Collecting my attempts to improve at tech, art, and life

The Seattle Freeze Is a Hundred Years Old

Tags: seattle history

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Sometimes there’s a literal freeze

Crosscut editor-at-large Knute Berger shared evidence that the infamous Seattle Freeze — our reputation for keeping everyone at arm’s length — has been with us for a while.

The first known evidence of the Seattle Freeze:

…while researching the pandemic of 1918-1920, Ben Helle, the ever-sharp-eyed archivist at the Washington State Archives, came across a Seattle Times clipping that suggested conversation about Seattle’s frigid nature as far back as the spring of 1920.

It can be frustrating, but the Freeze has its good points. Less pressure for small talk and social obligations. Plus when we’ve decided we like you, you can’t get rid of us.


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Added to vault 2024-01-15. Updated on 2024-01-26