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Stone Way is Seattle's Rare Book Mecca


John Polley, owner of Seattle Book Center
Sep 22, 1998 -- Steadily, in the last five years, Lower Stone Way has become a mecca for Northwest book lovers because of a unique concentration of five dealers in rare and specialized books.

Shorey's, now at 1109 N. 36th, is Seattle's oldest bookstore. It opened in Pioneer Square in 1890. Founder Sam Shorey ran the store until he died in 1931. A nephew, John Todd, took over then. Jim Todd, who runs the store today, is the fourth generation of the family to head the business.

In 1996 after several moves around the city, Shorey's found the large, airy, spacious building in Fremont. Part of the space is now occupied by Chapters coffee house with a convenient walk-through for coffee loving book buyers and vice versa. Shorey's sells used and rare books, ephemera, maps and magazines. They are nationally recognized book appraisers. They buy books of all kinds, and conduct nationwide searches for books as a customer service.

Around the corner on Stone Way, the shops of Seattle Book Center, B. Brown & Associates and SeaOcean Book Berth form a book dealers' row.

John Flavell of SeaOcean Book Berth collected books for years when he sailed the seas as Master of large cruise ships. He lived in Hong Kong for 30 years, but decided to move to the U.S. around the time the British handed the Crown Colony back to China. He discovered soon after he opened his store that American and British book buyers have different heroes. "My customers teach me what to sell," Flavell says. "You can't sell Lord Nelson here. They want John Paul Jones."

The store is as cozy as a ship board cabin and the many nooks and crannies seem to invite the book lover in to browse and read for hours.

SeaOcean Book Berth is the only store in the Northwest that specializes in maritime books. The store has books about wrecks, steam ships, sailing ships and anything to do with the sea. There is a handsome collection of leather bound and other scarce books of nautical lore that make perfect holiday gifts to sailors.

The Episcopal Bookstore is a little farther up Stone Way...a little closer to the kitchen cabinet district. But regular customers haven't had any trouble finding it since the store moved from lower Queen Anne about 6 months ago. "Business hasn't slumped at all, though we were told to expect it," said John Marshall who, with his wife Nancy, has owned the store since 1992.

"We're the largest independent Episcopal bookstore west of the Missippi," Marshall says. Most of the others are little shops in big cathedrals. Nancy was a school teacher when a friend asked her if she wanted to buy the business, the Marshall's explained
Their customers come from all main line churches including Roman Catholic, John explained. "We're not just for Episcopalians. We're a liberal religious bookstore. In fact, we just finished putting out our Halloween display." The store also sells recordings, cards, gifts and jewelery.

When you walk into Bob Brown's B. Brown & Associates, you can still catch the aroma of fresh pine from the handsome bookcases that house the store's stock of books.

Brown carries the largest open retail stock of high end, quality science fiction, horror, fantasy and books about the supernatural. He also deals in childrens' books pre-1945.

"I sell to all kinds of people, not just dealers, Brown says. "People often want copies of books they read and loved years ago, or they want more books by a favorite author. That's how most collectors get started, they start buying books by a writer they like, then they find they like books for their own sake.

Brown, who has been a specialty book dealer since 1991, thinks Seattle is unique and that it is one of the best book reading and buying populations in the country. "People live here because they want to live here," Brown said. "We have people with MA's and BA's working as baristas." Also, Brown thinks Seattle weather promotes reading. "When it rains, reading is a perfect indoor activity."

Brown sells on the internet too, but he says, "I always give local customers first crack at the good books. I'd much rather sell to someone locally that halfway around the world."

John Polley has been in the rare book business for over 20 years. His store used to be at 2nd and Bell, but he moved to Stone Way because he liked the neighborhood and because, "Lots of our customers live here. We're central for Wallingford, the U. District, Ballard, Fremont and Green Lake."

Polley's Seattle Book Center carries fine used and rare books including history, art, literature, mysteries and fiction. The oldest book in the store is a 1559 treatise on agriculture by Lucius Junius. It could be worth $1500, Polley says.

Polley's store has a large central room, and little side rooms devoted to particular subjects...Mystery...History....Travel and Exploration...etc.

All the Stone Way-area bookstores use the internet for buying and selling. At The Episcopal Bookstore, more than half their sales are over the internet. "I'll look all over the world to find a book for a customer," Bob Brown said. "The internet helps me do that, in each store."

Brown and Polley are getting ready for the Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair, to be held at Seattle Center October 2 and 3. They'll be displaying some of their best books there with over 100 other dealers. Several thousand people are expected to attend. And no doubt many of them will make a detour into Fremont on the way home to visit some of the five rare and speciality bookstores around Stone Way and North 36th.


Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!

Robert Warwick Aug 26, 2002 Seattle, WA retired college teacher
   I went to Shorey's address of 1109 N. 36th St. It is no longer there. I have for some time been trying to locate a book, The Devils' Picture Book. I understand that 2 authors have used that same title: Daryl Hine and P. Hudson. I finally bought the P. Hudson book but it doesn't have the information I wanted from it. Does anyone have the Daryl Hine book?
Scott E. Patka Sep 01, 2002 Seattle Musician
   For Sale: 1860's copy of Milton's Paradice Lost with original Gustav Dore panels/illustrations. Looking for best price. Beautiful Gildings, mint cond.
S. Black Jan 08, 2003 Baltimore,MD Mother/Tarot reader
   to Robert Warwick...If you dont wish to keep the copy of the book you have I have been looking for it for a few years now...LOL..you also may want to look at www.abebooks.com for the one you need.
james Jan 15, 2003 england hypnotist
   i own the the devils picture book. would gladly sell.
S. Black Jan 17, 2003 Baltimore Mother/Tarot reader
   to James....Please contact me @ ladyravven@comcast.net. Thanks.
Janet Feb 16, 2003 Arlington, WA Comm. Fisherman
   I wish to sell my 10 volume collection of Frank Norris' Collected Works. (Garden City, NY, Doubleday, Doran, & Co., Inc.,1928) 9 of the 10 volumes are uncut. They are of blue cloth, slight fading on spine, otherwise fine condition. For more info, send email to: finn1054@netzero.com
Lee Carson Feb 22, 2003 Seattle Wa
   I'am looking for damon runyon books
mlyle Feb 26, 2003 Bonney Lake, wash boeing
   I have a newspaper NEW YORK HERALD dated April 15, 1865 I was wondering who in the Seattle Area could tell me about its authenticity..
Anonymous Mar 13, 2003
   looking for a copy of a paperback THE MORNING OF THE MAGICIAN
michele Apr 02, 2003 ballard fft
   Shorey's Books converted to a total on-line bookstore. I still have a lot of credit ($150.00 +)but cannot get a hold of the store. The website is offline and the e-mail doesn't work How do I get my credit or, at least, my credit in books. I tried Abe Books. Any ideas?
Ken Cook Apr 06, 2003 Puyallup teacher
   I have a good collection of Seattle history books for sale, including the 1916 three volume History of Seattle by Bagley and the 1924 four volume set of Seattle and Environs by Hanford. Many more recent books are also available. I'm looking for offers, estimates of value, an suggestions. Thanks!
wesley Apr 06, 2003 tahuya, wa. self employed wholesale
   i have what i believe to be a very rare book not found in any databases titled "the bells of helmus" by cobie de lespinasse, published by the metropolitan press, portland, oregon 1934. a great novel unknown to most everyone about small dutch town in the midwest and new life in oregon. very before its time in questioning religion and sexual feelings. any comments or information appreciated
gary griffin Apr 13, 2003 San Diego,Ca. self employed
   I have 12 of 12 of the 1937 copyright of Olive Beaupre Miller's "My Book House", plus A parents guidebook. I am interested in an appraisal, and offers. The condition of the series is good to excellent. My phone # is 760-212-0111.
Corinne Taylor May 12, 2003 Tacoma College Instructor
   I have a copy of "The Scarlet Letter" with no dates in it at all. What's the best way to have it appraised? Also, is anyone interested in old (1800's) school books, hymn books (some in Norweigian), etc.???? Please e-mail me.
Dennis Maloy May 16, 2003 Federal Way, Wa. shipper
   Looking for a small book entitled "Omak me yours tonight or Ilwaco million miles for one of your smiles by Willard R. Espy. Can anyone help?
Nancy Ford Jun 13, 2003 Seattle artist
   Looking for: book by Ramona Salberg approx title "Found Objects" Lee Salk "What Every Child Would Like Parents to Know About Divorce"
Alan L W Gunsul Jul 28, 2003 Burien retired MD
   We have collections of early authors paperback books. Are you interested in them? If so I can sent to you the authors and books. We do not want to bother with the internet and shipping etc. Please answer with E-mail.
Bob Sep 11, 2003 Kirkland
   Is the Seattle Used Bookstore Guide (http://recollectionbooks.com/seattle.html) still being maintained? The link to Shorey's is no good. Also there is no listing for Elliott Bay Book Company (Pioneer Square). Are they out of business? Thanks, Bob
Debbie Sep 28, 2003 Seattle Publishing
   Looking for Gladys Malvern books - particularly: Behold, Your Queen and The Foreigner. Please contact me if you know of or have one.
Lyle Sellards Dec 24, 2003 Kenmore, WA retired
   I have several rare books including a set of Dickens works. Milton's Paradise Lost , illustrated by Gustave Dore; Dante's Purgatory and Paradise, ill. by Dore. Heroines of Shakespeare, Lovering, Publishers,48 original steel engravings,etc.
Ursula Geiger Jan 13, 2004 Seattle retired
   I am searching for a hardcover "Holy Blood Holy Grail" by Michael Baigent
mike hovander Feb 06, 2004 bellingham
   looking for paradise lost published in 1866by collier with illus. by dore complete.
Cheryl King Feb 25, 2004 Guam Librarian
   I am looking for a copy of Roger Van Dyken's Barging in Europe, ISBN 0-9651884-0-X, published in paperback 1997 in Lynden, Wa. Publisher possibly Cedarbrook. Info may not be perfectly correct as it was sent to me. Does Shorey's Bookstore still exist? I have tried to find a current website and have not succeeded.
karen Wise Mar 03, 2004 Mt. Vernon, Ohio dental Hygiene
   I am looking for the first volume of My Book House by Olive Beaupre Miller. The books are blue with a hard cover.The publishers: The Book House for Children Chicago copywright 1921,1925,1934,1937
Mike Olberding Mar 21, 2004 Oceanside CA Banker
   Looking for the (1st-1969), (2nd-1972) or (3rd edition 1975) of the book "The Golfing Machine" by Homer Kelley
Dick Eager Apr 21, 2004 Burlington, NJ Retired
   To karen Wise - From Dick Eager - I have a copy of My Book House(vol.1) by Olive Beaupre Miller copywright 1937. Also have In Your Hands copywright 1943, Story Time(vol.2) copywright 1937, Through The Gate(vol.4) copywright 1920,1925,1928,1937, Over The Hills(vol.5) copywright 1920,1925,1928,1937 and Halls Of Fame(vol.12) copywright 1921,1925,1934,1937.
Jodi Falk May 16, 2004 Ohio Supervisor -Kohls
   I have a set of 6, My Bookhouse,Olive Beaupre Miller ,1920-1925 They look black to me ,in very good condition , bindings good and no damage on inside pages .Interested in selling set . Also have red set ,7 books, books are thinner also 1920=1925 I think , this set has been played with ,bindings good but some pages have pencil marks and some minor rips . Also interested in selling. To the red set there is also a book of bible stories .
Christine Hudnall May 26, 2004 Florida Graphic Designer
   For Jodi Falk, Is there anyway that you could send up close photos of the My Bookhouse set, I would like to see, if they are the ones that I am searching for. My sisters and I grew up on them, thought there were more volumes though. We had inherited from my grandmother, but Hurricane Andrew destroyed them. I know that they were black/black cloth, with beautfiul colored images on the front and gold gilding. There was an Index volume too that I remember. If this is similar to what you have, please contact me. Thanks.
Christine Hudnall May 26, 2004 Florida Graphic Designer
   Thought there was way for address to show, so here it is... c_e_hudnall@hotmail.com
Fatima Lassar Jul 03, 2004 California Artist
   I am looking for My Book House Vol 1 "In The Nursery" and Vol.2 "Storytime" published in 1920. I only want editions with the black covers and the original artists from 1920. Over the years they have totally changed the illustrations. I'm not sure when the first change happened. If 1925 and 28 are unchanged, I'll take those.
Lynne Johnson Jul 28, 2004 Sacramento, CA Bookkeeper
   I am looking for a copy of Volume 1 "In the nursery" of My Bookhouse-Olive Beaupre' Miller copyright 1920; to complete my set. Mine are in very good condition. The 1920 edition is the first edition published and contains 6 volumes with black covers and color lithographs on the front. Subsequent years had different colored binding and more volumes.
Claire Aug 10, 2004 Seattle Writer
   I'm looking for a dear old children's book titled: "Willy's Walk To Grandmama's House" probably published around 1940. Sweet illustrations of Willy walking to grandma's house... out of the city into the country.
Colin Haase Sep 08, 2004 retired
   Looking for Shorey's bookstore in Seattle. Are they stillin business and if so how does one get in touch with them?
Nancy Jan 04, 2005 Port Orchard,Wa retired
   I am unable to get a good website for Shorey's Book Store. I used this one but it was not good: http://www.serv.net/shorey/index.html
SPOL Editor Jan 05, 2005
   You've responded to a 1998 article. It seems Shorey's is history. If I'm wrong, send a link and I'll post it. --Archive Editor
Sue Podolska Feb 23, 2005 UK Firefighter
   Is Bellingham still looking for Milton's paradise Lost illus. by Gustav Dore...I have one.
chris flavell Apr 14, 2005 fremont bookstore owner
   I am the owner of SeaOcean Book Berth (it's Chris, not John) mentioned in this old article. Shorey's folded many years ago; as are most 'mom & pop' bookstores nowadays. Soon it will be hard to find a small used bookstore to 'browse' in; too few buyers now patronise us as they seemingly buy their books online...even after seeing the book in one's store...my general comment to all searching booklovers...search for your books at www.abebooks.com where there are now 70 million listings. But do visit us sometimes! Or we shall go 'offline' and only your local library will be left standing to 'browse' in.
Eve Leland May 10, 2005 Tacoma, WA retired
   Want to sell "My Bookhouse", Published 1920 2thru 6, can possibly get a well used vol 1,"In the Nursery". Also have 27 vol, almost complete Shakespeare's plays, copyright 1877 & 1898 edited by W.J.Rolfe 1904 & 5. All in excellent condition.
William Jun 01, 2005 Goshen CT Father
   See Claire's request below. I have lost my copy of the same book and would like to replace it. My favorite childhood book. Claire Aug 10, 2004 Seattle Writer I'm looking for a dear old children's book titled: "Willy's Walk To Grandmama's House" probably published around 1940. Sweet illustrations of Willy walking to grandma's house... out of the city into the country. (id:2833)
Greg Jun 11, 2005 Puyallup, WA
   I have a volume of 12 of the My Book House by Olive Beaupre Miller, in very good condition. Can someone give me an indication of the approximate value? Looking to sell them.
Sally Jul 19, 2005 Bremerton Teacher
   Looking for a copy of "Home and Child Life in Colonial America." No result on Google. Has anybody heard of it?
Carol Tubbs Aug 01, 2005 Newhall, CA Secretary
   My brother is terminally in in Woodinville and has an extensive collection of books. Would you know of anyone who could give us either an offer on or value of this collection? I would appreciate any help you could give. Carol Tubbs
Jean Miller Aug 12, 2005 Clearwater, FL Retired
   I have the My Bookhouse children's classic books edited by Olive Beaupre Miller but am looking for the one missing Book 2, Story Time to complete my set! These were given to my by my father as a young girl and the 12 books were reprinted in 1948 and are in pretty excellent condition. They were my daughter's favorites as a child and she was taught to respect books. I had hoped one day to pass them on to her children but sadly, she died from the juvenile form of Huntington's Disease. The missing book was loaned to my sister when her daughter was around 3. Now she has a little girl and I'd like to find Book 2 to complete the set to give to her. I have the Nursery, Up One Pair of Stairs, Through the Gate, Over the Hill, Through Fairy Halls, The Magic Garden, Flying Sails, The Treasure Chest, From the Tower Window, In Shining Armor and Halls of Fame along with the three My Travelship books, Little Pictures of Japan, Tales Told in Holland (by Maud and Miska Petersham red) and Nursery Friends from France. If anyone has a copy of Book 2, Story Time, they want to part with please let me know! Thank you! Jean
Marn Aug 12, 2005 Issaquah Retired librarian
   For Sally who posted a request on July 19: I just checked the catalog for the King County Library System (www.kcls.org. There is a book entitled "Home and Child Life in Colonial Days", by Alice Morse Earle, published by Macmillan in 1969. Might that be the one you want?
Deborah Nase Aug 16, 2005 Philadelphia, PA Interior Designer
   August 2005 - Am interested in selling the six, My Bookhouse series, Olive Beaupre Miller books, dated 1920. Black hardback, gold lettering, pictures on front. Please, let me know if there is any interest. Thank you!
Gigi Aug 19, 2005 Tulsa
   RE ID 3975 ..I have the complete set though it is in rough condition. I was searching to see if it was of any value and I found a volume 2 for sale at this link. It may not be the exact match for you as there were many different volumes printed in different colors. The seller wants 50.00 http://www.mccormickbooks.com/childrens.html Hope it is the one you are looking for.
holly davis Aug 22, 2005 london uk
   Saw a listing for Blakes Paradise Lost with illustrations by Gustave Dore - is it still for sale?
Eric Balazs Aug 26, 2005 Herriman, UT Contractor
   I have the complete set of 12 of the My Book House -1937 edition, + The Parents Guide book. All are in very good - excellent condition. Could you help me with a value?
Gary Robbins Sep 03, 2005 Belfair, Washington Manager
   I own a copy of Theodore Roosevelt's Naval War of 1812 (part one) Executive Edition published in 1882.If you wish to inquire about purchasing please email me.
Nora Michalski Sep 07, 2005 Columbus, Ohio
   Hello, I have a Bible from 1911 with the illustrations done by Gustawa Dore, (Gustav Dore) and I was wondering if anyone can help me with any information on itand if it has any value. It's rather large . THank You, Nora Michalski
Joanne Miller Oct 09, 2005 Helotes, Texas Retired
   I have vols. 2, 4,5,6,and 7 of My Book House Books by Olive B. Miller for sale.
shannan stearns Oct 18, 2005 orange,ca publishing
   to jean miller I have the book house volume 2 that you are looking for or so I think. I would love to send it to you to complete your set if it is indeed the one that you are missing. I found it in a thrift store and was overwhelmed by how cool it was. But it really should be in a set and I will have no problem parting with it knowing that it will be passed on to someone that will care for it. please email me at Shannanstearns@aol.com
James McElroy Nov 22, 2005 Rose Bud, AR Pastor
   Looking for 4 vol. set "the Prophetic faith of our fathers" By Leroy Edwin Froome. Please contact me by either my email or telephone 501-206-8329. Thank you.
Alfonso Margani Nov 29, 2005 Florence,Italy Prof.at University
   I would like to get the e-mail-address of this bookstores that has got for me many years ago some interesting books about American Natives and their languages. Lots of thnks in advance Yours very sincerely Alfonso Margani
Michelle Aguilar-Wells Dec 02, 2005 Taholah, WA Professor
   Alfonso, contact me, I might be able to help. I am American Indian and teach Native students at a state college. aguilarm@evergreen.edu
Barbara Pritchard Jan 22, 2006 Selma, AL Christian Ed Director
   I have volumes 3-12 of My Book House,1950, in progressively good shape plus the travelship books. Will trade all for volume 1 & 2 or am willing to pay $50 for them, if someone wants to sell just 1 & 2. not worried about the best condition.
K. Cooper Jan 30, 2006 Ohio Homemaker
   I have interest in My Bookhouse The Treasure Chest Edited by Olive Beaupre Miller, Chicago The Book House for Children Publishers Copyright,1920 by Olive Beaupre Miller
Pam Clausen Feb 16, 2006 Colorado Springs Bookseller/Librarian
   Mark your calendars to attend the Rocky Mountain Book and Paper Fair, Aug. 4-5, 2006 in Denver. It's a great show with books and materials in all genres. For more info. visit www.rmaba.org
Susie Gardner Feb 18, 2006 Winthrop, WA Genealogist & history buff
   Looking for early print (pre1950) books pertaining to the Okanogan County or Columbia County, Washington.
Paul Mar 04, 2006 Corvallis, Oregon retired professor
   If Wesley, of Tahuya, Washington, who posted a question re "The Bells of Helmus" on April 6 2003 is still tuned in, I am a grandson of the author and could provide more info. E-mail pdeles@proaxis.com.
JJ Buch Mar 07, 2006 fort worth, texas 76112 paperdoll artist
   i need a 1960 or 1971 printing of My Book House: Story Time (volume 2) that has the pictorial of the two children reading a book up on a rock over a stream. the one i had as a child was bound in light green, hardback, with very colorful illustrations. i especially loved the story of the fancy rich woman in the powdered wig who was bald underneath! my email is jjbuch@mindspring.com
P Geyer-Howell Mar 15, 2006 Evanston, Il educational consultant
   As a child, my favorite time was reading MY BOOK HOUSE series, edited by Olive Beaupre Miller (blue cover) with my mother, now passed away. I do not have In The Nursery, Vol. 1 (blue cover) and would love to complete this set. My hope is to pass a complete set on to my son and his children so they can enjoy this series as much as I did. Would anyone be willing to sell In The Nursery (volume 1) in the BLUE cover? Thank You
c strunk Mar 16, 2006 Port Angeles wa. federal
   I'm looking for a book that was printed in Port Angeles around 1920 called The Friendly Mountain by E. B. Webster. Long out of print, This was a great non fiction on the Port Angeles area from that era.
Janet M. Davis Jun 22, 2006 Boise, Idaho Travel Agent
   Hello, I really would like to know how to find someone who could tell me about a book that I have found in my travels. It is "les terribles" by Sylvia scharmach,r.n. and is a diary of a medic who drove an ambulance during the first world war. This occurs with the members of the 32nd Division, the "red Arrow". The author was aided by Edward T. Lauer, Sr. (Historian, thirty-second Division Veteran Assn). This book has fascinated me and I really would like to know more about it. Please contact me. Thank You, Janet

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