Portraits of the past: Bothell pioneers honored on downtown buildings

Whenever Bud Ericksen passes the corner of Main Street and 101st Avenue Northeast in Bothell, he'll be looking at a bit of his past.

Not just at the building his family has owned since 1885, the one that survived three fires and several tenants from its time as Ericksen Mercantile to its current incarnation as Bothell Furniture. And not just the main drag through a town his family helped pioneer.

What he'll be looking at is a life-size likeness of himself and two Ericksens before him, three generations of a family that helped mold Bothell.

Bud Ericksen; his father, Carlton; and grandfather Gerhard are the newest additions to a continuing project by the Bothell Arts Council to honor influential residents. So far, seven community leaders are featured in stand-alone murals spread out over the buildings of Main Street, their painted figures smiling from brick and concrete that house the small shops along the way.

Ericksen, who played football for the University of Washington and the Washington Redskins, was chosen because of his contribution to the town, including five years as mayor in the early 1970s. His family played a part in Bothell's growth for more than 100 years, and his grandfather was the city's first postmaster.

When he heard about the project, Ericksen wanted to make sure his grandfather got recognition, but he could hardly say no when he learned local artist Liz Briars would paint him as well.

"It was quite exciting to be selected to be honored this way," the 87-year-old said.

Most of the celebrated residents, including the three Ericksens, were businessmen who made a difference in town. Alex Sidie was a beloved pharmacist known for his caring touch and willingness to provide medications at all hours of the night. Vern Keener was a generous contributor to the community as the owner of Keener's Meats and Deli and a member of one of the early Bothell families.

Max Logsdon owned a clothing and hair business for more than 30 years and was instrumental in revitalizing Main Street in the late 1980s. It was because of Bill Shannon that the street's center strip was painted green every St. Patrick's Day, and the Bothell florist was known for his community service and sense of humor.

The whole thing got started four years ago when business owners Paul and Cathy Desilet wanted somehow to honor Sidie, their landlord, who had just died.

They'd seen painted figures of local folks up in Anacortes, and they had their sign painter make one up of everyone's favorite pharmacist. When they told the arts council what they'd done, an idea that delighted everyone got its legs.

"I think it's just fabulous," Paul Desilet said. "Of course, you want 50 of them up right away."

And that's the plan. The arts council will continue to raise money and seek grants to install more figures.

"People notice it," said Sue Kienast, a board member of the council. "I think it draws people to feel a part of Bothell."

Lisa Heyamoto: 206-464-2149 or lheyamoto@seattletimes.com