5. Speakers Corner, Hewitt & Wetmore Avenues

Speakers’ Corner, NW corner of Wetmore Ave. and Hewitt Ave. (1916) This particular corner was the traditional spot for local soapbox orators, and it was not until the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) began using the corner to protest the poor working conditions of shingle workers that public speaking was outlawed on this corner. A group of 300 IWW members ferried to Everett to support the shingle strikers in a rally. There was a confrontation with the police at the waterfront when the IWW members tried to land and shooting broke out. Five workers and 2 deputies were killed, and at least 30 were wounded. This November 5, 1916 event is known as the “Everett Massacre”.