2006.27.02a Dirigo Compass, Trademark Dirigo/E. M. Sherman Seattle, Wash.
Maritime recreation and industry have shaped the communities on the Eastern shores of Lake Washington. One example of Bellevue’s maritime history is the Dirigo Compass Factory.
In the collection, EHC hosts a Dirigo Compass. This is an example of a mariner's compass. It consists of a pivoting needle on a pin inside a mahogany box. A “wind rose” is attached to the needle, which indicates the direction of the wind.
Dirigo, the state motto of Maine, translates to “I Direct” from Latin.
In 1911, Eugene and Alice Sherman moved to Bellevue from New England. At the time, Bellevue’s business district consisted of a grocery store, a post office, and a blacksmith shop. The Shermans soon added a fourth business, the Dirigo Compass Factory, on the corner of 100th Ave and NE 1st. The factory had 2 stories and machinery took up the lower floor.
1994.02BHS.03 Eugene Sherman
1994.02BHS.01 Alice Sherman
Eugene was also a boatbuilder. In 1923, his launch pulled three vessels at the Bellevue dock away from danger when the ship next to them caught fire.
Alice was responsible for Bellevue’s music scene. A skilled violinist, she taught, performed, and organized musical events throughout the greater Bellevue area. Eugene shared his wife’s love of music. After he retired from the compass factory in 1944, he devoted his time to making violins.
Resources:
Eastside Heritage Center Archives
