The SoTac Way
Today we are excited to welcome Ken Sikes to Exit133’s list of regular columnists. In case it isn’t obvious by the title, he’ll be writing from his view of the world that is South Tacoma. We’re thrilled to have him on board.
Born in the South, stationed in Tacoma, I now live in a blue-collar union of the two: South Tacoma.
Six years ago as my graduation from seminary drew close, I began to search for a small, struggling, urban church to pastor. When a friend recommended that I take a look at Manitou Park in South Tacoma, I responded, “Where’s that?”
Despite the fact that I had previously lived in Tacoma and surrounding enclaves for over four years, I couldn’t tell you one thing about South Tacoma. At the time I was unaware of Bob’s Java Jive and Marcia’s Silver Spoon. I knew next to nothing about its used cars or its dive bars. I had a passing knowledge of Mt. Tahoma and Ahmad ‘Bobby Moore’ Rashad. Yet, I could not have told you, that before winning a World Series with my beloved Dodgers, Ron ‘the Penguin’ Cey waddled the infield for the once mighty T-Birds. I was oblivious to the community which had formed around the wages of Burlington Northern’s rail yard, and ignorant of the toxic mess that this same company left behind. And most certainly, it would have been news to me to discover that many of the very first Anglo residents of this blue collar community were in fact dead before they arrived; sent to be buried in one of Tacoma’s first cemeteries. In short, I was a South Tacoma neophyte, and yet 6 months later, in August of 2003, the small struggling urban congregation that is Manitou Park called me to be the pastor and we moved into the neighborhood.
People and places have their ways about them. While visiting Savannah, Georgia several years ago our host described her city’s way in this manner. “When you go to Atlanta, people ask, ‘What’s your business?’ When you go to Macon, people ask, ‘What’s your denomination?’ But when you come to Savannah, people love to ask, ‘What’s your drink?’” The Atlanta way centers around commerce, the Macon way around religion and the Savannah way is all about having a good time. There’s a reason people love Savannah. With such an anecdote in the recesses of my mind it is no wonder that a few years later I found myself staring up at the street sign just two blocks from my house and wondering, ‘Just what is the South Tacoma Way?’ The first clue came from my neighbor.
During the spring of our first year I was breaking up an old concrete slab in the backyard when my neighbor yelled from his fence, “Hey, is that your New Yorker?” Unsure of what he had said, I put down my sledgehammer and asked him to repeat the question. After he repeated it I looked over at my recycling bin to see if one of my magazines had fallen on the ground. Spotting none, my face must have revealed how confused I was because in the next moment he pointed and said, “The black one behind you, is that yours?” I turned to finally notice my other neighbor’s Chrysler New Yorker, the car not the magazine, parked askew in his backyard. “Oh, no, that’s not mine.” I couldn’t help but shake my head and grin as I re-hoisted my sledgehammer. Part of discovering the South Tacoma Way is realizing one of the first questions is rarely “What are you reading” and often “What are you driving?”
A half century ago, John Ciardi wrote a wonderful poetry textbook called “How Does a Poem Mean?” His introduction to this now obscure work is well worth Amazon’s used price. In it he writes, “A poem is not simply something printed on the page. A poem is an event, and it happens when a poet and a reader meet inside the form in such a way that the reader makes real for himself those connections between things that the poet saw as real in the construct of his own world and as able to be communicated … Reading a poem is an act of participation in the poem. By participating, the reader not only makes the performance whole, but makes it in one essential sense, uniquely [hers].”
If you will return to the preceding quote and replace ‘a poem’ with ‘South Tacoma’ and ‘reader’ with ‘resident’, then you will begin to hear the manner in which I am attempting to discover the South Tacoma Way. After five years of this quest, I feel as if I am just beginning to discover a rhyme and rhythm to this place. I am still in my initial reading of a poem that I sense holds many lines worthy of celebration, a few words needing to be challenged and endless ‘events’ waiting to be experienced. Over this time I have mostly remained in the role of resident; watching, building and living. However, as the years pass I find myself increasingly compelled to take up the pen and invite others to meet me inside this poem of South Tacoma. Consider this initial reflection your invitation and if you’re coming my way, feel free to bring your New Yorker.
Filed under: SoTac-Way, General
25 comments
M michael buchanan February 3, 2009
really enjoyed Ken’s essay on So. Tacoma. I always appreciciate those who can write well as my talents run to numbers much more than words. As a native Tacoman who returned a year and one-half ago after 50 years and grew up as a “north ender” his writing on So. Tacoma was enlightning. I am now atleast almost a “south ender”. My small condo has a south address but alas still clings to the north edge of Nalley Valley!
D Dave L. February 3, 2009
What year New Yorker does your neighbor have??? I’m hoping it’s a ’60.
I’m glad SoTac is getting some more representation. If I run into you at the Jive I’d be happy to buy you a PBR.
T Thorax O'Tool February 3, 2009
SoTac Way… another seriously under-appreciated, under developed part of town.
And I’m afraid my behavior is not helping… the only time I venture anywhere near Manitou is when I take flowers over to grandma at Calvary. I just don’t frequent the area… maybe I should.
Y You're Welcome February 3, 2009
I love this story and I love my South Tacoma. It’s a nice way to persuade the North Endies to cross 6th ave and see what else this city has to offer.
T Thorax O'Tool February 3, 2009
“persuade the North Endies to cross 6th ave and see what else this city has to offer“
It’s not that some of us dislike South Tacoma, it’s that some of us have no need to go there.
In my own case, I live in the Stadium District and work in the port. My parents still live in Hilltop, and my sisters both live by Lincoln… the Manitou area, for example, is really out of my way.
To be fair, I go to South Tacoma way more frequently than I do NE Tacoma or the West End.
E Erik B. February 3, 2009
Some parts of South Tacoma Way character and other areas has “potential.” Yet, most of it is little more than disconnected boxes in the middle of large parking lots. Trying to travel from most places to another requires a car trip. There area few walkable areas but much of the area is hostile to pedestrians and a sprawlish mess. Massive infilling and massive re-design is going to have to occur to make the area more attractive.
J jenny February 3, 2009
i loved this! i’ve lived in south tacoma my entire life. it’s rare to hear someone sing south tacoma’s praises. you’d think the only livable place in tacoma is proctor…
i’d kindly disagree with erik. south tacoma is quite large and a broad generalization doesn’t help the dialogue.
in my south tacoma there is a school playground, a library, a grocery store and really great mexican food all within walking distance from my home. and there are sidewalks the entire way. Bonus: the houses on my street are pretty cute!
T Thorax O'Tool February 3, 2009
I’ve been meaning to go to the Starlight and get rid of all these damn computers I have lying around.
B Bill Barnett February 3, 2009
Invitation to all: Go to Java Jive tonight after 8:00.
Sadie the classic rock queen and Lady Jane take turns playing the (tuned! yay) piano and singing.
It’s a dive, it’s a classic. You don’t need to drink PBR they usually have Moose Drool on tap too.
B Bill Barnett February 3, 2009
PS – 2 wks ago at Java Jive I heard a guitar player/singer/composer sing a song he had written about South Tacoma Way.
Maybe he’ll be there tonight. It was absolutely wonderful and hilarious.
I Ingrown Toenail February 3, 2009
The java jive is ok, I’ll give ya that.
But unless you’re going to buy a car, South Tacoma Way is desolate.
Maybe that section between 54th and 56th is kinda ok, but not much else.
K katie February 3, 2009
I want to know where this mythical place poster #7 speaks of. I lived in South Tacoma off 74th and Oaks. No sidewalks in site and no grocery store to speak of unless you count the convenience store on the corner. The potholes in the street were the size of my small station wagon and were never fixed the entire 3 years I lived there; even with an elementary school on the same block. If #7 is speaking of 56th and Pacific, I think of that as more East Tacoma. South Tacoma can feel like a forgotten place with a few, very small, pockets of prosperity. I think Pastor Ken’s point is the rest of Tacoma needs to remember it as a destination not somewhere we drive through to get to the Mall.
E Eric J. February 3, 2009
Great opening piece and looking forward to getting to know so tac a little better through the eyes of a local pastor. Always love hearing the perspective of a fellow Presbyterian as well. Norman Maclean would be proud.
N New Dave February 4, 2009
Bill, I bet that was Joel on Guitar. JR’s great, and I appreciate good beer and good conversation with THE Dave, Wed-Sat. Are you going to be there, Bill?
B Bill Sikes February 4, 2009
The few times I’ve visited so tac I’ve been pleased. Plenty of sidewalks for a.m. walks, schools, playground for kids, a park, a special church, golf course, and friendly neighbors. I’m biased of course. You see – the author is my son.
B Bill Barnett February 4, 2009
New Dave – yes I will be ther tonight from about 8:30 to 10:00 (school night)
PS – my real handle is “altered chords” Not sure why my real name is being posted now. Better watch what I say.
D Douglas Tooley February 5, 2009
FWIW, I drive a Tacoma…
J Jennifer February 8, 2009
Nice job Ken, I loved reading your introduction and look forward to more. We enjoy visiting South Tacoma!
W Walt February 8, 2009
Thank you for the essay. I currently live in Columbus, GA, but lived in South Tacoma for a couple of years while in the military. The Lincoln district has tremendous potential.
A altered Chords February 8, 2009
Dave L. Told me how to correct the problem so now I can flame away without concern for folks knowing my true identity.
Best Regards,
Altered Chords.
True Identity a mystery.
Sassy McButterpants would never allow such an ameteurish faux pas.
A Altered Chords Fan February 11, 2009
Ha. I saw it happen once. (Or maybe I dreamt it.)
Shoot, Bill, it’s Tuesday, isn’t it…
C crenshaw sepulveda February 11, 2009
Sassy McButterpants is NOT her real name?
T Thorax O'Tool February 11, 2009
That’s not what her
fakeID says…M MikeSushi February 12, 2009
Go So-Tac WY. Eat Kimchi everyday.
G Gabba February 16, 2009
Making macaroni!