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SEATTLE – A
ground swell of Ballard residents are taking the plunge and getting
tattoos in remembrance of Edith Macefield, the Ballard woman who
wouldn’t give in to developers who wanted to buy her home. 

Two years ago, she was offered $1 million for her small house on NW
46th Street, but she refused to move. Cement walls went up around her,
while construction crews worked day and night.

Her
decision touched many people in the Ballard neighborhood. Recently
Anchor Tattoo owner Curtis James and a friend came up with the idea of
developing a tattoo in her memory. 

“The main thing is holding on to things that are important to you,” James said.

As word spread of the tattoo, many people from the neighborhood started
inquiring. So far 10 people have gotten the tattoo of Macefield’s
house, including Ballard clothing store owner Nicole Miller.

“I think about when I’m 90 and someone comes to me and says ‘hey I’ll
give you a million bucks to move out of your house,'” she said. “What
would I do?”


For Joe Markiewicz, having this permanent reminder is an inspiration.

“I would have been first in line if it wasn’t already taken,” he said.

Macefield died last year. Her home still stands, although no one knows
for how long. But through ink, her story will live on forever.

“I hope she knows she made an impact on a lot of people,” James said.


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