Back in the 1950s, Eric and Pearl Shurstad operated a BBQ restaurant at the corner of 172nd Street and Lakewood Road (Rex’s Corner), northwest of Marysville, WA. Two large chimneys generated huge plumes of smoke – and the area was always known to be smoky. As you might have guessed, that’s how the area became known as Smokey Point.
All of Snohomish County’s corners have a story. Some are named for the pioneer families that first homesteaded there. Many are named for the businesses that became landmarks and defined streets and towns. From neighborhood grocers to automobile service stations, these corners often acted as gateways or gathering places for distinct local communities.
You can learn more about Smokey Point and dozens of other famous Snohomish County corners thanks to a new website, www.snocohistory.com. You might even discover some hidden historic gems and learn the names of other corners that aren’t as familiar.