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Lenin in Fremont at the Holidays 2024

The Lenin statue in Fremont at 3526 Fremont Place North, came from eastern Europe where the statue had been toppled after the demise of the Communist regime. In Fremont in Seattle, the statue represents irony, that Lenin now looks out over Fremont which is one of the most free and artistic neighborhoods of Seattle.

The location of the Lenin statue on a public square, lends itself to many celebrations and the Lenin statue is decorated accordingly. In 2024, Hanukkah begins in the same week as Christmas so lights of the Menorah will be added in a ceremony on Saturday, December 28, at 6:30 PM. Hanukkah is a celebration of freedom, resilience and triumph of light over darkness.

Menorah Lighting in Fremont 2024

This year (2024) Hanukkah begins in the same week as Christmas, adding to the lights and celebrations of the season. At 6:30 PM on Saturday, December 28, there will be the first-ever Menorah Lighting in Fremont! The location will be at the Lenin statue, 3526 Fremont Place North. There is no better place than at the foot of Lenin to celebrate freedom, resilience and triumph of light over darkness.

Ross School in Fremont

Ross Park on Third Ave NW at NW 43rd Street is the former site of Ross School.  It was named for the family who were the earliest settlers in the western part of Fremont.  

The John Ross family took land in homestead claims on both sides of what is now the ship canal, including the present site of Seattle Pacific University.  Up until the ship canal was created in 1911-1917, there was a stream flowing westward toward Puget Sound. When the Ross family moved to a new house on the north side of the creek, they cooperated with neighbors to build a school for the community’s children at the site of what is now Ross Park.

The school population grew larger until a new building was needed. The building pictured here, was an eight-room schoolhouse which opened in 1903.  The school closed in 1940 and children were then sent to West Woodland Elementary.