A friend (thanks, Nina!) recently introduced me to VintageSeattle.org and some pretty amazing photos posted earlier this month of the Space Needle mid-construction prior to the 1962 World’s Fair.

VintageSeattle blogger Jess Cliffe gave us permission to re-post a few of the pictures, which were provided to him courtesy of Josh Salwitz (thanks, Jess…and Josh!).

What strikes me most about these photos—other than how Lower Queen Anne seems to have really sprung up around the Needle and Seattle Center, and how crazy the Needle itself looks all yellow and half-built—is the very modern quality of the images.

All of the pictures are dated between 1961 and 1962, though they almost look like someone Photoshopped an unfinished Space Needle into a present picture—if it weren’t for the missing buildings and ’60s cars giving the year away.

The man or woman who was behind the lens, however, is a mystery. “Don’t know who the original photographer was, sadly,” Jess wrote.

Want to see more? You can view all of the photos here.

(Photos courtesy of Jess Cliffe and Josh Salwitz; thanks to Nina Pardo for the tip).

For anyone who was in downtown Seattle this weekend, you probably caught some of the Pride Parade, which poured into Seattle Center mid-day Sunday, where thousands celebrated Pride Fest under the Needle.

For those of you who couldn’t make it to Pride this year, we’ve captured some of the festivities through photos.

Crowds enjoyed the International Fountain on the cloudy, but still quite warm summer day.

The Space Needle flew the Rainbow Pride flag for the weekend, a first in the history of Pride Seattle and a major point of pride for those involved (.pdf).

Just like most celebrations at the Center, the grounds were filled with costumes, fun events and vendors.

There were also two stages set up with live performances throughout the day…

And lots of dancing within the crowd.

Have pictures of Pride you’d like to share? Email them to tips@queenanneview.com.

One of our readers, Bruce Wilson, posted this picture (taken from Big Howe on the top of the hill) on our Facebook page, and we liked it so much, we thought we’d share!

Here’s to a beautiful evening sky over Queen Anne!

(Thanks Bruce!)

Reader kkennell sent in these photos of Queen Anne hill, taken from a ferry on Puget Sound, yesterday.

They serve as proof of just how beautiful Seattle – and our waterfront spot in Queen Anne – truly are.

Thanks to kkennell! Have a great weekend Queen Anne!

Santa will be landing at ProRobics at the top of the hill this weekend, located at 1530 Queen Anne Ave N., where he will be taking pictures with with anyone in the holiday spirit, including pets. Photos are $10 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to youth activities programs at the Queen Anne Community Center, which provide many healthy, active learning activities for kids of all ages. 100 percent of the pet photo proceeds will go toward community veterinary assistance programs. Any further proceeds to ProRobotics will be put toward “activity scholarships, upgrades to equipment and direct assistance to a local family in need in the form of winter coats, socks and underwear and toys.”

Santa will be at ProRobics the following times this weekend:

Friday, December 18: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00pm
Saturday, December 19: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00pm
Sunday, December 20: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00pm

Thanks to Heather for the tip!

Santa will be visiting Magnolia this weekend and next, taking professional pictures at the Serendipity Cafe every Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m., until Christmas.

Walk ins are welcome or you can call (206) 406-7119 to make an appointment. More information here .