One of the old Cascade neighborhood signs (Courtesy Jerry Johnson and Don Clifton)

Don Clifton and Jerry Johnson were already dismayed to see their working class, industrial neighborhood of Cascade be Vulcanized by Paul Allen’s development.

As a protest, the two began selling those Ride the S.LU.T t-shirts — for the city’s new South Lake Union Trolley (though officially the line is called the South Lake Union Streetcar). Here’s the story I wrote about them when I worked for the P-I.

Development, though, could be mocked but not stopped.

Gradually the historic old neighborhood began losing its name as the neighborhood more and more began being called South Lake Union.

Then as an added insult, signs that proudly proclaimed the neighborhood “Cascade. Heart of Seattle” disappeared.

“These signs had stood proudly in their selective locations for many years until they mysteriously went missing from the Cascade a few years ago, amidst a flurry of construction and the promoting of South Lake Union,” Johnson said. 

“Cascade is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city as well as the geographical center of Seattle. We are proud of our neighborhood’s long and vibrant history,” he said.

“Continuing to recognize the neighborhood as the Cascade has been an important issue for long time residents like Don and I and many others in the neighborhood.”

Now — as a result of a chance meeting between Clifton and Mayor Greg Nickels in the neighborhood — the city is putting the signs back.

The City of Seattle and Department of Transportation will be holding an unveiling ceremony Wednesday at 5 pm at Denny and Fairview.

“We’re really excited that the City has agreed to return them. Hope to see you for the unveiling on Wednesday. It is in many ways “Redemption in the Old Cascade,” Johnson said.