Community works hard for its privileged lifestyle

By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

At the turn of the century, Mercer Island was where wealthy Seattleites went to relax for the summer.

A lushly green sanctuary, it remains the emerald in Seattle's setting, with sparkling waterfront views of mountains, leisurely country clubs and large yachts.

But most people on Mercer Island do not relax much; they work hard. It's the only way many can afford to live in a neighborhood where the average cost of a home is more than $350,000.

The work ethic is evident all over the Lake Washington island.

Shelley Buty, 18, used a pitchfork to clean horse stables at the Mercer Island Saddle Club, tossing sawdust and manure into a wheelbarrow, a job she does in return for riding privileges because she doesn't own her own horse.

Buty, who graduated from Mercer Island High School in June, is one of about 100 seniors who went to Tijuana, Mexico, during spring break to build a Habitat for Humanity hacienda.

"There's a prevalent stereotype of Mercer Island -- upper class, snobby," Buty said. "It's true, but not true; there are people in their own world, but there are also some really genuine people here. Not everyone is materialistic, and most kids don't take what they have for granted. They know they have more opportunities and try to make the most of it."

Although the island is home to some of the Seattle area's wealthiest movers and shakers -- Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen lives here, and so does former Physio-Control CEO Hunter Simpson -- residents insist that wealth is not the island's supreme value. Education is.

Continued:

• Island's supreme value is education
• Neighbors say not much truth behind snobby image
• Pioneer's dream was destined to be made manifest