Ten wood mills operating in the early days of Ballard produced more cedar shingles than any other community in the nation around the turn of the century.

"Ballard, Washington - Shingle Capital of the World," is the title of an upcoming lecture that will shed light on an important aspect of this neighborhood's past.

Mary Fortino, president of the Ballard Historical Society, will lead the presentation.

After the city of Ballard was established in 1889, shingle mills that sprouted up on the waterfront. By 1905, the industry was at its peak.

The reputation of Ballard as a maritime community had been well established. Less is known about the mills.

"What made Ballard was definitely the cedar mill industry," said Fortino.

At the turn of the century, Ballard had cedar trees which towered above Shilshole Bay for 1,000 years before the discovery of America, according to the book Passport to Ballard.

The industry grew to 18 mills located from where the Ballard Bridge was later built, all the way to where the Ballard Locks is now.

"Up until the depression, it was the major industry in Ballard," said Fortino.

The last mill, U.S. Plywood, closed in 1984.

The lecture will feature about 90 photographs. Some of the pictures will show Ballard before there were even streets.

Fortino will start off with five rare photographs of Native Americans. The images include Salmon Bay Charlie who sold clams salmon and crabs in a basket and women from the Duwamish tribe in canoes harvesting clams.

The Ballard Historical Society has a brochure, "Ballard Walking Tour," which can be picked up at the Ballard Library or City of Seattle Neighborhood Service Center next door. The guide has photographs of historic buildings along Ballard Avenue and Market Street with brief descriptions.

Their website, http://www.ballardhistory.org has over 1,000 photographs and prints which can be ordered through that site.

By becoming a member of the Ballard Historical Society, members receive: discounts on photo orders; discount on group events; a quarterly newsletter; and access to research materials.

The free lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. at the Ballard Library, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W. when the Ballard Historical Society will talk about the role of shingle mills and show some of its oldest pictures from its archives.