The Ballard Historical Society is unveiling a series of new history markers along the Ballard Avenue Landmark District on Saturday.

The event takes place at 11 a.m. at Marvin's Garden Park, at the base of the old bell tower. A two by three foot marker will featuring a photograph computer etched on a steel plaque will be presented at the ceremony. The picture is a street scene from a 1910 postcard.

"As you stand here, you can look down the street and it's the same streetscape," said Ballard Historical Society President Mary Fortino.

The marker at Marvin's Garden cost $2,314. The City's Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs provided $2,000 towards that total.

Mayor Greg Nickels will plant a dogwood tree commemorating the centennial of the city of Ballard's annexation into Seattle in 1907.

There are 28 historic markers installed on buildings in the area. Property owners paid $250 each to have the plaques installed on their buildings. Each explains the building's history, along with an old photograph.

Early prototypes of the plaques were made of aluminum, but the metal could not reproduce photographs well. Steel was then used, but this increased the cost of each plaque to $425. The Ballard Historical Society absorbed the extra expense.

Fortino said the goal of the project was to focus on the early history of Ballard from 1880 to 1930 when the Great Depression helped cause a decline on Ballard Avenue. Many business owners began moving their stores to Northwest Market Street where there were wider streets and a growing downtown.

Property owners embraced the idea of having their own history markers. Although there are 28 markers, Fortino said the historical society could have easily sold 50 plaques if they asked every single building owner.

Gene Morris, one of the owners of Lagerquist and Morris Architects at 5135 Ballard Avenue, purchased his building in 1988.

The front windows were boarded up at the time. The upstairs windows were open and exposed to the elements and pigeons. It was listed by the City of Seattle as a dangerous building.

Morris renovated the building and restored it's historic character. The building was home to Ballard Livery and Transfer which was established in 1904. The building dates back to 1896.

Morris says he is impressed with the historic markers. "Now that they are up, I enjoy walking up the street and reading them. It allows you to have your own tour. It encourages people to look at the district in a more insightful way," he said.

"I've very excited about the plaques," said John Casey, who owns both The Thiesen Block and The Chopard Block with his wife Kathy Casey, a well known local chef. The buildings date back to 1905 and 1894 respectively. The couple operates Dish D'Lish and Kathy Casey Food Studios.

In 1908, a storefront in The Chopard Block was renovated to accommodate the Ballard Theatre, owned by businesswoman S.J. McEntee.

"She was a female business pioneer. It was unusual for that time period," said Fortino.

Many of the early building owners ran businesses like small shops. With their modest amount of money, they erected the brick buildings which are now part of the area's historic past.

"Most of these people started out humble as barbers or tailors. They tore down wooden structures and built monuments to success. To me it was amazing. When you look at it, it's quiet amazing," said Fortino.

Eight more building owners have contacted the Ballard Historical Society about adding markers to their properties. Call 706-9236 or email ballardhistoricalsociety@msn.com.

The Ballard Historical Society's Old House Tour 2007 has been scheduled for June 2. This year's tour features seven homes. Visit http://www.ballardhistory.org for more information.