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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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18 results for: Mining

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Image of Gold mining pan used during the Klondike Gold Rush, ca. 1897

Gold mining pan used during the Klondike Gold Rush, ca. 1897

These pans are said to have been used by Ole Marsh, or the "Terrible Swede" as he was nicknamed, when he worked for Charlie Anderson during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. Ole Marsh was also a pseudonym for Joe Carroll, who was a Seattle champion wrestler and wrestling manager at that time.
ID Number:1951.44.M
Date:Circa 1897
Image of Gold medal from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), 1909

Gold medal from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), 1909

Medals like this one were given out as prizes to exhibitors at the Seattle Exposition. All the medals were originally bronze and then the gold and silver medals were plated. Typically the name of the winner was engraved on the reverse of the medal but this one is blank. The design shows a woman at the center in classical dress,…
ID Number:1959.1592
Date:1909
Image of Metal lunch pail, ca. 1880s

Metal lunch pail, ca. 1880s

Metal lunch containers first appeared in the mid-19th century and were initially adopted by coal miners who needed to keep food clean and dust-free. They were soon adopted by many other workers and evolved in functionality and versatility. This pail has two removable internal trays and a detachable cup on the top.
ID Number:1962.2764.41
Date:Circa 1880-1889
Image of Stainless steel Lungmotor, used by the fire department, ca. 1915

Stainless steel Lungmotor, used by the fire department, ca. 1915

The lungmotor was invented in 1913 and these devices were used widely by fire departments, hospitals, and mining companies. This hand-operated respiration machine worked by pushing the handle down to force air and/or oxygen into the patient's lungs, and raising the handle to suction out the air. This particular device was used by the Seattle Fire Department in the early…
ID Number:1964.3411.1
Date:Circa 1915
Image of Rubber mining boots, ca.1950-1960

Rubber mining boots, ca.1950-1960

These boots were worn by Clarence H. Jones M.E., a Seattle mining engineer who died in 1965.
ID Number:1966.3902.2
Date:Circa 1950-1960
Image of Badge, United Mine Workers of America, 1911

Badge, United Mine Workers of America, 1911

The eighth annual convention of the United Mine Workers of America was held in Seattle on August 7, 1911. The union's primary goals were to improve mine safety, abolish the oppressive company store system, and secure collective bargaining power.
ID Number:1978.6640.6
Date:1911
Image of Miner's candlestick from Denny Mine, ca. 1890

Miner's candlestick from Denny Mine, ca. 1890

This candle holder, also known as a miner's candlestick or sticking tommy, was most likely used at the Denny family iron mine located in the Summit District of King County, WA.
ID Number:1979.6788.8
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE) souvenir glass globe or paperweight filled with silver mineral dust from Idaho, 1909

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE) souvenir glass globe or paperweight filled with silver mineral dust from Idaho, 1909

This souvenir globe paperweight of mineral dust was sold at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle.
ID Number:1981.7328.338
Date:1909
Image of Pocket watch style compass, 1910-1920

Pocket watch style compass, 1910-1920

This compass was used by Victor W.S. Denny Sr. while gold prospecting and mining at the head of Denny Creek in the late 1910s and 1920s.
ID Number:1986.47.1
Date:1910-1920
Image of Folding pocket magnifying glass used by David Denny, ca. 1840-1890

Folding pocket magnifying glass used by David Denny, ca. 1840-1890

David Denny, the brother of Arthur Denny and a founding member of the city of Seattle, used this tool for prospecting and for starting campfires.
ID Number:1986.47.6
Date:Circa 1840-1890
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