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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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36 results for: Seafair

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Image of Slo-Mo-Shun IV hydroplane, built in 1929 and rebuilt in 1956

Slo-Mo-Shun IV hydroplane, built in 1929 and rebuilt in 1956

The Slo-Mo-Shun IV hydroplane (rebuilt with a model of the engine) brought unlimited hydroplane racing to Seattle with her Gold Cup win. The unlimited hydroplane is an example of aerodynamic design in boat building, and it is best remembered by the estimated 200,000 exhilarated spectators on Lake Washington's shoreline as it sped to a new world record in the 1951…
ID Number:1959.1701
Date:1929
Image of Seafair King Neptune II hat, 1951

Seafair King Neptune II hat, 1951

Since 1950, the Seattle Seafair festival has recognized notable local individuals as Seafair Royalty, including King Neptune, Prime Minister, and Seafair Queen (Miss Seafair). William O. McKay, a seattle auto dealer and civic leader, was crowned King Neptune for the 1951 Seafair celebrations.
ID Number:1963.3182.2.11M353
Date:1951
Image of Seafair King Neptune IV hat, 1953

Seafair King Neptune IV hat, 1953

Since 1950, the Seattle Seafair festival has recognized notable local individuals as Seafair Royalty, including King Neptune, Prime Minister, and Seafair Queen (Miss Seafair). Rear Admiral H.H. Good, who commanded heavy cruisers for the US Navy during World War II, was crowned King Neptune for the 1953 Seafair celebrations.
ID Number:1963.3182.10M354
Date:1953
Image of Red Coaster wagon, ca. 1920

Red Coaster wagon, ca. 1920

As a boy in Iowa, Jay Higbee used this wagon on his paper route for the Des Moines Register. Jay ended up moving to Seattle and, in 1965, his children decorated the wagon for the Seafair parade as a passenger car with the name, ‘Northern Pacific Really Terrific.” It won a prize in the children’s parade in the University District.
ID Number:1966.3837
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Seafair Prime Minister uniform, 1950

Seafair Prime Minister uniform, 1950

This festive uniform belonged to Ray Eckman (1899-1978), the first Prime Minister of Seafair. Eckmann had been a star athlete at Lincoln High School and the University of Washington and from 1936 to 1942 he was athletic director at the University of Washington. He also co-owned the menswear store Martin & Eckmann in the University District from 1922 to 1972…
ID Number:1981.7311.C2574
Date:1950
Image of SeaFair King Neptune Rex I hat, 1950

SeaFair King Neptune Rex I hat, 1950

Since 1950, the Seattle Seafair festival has recognized notable local individuals as Seafair Royalty, including King Neptune, Prime Minister, and Seafair Queen (Miss Seafair). Victor Rabel, President of the Star Machinery Company in Seattle, an industrial equipment and service business, wore this hat as part of his uniform representing the first ever honorary Seafair King.
ID Number:1981.7312.2C2575
Date:1950
Image of SeaFair King Neptune Rex I hat, 1950

SeaFair King Neptune Rex I hat, 1950

Since 1950, the Seattle Seafair festival has recognized notable local individuals as Seafair Royalty, including King Neptune, Prime Minister, and Seafair Queen (Miss Seafair). Victor Rabel, President of the Star Machinery Company in Seattle, an industrial equipment and service business, wore this hat as part of his uniform representing the first ever honorary Seafair King.
ID Number:1981.7312.3C2575
Date:1950
Image of Seattle Seafair Skipper pin, 1973

Seattle Seafair Skipper pin, 1973

Hydroplane racing is a major event during Seattle Seafair. This is a souvenir from the hydroplane races in 1973.
ID Number:1989.109.5
Date:1973
Image of Souvenir pin,

Souvenir pin, "I've been had by the 1958 Seattle Seafair Pirates"

The Seafair Pirates are a local organization founded in 1949 to provide entertainment and promote the Seattle Seafair celebration held every year. They launch the beginning of Seafair with a commemorative landing at Alki Beach.
ID Number:1989.109.6
Date:1958
Image of Card, the 100 PLUS Club, 1952

Card, the 100 PLUS Club, 1952

This card belonged to race timer Andy Joy, who rode with driver Mike Welsch at 145 miles per hour in Slo-mo-shun IV.
ID Number:1991.29
Date:1952
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