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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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412 results for: Retail and Department Stores

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Image of Nordstrom Best evening pumps, ca. 1972

Nordstrom Best evening pumps, ca. 1972

In 1963, Nordstrom purchased Seattle-based Best's Apparel and began selling shoes and other apparel under the name Nordstrom Best.
ID Number:1977.6449.10
Date:Circa 1972
Image of Italian tan loafers worn by John Doyle Bishop, ca. 1960s-1970s

Italian tan loafers worn by John Doyle Bishop, ca. 1960s-1970s

John Doyle Bishop (1913-1980) operated a high-end women’s clothing store in Seattle from 1950 until his death in 1980. He sourced designer garments from the United States and Europe and provided personalized fashion advice for his devoted clients. He was also known for his personal style and cultivated a reputation as a local personality.
ID Number:1977.6463.1
Date:1960-1970
Image of Rose pink cloche sold at MacDougall & Southwick in Seattle, 1920s

Rose pink cloche sold at MacDougall & Southwick in Seattle, 1920s

This hat was sold at Seattle department store MacDougall & Southwick. In 1875 Polish immigrants Ferdinand Toklas (1845-1924) and Paul Singerman (1847-1915) opened a retail business which soon became the city's first department store. Originally located at Cherry and Front Street (later called 1st Avenue), the store moved and expanded multiple times and was an early adopter of new technologies…
ID Number:1977.6517.49M896
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Blue overcoat with cape worn by John Doyle Bishop, ca. 1970

Blue overcoat with cape worn by John Doyle Bishop, ca. 1970

John Doyle Bishop (1913-1980) operated a high-end women’s clothing store in Seattle from 1950 until his death in 1980. He sourced designer garments from the United States and Europe and provided personalized fashion advice for his devoted clients. He was also known for his personal style and cultivated a reputation as a local personality.This coat references classic 19th-century greatcoat and…
ID Number:1977.6535.C2346
Date:Circa 1970
Image of World War II Coast Guard (SPAR) uniform, ca. 1940

World War II Coast Guard (SPAR) uniform, ca. 1940

During World War II, the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve was known as the SPARs. SPAR is an acronym of the Coast Guard motto “Semper Paratus –Always Ready.” SPAR assignments range from essential clerical positions to air control operations, parachute rigging and more. The SPAR uniforms were the same design as the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). The…
ID Number:1978.6708.15C2403
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Straw boater hat from C. C. Filson Co, ca. 1900-1920

Straw boater hat from C. C. Filson Co, ca. 1900-1920

This straw hat was sold by C. C. Filson company of Seattle. Filson was founded in 1897 to outfit Klondike Gold Rush miners for harsh conditions. They soon became known as suppliers of high-quality gear for all kinds of outdoor professions, adventurers, and hobbyists. Straw “boater” hats were popular in the late 19th and early 20th century for both men…
ID Number:1979.6787.1M959
Date:Circa 1900-1920
Image of Black pumps with floral print, ca. 1950

Black pumps with floral print, ca. 1950

This pair of women's floral print heels were sold at local retailer Best's Apparel around 1950.
ID Number:1979.6842.10
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Cobbler's sign made by Leo Sherin, 1925-1975

Cobbler's sign made by Leo Sherin, 1925-1975

Leo Sherin (1897-1989) was a "shoetician" who operated a shop at 1909 East Aloha Street in Seattle from 1925-1975. The sign is made of two parts with a painted message on both sides. Mr. Sherin was forced to remove the tall sign from his shop when he refused to pay the city air-space rent to hang it.
ID Number:1980.6949.1
Date:1925-1975
Image of Pair of white leather pumps, ca. 1950

Pair of white leather pumps, ca. 1950

This pair of everyday women's pumps were made and sold by Nordstrom in the 1950s.
ID Number:1980.6974.54
Date:Circa 1950
Image of High-laced black kid leather walking boots, 1916

High-laced black kid leather walking boots, 1916

This pair of leather walking boots were sold at The Bon Marché in Seattle around 1916.
ID Number:1980.6974.58
Date:1916
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