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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 Black velvet pumps, ca. 1912

Black velvet pumps, ca. 1912

These black velvet women's shoes feature a rhinestone buckle. They were purchased from early Seattle store Jenkin's Shoe Co. around 1912.
ID Number:1980.7069.2
Date:Circa 1912
Image of Blue skeet shooting sweater, ca. 1940s

Blue skeet shooting sweater, ca. 1940s

This blue sweater was made by Sportcraft Knitting in Seattle specifically for skeet and trap shooting. The leather patch on the shoulder has padding underneath to cushion where the gun rests. It was worn by Victor Denny who was the grandson of Seattle founders David and Louisa Denny and an avid sportsman. He was a member of the Seattle Gun…
ID Number:1980.7106.5C2525
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Baby's leather bootees, sold at Nordstrom, ca. 1900

Baby's leather bootees, sold at Nordstrom, ca. 1900

Nordstrom began as a shoe retailer established in Seattle in 1901 by Carl Wallin and Swedish immigrant John Nordstrom (Wallin & Nordstrom). By 1929, both Nordstrom and Wallin had retired and sold their shares to Nordstrom's sons, Everett and Elmer. In 1930, when the newly remodeled Second Avenue store was reopened, the name changed to Nordstrom and eventually opened stores…
ID Number:1981.7231.7
Date:Circa 1900
Image of White kid leather wedding shoes, 1908

White kid leather wedding shoes, 1908

Eggert's was an early Seattle retailer. These shoes were worn at the first formal wedding held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle on October 21, 1908.
ID Number:1981.7231.23
Date:1908
Image of Emerald green cocktail dress with large flower on left hip, ca. 1950

Emerald green cocktail dress with large flower on left hip, ca. 1950

This green satin evening dress was designed by Ernest Newman of Beverly Hills and sold in Seattle by retailer John Doyle Bishop (1913-1980). Bishop operated a high-end women’s clothing store 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. Bishop took great pride…
ID Number:1981.7251.1C2557
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Plaid dress designed by Claire McCardell and sold at Best's Apparel, 1950

Plaid dress designed by Claire McCardell and sold at Best's Apparel, 1950

This dress was designed by Claire McCardell, one of the most influential American ready-to-wear designers of the 20th century. It was sold in Seattle at Best’s Apparel. Best’s was a women’s clothing store founded by Dorothy Cabot Best (1888-1958) and Ivan Lovich Best (1887-1979). The store opened in 1925 on Third Avenue between Pine and Pike and moved to a…
ID Number:1981.7272.1C2562
Date:1950
Image of Platform sole shoes, 1945

Platform sole shoes, 1945

These beaded, open-toe sling pumps were sold at Best's Apparel, an early Seattle retailer, in 1945.
ID Number:1982.144.20
Date:1945
Image of Gold open toe sandals, ca. 1940s

Gold open toe sandals, ca. 1940s

These gold evening shoes were purchased from Jerauld's, a shoe store formerly located on Pine Street in downtown Seattle, in the 1940s.
ID Number:1982.144.21
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Straw toque, 1919

Straw toque, 1919

This hat, part of a large collection owned by Gertrude Paul, was made by milliner Mrs. W.F. Flagg who had a business in the Arcade Building in Seattle. Mrs. Paul was a Seattle dance teacher and patron of the arts.
ID Number:1983.71.6M1067
Date:1919
Image of Red and white hat, ca. 1945

Red and white hat, ca. 1945

This hat was part of a large collection of hats owned by Gertrude Paul, a Seattle dance teacher and patron of the arts. It has a homemade label which reads “Hats by Gertrude, Seattle.” This suggests that the hat was either made by Gertrude Paul herself, or the name is a coincidence and there was a milliner named Gertrude who…
ID Number:1983.71.19M1084
Date:Circa 1945
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
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