• Visit
    • Museum Accessibility
    • Community Access
    • Group Visits and Tours
    • Programs
      • History Café
      • MOHAI Mercantile Literary Series
      • First Thursday
      • Denny Lecture
      • Al Young Educator of the Year
      • Everyday Heroes
    • MOHAI Mercantile
    • Gourmondo at MOHAI
  • Exhibits
  • Events
  • Collections and Research
    • Collections Search
    • Themed Collections
    • Research Library
    • Image Ordering
    • Donate an Artifact
    • Curator’s Fellowship
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Membership at MOHAI
    • Gift Memberships
    • Corporate Support
  • Education
    • Field Trips
      • Self-Guided School Year Explorations
      • Creating Our Community
      • Cracking the History Code: Salish Stories
      • Cracking the History Code: Settling Around the Sound
      • Hands on History
      • Self-Guided Summer Field Trips
      • Homeschool Group
    • Portable Museum Program
    • Scholarships
    • Education FAQ
    • Primary Source Analysis
    • Online Curricula
    • Teen Programs
    • Idea Lab
    • Discovery Packs
    • Summer Camps
  • About
    • Annual Reports
    • The MOHAI Blog
    • Contact MOHAI
    • Opportunities
    • Leadership
    • Private Events
  • Donate
  • Tickets
  • Membership
HomeCollections and ResearchCollections Search

Collections Search

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.

Download lower resolution images directly from an item page. MOHAI offers high-resolution digital reproductions of photographs and other materials from our collections for personal and professional use.

We have many more items in our collections and not everything you see online is on view at the museum. We have additional materials online at the University of Washington’s Digital Collections.

MOHAI Statement on Harmful Content

Search by Collection

Not finding what you are looking for?
Ask the MOHAI Collections Staff

412 results for: Retail and Department Stores

Share:
Image of Hat stretcher from Frederick & Nelson, ca. 1920-1960

Hat stretcher from Frederick & Nelson, ca. 1920-1960

The chrome dome on this device heats up and the two halves slowly separate via turning the screw which gradually stretches the hat to the desired size.
ID Number:1993.43.92
Date:Circa 1920-1960
Image of Hatmaking conformateur and formillian from Frederick & Nelson, 1899-1900

Hatmaking conformateur and formillian from Frederick & Nelson, 1899-1900

This machine is used to measure heads for hatmaking. It is built to accomodate all head sizes through a series of 48 articulated ebony slats that conform to the features of one's head.
ID Number:1993.43.93
Date:1899-1900
Image of Shoe stretcher used at Frederick & Nelson shoe department, ca. 1920s

Shoe stretcher used at Frederick & Nelson shoe department, ca. 1920s

Frederick & Nelson Department Store was founded in Seattle in 1891. This cast iron tool was used for stretching shoes to relieve pressure, with the balled end placed inside and ring outside and then squeezed.
ID Number:1993.43.130
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Silver candy dish, used at Frederick & Nelson, ca. 1950

Silver candy dish, used at Frederick & Nelson, ca. 1950

Frederick & Nelson Department Store was founded in Seattle in 1891. Silver dessert dishes such as these were evidence of their elegant reputation.
ID Number:1993.43.153
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Set of four silver vases used at Frederick & Nelson department store, ca. 1950

Set of four silver vases used at Frederick & Nelson department store, ca. 1950

Frederick & Nelson Department Store was founded in Seattle in 1891. These vases are marked with the Frederick & Nelson name and are evidence of the store's elegant reputation.
ID Number:1993.43.154
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Promotional glass ashtray, Magnolia Radio and Records, ca. 1960s

Promotional glass ashtray, Magnolia Radio and Records, ca. 1960s

Magnolia Radio and Records opened in Seattle in the 1960s. It then became Magnolia Hi-Fi, and then Magnolia Audio Video, a retail arm of Best Buy.
ID Number:1994.7.12
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Pair of beaded earrings, ca. 1970s

Pair of beaded earrings, ca. 1970s

This pair of pink delicate beaded earrings were purchased in Seattle and were a popular fad in the 1970s.
ID Number:1994.7.35
Date:Circa 1970
Image of Bracelet, 1960s

Bracelet, 1960s

This gold plated women's fashion bracelet was purchased from either Frederick & Nelson or The Bon Marché in the 1960s.
ID Number:1994.7.37
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Green wool dress and matching coat sold by Nordstrom Best, 1966-1972

Green wool dress and matching coat sold by Nordstrom Best, 1966-1972

This dress and coat ensemble has a label from Nordstrom Best, a short-lived name for merged fashion retail businesses Best’s Apparel and Nordstrom. Best’s was a women’s clothing store founded by Dorothy Cabot Best and Ivan Lovich Best. The store opened in 1925 at 1520 Third Avenue and then moved in 1935 to a larger location at 5th and Pine.…
ID Number:1994.Ensemble
Date:1966-1972
Image of Turquoise pumps, ca. 1956

Turquoise pumps, ca. 1956

This pair of 1956 satin women's shoes were dyed turquoise to match a dress and purse. They were purchased at Frederick & Nelson and owned by a well-known Seattle architect. Worn in a set with dress, purse and earrings also in the MOHAI collection.
ID Number:1996.03.5
Date:Circa 1956
Previous 1 … 17 18 19 20 21 … 42 Next

Land Acknowledgement

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.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
  • Plan a Visit
  • Directions and Parking
  • Accessibility
  • Group Tours
  • About

Sign up to Receive our Newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright 2026, Museum of History & Industry. All Rights Reserved