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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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534 results for: Businesses and Corporations

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Image of Buttonhook from Nordstrom's shoe store, ca. 1900

Buttonhook from Nordstrom's shoe store, 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:1956.1056.64
Date:Circa 1900
Image of Portrait of Frederick K. Struve by Dola M. Litzenberg, ca. 1910

Portrait of Frederick K. Struve by Dola M. Litzenberg, ca. 1910

In his dark suit, Frederic Struve projects an image of propserous stability. Struve was a prominent Seattle businessman and real estate developer. He became president of Seattle National Bank in 1914 and was active in the social, athletic, and political life of the city. The artist, Dola M. Litzenberg (1868-d.?), was born in Ohio and the census shows her in…
ID Number:1956.1061.f
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Buttonhook from Wallin and Nordstrom, ca. 1900

Buttonhook from Wallin and 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:1956.1115.34
Date:Circa 1900
Image of Oil portrait of Jacob Furth by unknown artist, ca. 1900

Oil portrait of Jacob Furth by unknown artist, ca. 1900

Jacob Furth (1840-1914) was an early Seattle businessman and public figure who played a large role in developing Seattle's city infrastructure. As the president of Seattle National Bank, Furth also helped Seattle recover from the Great Fire of 1889 and financial panic of 1893.
ID Number:1956.1145.2
Date:Circa 1900
Image of Poster distributed by Seattle-based real estate and financial brokers, Crawford and Conover, featuring illustrated scenes of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889

Poster distributed by Seattle-based real estate and financial brokers, Crawford and Conover, featuring illustrated scenes of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889

This poster features scenes on Front Street before the the 1889 Seattle fire, the Yesler-Leary block and Occidental Hotel during the fire, Front Street after the fire, businesses that resumed in tents after the fire, the Relief Train from Portland to Seattle, and a tent set up by the Tacoma Relief Bureau. In the center is the date 1890 and…
ID Number:1957.1281.7
Date:1889
Image of Cast iron pan with separate cups, ca. 1860-1880

Cast iron pan with separate cups, ca. 1860-1880

Also known as a muffin pan, a gem pan, or a roll pan, this type of pan allows for multiple smaller items to be baked simultaneously. This pan belonged to Alexander Murray Gow, who came to Seattle in 1866. Gow married Anna Katherine Nagel and they had a 160-acre claim in the area between what is now Renton and Kent.…
ID Number:1957.1300.5
Date:Circa 1860-1880
Image of Malt Rainier beer bottle, 1909

Malt Rainier beer bottle, 1909

This malt beer was bottled in celebration of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, held in Seattle in 1909.
ID Number:1957.1359.1
Date:1909
Image of Small round tin coaster advertising Rainier Beer, 1909

Small round tin coaster advertising Rainier Beer, 1909

This coaster, a souvenir from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), advertises the Rainier Brewing Company. The AYPE was a world's fair held in Seattle in 1909 which publicized the development of the Pacific Northwest and positioned Seattle as a gateway to Alaska and the Pacific Rim. Rainier Beer was founded in Seattle in 1884.
ID Number:1957.1359.2
Date:1909
Image of Eyeglasses with metal rims and retractable bows, worn by Thomas B. Elder, a Seattle pioneer of 1883

Eyeglasses with metal rims and retractable bows, worn by Thomas B. Elder, a Seattle pioneer of 1883

These glasses were provided to Thomas Elder by early Seattle "Scientific Optician" H. Clay Eversole.
ID Number:1957.1381.4
Date:Circa 1883
Image of The Smith Premier Typewriter, No 1, ca. 1887

The Smith Premier Typewriter, No 1, ca. 1887

The Smith Premier Typewriter was known for its strength, durability, speed, and light touch. The Smith Premier Typewriter Company was founded by brothers, Lyman Cornelius (L.C.) and Wilbert Smith, and began manufacturing their first model in 1887. This typewriter was used by Rev. Honor L. Wilhelm of Seattle who was also publisher of Coast Magazine. L.C. Smith built the Smith…
ID Number:1957.1388.1
Date:1887-1894
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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
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