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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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257 results for: Innovation and Invention

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Image of Hamilton propeller from Boeing B-1, 1920-1924

Hamilton propeller from Boeing B-1, 1920-1924

The B-1 was the first aircraft designed and assembled entirely by the Boeing Airplane Company for commercial rather than military purposes. Beginning in 1920, the plane was used on the first regularly scheduled international airmail route between Seattle and Victoria. This propeller made by Hamilton Aero Manufacturing Company was used on the Boeing B-1, and there is a consideration that…
ID Number:1963.2886
Date:1920-1924
Image of Boeing

Boeing "Kaydet" model airplane, ca. 1934

The Boeing "Kaydet" was the first completely standardized primary training plane used by both the Army and Navy.
ID Number:1963.2899.1
Date:Circa 1934
Image of Pair of breeches made by C. C. Filson, ca. 1922

Pair of breeches made by C. C. Filson, ca. 1922

These breeches were made by the C.C. Filson Company founded in Seattle in 1897. They are reinforced at the seat and on the front of the thighs for walking or riding. For a century, Filson has served those who labor outdoors professionally as well as those whose adventures are pure passion. A 1914 catalog describes the brand as making garments…
ID Number:1963.3008.5C975
Date:Circa 1922
Image of Electrotherapy machine, 1854

Electrotherapy machine, 1854

This "Magneto-Electric Machine" is an early electrotherapy treatment machine and was used for the purpose of curing all manner of aches and pains. It was purchased and used by Rolland Denny, a member of Seattle's white settler family.
ID Number:1963.3072.1
Date:1854
Image of Box made from wood from Yesler's Mill, ca. 1909

Box made from wood from Yesler's Mill, ca. 1909

Henry Yesler built the first steam-powered sawmill in Seattle in 1852. It was instrumental in developing this small white settler town into a thriving city. The mill burned down in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, but wood from the mill was found during the excavation of the public comfort station at Pioneer Place in 1909. This box was made…
ID Number:1963.3093.1
Date:Circa 1909
Image of Bubbleator Operator uniform from the World's Fair, 1962

Bubbleator Operator uniform from the World's Fair, 1962

The Bubbleator was a spherical acrylic glass elevator that carried visitors between floors of the World of Tomorrow Exhibit during the 1962 World’s Fair. The exhibit was in the Washington State Coliseum, now known as Climate Pledge Arena. The Bubbleator operators sat on a chrome chair and wore futuristic silver uniforms like this. The tops are reminiscent of space suits…
ID Number:1963.3119.96C1057
Date:1962
Image of Roberson Thompson indicator, 1899

Roberson Thompson indicator, 1899

The Roberson Thompson indicator was designed and built by John Roberson of south Seattle. It was used to measure steam consumption of steam engines.
ID Number:1964.3433.1
Date:Circa 1899
Image of Handmade cane from the first flight around the world, 1924

Handmade cane from the first flight around the world, 1924

On April 6, 1924, four aircraft, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and New Orleans, took off from Sand Point in Seattle and headed for Alaska as the first stop in the first round the world flight. The lead aircraft, Seattle, was flown by Major Frederick L. Martin (1882-1956). Unfortunately, on April 30, the Seattle crashed in dense fog into a mountainside near…
ID Number:1966.3882.5
Date:1924
Image of Goose down lounging booties, 1967

Goose down lounging booties, 1967

Eddie Bauer advertised its Mt. Everest insulated slippers as "ideal for keeping feet warm in tent or cabin." Eddie Bauer supplied all of the down equipment for the 1963 American Mount Everest expeditions and used the name in its product line.
ID Number:1967.4134.1
Date:1967
Image of Eddie Bauer brand insulated mittens, ca. 1963

Eddie Bauer brand insulated mittens, ca. 1963

Seattle outdoorsman and entrepreneur Eddie Bauer helped bring high-quality outdoor gear to a greater population. His efforts dismissed the notion that adventure-type recreation was only for backwoods eccentrics or world-class athletes. Eddie Bauer based the design of this type of mitten on ones custom made for Jim Whittaker’s Mt. Everest expedition in 1963. In that historic expedition, the local climber…
ID Number:1967.4134.2
Date:Circa 1963
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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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