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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 Gold scales originally owned by Albert and Markus Mayer of the Mayer Bros., Klondike prospectors and jewelry store proprietors, 1897

Gold scales originally owned by Albert and Markus Mayer of the Mayer Bros., Klondike prospectors and jewelry store proprietors, 1897

The firm of Mayer Bros. was established in Seattle in 1897 under the name Joseph Mayer and Brothers. The company was founded by Joseph, Albert, and Markus Mayer, who emigrated from Germany. They were manufacturing jewelers, silversmiths, and jewelry wholesalers. In 1897, Albert and Markus left the company to join the Klondike gold rush where they established a retail jewelry…
ID Number:2011.7.1
Date:Circa 1897
Image of Sequined clutch purse, 1930s

Sequined clutch purse, 1930s

This purse was purchased at I. Magnin in Seattle.
ID Number:2011.8.1
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Seattle centennial shirt, 1952

Seattle centennial shirt, 1952

This shirt, made by Buttnick, a Seattle casualwear company, is from a series of patterned shirts and scarves designed for Seattle’s centennial year, celebrated from November 1951 to November 1952. The print is an interesting collection of Seattle scenes considered iconic during this decade before the Space Needle was built. It includes sites like the Smith Tower, Kalakala ferry, and…
ID Number:2011.50.1
Date:1952
Image of Coronation gown worn by Anne Slaugh, Miss Seafair 1997

Coronation gown worn by Anne Slaugh, Miss Seafair 1997

The first Seattle Seafair Queen was crowned in 1950. The title was changed to Miss Seafair in 1972 as the role evolved to put more emphasis on academics and personal achievements. Anne Slaugh selected this gown at Nordstrom to compete for the crown in 1997, partially because the back draped dramatically behind her when she played piano during the talent…
ID Number:2011.105.1
Date:1997
Image of Round box for Almond Frangos, ca. 1980s

Round box for Almond Frangos, ca. 1980s

Frederick & Nelson was famous for their Frango chocolate truffles, now sold by Macy's Department stores. These round boxes are reminiscent of the ones sold during the 1950s, but this particular box is probably a historical re-issue created in the 1980s.
ID Number:2011.112.7
Date:Circa 1980
Image of Round box for Mokas Coffee Frangos, ca. 1980s

Round box for Mokas Coffee Frangos, ca. 1980s

Frederick & Nelson was famous for their Frango chocolate truffles, now sold by Macy's Department stores. These round boxes are reminiscent of the ones sold during the 1950s, but this particular box is probably a historical re-issue created in the 1980s.
ID Number:2011.112.8
Date:Circa 1980
Image of J.A. Baillargeon Department Store china set, ca. 1906-1911

J.A. Baillargeon Department Store china set, ca. 1906-1911

This Limoges china tea set was sold specifically at J. A. Baillargeon & Co., an early Seattle business established in 1885 and closed in 1912.
ID Number:2012.10.1
Date:Circa 1906-1911
Image of Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero, ca. 1990s

Outdoor Research Seattle Sombrero, ca. 1990s

The “Seattle Sombrero” was introduced by local company Outdoor Research in the mid-1980s, and it quickly became one of their top sellers and cornerstone products. Inspired by Seattle’s famously rainy weather, the Seattle Sombrero is a waterproof rain hat made of Gore-Tex fabric with foam stiffening in the brim to keep it “floating” instead of collapsing in a downpour. Velcro…
ID Number:2012.15.1
Date:Circa 1990
Image of Pair of cream satin wedding shoes with beaded toe, from Turrell's Seattle, ca. 1910s

Pair of cream satin wedding shoes with beaded toe, from Turrell's Seattle, ca. 1910s

This pair of satin wedding shoes were sold at Turrell's, an early Seattle retailer, in the 1910s.
ID Number:2013.2.19
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Pair of black satin and grosgrain pumps with lace ties,

Pair of black satin and grosgrain pumps with lace ties, "Styled at Rysonele", Baxter's Seattle, ca. 1915-1925

This pair of women's black satin pumps features lace ties. They were sold at Baxter's Shoes of Seattle around 1915-1920.
ID Number:2013.2.21
Date:Circa 1915-1925
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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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