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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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35 results for: Denny, Arthur

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Image of Brown straw hat with brown velvet bow, 1892

Brown straw hat with brown velvet bow, 1892

This hat belonged to Mrs. Howard Goodell Thompson, born Mabel Denny, daughter of Orion Denny and granddaughter of Arthur A. Denny, early white settlers in Puget Sound.
ID Number:1966.3823.13M432
Date:1892
Image of Desk of Arthur Denny, ca. 1850-1860

Desk of Arthur Denny, ca. 1850-1860

Arthur Denny used this, his personal desk, as the mail distribution desk when he was appointed Seattle's first postmaster on August 27, 1853.
ID Number:1968.4366.2
Date:1850-1860
Image of Side chair that belonged to David Denny, 1840-1880

Side chair that belonged to David Denny, 1840-1880

David Thomas Denny (1832-1903) was the younger brother of Arthur Denny and spouse to Louisa Boren. David, John Low, and Lee Terry arrived in the Puget Sound, specifically Alki Point, prior to the rest of the Denny Party in order to find a place to settle and build a cabin. David, along with his brother, were significant contributors to the…
ID Number:1968.4387.8
Date:1840-1880
Image of Broadax head that belonged to David T. Denny, ca. 1850-1890

Broadax head that belonged to David T. Denny, ca. 1850-1890

This broadax head belonged to David Thomas Denny (1832-1903). While his older brother Arthur was considered the official leader of the group of settler known as the “Denny Party,” David was the first member to arrive in the future city of Seattle in 1851. David Denny staked a claim to the future site of Seattle Center and in 1853 married…
ID Number:1969.4645.3
Date:Circa 1850-1890
Image of Grillwork and molding from the lobby of the Seattle Hotel, then Victoria Hotel, ca. 1905

Grillwork and molding from the lobby of the Seattle Hotel, then Victoria Hotel, ca. 1905

John Collins built the third Occidental Hotel in 1890, but by 1895, it was converted to an office building due to the economic depression at the time. The lobby became a commercial bank (Peoples Savings Bank) with Jacob Furth as President and Arthur Denny as Vice President. When the Klondike Gold Rush brought new visitors to the city, the building…
ID Number:1973.5604
Date:Circa 1905
Image of Fife owned by Denny family, ca. 1850

Fife owned by Denny family, ca. 1850

In 1851, Arthur Denny (1822-1899) led a contingent of his family west from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest. Like all immigrants, they brought their most precious belongings which included this Crosby brand fife.
ID Number:1974.5903.5
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Compass owned by David Denny, ca. 1850

Compass owned by David Denny, ca. 1850

In 1851, Arthur Denny (1822-1899) led a contingent of his family west from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest, where he helped build the city of Seattle. Arthur's brother, David Denny (1832-1903) had arrived earlier that year to stake out the area. Like all immigrants, he brought his most precious belongings which included this brass compass.
ID Number:1979.6788.6
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Pocket directional compass that belonged to David T. Denny, ca. 1850

Pocket directional compass that belonged to David T. Denny, ca. 1850

In 1851, Arthur Denny (1822-1899) led a contingent of his family west from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest, where he helped build the city of Seattle. Arthur's brother, David Denny (1832-1903) had arrived earlier that year to stake out the area. Like all immigrants, he brought his most precious belongings which included this pocket compass.
ID Number:1979.6788.11
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Folding pocket magnifying glass used by David Denny, ca. 1840-1890

Folding pocket magnifying glass used by David Denny, ca. 1840-1890

David Denny, the brother of Arthur Denny and a founding member of the city of Seattle, used this tool for prospecting and for starting campfires.
ID Number:1986.47.6
Date:Circa 1840-1890
Image of Side chair made by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1860s

Side chair made by Henry Van Asselt, ca. 1860s

Henry Van Asselt settled in the Seattle area in 1851, intending to make his living through agriculture. When his first homestead was burned in the Battle of Seattle of 1856, he left the area for the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where he polished his cabinet-making skills. He opened up a cabinet shop upon his return to Seattle, and his furniture…
ID Number:1988.33.1
Date:Circa 1860
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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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