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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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60 results for: Military

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Image of Locker room door from old Seattle Armory, ca. 1888

Locker room door from old Seattle Armory, ca. 1888

The old Seattle Armory was built in 1888 on Union Street. After the Seattle fire of 1889, the building was used a relief station. The territorial militia companies were quartered here, along with the Regimental Band. It was here that the National Guard companies volunteered to serve in the Spanish-American War of 1898. Each of the quarters had locker rooms…
ID Number:1964.3381.1
Date:Circa 1888
Image of Flute carried in the Civil War by Theodore Perry Mills, ca. 1860

Flute carried in the Civil War by Theodore Perry Mills, ca. 1860

Theodore Perry Mills was a member of a regiment from around Dimock or Montrose, Pennsylvania. He died in service and, coincidentally, was buried on the same day as Abraham Lincoln, May 4, 1865, which was also the first birthday of his only son, Winfred Loren Mills. Winfred sometimes played this flute, originally made by William Hall & Son in New…
ID Number:1965.3668
Date:Circa 1860
Image of Framed photograph of the launching of US Army Transport

Framed photograph of the launching of US Army Transport "Seward" at Moran Shipyard, Seattle, April 6, 1900, (c) Peiser

Robert Moran (1857-1943) came to Seattle in 1875 with just change in his pockets but, by 1900, he was one of the wealthiest individuals in the city. He and his brother established the Moran Bros. Shipyard which became a major shipbuilding company. Starting in 1892,the Moran Bros. won several government contracts to build ships for the military including the army…
ID Number:1966.4014
Date:1900
Image of World War I Navy Officer's black leather belt, ca. 1914

World War I Navy Officer's black leather belt, ca. 1914

This belt belonged to Mortimer B. Carraher who was a United Stated Navy ensign and commanded a mine sweeper during the removal of mines from the North Sea Mine Barrage in 1919. During World War I, this mine barrage was laid east of the Orkney Islands to Norway with the purpose of stopping German U-boats from reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
ID Number:1967.4242.2
Date:Circa 1914
Image of Seattle Police Department handcuffs belonging to John Reitz, ca. 1900

Seattle Police Department handcuffs belonging to John Reitz, ca. 1900

These handcuffs belonged to John Reitz, who settled in Seattle in 1904 after completing his military service in the Philippines during the Spanish American War. He worked for the Seattle Parks Department and was superintendent of Woodland Park from 1919-1944.
ID Number:1969.4650.6a
Date:Circa 1900
Image of Canteen from the Spanish American War, 1898

Canteen from the Spanish American War, 1898

This canteen was owned by Roland Hill Hartley who was a colonel in the Minnesota militia during the Spanish-American War. He later served one term as Mayor of Everett, Washington, in 1910, then served two terms as Governor of the state of Washington from 1925-1933.
ID Number:1969.4671.2
Date:1898
Image of Samurai doll, possibly Kato Kiyomasa, from Boys’ Day, ca. 1930-1940

Samurai doll, possibly Kato Kiyomasa, from Boys’ Day, ca. 1930-1940

Boy’s Day (Tango no Sekku) is traditionally celebrated with the display of samurai armor or samurai dolls, and with carp streamers (koinobori). This doll’s tall helmet may indicate that he is Kato Kiyomasa, a famous military leader who was also known for hunting tigers. In 1942, the majority of the student body of the Bailey Gatzert Elementary School was of…
ID Number:1973.5711.15
Date:1930-1940
Image of World War II Coast Guard (SPAR) uniform, ca. 1940

World War II Coast Guard (SPAR) uniform, ca. 1940

During World War II, the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve was known as the SPARs. SPAR is an acronym of the Coast Guard motto “Semper Paratus –Always Ready.” SPAR assignments range from essential clerical positions to air control operations, parachute rigging and more. The SPAR uniforms were the same design as the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). The…
ID Number:1978.6708.15C2403
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Coleman camp stove, 1946-1949

Coleman camp stove, 1946-1949

This Coleman camping or “pocket” stove was used in the Seattle area by Peggy and George Corley. Coleman produced the model 520 pocket stove for the U.S. Military during WWII. This 530 is the civilian version, manufactured between 1946 and 1949. It was marketed as the "perfect pal for hunting, fishing and camping trips" and could "slip easily into a…
ID Number:1979.6740.3
Date:1946-1949
Image of Swagger stick or pointer, ca. 1900

Swagger stick or pointer, ca. 1900

Swagger sticks are short staffs or canes and were once carried by uniformed persons of authority, specifically in the Marines. This stick has the City of Seattle crest and the words "Seattle Washington Enterprise."
ID Number:1979.6847.2
Date:Circa 1900
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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.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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