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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 Hard hat commemorating the new WaMu Center, Washington Mutual Corporation headquarters, 2007

Hard hat commemorating the new WaMu Center, Washington Mutual Corporation headquarters, 2007

Washington Mutual (WaMu) was incorporated as the Washington National Buliding Loan and Investment Association on Sept 25, 1889. It grew to be the United States' largest savings and loan association until its collapse in 2008.
ID Number:2009.93.8
Date:2007
Image of 1923 Ford Model TT, UPS Delivery Truck, restored in 1995

1923 Ford Model TT, UPS Delivery Truck, restored in 1995

In 1907, Seattle teens Jim Casey and Claude Ryan started a messenger service with $100 and a bike. Merging with a competitor, they switched to trucks and - in 1919 - expanded beyond Seattle to Oakland, becoming the United Parcel Service (UPS). Those first trucks are long gone, but this vintage Ford Model T restored by expert Ron Ferguson shows…
ID Number:2009.UPStruck
Date:1923
Image of Hanging sign for The Wet Whisker, ca. 1971

Hanging sign for The Wet Whisker, ca. 1971

To help fund his education in optometry, Jim Stewart opened his first store, the Wet Whisker, in 1968 in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, Washington. In the summer of 1969, he purchased his first 12-pound Royal Roaster from a peanut vendor on the beach in Southern California. By the end of the second summer, Jim had roasted and sold nearly 500…
ID Number:2010.1.99
Date:Circa 1971
Image of Starbucks Coffee sign with green-and-black mermaid logo,

Starbucks Coffee sign with green-and-black mermaid logo, "We Proudly Serve," ca. 1990

The first Starbucks Coffee opened in Seattle, Washington, on March 31, 1971, by three partners: Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin, and Zev Siegl. The moniker, "Starbucks," comes from the name of the first mate in the Herman Melville novel, "Moby Dick," and the logo, a twin-tailed siren, is representative of Seattle's maritime heritage. The first Starbucks store was located in Seattle…
ID Number:2010.1.100
Date:1990
Image of Set of two Boeing commercial airplane models: A720 and A707 Intercontinental N714PA, ca. 1960

Set of two Boeing commercial airplane models: A720 and A707 Intercontinental N714PA, ca. 1960

Now one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing was incorporated in Seattle in 1916 by William Boeing. These models are examples of Boeing's early jet airliners. The 707 was launched in 1957 and the 720 was launched in 1959.
ID Number:2010.1.269
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Bobblehead figurine of former Washington Mutual CEO Kerry Killinger, ca. 2000

Bobblehead figurine of former Washington Mutual CEO Kerry Killinger, ca. 2000

Washington Mutual (WaMu) was incorporated as the Washington National Buliding Loan and Investment Association in 1889. With marketing slogans like "The Friend of the Family" and "Simpler Banking, More Smiles," WaMu was marketed as a user-friendly bank. Kerry Killinger was named CEO of WaMu in 1991, but, as a result of the subprime mortgage crisis in 2007-2008, Killinger was removed…
ID Number:2010.15.1
Date:Circa 2000
Image of Wooden crate used at the Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1930s

Wooden crate used at the Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1930s

Yip Hong and Yee Moon Luke, opened and operated Hong Lee Laundry in the early part of the 20th century. It was later operated by Tsze Chow Luke and Sug May Luke. The laundry company was located at 5018 University Way NE. At the time of its closing it was one of the last remaining hand laundries in Seattle's University…
ID Number:2010.28.3
Date:Circa 1930-1940
Image of Table ironing board used at Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1930s

Table ironing board used at Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1930s

Yip Hong and Yee Moon Luke, opened and operated Hong Lee Laundry in the early part of the 20th century. It was later operated by Tsze Chow Luke and Sug May Luke. The laundry company was located at 5018 University Way NE. At the time of its closing it was one of the last remaining hand laundries in Seattle's University…
ID Number:2010.28.4
Date:Circa 1930-1940
Image of Set of two plaster Fu Dog statues, from the Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1900-1950

Set of two plaster Fu Dog statues, from the Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1900-1950

These statues were decorations at Hong Lee Laundry, a family business owned by the donor's parents and grandparents. The laundry company was located at 5018 University Way NE, and at the time of its closing it was one of the last remaining hand laundries in Seattle's University District.
ID Number:2010.28.5
Date:Circa 1900-1950
Image of Sadiron, used at Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1930s

Sadiron, used at Hong Lee Laundry, ca. 1930s

Yip Hong and Yee Moon Luke, opened and operated Hong Lee Laundry in the early part of the 20th century. It was later operated by Tsze Chow Luke and Sug May Luke. The laundry company was located at 5018 University Way NE. At the time of its closing it was one of the last remaining hand laundries in Seattle's University…
ID Number:2010.28.6
Date:Circa 1930
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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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