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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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154 results for: Transportation

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Image of Straight air brake valve from Seattle cable car, 1912-1940

Straight air brake valve from Seattle cable car, 1912-1940

This type of air brake valve, made by the National Brake and Electric Company in Milwaukee, was used by Seattle cable cars run from 1912-1940 by the Seattle Municipal Street Railway, a city-owned transit network.
ID Number:1959.1618.44
Date:1912-1940
Image of Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Built by the Russians in Sitka, the POLITKOFSKY came under United States ownership in 1867 when Russian Alaska was sold to the US. The gunboat was then sold into civilian service as a tugboat, Polly, working the northwest coast of North America until 1896. It was then converted to a schooner barge and carried eager gold seekers to Alaska during…
ID Number:1959.1623.1
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Built by the Russians in Sitka, the POLITKOFSKY came under United States ownership in 1867 when Russian Alaska was sold to the US. The gunboat was then sold into civilian service as a tugboat, Polly, working the northwest coast of North America until 1896. It was then converted to a schooner barge and carried eager gold seekers to Alaska during…
ID Number:1959.1623.2
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Slo-Mo-Shun IV hydroplane, built in 1929 and rebuilt in 1956

Slo-Mo-Shun IV hydroplane, built in 1929 and rebuilt in 1956

The Slo-Mo-Shun IV hydroplane (rebuilt with a model of the engine) brought unlimited hydroplane racing to Seattle with her Gold Cup win. The unlimited hydroplane is an example of aerodynamic design in boat building, and it is best remembered by the estimated 200,000 exhilarated spectators on Lake Washington's shoreline as it sped to a new world record in the 1951…
ID Number:1959.1701
Date:1929
Image of Sign from the James Street cable car line, ca. 1920

Sign from the James Street cable car line, ca. 1920

This wooden sign is from the James Street cable powerhouse once located at the corner of James Street and Broadway. This wooden sign is from the James Street cable powerhouse once located at the corner of James Street and Broadway. Cable cars operated by gripping an underground, continuously moving cable, which is pulled by a central powerhouse, allowing the cars…
ID Number:1960.2003.1
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Sign from the James Street cable car line, ca. 1920

Sign from the James Street cable car line, ca. 1920

This wooden sign is from the James Street cable powerhouse once located at the corner of James Street and Broadway. Cable cars operated by gripping an underground, continuously moving cable, which is pulled by a central powerhouse, allowing the cars to move and stop by releasing and gripping the cable as needed. The powerhouse was torn down in 1960.
ID Number:1960.2003.2
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Model of a Heckmann's coal wagon, 1895

Model of a Heckmann's coal wagon, 1895

Henry Heckmann owned a fuel and transfer business in Seattle from the late 1800s into the 20th century. This model wagon was made by Joseph F. Hardwiger as a gift to Heckmann's children in 1895. Hardwiger made all of Heckmann's full-sized wagons.
ID Number:1960.2051.1
Date:1895
Image of Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Built by the Russians in Sitka, the POLITKOFSKY came under United States ownership in 1867 when Russian Alaska was sold to the US. The gunboat was then sold into civilian service as a tugboat, Polly, working the northwest coast of North America until 1896. It was then converted to a schooner barge and carried eager gold seekers to Alaska during…
ID Number:1961.2194.1
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Spike from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Built by the Russians in Sitka, the POLITKOFSKY came under United States ownership in 1867 when Russian Alaska was sold to the US. The gunboat was then sold into civilian service as a tugboat, Polly, working the northwest coast of North America until 1896. It was then converted to a schooner barge and carried eager gold seekers to Alaska during…
ID Number:1961.2403.4
Date:Circa 1850-1860
Image of Framed placard for school children, ca. 1910

Framed placard for school children, ca. 1910

This placard listing the "Street Car Don'ts For School Children" was hung in a classroom or at a street car stop to deter kids from potentially harming themselves on or near the community transit vehicles. How well these rules were heeded, we will never know!
ID Number:1961.2455
Date:Circa 1910
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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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