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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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132 results for: Recreation

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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 Woman's straw boater, ca. 1894

Woman's straw boater, ca. 1894

In the late 19th century the straw “boater” hat was the go-to style for warm weather and for sporting activities. Both men and women wore versions of these flat, lightweight hats. This one may have been worn for bicycling.
ID Number:1980.6974.38M982
Date:Circa 1894
Image of Blue skeet shooting sweater, ca. 1940s

Blue skeet shooting sweater, ca. 1940s

This blue sweater was made by Sportcraft Knitting in Seattle specifically for skeet and trap shooting. The leather patch on the shoulder has padding underneath to cushion where the gun rests. It was worn by Victor Denny who was the grandson of Seattle founders David and Louisa Denny and an avid sportsman. He was a member of the Seattle Gun…
ID Number:1980.7106.5C2525
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Ivory poker chips, 1920s

Ivory poker chips, 1920s

These elephant ivory poker chips with scrimshaw designs and painted borders were recovered in 1960 from the basement of the Morrison Hotel, located at Third Avenue and James Streets, when the hotel’s basement was demolished to develop parking facilities. A portion of the basement had been developed into a hidden gambling hall that operated during the 1920s.
ID Number:1980.7165.4
Date:Circa 1920-1930
Image of Women’s athletic shoes, ca. 1890-1910

Women’s athletic shoes, ca. 1890-1910

These athletic shoes were used for sports like tennis or basketball around the turn of the 20th century. The owner of the shoes, Mrs. Grace Boyns, lived in Seattle on Queen Anne hill.
ID Number:1981.7181.1
Date:Circa 1880-1900
Image of Ibsen Aqua-Belt, 1950

Ibsen Aqua-Belt, 1950

Water skiers used this type of inflatable belt for floatation before more modern life jackets came on the market in the late 1960s. In 1928, Don Ibsen introduced water skiing to the Pacific Northwest by carving and steaming his own skis out of cedar planks, and plying the waters of Lake Washington. In 1950, he worked with Plastimayd, a Portland,…
ID Number:1983.51.1
Date:1950
Image of Shooting gallery .22 caliber rifle, ca. 1920s

Shooting gallery .22 caliber rifle, ca. 1920s

The Playland Amusement Park in Bitter Lake, north of Seattle, was a favorite destination for many families from 1930 to 1961. This rifle was used in the Playland's shooting gallery from 1930-1942.
ID Number:1986.36.1
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Pocket watch style compass, 1910-1920

Pocket watch style compass, 1910-1920

This compass was used by Victor W.S. Denny Sr. while gold prospecting and mining at the head of Denny Creek in the late 1910s and 1920s.
ID Number:1986.47.1
Date:1910-1920
Image of Precor Stair Climber, 1989

Precor Stair Climber, 1989

Founded in 1980 in Bothell, Washington, Precor (Precision Corporation) became one of the largest manufacturers of high-end fitness equipment in the 1980s. Their product line included stationary bicycles, treadmilss, rowing ergometers and stairclimbers for both fitness clubs and home use. The model 718e is a low impact stair climber advertised to slim and tone the body, and provide cardiovascular conditioning.
ID Number:1990.89.1
Date:1989
Image of Jar of Sno-Seal waterproofing sealer for leather, 1991

Jar of Sno-Seal waterproofing sealer for leather, 1991

Ome Daiber (1907-1989) was an early leader of Seattle Mountain Rescue and a lifelong member of the American Alpine Club. He was known as the “Father of Mountain Rescue,” with his most famous successful rescue undertaken in Alaska when he coordinated the efforts of the Navy, Army, and Mountain Rescue to extract John Day, Pete Schoening, and the Whittaker brothers…
ID Number:1991.22.5
Date:1991
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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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