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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.

Download lower resolution images directly from an item page. MOHAI offers high-resolution digital reproductions of photographs and other materials from our collections for personal and professional use.

We have many more items in our collections and not everything you see online is on view at the museum. We have additional materials online at the University of Washington’s Digital Collections.

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135 results for: Government and Public Services

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Image of Wonderphone loudspeaker units made by Universal High Power Telephone Co. in Seattle, 1917-1933

Wonderphone loudspeaker units made by Universal High Power Telephone Co. in Seattle, 1917-1933

The "Wonderphone" featured a large transmitter assembly designed to overcome losses in early telephone lines. The Universal High-Powered Telephone Company was located at Carleton and Eddy Streets in Seattle.
ID Number:1968.4479.5
Date:1917-1933
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 Pocket watch belonging to John Reitz, ca. 1900-1910

Pocket watch belonging to John Reitz, ca. 1900-1910

John Reitz was the superintendent of Woodland Park in Seattle from 1914-1919.
ID Number:1969.4683.2c
Date:Circa 1900-1910
Image of Trade bead necklace, ca. 1910

Trade bead necklace, ca. 1910

This necklace was collected by Aubrey Archer in the early part of the 20th century. His father, Finch R. Archer, was the Alotting Agent for the Quinault, Queets, and Hoh tribes from 1906 to 1912. He was in charge of alotting these government land to these tribes. Aubrey worked with his father during school vacations.
ID Number:1970.4971.2
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Trade bead necklace from Pacific Northwest Native community, ca. 1910

Trade bead necklace from Pacific Northwest Native community, ca. 1910

This necklace was collected by Aubrey Archer in the early part of the 20th century. His father, Finch R. Archer, was the Alotting Agent for the Quinault, Queets, and Hoh tribes from 1906 to 1912. He was in charge of alotting these government land to these tribes. Aubrey worked with his father during school vacations.
ID Number:1970.4971.3a
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Trade bead necklace, ca. 1910

Trade bead necklace, ca. 1910

This necklace was collected by Aubrey Archer in the early part of the 20th century. His father, Finch R. Archer, was the Alotting Agent for the Quinault, Queets, and Hoh tribes from 1906 to 1912. He was in charge of alotting these government land to these tribes. Aubrey worked with his father during school vacations.
ID Number:1970.4971.3d
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Rotary stamp canceller, ca. 1929

Rotary stamp canceller, ca. 1929

This "Seattle Wash." hand stamp was used in the old Broadway Post Office.
ID Number:1972.5364.2
Date:Circa 1929
Image of Wooten patent secretary desk, owned by Territorial Governor Watson C. Squire, ca. 1876

Wooten patent secretary desk, owned by Territorial Governor Watson C. Squire, ca. 1876

Watson C. Squire (1838 - 1926) was the twelfth governor of Washington Territory from 1884 - 1887 and United States Senator from the state of Washington from 1889 - 1897. He used this desk all during his political life. The Wooten desk is highly valued for its complicated and intricate work. There are over a hundred features including carved elements,…
ID Number:1973.5537.1
Date:1876-1880
Image of Chinese man's robe which belonged to Goon Dip, ca. 1890-1910

Chinese man's robe which belonged to Goon Dip, ca. 1890-1910

This robe belonged to Goon Dip (circa 1862-1933), one of the most influential Chinese people in the history of Washington state. He worked his way up from poverty to become a wealthy merchant and successful labor contractor who provided employment in the canneries for hundreds of Chinese immigrants. He served as China's honorary consul to Washington State and Alaska. He…
ID Number:1974.5914.10
Date:Circa 1890-1910
Image of Fire Chief's speaking horn, ca. 1906

Fire Chief's speaking horn, ca. 1906

The Seattle Volunteer Fire Department used this speaking trumpet to communicate during fire fighting rescues.
ID Number:1974.5919.16
Date:Circa 1906
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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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