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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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135 results for: Government and Public Services

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Image of Desk of Governor Isaac Stevens, ca. 1852-1853

Desk of Governor Isaac Stevens, ca. 1852-1853

Isaac Ingalls Stevens was the first governor of Washington Territory, appointed by President Franklin Pierce. Able, ambitious and determined, Stevens graduated first in his class at West Point, and rose quickly in the Engineers Corps, in combat during the Mexican War, and later in the Coast and Geodetic Survey. A lifelong Democrat, Stevens ran for the Territorial legislature, but his…
ID Number:1980.7094.417
Date:1825-1853
Image of Pennant from the Civilian Conservation Corps, Company 2911, 1930s

Pennant from the Civilian Conservation Corps, Company 2911, 1930s

Part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal legislation, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a government work relief program that employed about 3 million unmarried men age 18 to 25 from 1933 until 1942. Men volunteered for the program and served for a minimum of six months. They worked on jobs related to the conservation and development of natural…
ID Number:1981.7254.1
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Two-man canvas stretcher, 1940-1941

Two-man canvas stretcher, 1940-1941

This stretcher was one of many provided by the American Red Cross prior to World War II to be used in emergency hospitals set up in Seattle schools as preparation for possible air raids and bombings. There were various units organized to work at the school gymnasiums consisting of doctors, nurses, stretcher bearers, panel truck drivers, motorcycle and foot messengers,…
ID Number:1981.7389.23
Date:1940-1941
Image of Handmade Seattle flag made by Dr. Willard Goff, 1968

Handmade Seattle flag made by Dr. Willard Goff, 1968

Since the 1930s, the Seattle City Council made many attempts to adopt a city flag. This flag, designed by Dr. Willard Goff in 1968, was offered up to the council, but was rejected as too contemporary with its images of the Space Needle and the SuperSonic Transport (SST). The council eventually adopted a city flag designed by Councilmember Paul Kraabel…
ID Number:1982.109.710
Date:1968
Image of Seattle Fire Department helmet, ca. 1969

Seattle Fire Department helmet, ca. 1969

This fiberglass fireman's helmet was worn by paramedic M. J. Garvey during his rescue missions.
ID Number:1990.5.3
Date:Circa 1969
Image of Two buttons,

Two buttons, "Transit Tunnel Grand Opening," 1990

On September 15, 1990, Metro Transit buses began regular service in the new downtown Seattle transit tunnel. The newly introduced "dual-mode" buses were used that switch from diesel to electric power upon entering the 1.3 mile tunnel. Construction of the tunnel began on March 6, 1987, and was completed on schedule three and a half years later.
ID Number:1993.43.176
Date:1990
Image of Dual-Dome Streetlight anti-cycling control device, patent model, 1993

Dual-Dome Streetlight anti-cycling control device, patent model, 1993

Frederick Blake of Mill Creek, Washington, invented this "Fiber-Optic Anti-Cycling Device for Street Lamps." It is an energy-saving device that detects defects in High Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights that cycle on and off throughout the night. These defects may lead to further mechanical damage and wasted energy. The Dual-Dome stops the light from attempting to cycle on and off, then…
ID Number:1996.02.1
Date:1993
Image of The della Robbia Bambino plaque from the original Children's Orthopedic Hospital on Queen Anne, ca. 1946

The della Robbia Bambino plaque from the original Children's Orthopedic Hospital on Queen Anne, ca. 1946

Children's Orthopedic Hospital was established in 1907 by Anna Herr Clise and 23 Seattle women wanting to address the health care crisis. This plaque was given to the hospital by a former Italian prisoner-of-war, Giuseppe Tomarchio of Genoa, who was interned as a gardener and handy man working on the hospital grounds in the 1940s. The Bambino was the emblem…
ID Number:1996.24.2
Date:Circa 1946
Image of Transportation token,

Transportation token, "Tacoma Washington," 1920s-1930s

This token was exchanged for transportation fare. Tokens such as these were commonly used in Washington during the Depression Era.
ID Number:1998.51.9
Date:Circa 1920-1930
Image of Transportation token,

Transportation token, "Bellingham Transit Co.," 1920s-1930s

This token was exchanged for transportation fare. Tokens such as these were commonly used in Washington during the Depression Era.
ID Number:1998.51.10
Date:Circa 1920-1930
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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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