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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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83 results for: Great Seattle Fire (1889)

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Image of Upholstered wooden chair from the Frye Opera House, ca. 1885

Upholstered wooden chair from the Frye Opera House, ca. 1885

Opening in 1884, the Frye Opera House was Seattle’s premier performing arts center for five solid years, featuring a wide variety of musical and dramatic performances. The Frye was completely destroyed in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. This chair is from the Opera House but the upholstery is not original, it was re-covered in the 1960s.
ID Number:2018.12.4
Date:Circa 1885
Image of Frederick & Nelson price gun, 1977

Frederick & Nelson price gun, 1977

Frederick & Nelson, founded by Donald E. Frederick (1860-1937) and Nels B. Nelson (1854-1907) in 1891, was for many years Seattle's premier department store. They began by selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, and expanded to include home delivery of goods, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. In 1992,…
ID Number:2018.51.1
Date:1977
Image of Frederick & Nelson shopping bag, Seattle, ca. 1960s

Frederick & Nelson shopping bag, Seattle, ca. 1960s

Frederick & Nelson, founded by Donald E. Frederick (1860-1937) and Nels B. Nelson (1854-1907) in 1891, was for many years Seattle's premier department store. They began by selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, and expanded to include home delivery of goods, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. In 1992,…
ID Number:2019.ShoppingBags.05
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Frederick & Nelson shopping bag for

Frederick & Nelson shopping bag for "Arcade Wine," Seattle, ca. 1980s

Frederick & Nelson, founded by Donald E. Frederick (1860-1937) and Nels B. Nelson (1854-1907) in 1891, was for many years Seattle's premier department store. They began by selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, and expanded to include home delivery of goods, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. In the…
ID Number:2019.ShoppingBags.10
Date:Circa 1980
Image of Salt and pepper shaker set from the Frederick & Nelson dining room, ca. 1960

Salt and pepper shaker set from the Frederick & Nelson dining room, ca. 1960

Frederick & Nelson, founded by Donald E. Frederick (1860-1937) and Nels B. Nelson (1854-1907) in 1891, was for many years Seattle's premier department store. They began by selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, and expanded to include home delivery of goods, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. This donor…
ID Number:2020.9.1
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Frederick & Nelson credit card, ca. 1980s

Frederick & Nelson credit card, ca. 1980s

Frederick & Nelson, founded by Donald E. Frederick (1860-1937) and Nels B. Nelson (1854-1907) in 1891, was for many years Seattle's premier department store. They began by selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, and expanded to include home delivery of goods, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. In 1992,…
ID Number:2021.20.RefCard
Date:Circa 1980
Image of Pen and ink drawing of Pacific Northwest natural scene by Rudolph Franz Zallinger, 1940

Pen and ink drawing of Pacific Northwest natural scene by Rudolph Franz Zallinger, 1940

Rudolph Franz (Rudy) Zallinger (1919-1994) was born in Russia and his family immigrated to Seattle in 1924. He graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1937, then headed back East where he attended Yale University and taught at the fine arts school there until 1950. Zallinger returned to Seattle and worked as a freelance artist and taught for three years…
ID Number:2021.48.1
Date:1940
Image of Set of 12 ice cream forks from Frederick & Nelson Department Store, 1917

Set of 12 ice cream forks from Frederick & Nelson Department Store, 1917

Frederick & Nelson, founded by Donald E. Frederick (1860-1937) and Nels B. Nelson (1854-1907) in 1891, was for many years Seattle's premier department store. They began by selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, and expanded to include home delivery of goods, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. These ice…
ID Number:2022.19.2
Date:1917
Image of Key for room 315 at the Hotel Butler, Seattle, WA, ca. 1920

Key for room 315 at the Hotel Butler, Seattle, WA, ca. 1920

Hotel Butler was located in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood at the corner of Second Avenue and James Street. Construction began soon after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and opened in 1894. It was managed by German immigrants Dietrich Hamm and Ferdinand Schmitz. The hotel was grand and hosted famous guests, including presidents Grover Clevland, William McKinley, and Theodore…
ID Number:2024.64.1
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Bissell's Parlor Queen vacuum cleaner from Frederick & Nelson, ca. 1930

Bissell's Parlor Queen vacuum cleaner from Frederick & Nelson, ca. 1930

The founders of premiere Seattle department store Frederick & Nelson got their start selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889. The business expanded to include home goods and appliances such as this vacuum cleaner, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. The owners built a reputation for elegance and customer service.…
ID Number:2025.37.1
Date:Circa 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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