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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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534 results for: Businesses and Corporations

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Image of Revolver burned in the Great Seattle Fire, 1889

Revolver burned in the Great Seattle Fire, 1889

The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 was a significant turning point in Seattle's history and changed both the physical and political landscapes of the city. The fire started in a paint and woodwork shop at Front and Madison and swept southward across 100 acres of Seattle's business district and waterfront. The inferno completely consumed the business district's wooden buildings,…
ID Number:1942.2431
Date:Circa 1860-1889
Image of Cast iron spool rack and thread, 1889

Cast iron spool rack and thread, 1889

The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 was a significant turning point in Seattle's history and changed both the physical and political landscapes of the city. The fire started in a paint and woodwork shop at Front and Madison and swept southward across 100 acres of Seattle's business district and waterfront. The inferno completely consumed the business district's wooden buildings,…
ID Number:1952.237.O
Date:Circa 1880
Image of Boeing B-1 flying boat airplane, ca. 1919

Boeing B-1 flying boat airplane, ca. 1919

The B-1 was the first aircraft designed and assembled entirely by the Boeing Airplane Company for commercial rather than military purposes. The hull was made using laminated wood veneer, and the wings were framed with Washington-grown spruce. Beginning in 1920, the plane was used on the first regularly scheduled international airmail route between Seattle and Victoria. The B-1 could carry…
ID Number:1952.552.1
Date:1919
Image of Colorized photograph of Boeing B-1 mail plane on Lake Union, 1919

Colorized photograph of Boeing B-1 mail plane on Lake Union, 1919

The B-1 was the first aircraft designed and assembled entirely by the Boeing Airplane Company for commercial rather than military purposes. The hull was made using laminated wood veneer, and the wings were framed with Washington-grown spruce. Eddie Hubbard is best known as the pilot who inaugurated international airmail service between Seattle, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia. Beginning in 1920,…
ID Number:1953.345.b.2
Date:1919
Image of Hand-forged cleaver made by blacksmith August Joseph Wenzel, ca. 1890

Hand-forged cleaver made by blacksmith August Joseph Wenzel, ca. 1890

August Joseph Wenzel (1856-1945) was born in Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, and moved to Seattle in 1888 with his wife Maria and their 8 children. He opened a blacksmith and cooper shop on Pike Street between Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Next door to the blacksmith shop he owned a wagon works shop and next to that a meat market.…
ID Number:1953.624
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Radio Announcing Carbon Microphone used by KOMO, 1927-1930

Radio Announcing Carbon Microphone used by KOMO, 1927-1930

KOMO radio was founded in 1926 by Birt F. Fisher and O.D. Fisher of Fisher Flouring Mills (no relation between these Fishers). It replaced Seattle radio station KTCL whose lease was expiring. The first broadcast was on December 31, 1926, and the next year the studio moved to downtown Seattle. Today, KOMO 1000 AM and 97.7 FM is primarily an…
ID Number:1954.745.1
Date:Circa 1927
Image of Condenser microphone from KOMO radio, 1927-1935

Condenser microphone from KOMO radio, 1927-1935

Seattle’s KOMO radio station first went on the air in 1926. It was initially owned by the Fisher family which owned Fisher Flour mills.
ID Number:1954.745.7
Date:1924-1935
Image of Model airplane, Boeing Jet Stratoliner 707, N-70700, ca. 1954-1970

Model airplane, Boeing Jet Stratoliner 707, N-70700, ca. 1954-1970

The Boeing 707 Stratoliner was the first American jetliner ever made. Chief test pilot, A.M. "Tex" Johnston made history when he introduced the 707 to the world by completing an unauthorized "barrel roll" in front of an unsuspecting Seattle hydroplane racing crowd in August 1955.
ID Number:1955.877.1
Date:Circa 1954-1970
Image of Souvenir flag from the launch of the USS Golden Gate, 1897

Souvenir flag from the launch of the USS Golden Gate, 1897

This souvenir flag is from the launch of the Coast Guard boarding boat, the USS Golden Gate, on February 13, 1897. It was the first all-steel vessel built and launched in Washington State by the Moran Brothers Company in Seattle.
ID Number:1955.880.c
Date:1897
Image of Douglas fir cross section cut near Eatonville, Washington, and dated to about 800 years old

Douglas fir cross section cut near Eatonville, Washington, and dated to about 800 years old

The Douglas fir from which this cross section was cut grew for 778 years in the lower Cascades region of Washington State. The lighter coloring at the outer edge indicates the section that is younger and contains less resin. The fir was cut and a section saved for MOHAI by Weyerhaueuser Timber Company. The age was determined by the Institute…
ID Number:1955.1404
Date:Circa 12th century
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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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