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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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24 results for: Toys

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Image of Gayway, Seattle World's Fair, 1962
Photograph

Gayway, Seattle World's Fair, 1962

Century 21's Gayway amusement park occupied three acres near the Space Needle and monorail station. The area featured over 20 rides, including a carousel, roller coaster, and a 1,400-foot overhead skyride. Visitors could also win stuffed toys and other prizes at a variety of concessions.This photo shows an overview of the Gayway, with a monorail train arriving to the right.…
ID Number:1965.3598.23.9
Date:1962
Image of Child on rocking horse at Seattle Day Nursery, Seattle, circa 1930
Photograph

Child on rocking horse at Seattle Day Nursery, Seattle, circa 1930

In 1909, Seattle Day Nursery was formed by Reverend Mark Matthews and a committee of 12 women at the First Presbyterian Church. It was a day care operation for children whose mothers worked during the day. In a time when most women didn't work if their husbands could support them, it was considered an honor to serve others who had…
ID Number:1974.5923.247
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Toy shop display, Seattle, circa 1940
Photograph

Toy shop display, Seattle, circa 1940

This photo of an unnamed toy shop display is part of a collection from McBride and Anderson photographers. Born in 1863, Ella McBride began working in the photography field in 1909 when she managed the Edward Curtis Studio. She opened her own studio in 1917 with Wayne Albee. Albee moved to San Diego in 1925, and McBride continued to operate…
ID Number:1974.5923.363
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Toy shop display, Seattle, circa 1940
Photograph

Toy shop display, Seattle, circa 1940

This photo of an unnamed toy shop display is part of a collection from McBride and Anderson photographers. Born in 1863, Ella McBride began working in the photography field in 1909 when she managed the Edward Curtis Studio. She opened her own studio in 1917 with Wayne Albee. Albee moved to San Diego in 1925, and McBride continued to operate…
ID Number:1974.5923.364
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Margaret Levald Jensen with doll and cradle, Seattle, October 28, 1923
Photograph

Margaret Levald Jensen with doll and cradle, Seattle, October 28, 1923

Margaret Levald Jensen (1920-) was born in Seattle to Peter Johan Jensen (1882-1975) and Caroline (Hodt) Jensen (1885-1984). She attended Long Beach Junior College in 1942. She married Frank Norman Gangler (1916-2008), Commander, USNR, in 1945, and had three children. The couple retired to Whidbey Island in 1984.In this image a young Margaret poses outside with her doll and doll…
ID Number:1974.5930.4
Date:1923
Image of Bartell Drugs building, Seattle, 1967
Photograph

Bartell Drugs building, Seattle, 1967

The first Bartell Drugs store opened in 1890, when George Bartell bought the Lake Washington Pharmacy located in what became the Leschi neighborhood. The Bartell Drug Company incorporated in 1904 and moved to downtown Seattle. It expanded in the early 20th century, coming to include a candy factory and photo lab in addition to pharmacy locations. The company remained under…
ID Number:1980.7067.1.8.1
Date:1967
Image of Two boys in their backyard playground, circa 1927
Photograph

Two boys in their backyard playground, circa 1927

Health experts encouraged parents to make sure that their children got lots of fresh air. Seattle children in the 1920s played in city parks and home-built playgrounds. In this photo, taken around 1927, two boys play on a swing set in back of a Seattle home. A racing car and other homemade toys sit nearby. Webster & Stevens number: 121771
ID Number:1983.10.676.2
Date:Circa 1927
Image of Children playing grocery store, circa 1921
Photograph

Children playing grocery store, circa 1921

Many children enjoy playing store and selling things. The children in this photo, taken about 1921, have quite a complete grocery store to play with. Some products were sold by weight, and the boy is measuring out something on a scale. The girl holds her shopping basket while she watches her doll in the wicker doll carriage. Webster & Stevens…
ID Number:1983.10.2123
Date:Circa 1921
Image of Toonerville trolley, circa 1918
Photograph

Toonerville trolley, circa 1918

Many children enjoy building wagons, carts, and other things that move. The three boys in this photo have built their own version of the Toonerville Trolley, named after a popular newspaper cartoon. The side of their trolley is made from a burlap bag which had held hog meal. The photo was taken around 1918, possibly on Seattle's Capitol Hill. The…
ID Number:1983.10.2377.1
Date:Circa 1918
Image of First Avenue and Spring Street, Seattle, circa 1911
Photograph

First Avenue and Spring Street, Seattle, circa 1911

Amos Brown (1833-1899) was an prominent Seattle lumberman and real estate owner in the late 1800s. He built the family house featured at the center of this photograph around 1870 after his marriage. The house survived the Great Seattle Fire, and other buildings and businesses were built around it, until the house's demolition in 1914. Signs in image: Grand Pacific.…
ID Number:1983.10.6280
Date:Circa 1911
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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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