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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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738 results for: Transportation

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Image of Shell Oil billboard, probably in Seattle, ca. 1927
Photograph

Shell Oil billboard, probably in Seattle, ca. 1927

This sign for the gasoline and motor oil company is likely on or near Lake Washington Boulevard, as it features a view of Mount Rainier with Lake Washington in the foreground. Sign in image: Quick Starting Shell Gasoline, Dependable Shell Motor Oil. Handwritten on sleeve: Shell Co. Billboards.Webster & Stevens number: 122008
ID Number:1983.10.709.1
Date:Circa 1927
Image of Port of Seattle grain terminal, Seattle, circa 1927
Photograph

Port of Seattle grain terminal, Seattle, circa 1927

For many years, Seattle has been a major port for the shipment of grain from eastern Washington and other grain-growing states to the east coast and Pacific ports. In 1915, the Port of Seattle built a large grain elevator and storage facility at its Hanford Street Terminal, in the industrial area south of downtown Seattle. The facility was expanded several…
ID Number:1983.10.812
Date:Circa 1927
Image of Pullman porters and women on the railroad platform, May 26, 1934
Photograph

Pullman porters and women on the railroad platform, May 26, 1934

Black pullman porters were as much part of long-distance train travel as flight attendants are today on planes. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, to which these men belonged, was the first successful union controlled by African Americans. When it was founded in 1925, Black workers were barred from membership in many trade unions.In this photo, taken in Seattle in…
ID Number:1983.10.903
Date:1934
Image of Olympic runner Ed Genung and Chevrolet automobile, February 18, 1932
Photograph

Olympic runner Ed Genung and Chevrolet automobile, February 18, 1932

Ed Genung, champion half-miler for the University of Washington, ran for the United States in the 1932 Olympics. In this photo, taken that year, he poses in starting position next to a Chevy roadster. This is probably one of Webster & Stevens advertising photos, promoting the fast acceleration of the Chevrolet. Webster & Stevens number: 138443
ID Number:1983.10.907.1
Date:1932
Image of Ford trimotor airplane and Ford automobile, circa 1940
Photograph

Ford trimotor airplane and Ford automobile, circa 1940

The Ford Trimotor airplane, nicknamed the "Tin Goose," was built by the Ford Motor Company starting in 1928. The Trimotor was the first all-metal commercial aircraft. It had a restroom, windows that could open and close, and AM radio for the passengers' enjoyment. In this photo, taken for the University of Washington alumni magazine in 1940, a Ford Trimotor plane…
ID Number:1983.10.932.1
Date:1940
Image of Police officer directing traffic at 4th and Pike, Seattle, circa 1920
Photograph

Police officer directing traffic at 4th and Pike, Seattle, circa 1920

In this image an unidentified Seattle Police officer directs pedestrian, automobile, motorcycle, and wagon traffic from the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Pike Street. Visible behind him on the northwest corner of the intersection is the menswear store Tailored Ready Co. The store sold "men's and boys' clothing, uniforms, hats, caps, trunks, and suit cases," at 401-403 Pike Street from…
ID Number:1983.10.1089.1
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Soldier on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Seattle, circa 1918
Photograph

Soldier on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Seattle, circa 1918

During World War I, all branches of the military used motorcycles for carrying messages. In this photo, a soldier poses outside the Times Square Building in downtown Seattle on a brand new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It was taken for the Hirsch Cycle Company around 1918.
ID Number:1983.10.1367
Date:Circa 1918
Image of South End Public Market, Seattle, circa 1919
Photograph

South End Public Market, Seattle, circa 1919

The South End Public Market operated at Washington Street and Third Avenue South. The market's offerings included restaurants, fresh produce, fresh and cured meats, and free delivery. The horse team in the lower right are turned perpendicular to the delivery wagon they are pulling so that they don't block street traffic. Signs in image: United Shoe Repairing. M.J.B. Coffee -…
ID Number:1983.10.1376
Date:Circa 1919
Image of University Bridge under construction, circa 1919
Photograph

University Bridge under construction, circa 1919

The University Bridge over the Lake Washington Ship Canal opened to traffic in 1919. It was the first bridge in Seattle, perhaps in the country, to use open mesh steel decking. This lighter construction material allowed the bridge to be wider and carry more traffic. This bridge has also been known as the Eastlake Avenue Bridge and the Tenth Avenue…
ID Number:1983.10.1378
Date:Circa 1919
Image of View of Latona Bridge and Lake Union, Seattle, circa 1915
Photograph

View of Latona Bridge and Lake Union, Seattle, circa 1915

Seattle's first substantial bridge to cross Lake Union was the Latona Bridge, a pile-driven, fixed-span bridge linking the Eastlake neighborhood to the University District at Portage Bay. Constructed in 1891 for Seattle pioneer and investor David T. Denny (1832-1903) as an extension of his Rainier Power & Railway Co., the bridge was rebuilt in 1902 to allow pedestrian and vehicular…
ID Number:1983.10.1383.2
Date:Circa 1915
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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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