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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.

Download lower resolution images directly from an item page. MOHAI offers high-resolution digital reproductions of photographs and other materials from our collections for personal and professional use.

We have many more items in our collections and not everything you see online is on view at the museum. We have additional materials online at the University of Washington’s Digital Collections.

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154 results for: American House

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Image of Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949

The Royal Esquire Club is a private African American men's club in Seattle, founded in 1947 by five young Black men since there was no other welcoming venue in the city where they could socialize. Still active as of 2025 and now located in the Columbia City neighborhood, the club provides a space for social interaction, education, and entertainment for…
ID Number:2014.49.010.003.0173
Date:1949
Image of Fraternity brothers posing with house letters, Seattle, July 10, 1949
Photograph

Fraternity brothers posing with house letters, Seattle, July 10, 1949

Members of a fraternity gather at Dr. James Jackson's house, near Yesler on 25th. Fifteen men pose on a patio with a sign for Alpha Phi Alpha, the first African-American, intercollegiate Greek-lettered fraternity. From left to right, standing, are Monroe Wilson, Hercules Anderson, Dr. James E. Jackson, 5 unidentified men, Leslie Carter, and 2 unidentified men. Seated second from left…
ID Number:2014.49.010.009.0013
Date:1949
Image of Group sitting during International Carnival, Seattle, circa 1949
Photograph

Group sitting during International Carnival, Seattle, circa 1949

Seafair Royalty have been a part of Seattle's annual ten-week-long celebration since the festival's beginnings in 1950. Young women are chosen for the court to represent their neighborhood and/or ethnic community and are awarded academic scholarships. Throughout the summer, Seafair Royalty participate in festival events and perform knighting ceremonies recognizing outstanding citizens in the Seattle area.The Chinatown - International District…
ID Number:2014.49.010.012.0020
Date:Circa 1949
Image of Couples at party at Collin's Field House, Seattle, circa 1949
Photograph

Couples at party at Collin's Field House, Seattle, circa 1949

This photo shows men and women dressed formally for a dance party at Collin's Field House. Pictured are Margaret (Peoples) O'Gwin, Aaron Webb, Russell Gideon and wife Lillian, Richard Gardenhire (Seattle Policeman and longshoreman), and Lem Smith and his wife. The others are unidentified.
ID Number:2014.49.010.012.0023
Date:Circa 1949
Image of Party-goers sitting on a couch, Seattle, circa 1945
Photograph

Party-goers sitting on a couch, Seattle, circa 1945

At a house party, five unidentified women and a man are piled on a couch. Behind them is a large window with venetian blinds and drapes. Before them is a coffee table with an empty pitcher, a bottle and glasses.
ID Number:2014.49.010.023.0052
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Boy posing on a bicycle, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Boy posing on a bicycle, Seattle, circa 1950

A smiling boy poses on the sidewalk in front of his house while sitting astride his new Fleet Wing bicycle, a Christmas gift. The bike includes a headlight and a horn.
ID Number:2014.49.010.029.0174
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Girl with doll carriage in front of house, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Girl with doll carriage in front of house, Seattle, circa 1953

An unidentified little girl poses with a doll buggy in front of a house.
ID Number:2014.49.010.038.0078
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Bookcase at the home of Al Smith, Seattle, circa 1948
Photograph

Bookcase at the home of Al Smith, Seattle, circa 1948

Here, Al Smith has photographed a bookshelf at his house. On the top of the shelf is a framed portrait photograph of Smith. Issues of Collier's and Life magazines lie on the floor at right.
ID Number:2014.49.010.039.0198
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Duplex in Central District, Seattle, circa 1952
Photograph

Duplex in Central District, Seattle, circa 1952

This image of a brick duplex in Seattle's Central Area neighborhood was taken by local photographer Albert Joseph "Al" Smith, Sr. (1916-2008). A postal carrier during the week, Al Smith spent weekends taking pictures for his photography business "On The Spot." His photographs tell the stories of everyday people who shaped the dynamic character of Seattle, offering rare views into…
ID Number:2014.49.011.016.0089
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Couple posing at a party, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Couple posing at a party, Seattle, circa 1953

Here, Bill Conley and Betty Cox pose on the porch as an unidentified friend looks on during a party at a fourplex house located at 19th Avenue E. and E. John Street.
ID Number:2014.49.014.019.0035
Date:Circa 1953
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Land Acknowledgement

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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