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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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506 results for: Government and Public Services

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Image of Police officers standing on cobbled street during Seattle General Strike,  February 1919
Photograph

Police officers standing on cobbled street during Seattle General Strike, February 1919

The Seattle General Strike was a work stoppage by more than 65,000 workers in Seattle from February 6-11, 1919. The strike began in shipyards when workers were refused pay increases after two years of World War I wage controls. Most of the city's 110 local unions, including members of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of…
ID Number:1983.10.10697
Date:1919
Image of Seventh and Pike during the Strike, Seattle, February 7, 1919
Photograph

Seventh and Pike during the Strike, Seattle, February 7, 1919

The Seattle General Strike was a work stoppage by more than 65,000 workers in Seattle from February 6-11, 1919. The strike began in shipyards when workers were refused pay increases after two years of World War I wage controls. Most of the city's 110 local unions, including members of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of…
ID Number:1983.10.10698.1
Date:1919
Image of Trail Blazer electric range : electric company promotional display, June 8, 1935
Photograph

Trail Blazer electric range : electric company promotional display, June 8, 1935

Seattle's Puget Sound Power and Light Company promoted the use of electricity in the home. In the 1930s, they also sold their own brands of stoves, water heaters, and other electrical appliances. This photo shows a 1935 PSP&L display, featuring a three-burner Trail Blazer electric range. A homeowner could buy the stove from the electric company for $1.95 down and…
ID Number:1983.10.10799.1
Date:1935
Image of Water heater on display, Seattle, June 8, 1935
Photograph

Water heater on display, Seattle, June 8, 1935

Seattle's Puget Sound Power and Light Company promoted the use of electricity in the home. In the 1930s, they also sold their own brands of stoves, water heaters, and other electrical appliances. Signs in image: Free Flushing Drain. Calrod Electric Heaters. Baked Glyptol Enamel. Rock Wool. Monel Metal Tank. Concealed Heat Trap. Deflector Plate. Thermostatic Heat Controls. Broom High Legs.…
ID Number:1983.10.10799.4
Date:1935
Image of Hook-and-ladder fire truck, circa 1918
Photograph

Hook-and-ladder fire truck, circa 1918

When Fire Chief Frank Stetson was appointed in 1911, he made it his mission to replace all of Seattle's horse-drawn fire equipment with motorized trucks. In 1916, the company stationed at Fire Station No. 10 got a new motorized hook-and-ladder truck.This photo, probably taken sometime between 1916 and 1920, shows the front wheel drive hook-and-ladder truck parked outside Seattle's Fire…
ID Number:1983.10.10817
Date:Circa 1918
Image of New dock at the Port of Seattle, August 8, 1942
Photograph

New dock at the Port of Seattle, August 8, 1942

When the United States entered entered World War II, Seattle became a busy port again. Hooverville, home to many unemployed people during the Depression, was replaced by a large new pier.In this photo, taken in 1942, the new dock is under construction at the Port of Seattle. Webster & Stevens number: 44-392
ID Number:1983.10.14632.1
Date:1942
Image of The New Loop Plan, issued by The City of Seattle, 1934
Ephemera

The New Loop Plan, issued by The City of Seattle, 1934

In 1919 the City of Seattle took over all of the city's street car lines and formed the Seattle Municipal Street Railway (today's METRO). Because of its steep hills, Seattle kept its cable car lines longer than any other American city except San Francisco, not replacing them until 1940 when buses that could handle the grades became available. Beginning on…
ID Number:1984.12.2
Date:1934
Audio recording

Oral history interview with Frances Owen, January 29, 1985

Interview with Frances Owen conducted by Lorraine McConaghy for the Life on the Homefront Oral History Project on January 29, 1985. Owen learned of Pearl Harbor on the radio. Soon afterwards, her husband volunteered for service. She learned to be quite handy in his absence, had a variety of extra people share her home, and volunteered for children’s causes while…
ID Number:1985.134.17
Date:1985
Videorecording

Oral history interview with Alfred Schweppe, April 1985, January 1986

Alfred J. Schweppe (1895-1988) came to Seattle from Minnesota as a young lawyer. At age 31, he became dean of the University of Washington School of Law, and three years later, opened a private practice. In 1933 Schweppe, who was instrumental in drafting the State Bar Act, served as the first executive secretary of the newly formed Washington State Bar…
ID Number:1985.135.24
Date:1985
Image of Black delegation meeting with officials at City Hall after Larry Ward shooting, Seattle, May 19, 1970
Photograph

Black delegation meeting with officials at City Hall after Larry Ward shooting, Seattle, May 19, 1970

On May 15, 1970, a Seattle police officer shot and killed Larry Eugene Ward (1947-1970) as he fled from police after attempting to light a bomb fuse at Hardcastle Realty at 23rd Avenue and Union Street in the Central Area. Police were alerted to the attempt by the FBI, who had been watching the property, expecting Black Panther involvement in…
ID Number:1986.5.1066.4
Date:1970
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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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