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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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316 results for: Recreation

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Image of Clarence Arai watching a game of Go at the Japanese Ki-in clubroom, Seattle March 6, 1957
Photograph

Clarence Arai watching a game of Go at the Japanese Ki-in clubroom, Seattle March 6, 1957

Clarence T. Arai (1901-1963) was a Seattle lawyer and photographer, also known for his role in the founding of the Japanese American Citizen's League (JACL). He founded the first Japanese American Boy Scout troop in 1920, an became the first Japanese American graduate from University of Washington Law School in 1924. Arai was active in local politics and served as…
ID Number:2000.107.098.17.05
Date:1957
Image of Junior League members performing
Photograph

Junior League members performing "Zelda, Not an Ordinary Witch," Seattle, 1950

For more than a century, Junior League members have confronted society’s most pressing issues and tackled its toughest problems, leaving an unrivaled legacy of reform. Since its inception in 1923, members of the Junior League of Seattle (JLS) have worked to improve our community through mission-driven projects and hands-on work with many Community Partners. Some Junior League projects included entertainment…
ID Number:2000.107.101.35.01
Date:1950
Image of Women speaking with Ben Paris billiards room attendant, Seattle, April 3, 1963
Photograph

Women speaking with Ben Paris billiards room attendant, Seattle, April 3, 1963

In April 1963, two women who worked at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer went out with a reporter and photographer to test a law recently passed in Washington state. The law stated that, "Woman may pursue any calling open to men," and "May not be excluded from any premises...on account of sex." Though the pair were rebuffed when they tried to apply…
ID Number:2000.107.141.23.01
Date:1963
Image of Jim Whittaker leading group of people with disabilities to the summit of Mount Rainier, June 29, 1981
Photograph

Jim Whittaker leading group of people with disabilities to the summit of Mount Rainier, June 29, 1981

Jim Whittaker (1929-2026) was pioneering figure in outdoor recreation and Pacific Northwest history. The Seattle-born mountaineer innovator became the first American to summit Mount Everest, on May 1, 1963, alongside Sherpa Nawang Gombu. His achievement--accomplished in an era before modern climbing infrastructure—captured national attention and helped define a generation of exploration. He later described the ascent as a “now-or-never” moment,…
ID Number:2000.107.147.09.01
Date:1981
Image of First place winner in sandcastle competition, Alki beach, Seattle, August 10, 1986
Photograph

First place winner in sandcastle competition, Alki beach, Seattle, August 10, 1986

This photograph shows members of the team ACME Sandblasters putting finishing touches on their creation during competition at the 2nd Annual Sand Blast '86, held at Alki Beach in West Seattle. Their construction won first place in the Sandcastle category. Caption information derived from captions written by Post-Intelligencer staff and attached to the back of the photograph.
ID Number:2000.107.164.08.01
Date:1986
Image of Sandcastle in progress at Alki Beach, August 10, 1986
Photograph

Sandcastle in progress at Alki Beach, August 10, 1986

This photograph shows team CB Construction from Mountlake Terrace, Washington, finishing their elaboration sand creation during the 2nd annual Sand Blast '86 competition held at Alki Beach in West Seattle. Their piece took second place in the Sandcastle category. Caption information derived from captions written by Post-Intelligencer staff and attached to the back of the photograph.
ID Number:2000.107.164.08.02
Date:1986
Image of Children playing at Green Lake Swimming Beach, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Children playing at Green Lake Swimming Beach, Seattle, circa 1950

One of Seattle's most beloved parks, Green Lake's expanse of water and green space in the center of a dense urban neighborhood draws thousands of people daily from all over the city. The lake was included in the Olmsted Brothers' comprehensive parks plan of 1903, and was given to the City by the State of Washington in 1905. Extensive dredging…
ID Number:2000.107.173.11.01
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Civilian workers moving into Denny Regrade Transient Camp, Seattle, April 13, 1943
Photograph

Civilian workers moving into Denny Regrade Transient Camp, Seattle, April 13, 1943

In the spring of 1943, new barracks were built in the Denny Regrade area to house civilian men awaiting transport to Alaska to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Sometimes called the Denny Regrade Transient Camp, the fifteen barracks had a total capacity of 600, and were built because of the difficulty of finding hotel accommodations for non-military…
ID Number:2000.107.176.17.02
Date:1943
Image of Civilian workers lying in beds at Denny Regrade Transient Camp, Seattle, April 13, 1943
Photograph

Civilian workers lying in beds at Denny Regrade Transient Camp, Seattle, April 13, 1943

In the spring of 1943, new barracks were built in the Denny Regrade area to house civilian men awaiting transport to Alaska to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Sometimes called the Denny Regrade Transient Camp, the fifteen barracks had a total capacity of 600, and were built because of the difficulty of finding hotel accommodations for non-military…
ID Number:2000.107.176.17.03
Date:1943
Image of View of sanitary landfill on 43rd. Ave. S. looking south, Seattle, December 1942
Photograph

View of sanitary landfill on 43rd. Ave. S. looking south, Seattle, December 1942

This image shows a sanitary landfill on 43rd Ave S between Genesee St. and Lake Washington Boulevard. A sanitary landfill, or fill, was a type of garbage dump in which trash was deposited, spread out and compacted, then covered in several inches of dirt. The city had proposed to expand the fill eastward to 45th Ave S, but residents of…
ID Number:2000.107.188.33.01
Date:1942
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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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