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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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469 results for: Street Views

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Image of Washing the Smith Tower, circa 1925
Photograph

Washing the Smith Tower, circa 1925

Factory and mill smoke was once considered a sign of prosperity. Before the 1960s, coal and wood smoke filled Seattle's air, staining the buildings. In this photo, taken about 1925, workmen are washing the outside of the Smith Tower. They have already cleaned the tower itself and are working their way down the front. Description in handwritten inventory: [Smith Tower…
ID Number:1983.10.5027.2
Date:Circa 1925
Image of The start of the Great Seattle fire, June 6, 1889
Photograph

The start of the Great Seattle fire, June 6, 1889

Seattle's Great Fire began in a basement woodshop, when a worker threw water on an overheating pot of glue. The fire spread very quickly because most of Seattle's downtown buildings were built of wood.This photo was taken on June 6, 1889, shortly after the fire started. Crowds are standing in Front Street (now First Avenue), looking towards the fire. The…
ID Number:1983.10.5989
Date:1889
Image of People under Pioneer Square pergola, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

People under Pioneer Square pergola, Seattle, circa 1910

The pergola in Pioneer Square was designed by Seattle architect Julian Everett. In was built in 1909 as a stop for the Yesler and James Street Cable Car Company. This photo shows pedestrians shortly after the construction of hte pergola. Webster & Stevens number: 27XCaption information source: "Truck accidentally destroys Seattle's historic Pioneer Square pergola on January 15, 2001," by…
ID Number:1983.10.6148
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Streetcar employee selling tokens, Seattle, circa 1925
Photograph

Streetcar employee selling tokens, Seattle, circa 1925

Signs in image: Hotel - Cafe. Wanted for U.S. Navy - Americans Ages 17-[...] - Apply Recruiting Station Seattle, Wash. Get Car Tickets Here.Handwritten on sleeve: Street car token selling.Webster & Stevens number: 83459
ID Number:1983.10.6441.2
Date:Circa 1925
Image of West Seattle business district, circa 1904
Photograph

West Seattle business district, circa 1904

The Duwamish River estuary and its shifting tidal islands separated West Seattle from downtown Seattle. For many years, people traveled between the two areas by ferry. In about 1900, Spokane Street was built from Beacon Hill across to West Seattle. The wooden street was built on a trestle above the water and flats. The area under the viaduct was later…
ID Number:1983.10.6604
Date:Circa 1904
Image of Official car for motorcycle race, Seattle, 1911
Photograph

Official car for motorcycle race, Seattle, 1911

This official car followed the motorcycles in an endurance race from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. and carried two judges as well as tires and repair parts for the machines. The car was furnished by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and according to the news article published June 11, it kept behind the motorcylists, ready to pick up stragglers in the…
ID Number:1983.10.6673
Date:1911
Image of Third Avenue, circa 1905
Photograph

Third Avenue, circa 1905

This photo was taken between 1903 and 1907. At that time, Third Avenue was lined with homes as well as businesses. Plymouth Congregational Church (right) stood at the corner of Third Avenue and University Street. The Washington Hotel, seen at the far end of Third Avenue (center), stood atop Denny Hill. By 1907, the hotel and much of the hill…
ID Number:1983.10.6677.2
Date:Circa 1905
Image of Hotel Seattle, Seattle, ca. 1911
Photograph

Hotel Seattle, Seattle, ca. 1911

The Hotel Seattle was located near Pioneer Square, which was then the heart of Seattle's business district. The five-story brick and stone building had 200 rooms. It was close to the railroad depots, the docks, and the point where most of the city's streetcar lines started. The hotel was torn down in 1962 to make room for a parking garage.…
ID Number:1983.10.6827
Date:Circa 1911
Image of First and Spring, Seattle, 1912
Photograph

First and Spring, Seattle, 1912

Looking south on First from Spring, this view shows the Beebe Building, the Cecil Hotel, and the Globe Building on the right. On the far left is the Holyoke Building, then the Schoenfeld Building, the Wadsworth, and the Hotel Louvre. The trolley is crossing First at Madison Street. Signs in image: Your Credit is Good. Standard Furniture Co. Hotel [Lou..re].…
ID Number:1983.10.6830
Date:1912
Image of Cable car line on James Street, 1905
Photograph

Cable car line on James Street, 1905

Some of Seattle's steep streets had cable car lines. Cable cars move by gripping a long wire cable that runs under the street. This photo was taken on James Street in 1905, looking downhill towards Pioneer Square. The cross street at the bottom of the slope is Second Avenue. At that time, James Street still had wooden sidewalks. Webster &…
ID Number:1983.10.6854
Date:1905
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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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