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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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736 results for: Transportation

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Image of Motorcycle police officer posing with bike, Seattle, circa 1915
Photograph

Motorcycle police officer posing with bike, Seattle, circa 1915

In early 1910, the Seattle police department invested $1,329 in its first three motorcycles, with seven patrolman selected as the first members of the "motor cops" squad. At the time, speeding fines were paid to King County rather than the city of Seattle, and the city hoped to pass a traffic ordinance which would allow it to keep fines for…
ID Number:1983.10.8613
Date:Circa 1915
Image of Charles Hamilton's biplane over a lake, March 1910
Photograph

Charles Hamilton's biplane over a lake, March 1910

In March 1910, Charles Hamilton became the first person to fly an airplane in Seattle. In this photo, Hamilton is flying his Curtiss biplane above a lake. Webster & Stevens number: 15184
ID Number:1983.10.8620.2
Date:1910
Image of Motorcycle police officers on Fourth Avenue, Seattle, circa 1915
Photograph

Motorcycle police officers on Fourth Avenue, Seattle, circa 1915

In early 1910, the Seattle police department invested $1,329 in its first three motorcycles, with seven patrolman selected as the first members of the "motor cops" squad. At the time, speeding fines were paid to King County rather than the city of Seattle, and the city hoped to pass a traffic ordinance which would allow it to keep fines for…
ID Number:1983.10.8632.1
Date:Circa 1915
Image of Line of motorcycle police officers on Fourth Avenue, Seattle, circa 1915
Photograph

Line of motorcycle police officers on Fourth Avenue, Seattle, circa 1915

In early 1910, the Seattle police department invested $1,329 in its first three motorcycles, with seven patrolman selected as the first members of the "motor cops" squad. At the time, speeding fines were paid to King County rather than the city of Seattle, and the city hoped to pass a traffic ordinance which would allow it to keep fines for…
ID Number:1983.10.8632.3
Date:Circa 1915
Image of Harry Whitney Treat's horses, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

Harry Whitney Treat's horses, Seattle, circa 1910

Businessman Harry Whitney Treat arrived in Seattle from New York in 1902. He bought hundreds of acres of land north of Ballard where he developed the Loyal Heights area and Golden Gardens Park. The Treats owned a mansion on Queen Anne Hill, a large country estate in Loyal Heights, and were active in Seattle society. Treat was an avid horseman…
ID Number:1983.10.8648.1
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Street sweeper at work, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

Street sweeper at work, Seattle, circa 1910

Before 1908, when the city of Seattle took over the maintenance of city streets, streets were cleaned (or not cleaned) by local residents and business owners. Manure was a particular problem because most vehicles of the time were pulled by horses and other animals. The city hired people to clean the manure and garbage from the streets. Photographer's Reference Number:…
ID Number:1983.10.8654
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Street sprinkler, circa 1912
Photograph

Street sprinkler, circa 1912

In 1913, Seattle had over 927 miles of streets, of which 179 were paved, 139 were planked with wood, and 609 were dirt. Starting in 1908, the city hired people to keep the streets clean and in good shape.In this photo, taken sometime between 1910 and 1914, a street washer drives his water wagon along a brick-paved street in a…
ID Number:1983.10.8655
Date:Circa 1912
Image of Fire Chief's car outside Fire Station #10, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

Fire Chief's car outside Fire Station #10, Seattle, circa 1910

Handwritten on sleeve: Fire Chiefs Car.Photographer's Reference Number: 15517
ID Number:1983.10.8684
Date:Circa 1910
Image of King Street Station, Seattle, circa 1913
Photograph

King Street Station, Seattle, circa 1913

Seattle's King Street Station was built between 1904 and 1906 by James Hill, owner of the Great Northern Railroad. Before taller buildings were built, the station's clock tower was tall enough that most people in the downtown area could read the time from its 14-foot clock faces.This photo shows the passenger entrance to the King Street Station in about 1913.…
ID Number:1983.10.8749
Date:Circa 1913
Image of Electric cars on Summit Avenue, Seattle, 1913
Photograph

Electric cars on Summit Avenue, Seattle, 1913

In the early days of automobiles, electric cars were very popular. This photo, taken looking south on Summit from Seneca Street, shows five electric sedans. The home in the center with columns belonged to Clarence Hanford, co-owner of Lowman & Hanford Company. The residence on the left belonged to Julius Redelsheimer, and the home on the right was owned by…
ID Number:1983.10.8752.1
Date:1913
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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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