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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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283 results for: Retail and Department Stores

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Image of C. M. Pessemier in doorway of his shoe store, Seattle, circa 1891
Photograph

C. M. Pessemier in doorway of his shoe store, Seattle, circa 1891

Belgium-born Camille M. Pessemier (1863-1947) first appears in a Seattle City Directory in 1891, living with his family above his shoe store at 912 Second Avenue. In 1905, "C. M.," as he was known, opened another shoe store in Tacoma with his brother, Henry J. Pessemier (1869-1940), a grocer. The Pessemier Bros. shoe stores grew to six locations in Seattle,…
ID Number:Lib1990.9.1
Date:Circa 1891
Image of Illustration of Toklas, Singerman & Co. building, Seattle, circa 1890
Photograph

Illustration of Toklas, Singerman & Co. building, Seattle, circa 1890

In 1875 Polish immigrants Ferdinand Toklas (1845-1924) and Paul Singerman (1847-1915) moved to Seattle and opened what became the city's first department store. Originally located in Pioneer Square and named the San Francisco Store, it was later renamed Toklas, Singerman, & Co. In 1892 the founders sold the store to another partner, John B. MacDougall (1849-1931), who incorporated it as…
ID Number:Lib1991.5.41
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Toklas, Singerman & Co. employees posing, Seattle, circa 1890
Photograph

Toklas, Singerman & Co. employees posing, Seattle, circa 1890

In 1875 Polish immigrants Ferdinand Toklas (1845-1924) and Paul Singerman (1847-1915) moved to Seattle and opened what became the city's first department store. Originally located in Pioneer Square and named the San Francisco Store, it was later renamed Toklas, Singerman, & Co. In 1892 the founders sold the store to another partner, John B. MacDougall (1849-1931), who incorporated it as…
ID Number:Lib1991.5.46
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Exterior of post-fire location of Toklas, Singerman & Co., Seattle, circa 1890
Photograph

Exterior of post-fire location of Toklas, Singerman & Co., Seattle, circa 1890

In 1875 Polish immigrants Ferdinand Toklas (1845-1924) and Paul Singerman (1847-1915) moved to Seattle and opened what became the city's first department store. Originally located in Pioneer Square and named the San Francisco Store, it was later renamed Toklas, Singerman, & Co. In 1892 the founders sold the store to another partner, John B. MacDougall (1849-1931), who incorporated it as…
ID Number:Lib1991.5.47
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Toklas, Singerman & Co. baseball team, Seattle, 1892
Photograph

Toklas, Singerman & Co. baseball team, Seattle, 1892

In 1875 Polish immigrants Ferdinand Toklas (1845-1924) and Paul Singerman (1847-1915) moved to Seattle and opened what became the city's first department store in Pioneer Square. Originally called the San Francisco Store and later renamed Toklas, Singerman, & Co., the founders retired in 1892 and sold the store to another partner, John B. MacDougall (1849-1931), who incorporated it as MacDougall…
ID Number:Lib1991.5.48
Date:1892
Image of Interior of G.H. Ando's Japanese dry goods store, Seattle, circa 1892
Photograph

Interior of G.H. Ando's Japanese dry goods store, Seattle, circa 1892

This image shows the interior of G. H. Ando's Japan Curio Company, located at 813 Second Avenue in Seattle from 1890-1893, and variously listed as a seller of dry goods, fancy goods, and notions. Visible in the image are items imported from Asia: porcelain, fans, silk, and what appears to be a suit of Samurai armor in the left foreground…
ID Number:Lib1991.5.61
Date:Circa 1892
Image of Seattle's International Settlement brochure, circa 1960
Ephemera

Seattle's International Settlement brochure, circa 1960

The Jackson Street Community Council (1946-1967) was established to represent both Seattle's Asian and African American communities in part of the Central District and the Chinatown - International District, supporting businesses, volunteer organizations, and social groups. The JSCC linked these two communities of color and later advocated for civil rights for both. This brochure, titled Seattle's International Settlement, gives an…
ID Number:Lib1991.30.19
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Interior of store on Seaview Avenue, Ballard, circa 1920
Photograph

Interior of store on Seaview Avenue, Ballard, circa 1920

This general store was owned by John Benjamin Russell, pictured here. Russell was the father-in-law of photographer Otto Langstaff. The store was located across the street from the old Ballard ferry landing, near the current Ray's Boathouse. The brothers Clarence and Otto Langstaff were prolific amateur photographers in Seattle. Clarence worked as a carpenter and also spent time at Mt.…
ID Number:Lib1993.8.38
Date:Circa 1920
Image of John Doyle Bishop, Seattle, August 1970
Photograph

John Doyle Bishop, Seattle, August 1970

John Doyle Bishop (1913-1980) operated a high-end women’s clothing store in Seattle from 1950 until his death in 1980. He sourced designer garments from the United States and Europe and provided personalized fashion advice for his devoted clients. He was also known for his personal style and cultivated a reputation as a local personality. Bishop took great pride in his…
ID Number:Lib1993.20.227
Date:1970
Image of Shoppers buying stockings at Frederick & Nelson, November 3, 1945
Photograph

Shoppers buying stockings at Frederick & Nelson, November 3, 1945

In the early 1940s, during World War II, the military needed silk to make parachutes. Silk was rationed, and there was hardly any left over to make underwear, stockings or other everyday products. Women found that rayon stockings bagged and leg makeup smeared or cracked. When the war was over, women jumped at the chance to buy the new sheer…
ID Number:PI21052
Date:1945
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