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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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444 results for: Military

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Image of Three people posing at the Black Elk's Club, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Three people posing at the Black Elk's Club, Seattle, circa 1953

The Elks fraternal order was racially segregated until the late 20th century and the local Black chapter in Seattle was a popular nightclub with a racially mixed, but mostly Black, clientele. Here, two unidentified women are standing on either side of a man in uniform at the Black Elk's Club, 600 Jackson Street. The woman on left is wearing a…
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0077
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Couple dancing in front of  band at Savoy Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Couple dancing in front of band at Savoy Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953

Here, a couple dances in front of Al Pierre's band at the Savoy Ballroom. The man is in uniform, and the woman is in a sweater and a mid-length skirt. Al Pierre is on the piano, and trumpeter Leon Vaughn is second from the left.
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0078
Date:Circa 1945
Image of A couple standing near bandstand , Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

A couple standing near bandstand , Seattle, circa 1953

An unidentified couple is standing together in front of a bandstand, probably at the Savoy at 22nd Avenue and E Madison. The man is in military uniform and the woman in a full-length dress, and the couple are smiling at each other. Decorations around the stage suggest that this is a special occasion.
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0082
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Dick Turpin posing with a friend, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Dick Turpin posing with a friend, Seattle, circa 1953

In this image taken in a living room, Dick Turpin, left, poses in a Navy uniform with an unidentified man. Dick Turpin had been on the infamous battleship Maine in 1898. He was also World War I veteran, the US Navy's first Black chief petty officer, and a master rigger at the Bremerton shipyard, where Al Smith also worked. Dick…
ID Number:2014.49.006.028.0083
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Dick Turpin and his wife sitting with a dog, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Dick Turpin and his wife sitting with a dog, Seattle, circa 1953

Here, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Turpin are seated on a couch with a dog at their feet. Mr. Turpin wears a Navy uniform and Mrs. Turpin wears a dark, short sleeved dress.Dick Turpin had been on the infamous battleship Maine in 1898. He was also World War I veteran, the US Navy's first Black chief petty officer, and a master…
ID Number:2014.49.006.028.0084
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Joe Louis with two young boxers backstage at an exhibition match, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Joe Louis with two young boxers backstage at an exhibition match, Seattle, circa 1950

Joe Louis (1914-1981) was heavyweight champion of the world from 1937 to 1949, setting a new world record, and earning Louis a reputation as an American hero. In 1942, Louis joined the Army, and during his service he donated generously from his boxing winnings to Army and Navy relief societies, was part of over 96 boxing exhibitions, and performed for…
ID Number:2014.49.009.019.0075
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Couple posing in a living room, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Couple posing in a living room, Seattle, circa 1950

An unidentified man and woman stand in front of a curtained corner window, holding hands. The young man wears a sailor's uniform, the woman a belted dress, a corsage, and a necklace.
ID Number:2014.49.010.034.0071
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Joe Louis and Al Smith, Sr., Seattle,  circa 1945
Photograph

Joe Louis and Al Smith, Sr., Seattle, circa 1945

Professional boxer and heavyweight champ Joe Louis (1914-1981) served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from January 1942 to October 1945. The Army placed him in the Special Services Division, where Louis went on celebrity tours and staged boxing exhibitions for charity and to boost the morale of American soldiers. This photo shows Louis, left, in his Army…
ID Number:2014.49.010.019.0037
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Black servicemen and their dates at a dance, Seattle, circa 1944
Photograph

Black servicemen and their dates at a dance, Seattle, circa 1944

The US military was racially segregated throughout World War II and most home front services were also segregated. In Seattle, recreational events for Black servicemen and women, usually hosted by the U.S.O. or the Seattle Civilian War Commission, were often held separately from those for whites. In this photo, a large group of Black servicemen in uniform and their dates…
ID Number:2014.49.013.004.0033
Date:Circa 1944
Image of Jitterbuggers, Seattle, circa 1944
Photograph

Jitterbuggers, Seattle, circa 1944

Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, with their popularity peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of musicians and patrons, then returning the following week to sell prints.On this occasion, Smith photographed an energetically dancing couple being…
ID Number:2014.49.14.006.04
Date:Circa 1944
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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
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