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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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450 results for: Military

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Image of Saxophone section of Jive Bombers, Seattle, circa 1944
Photograph

Saxophone section of Jive Bombers, Seattle, circa 1944

During World War II, Black musicians were recruited from across the country to officially serve as musicians in the U.S. Navy. Trained to play in big bands at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, the men formed 25-piece bands to tour naval bases and boost morale. One of the bands was transferred to the Sand Point Naval Air Station…
ID Number:2014.49.002.037.0234
Date:Circa 1944
Image of Military ceremony at ROOTS family  picnic, 1994
Photograph

Military ceremony at ROOTS family picnic, 1994

The tradition of the ROOTS family picnic began in the early 1970s, when Arline and Letcher Yarbrough invited to dinner a group of close friends they hadn’t seen in many years. Those who attended agreed to establish more regular get togethers. Word went out to the “Old Timers,” as they called themselves, to come to a reunion at Seward Park.…
ID Number:2014.49.04.039.04
Date:1994
Image of Servicemen at event sponsored by the Victory Canteen, Seattle, circa 1944
Photograph

Servicemen at event sponsored by the Victory Canteen, Seattle, circa 1944

The Victory Canteen of the Seattle Civilian War Commission fed and assisted service men and women passing through Seattle during World War II. Thousands of volunteers, largely women, served meals at railroad stations, U.S.O. canteens, Service clubs, and special parties. The Victory Canteen also sponsored recreational events and collected goods to be mailed as holiday gifts to armed forces overseas.This…
ID Number:2014.49.005.016.0186
Date:Circa 1944
Image of Servicemen at event sponsored by the Victory Canteen, Seattle, circa 1944
Photograph

Servicemen at event sponsored by the Victory Canteen, Seattle, circa 1944

The Victory Canteen of the Seattle Civilian War Commission fed and assisted service men and women passing through Seattle during World War II. Thousands of volunteers, largely women, served meals at railroad stations, U.S.O. canteens, Service clubs, and special parties. The Victory Canteen also sponsored recreational events and collected goods to be mailed as holiday gifts to armed forces overseas.This…
ID Number:2014.49.005.016.0190
Date:Circa 1944
Image of Four Asian sailors posing in uniform, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Four Asian sailors posing in uniform, Seattle, circa 1953

Four unidentified Asian sailors, in uniform and carrying cameras, are standing outside, leaning against a cyclone fence.
ID Number:2014.49.006.025.0069
Date:Circa 1960
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
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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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