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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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396 results for: Central Area

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Image of Al Smith taking a self-portrait, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Al Smith taking a self-portrait, Seattle, circa 1953

Albert Joseph "Al" Smith, Sr. (1916-2008), was an avid photographer and prolific chronicler of life in Seattle's Central Area during the mid- to late-20th century, amassing tens of thousands negatives. From a hobby begun as a preteen, Mr. Smith began his "weekend job" and photography business, On the Spot, in the 1940s, capturing life in the city’s Black community, the…
ID Number:2014.49.006.017.0099
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Al Smith taking a self-portrait, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Al Smith taking a self-portrait, Seattle, circa 1953

Albert Joseph "Al" Smith, Sr. (1916-2008), was an avid photographer and prolific chronicler of life in Seattle's Central Area during the mid- to late-20th century, amassing tens of thousands negatives. From a hobby begun as a preteen, Mr. Smith began his "weekend job" and photography business, On the Spot, in the 1940s, capturing life in the city’s Black community, the…
ID Number:2014.49.006.017.0114
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Woman modeling a hairstyle, circa 1960
Photograph

Woman modeling a hairstyle, circa 1960

In addition to his images of the local jazz scene, Seattle photographer Al Smith took many photos of family, friends, and other local people in their everyday lives, particularly in the city's Black community. Smith often photographed fashion shows, hairstyle models, and people fashionably dressed for a night out. Here, Smith photographs a woman modeling a tightly curled hairstyle, possibly…
ID Number:2014.49.006.029.0327
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Model at “La Clique Club” fashion show, Seattle, circa 1960
Photograph

Model at “La Clique Club” fashion show, Seattle, circa 1960

A postal carrier during the week, Seattle photographer Al Smith (1916-2008) spent weekends taking pictures for his photography business "On The Spot." His photographs tell the stories of everyday people who shaped the dynamic character of Seattle, offering rare views into the city’s Black community, the Central Area neighborhood, and the local jazz scene. Here, Smith photographs a model at…
ID Number:2014.49.07.047.07
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Freddie Brown wearing his Golden Gloves championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown wearing his Golden Gloves championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.017.0066
Date:1949
Image of Freddie Brown with Bill Ross and unidentified woman, Seattle,  February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown with Bill Ross and unidentified woman, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.017.0068
Date:1949
Image of Freddie Brown and Bill Ross, Seattle, February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown and Bill Ross, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.018.0070
Date:1949
Image of Freddie Brown in his Golden Gloves Championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949
Photograph

Freddie Brown in his Golden Gloves Championship robe, Seattle, February 24, 1949

Seattle boxer Freddie Brown (1931-1961) won the middleweight championship title at the 14th annual Golden Gloves Tournament in February 1949. The final bouts, held on February 22, drew what was reported to be the largest Golden Gloves crowd in Civic Auditorium history. Freddie Brown fought twice that night, winning the semi-final against Ivan Johnson before prevailing in the final, defeating…
ID Number:2014.49.009.018.0071
Date:1949
Image of Members of the Royal Esquire Club on steps of Collins Field House, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Members of the Royal Esquire Club on steps of Collins Field House, Seattle, September 11, 1949

The Royal Esquire Club is a private African American men's club in Seattle, founded in 1947 by five young Black men, as there was no welcoming venue in the city where they could socialize. Still active as of 2025 and now located in the Columbia City neighborhood, the club provides a space for social interaction, education, and entertainment for its…
ID Number:2014.49.010.003.0005
Date:1949
Image of Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949

The Royal Esquire Club is a private African American men's club in Seattle, founded in 1947 by five young Black men since there was no other welcoming venue in the city where they could socialize. Still active as of 2025 and now located in the Columbia City neighborhood, the club provides a space for social interaction, education, and entertainment for…
ID Number:2014.49.010.003.0173
Date:1949
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