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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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393 results for: Central Area

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Image of Don Alexander at Volunteer Park, Seattle, February 9, 1947
Photograph

Don Alexander at Volunteer Park, Seattle, February 9, 1947

Here, Donald Alexander stands in Volunteer Park on a sunny day. Don Alexander was chairman of the Seattle Branch of the NAACP in 1961, and was the founder of the Central Area Youth Association (CAYA).
ID Number:2014.49.010.059.0191
Date:1947
Image of East Madison/East Union float in the Seafair International Parade, August 5, 1952
Photograph

East Madison/East Union float in the Seafair International Parade, August 5, 1952

Seattle’s 1952 Seafair celebrated the Centennial of the city’s founding. The many events included five parades in different parts of the city. The International Parade, on August 5, took place downtown, on Fourth Avenue and headed south into the Chinatown - International District.Starting that same year, Seattle’s Black community held a Mardi Gras festival that participated in Seafair. This photo…
ID Number:2014.49.11.01.107
Date:1952
Image of Ruby Chow float in the Seafair Parade, August 5, 1952
Photograph

Ruby Chow float in the Seafair Parade, August 5, 1952

Seattle’s 1952 Seafair celebrated the Centennial of the city’s founding. The many events included five parades in different parts of the city. The International Parade, on August 5, took place downtown, on Fourth Avenue and headed south into the Chinatown - International District. This photo, taken from the west side of Fourth Avenue, shows the Ruby Chow float in the…
ID Number:2014.49.11.01.109
Date:1952
Image of Eastside Hall, Seattle, circa 1951
Photograph

Eastside Hall, Seattle, circa 1951

The growing popularity of ballroom dancing and swing prompted the opening of numerous ballrooms around Seattle. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took many photographs in and around the jazz clubs.This former movie theater at East Madison Street and 22nd Avenue in Seattle’s Central District later claimed fame as a dance and supper club. Ray Charles, Ron Holden, Jimi Hendrix and others…
ID Number:2014.49.11.02.01
Date:1951
Image of Eastside Hall exterior, Seattle, circa 1951
Photograph

Eastside Hall exterior, Seattle, circa 1951

The growing popularity of ballroom dancing and swing prompted the opening of numerous ballrooms around Seattle. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took many photographs in and around the jazz clubs.Once known as the Gala movie theater at East Madison Street and 22nd Avenue in Seattle's Central District, the building shown here later claimed fame as a dance and supper club. Ray…
ID Number:2014.49.11.02.02
Date:Circa 1951
Image of Duplex in Central District, Seattle, circa 1952
Photograph

Duplex in Central District, Seattle, circa 1952

This image of a brick duplex in Seattle's Central Area neighborhood was taken by local photographer Albert Joseph "Al" Smith, Sr. (1916-2008). A postal carrier during the week, Al Smith 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…
ID Number:2014.49.011.016.0089
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Joe Smith standing in front of  his station wagon, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Joe Smith standing in front of his station wagon, Seattle, circa 1950

In addition to his Seattle jazz club images, photographer Al Smith took many photos of family and friends in the city’s black community. On this occasion he photographed his close friend Joe Smith, standing by his four-wheel drive Willys station wagon. Joe wears a hat, coat and a double-breasted suit. Across the street is Jackie Caston’s Union 76 service station…
ID Number:2014.49.011.024.0039
Date:1950
Image of Party-goers posing together by a birthday cake, Seattle, circa 1945
Photograph

Party-goers posing together by a birthday cake, Seattle, circa 1945

A postal carrier during the week, Albert Joseph "Al" Smith, Sr. (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 African American community, the Central Area neighborhood, and the local jazz scene. In this image, ten…
ID Number:2014.49.011.026.0042
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Trainer and boxer in gym with heavy bag, Seattle, circa 1952
Photograph

Trainer and boxer in gym with heavy bag, Seattle, circa 1952

A postal carrier during the week, Albert Joseph "Al" Smith, Sr. (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 African American community, the Central Area neighborhood, and the local jazz scene. In this image taken…
ID Number:2014.49.011.039.0091
Date:Circa 1952
Image of Bride and groom on steps of Immaculate Conception Church, Seattle, circa 1947
Photograph

Bride and groom on steps of Immaculate Conception Church, Seattle, circa 1947

Seattle photographer Al Smith took thousands of photographs of family, friends, and other local people in their everyday lives, particularly in the Central Area neighborhood. Here, Smith photographs a bride, groom, and bridesmaid walking down the steps of Immaculate Conception Church after their wedding. Immaculate Conception Church is still active as of 2023, and has been at the same location…
ID Number:2014.49.011.047.181
Date:Circa 1947
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