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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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415 results for: Entertainment

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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
Image of Circus equestrienne riding a horse, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Circus equestrienne riding a horse, Seattle, September 11, 1949

A woman from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in a formal dress with a hat, rides a horse at what is currently the site of the Seattle Center. Circus tents and a crowd are in the background.
ID Number:2014.49.010.006.0009
Date:1949
Image of Circus elephants posing with female performer, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Circus elephants posing with female performer, Seattle, September 11, 1949

A female performer from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus poses in the center of four elephants at the current site of the Seattle Center.
ID Number:2014.49.010.007.0011
Date:1949
Image of Circus elephants posing with trainer, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Circus elephants posing with trainer, Seattle, September 11, 1949

A trainer from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus works with elephants at the current site of the Seattle Center.
ID Number:2014.49.010.007.0178
Date:1949
Image of Couples at party at Collin's Field House, Seattle, circa 1949
Photograph

Couples at party at Collin's Field House, Seattle, circa 1949

This photo shows men and women dressed formally for a dance party at Collin's Field House. Pictured are Margaret (Peoples) O'Gwin, Aaron Webb, Russell Gideon and wife Lillian, Richard Gardenhire (Seattle Policeman and longshoreman), and Lem Smith and his wife. The others are unidentified.
ID Number:2014.49.010.012.0023
Date:Circa 1949
Image of Partygoers playing cards, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Partygoers playing cards, Seattle, circa 1950

In this photo, ten women and two men are seated in a circle on a living room floor, playing cards or watching the game. All of the woman are wearing identical party hats. Among those pictured are, from left to right, (possibly) Glenn Buxton (seated on floor near center of frame), Cecilia "Babe" Homes (front center, showing card hand to…
ID Number:2014.49.010.020.0041
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Partygoers playing poker, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Partygoers playing poker, Seattle, circa 1950

In this photo, five men seated around a table play poker at a party. One woman, in a party hat, stands behind the table. The man in the foreground is Pat Frances. The others are unidentified.
ID Number:2014.49.010.020.0042
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Clubgoers toasting at the Black and Tan Club, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Clubgoers toasting at the Black and Tan Club, Seattle, circa 1950

Two unidentified couples are seated at a long table at the Black and Tan Club, a leading jazz nightclub located in Seattle's Central District neighborhood, which operated from 1922 until 1966. A banner in the background reads "The Golden League Association."
ID Number:2014.49.010.028.0061
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Dancers posing at Faurot's Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Dancers posing at Faurot's Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1950

A large group in formal attire pose for a photo in center of Faurot's Ballroom at Thirteenth Avenue and East Pike Street. Among those in the front row are Helen Krisse and Mr. Bishop. The others are unidentified.
ID Number:2014.49.010.028.0063
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Partygoers posing inside home, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Partygoers posing inside home, Seattle, circa 1950

In this image a group of partygoers pose together in front of a curtained corner. Three of the young men are dressed in U. S. Navy sailor's uniforms. None of the individuals is identified.
ID Number:2014.49.010.030.0065
Date:Circa 1950
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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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