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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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3379 results for: Seattle Photographic Co.

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Image of Puget Sound tribal members at the Railroad Jubilee barbecue, Seattle, September 1883
Photograph

Puget Sound tribal members at the Railroad Jubilee barbecue, Seattle, September 1883

Northern Pacific Railroad Company President Henry Villard (1835-1900) visited Seattle shortly after he and U. S. President Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) drove the "golden spike" on September 8, 1883, near Independence Creek, Montana, symbolizing the completion of the of Northern Pacific Railroad. A celebration honoring the transcontinental railroad was held on the grounds of the Territorial University (now University of…
ID Number:SHS468
Date:1883
Image of Jackson Street looking east from waterfront, Seattle, circa 1892
Photograph

Jackson Street looking east from waterfront, Seattle, circa 1892

The topography of Seattle neighborhood now called the Chinatown - International District (CID) was altered drastically during the Jackson Street regrade from 1907 to 1909. About fifty-six city blocks were reshaped by the regrade, twenty-nine of them excavated and twenty-seven raised above the tide flats. On Jackson, dirt was mostly removed to lower the street nearly 90 feet at 9th…
ID Number:SHS469
Date:Circa 1892
Image of Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition grounds at night, Seattle, 1909
Photograph

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition grounds at night, Seattle, 1909

The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE) was a world's fair held in Seattle in 1909, publicizing the development of the Pacific Northwest. The fairgrounds became the campus of the University of Washington.This view across Lake Union shows the AYPE grounds at night, with buildings and a ferris wheel outlined in lights. Caption on photo: The "Fair Beautiful" at NightHandwritten on back of…
ID Number:SHS487
Date:1909
Image of Regrading on Third Avenue near Spring Street, Seattle, 1906
Photograph

Regrading on Third Avenue near Spring Street, Seattle, 1906

Seattle's hills are steep, but they used to be steeper. During various regrading projects, the city tried to make the streets and avenues more level. Some areas were raised and some were lowered. Nearby buildings were raised or lowered too. Others were torn down or moved away.This photograph was taken during the regrading project on Third Avenue in downtown Seattle.…
ID Number:SHS503
Date:1906
Image of Ruins of Dexter Horton Bank building after Great Fire, Seattle, June 1889
Photograph

Ruins of Dexter Horton Bank building after Great Fire, Seattle, June 1889

The Dexter Horton building was historical even in 1889. It was Seattle's first brick building, and it was the home of Washington Territory's first certified bank. After the 1889 fire destroyed the roof and interior, the bank's owners set up a temporary bank in the renovated ruins. At the same time, they started planning a large new building for the…
ID Number:SHS507
Date:1889
Image of Man guarding a safe after Great Seattle Fire, June 6, 1889
Photograph

Man guarding a safe after Great Seattle Fire, June 6, 1889

The Great Fire of June 6, 1889 was a significant turning point in Seattle's history and changed both the physical and political landscapes of the city. The fire started at 2:30 p.m. in a shop at Front Street (now First Avenue) and Madison Street and swept across 100 acres of Seattle's business district and waterfront. The fire left little standing…
ID Number:SHS511
Date:1889
Image of Businesses on Second Avenue after the Great Fire, Seattle, July 1889
Photograph

Businesses on Second Avenue after the Great Fire, Seattle, July 1889

Seattle's Great Fire, June 6, 1889, burned its way northwards to roughly Spring Street and Second Avenue. By July, businesses throughout the burned-out area had reopened in tents, houses, or wherever they could find space. This July 1889 image shows Second Avenue north of Spring Street. The large sign at the left boldly promotes "Tents Signs Printed Anytime". Signs visible…
ID Number:SHS514A
Date:1889
Image of Commercial Street in snow, Seattle, January 10, 1880
Photograph

Commercial Street in snow, Seattle, January 10, 1880

In the 1880s, Seattle's business district was near Pioneer Square. Loggers, miners, and others came to this part of the city to find work, supplies, and entertainment. Others came to Seattle to attend the Territorial University, which stood on a hill above the city .This photo, taken in 1880, shows the intersection of Commercial Street (now First Avenue South) and…
ID Number:SHS613
Date:1880
Image of Trolleys on Pike Street after snow, Seattle, January 31, 1916
Photograph

Trolleys on Pike Street after snow, Seattle, January 31, 1916

January and February of 1916 were exceptionally cold. By the end of January, about 2 feet of snow had already accumulated, with more on the way. The heavy snow and ice trapped trolleys and halted businesses all over town. In this photo taken at the end of January 1916, workmen try to clear the ice near the trolleys stranded on…
ID Number:SHS622
Date:1916
Image of Pike Street, looking east from west of Second Avenue, Seattle, 1904
Photograph

Pike Street, looking east from west of Second Avenue, Seattle, 1904

By the first decade of the 20th century, Seattle's current downtown retail core had moved north from Pioneer Square. The Bon Marche Department Store's second location at Second Avenue and Pike Street had expanded, adding two floors above its original street level.In this image, a crowd gathers on a sunny summer afternoon to enjoy a band playing at an unidentified…
ID Number:SHS643
Date:1904
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Land Acknowledgement

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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