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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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771 results for: Transportation

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Image of City workers installing parking meters, Seattle, November 1941
Photograph

City workers installing parking meters, Seattle, November 1941

On November 7, 1941, the city of Seattle began installing hotly-debated metal parking meters, hoping the move would eliminate traffic congestion and make driving safer in the city's central business district. Over 1600 meters were installed between First and Fifth Avenues, and Yesler Way and Virgina Street. Drivers were charged 5 cents an hour to park between 7:00 am and…
ID Number:1986.5.10115.1
Date:1941
Image of Reporter Jack Jarvis measuring distance from parking meter to crosswalk, Seattle, October 1961
Photograph

Reporter Jack Jarvis measuring distance from parking meter to crosswalk, Seattle, October 1961

In this image Seattle Post-Intelligencer veteran reporter and editor Jack Jarvis (1913-1972) holds a measuring tape, demonstrating that a parking meter placed at Ninth Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Seattle had been illegally placed too close to the crosswalk. Caption information source: The Seattle Times, April 4, 1972, p. 44
ID Number:1986.5.10122.1
Date:1961
Image of L. R. Maynock collecting parking meter fees, Seattle, January 1942
Photograph

L. R. Maynock collecting parking meter fees, Seattle, January 1942

On November 7, 1941, the city of Seattle began installing hotly-debated metal parking meters, hoping the move would eliminate traffic congestion and make driving safer in the city's central business district. Over 1600 meters were installed between First and Fifth Avenues, and Yesler Way and Virgina Street. Drivers were charged 5 cents an hour to park between 7:00 am and…
ID Number:1986.5.10123.1
Date:1942
Image of Seattle Police Department motorcycle corps, Seattle, 1941
Photograph

Seattle Police Department motorcycle corps, Seattle, 1941

On March 17, 1941, the Seattle Police Department received eight new motorcycles for speed enforcement and the parking work. The motorcycles joined five others already in use by the department. Handwritten on sleeve: SEATTLE, POLICE DEPARTMENT, Motorcycle Corps. Date photograph was filed at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (date of photograph and file date may differ by a month or more): March…
ID Number:1986.5.10539.1
Date:1941
Image of Marion Diedricks demonstrating for Seattle Police Department motorcycle corps, Seattle, March 17, 1941
Photograph

Marion Diedricks demonstrating for Seattle Police Department motorcycle corps, Seattle, March 17, 1941

On March 17, 1941, the Seattle Police Department received eight new motorcycles for traffic and parking enforcement. The new motorcycles were rated for up to 105 mph, but were unable to sustain this speed until reaching 2,000 miles on their odometers. The new bikes joined five others already in use by the department. In this image, Marion Diedricks skids on…
ID Number:1986.5.10539.2
Date:1941
Image of Aerial view of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle, 1953
Photograph

Aerial view of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle, 1953

Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct carried traffic over the waterfront area, linking the northern part of the city to the industrial area south of the central business district. The first unit of the elevated roadway, from Battery Street to Dearborn Street, was completed in 1953 and a southern extension in 1959. The Viaduct closed in January 2019 after being replaced by…
ID Number:1986.5.12214.1
Date:1953
Image of Aerial of Alaskan Way Viaduct extension south to Spokane Street with a view northeast toward Seattle, 1959
Photograph

Aerial of Alaskan Way Viaduct extension south to Spokane Street with a view northeast toward Seattle, 1959

Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct carried traffic over the waterfront area, linking the northern part of the city to the industrial area south of the central business district. The first unit of the elevated roadway, from Battery Street to Dearborn Street, was completed in 1953 and a southern extension in 1959. The Viaduct closed in January 2019 after being replaced by…
ID Number:1986.5.12223.1
Date:1959
Image of Heavy traffic at Aurora Avenue and Denny Way, Seattle, 1952
Photograph

Heavy traffic at Aurora Avenue and Denny Way, Seattle, 1952

Three lanes of one-way traffic head east on Denny Way, with some of the cars turning right onto Denny from northbound Aurora Avenue. Conveniently, the traffics passes Texaco and Standard gas stations on the left, and Signal Gas on the right. If needed, drivers could also head to Dowling & Davidson Auto Repair just next to the Signal station, or…
ID Number:1986.5.12702.1
Date:1952
Image of Gale Dresden and his dog Toughy on a motorcycle, June 29, 1958
Photograph

Gale Dresden and his dog Toughy on a motorcycle, June 29, 1958

Seattle auto mechanic and truck driver Gale Dresden stretched a piece of rubber over his motorcycle’s gas tank so his fox terrier, Toughy, could ride with him. In three years, the two rode thousands of miles in three northwestern states. According to his owner, Toughy enjoyed riding in cars and trucks but preferred motorcycles.Here, Gale Dresden and Toughy prepare for…
ID Number:1986.5.23864.1
Date:1958
Image of John Glenn on the monorail at the World's Fair, Seattle, 1962
Photograph

John Glenn on the monorail at the World's Fair, Seattle, 1962

Colonel John Glenn visited the World's Fair on May 10, 1962. He came to Seattle to help Vice-President Lyndon Johnson dedicate the NASA exhibit and to participate in a national conference on the peaceful uses of space.The astronaut rode the Monorail to the fair. When offered a chance to take over the controls of the train, he politely declined. John…
ID Number:1986.5.26300.1
Date:1962
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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.
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