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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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736 results for: Transportation

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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
Image of Motorcycle policeman J.K. Weedin, Seattle, March 1928
Photograph

Motorcycle policeman J.K. Weedin, Seattle, March 1928

In early 1910, the Seattle police department invested $1,329 in its first three motorcycles, with seven patrolman selected as the first members of the "motor cops" squad. At the time, speeding fines were paid to King County rather than the city of Seattle, and the city hoped to pass a traffic ordinance which would allow it to keep fines for…
ID Number:1986.5G.3172.1
Date:1928
Image of Terminal Dining Service menu, circa 1940
Photograph

Terminal Dining Service menu, circa 1940

This menu for dining service at Seattle's central bus and rail terminal, located at 8th Avenue and Stewart Streets, features a photograph of University of Washington football players in action at their stadium.
ID Number:1986.15.23
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Gorst Air Transport seaplane with ferry in background, Seattle, circa 1933
Postcard

Gorst Air Transport seaplane with ferry in background, Seattle, circa 1933

Vernon C. Gorst, who previously had founded Pacific Air Transport in 1926, (which provided the first airmail service between Los Angeles and Seattle), established Gorst Air Transport sometime in the late 1920s. This photo shows the Keystone-Loening Amphibious "Air Yacht" provided service between Seattle and Bremerton. Gorst's "Air Ferry Line" provided hourly commuter flights between Seattle and Bremerton for two…
ID Number:1987.45.15
Date:Circa 1933
Image of Gorst Air Transport seaplane on dock, Seattle, circa 1933
Postcard

Gorst Air Transport seaplane on dock, Seattle, circa 1933

Vernon C. Gorst, who previously had founded Pacific Air Transport in 1926, (which provided the first airmail service between Los Angeles and Seattle), established Gorst Air Transport sometime in the late 1920s. This photo shows the Keystone-Loening Amphibious "Air Yacht" provided service between Seattle and Bremerton. Gorst's "Air Ferry Line" provided hourly commuter flights between Seattle and Bremerton for two…
ID Number:1987.45.16
Date:Circa 1933
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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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