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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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316 results for: Recreation

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Image of Swimming pool at the Washington Athletic Club, September 13, 1932
Photograph

Swimming pool at the Washington Athletic Club, September 13, 1932

The Washington Athletic Club opened its 21-story building at Sixth Avenue and Union Street in 1930. By the end of the 1930s, Helene Madison and many other champion swimmers had trained in the club's modern swimming pool. This photo, taken in September 1932, shows a women's swimming group at the side of the Washington Athletic Club pool. Photographer's Reference Number:…
ID Number:1983.10.4412
Date:1932
Image of Seattle Yacht Club in Portage Bay, Seattle, July 17, 1936
Photograph

Seattle Yacht Club in Portage Bay, Seattle, July 17, 1936

The Seattle Yacht Club had its first home in West Seattle. After the Lake Washington Ship Canal opened in 1919, the club built new facilities in Montlake, on Portage Bay. This gave members a sheltered place to keep their boats and access to both Lake Washington and Puget Sound. The fresh water of Portage Bay also kept destructive barnacles from…
ID Number:1983.10.4561.1
Date:1936
Image of Boy Scouts at ranger station, circa 1930
Photograph

Boy Scouts at ranger station, circa 1930

The Boy Scout organization began in England and came to the United States in 1910. It quickly became the largest youth group in the country. Scouts went hiking, camping, and learned many outdoor skills. In this photo, taken around 1930, a group of Boy Scouts and their leaders visit a ranger station during a hike. Description in handwritten inventory: Boy…
ID Number:1983.10.4971.60
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Mercer racing car, probably in Seattle, 1918
Photograph

Mercer racing car, probably in Seattle, 1918

Here a driver is shown in a Mercer racing car, which was popular in auto racing in the late 1910s. Handwritten on sleeve: Mercer Racing Car - 1918.Photographer's Reference Number: 74919
ID Number:1983.10.6522.1
Date:1918
Image of Kinnear Park, Seattle, circa 1911
Photograph

Kinnear Park, Seattle, circa 1911

Kinnear Park is located on the southwest slope of Queen Anne Hill, near Smith Cove. In 1889, George Kinnear gave the park to the City of Seattle for one dollar. Over the next ten or so years, the city built paths and flower beds, and added seats and a pavilion. Landslides plagued the lower part of the park until the…
ID Number:1983.10.6546
Date:Circa 1911
Image of Madrona Park, Seattle, circa 1911
Photograph

Madrona Park, Seattle, circa 1911

Madrona Park was named for its madrona trees. The original owners of the private park built wooden beach swings, lakeside paths, a boat dock, and rustic shelters. Visitors could sit in the swings or follow the path along the lake between Madrona and Leschi. Caption on image: Madrona Park. Handwritten on sleeve: Madrona Park.Photographer's Reference Number: 51
ID Number:1983.10.6550
Date:Circa 1911
Image of Waterfalls in Ravenna Park, Seattle, circa 1911
Photograph

Waterfalls in Ravenna Park, Seattle, circa 1911

Ravenna Park, one of Seattle's oldest, was among the few areas that escaped the logger's ax in the late 1800s and thus preserved stunning examples of giant old-growth Douglas Firs. Centered around a steep ravine just north of the University District, the park opened in 1887 as a privately operated destination called Ravenna Springs Park. It featured nature trails and…
ID Number:1983.10.6551
Date:Circa 1911
Image of Denny Blaine Lake Park, Seattle, circa 1911
Photograph

Denny Blaine Lake Park, Seattle, circa 1911

The origins of Denny Blaine Park are linked to the promotion of real estate undertaken by Elbert F. Blaine and Charles L. Denny. By creating attractive parks and supporting the trolley or cable car lines to bring people to them, these men typified the enterprising spirit. Blaine was also Park Commissioner from 1902-1908. The Denny Blaine Lake Park, established in…
ID Number:1983.10.6565
Date:Circa 1911
Image of Swings at Madrona Park, Seattle, circa 1911
Photograph

Swings at Madrona Park, Seattle, circa 1911

Madrona Park was named for its madrona trees. The original owners of the private park built wooden beach swings, lakeside paths, a boat dock, and rustic shelters. Visitors could sit in the swings or follow the path along the lake between Madrona and Leschi. Caption on image: Madrona Park. Handwritten on sleeve: Madrona Park Swings.Photographer's Reference Number: 672
ID Number:1983.10.6687
Date:Circa 1911
Image of Leschi Park Pavilion, circa 1910
Photograph

Leschi Park Pavilion, circa 1910

From the 1890s through the 1920s, the pavilion at Leschi Park was a popular place for Seattle residents to have fun. Here, they could wander in the gardens or enjoy dancing in the pavilion that extended out over the water. The pavilion was torn down after it became too expensive to maintain. This photo shows the Leschi Park Pavilion and…
ID Number:1983.10.6710
Date:Circa 1910
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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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