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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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283 results for: Retail and Department Stores

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Image of Women in working in kitchen at Frederick & Nelson, Seattle, circa 1920
Photograph

Women in working in kitchen at Frederick & Nelson, Seattle, circa 1920

The first Frederick & Nelson retail store opened in 1889, right after Seattle's great fire. By 1916, the company was doing so well that it built a large new store at Fifth Avenue and Pike Street, which many people thought was too far out of town. Frederick & Nelson was one of Seattle's landmark companies for over a century. It…
ID Number:1983.10.1407.5
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Ernst Bros. hardware store, circa 1919
Photograph

Ernst Bros. hardware store, circa 1919

Ernst Brothers had a store on Pike Street which sold hardware, plumbing and heating supplies, and automobile gear. Over the years, the Ernst company added household and garden supplies. At the time it went out of business in 1996, Ernst had stores throughout the northwest. This photo, taken on a rainy day in about 1919, shows the front of the…
ID Number:1983.10.1531
Date:Circa 1919
Image of View from roof of Pike Place Market, Seattle, circa 1919
Photograph

View from roof of Pike Place Market, Seattle, circa 1919

This view looking north on Pike Place from above the Main Arcade building shows bustling activity and traffic from both cars and horses on both Pike Place and Western Avenue (left side of frame). The old Armory building that was demolished in the 1960s can be seen in the distance. Signs in image: Seattle Cabinet Wks; Mfg & Show Cases;…
ID Number:1983.10.1659.2
Date:Circa 1919
Image of Pike Place Market with trucks and cars, 1920
Photograph

Pike Place Market with trucks and cars, 1920

In the early days of the Pike Place Market, all produce was brought to market by horse and wagon. Farmers had to get up well before dawn to make sure they got a good place to sell. By 1920, motorized trucks and cars had replaced most of the old delivery wagons. This meant a shorter and easier trip for both…
ID Number:1983.10.1659.3
Date:1920
Image of Pike Place Market, Seattle, circa 1919
Photograph

Pike Place Market, Seattle, circa 1919

This view looking north on Pike Place along the Corner Market building shows bustling activity and traffic. The old Armory building that was demolished in the 1960s can be seen in the distance on the west side of the street. Handwritten on sleeve: Public MarketWebster & Stevens number: 75356
ID Number:1983.10.1659.6
Date:Circa 1919
Image of Japanese clothing store and other Jackson Street businesses , circa 1919
Photograph

Japanese clothing store and other Jackson Street businesses , circa 1919

Many Asian immigrants to Seattle settled in what is now the Chinatown International District. Some of the Japanese and Chinese immigrants ran clothing stores, barbershops, and other small business, such as those seen in this photo, taken about 1919. Signs include: Busch Hotel, Chop Suey Noodles, YamatoyaWebster & Stevens number: 82298
ID Number:1983.10.1775
Date:Circa 1919
Image of Pig 'n Whistle, Seattle, circa 1920
Photograph

Pig 'n Whistle, Seattle, circa 1920

In 1919, California candy-maker the Pig'N Whistle opened a location in Seattle in the Rialto Building. This photo is from around the time of the store's opening. Handwritten on sleeve: Pig'n Whistle SignWebster & Stevens number: 82929
ID Number:1983.10.1900
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Standard Furniture Company, Seattle, circa 1921
Photograph

Standard Furniture Company, Seattle, circa 1921

Standard Furniture Company was an early Seattle retailer of imported furniture, owned by Herbert A. and Ralph Schoenfeld, that opened in 1888. The enterprise constructed and opened a permanent high-rise on Second Avenue in 1908, and later moved to Tacoma. Signs in image: Standard Furniture Co. Your Credit is Good.Handwritten on sleeve: Standard Furniture Co. Ext.Webster & Stevens number: 84968Caption…
ID Number:1983.10.2061.2
Date:Circa 1921
Image of Children playing grocery store, circa 1921
Photograph

Children playing grocery store, circa 1921

Many children enjoy playing store and selling things. The children in this photo, taken about 1921, have quite a complete grocery store to play with. Some products were sold by weight, and the boy is measuring out something on a scale. The girl holds her shopping basket while she watches her doll in the wicker doll carriage. Webster & Stevens…
ID Number:1983.10.2123
Date:Circa 1921
Image of Japanese farmers' food donations to the poor, circa 1922
Photograph

Japanese farmers' food donations to the poor, circa 1922

Japanese farmers had sold fruits and vegetables at the Pike Place Market since its opening in 1907. By the early 1920s, the area had become very crowded. Some Seattle businessmen proposed moving the farmers' market away from downtown. Maybe that's why the farmers in this photo are showing their community spirit by donating vegetables to needy local families and publicly…
ID Number:1983.10.2125
Date:Circa 1922
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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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Phone: 206 324 1126
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