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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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1312 results for: Seattle Center

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Image of Lionel Hampton posing with two band members, Seattle, August 9, 1991
Photograph

Lionel Hampton posing with two band members, Seattle, August 9, 1991

Seattle's jazz scene flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took thousands of photos in the popular Jackson street jazz clubs, and at larger venues hosting concerts. Among the many jazz musicians Smith photographed were a number of internationally renowned artists who came to play in…
ID Number:2014.49.06.036.06
Date:1991
Image of Frisco McGale, Buford Ransom, and Eddie Cotton, Seattle, circa 1947
Photograph

Frisco McGale, Buford Ransom, and Eddie Cotton, Seattle, circa 1947

Dornatt J. “Frisco” McGale (d. 1958), was a professional fighter, and a boxing trainer and manager. Born in Jamaica, McGale lived in Seattle since the 1920s and fought professionally during the 1920s and 1930s. After he retired from boxing, he devoted his time to training young boxers. He managed professional light-heavyweight Eddie Cotton for many years. During WWII, McGale was…
ID Number:2014.49.009.073.0292
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Members of the Royal Esquire Club on steps of Collins Field House, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Members of the Royal Esquire Club on steps of Collins Field House, Seattle, September 11, 1949

The Royal Esquire Club is a private African American men's club in Seattle, founded in 1947 by five young Black men, as there was no welcoming venue in the city where they could socialize. Still active as of 2025 and now located in the Columbia City neighborhood, the club provides a space for social interaction, education, and entertainment for its…
ID Number:2014.49.010.003.0005
Date:1949
Image of Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Jessie Grimes with two members of the Royal Esquire Club, Seattle, September 11, 1949

The Royal Esquire Club is a private African American men's club in Seattle, founded in 1947 by five young Black men since there was no other welcoming venue in the city where they could socialize. Still active as of 2025 and now located in the Columbia City neighborhood, the club provides a space for social interaction, education, and entertainment for…
ID Number:2014.49.010.003.0173
Date:1949
Image of Circus equestrienne riding a horse, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Circus equestrienne riding a horse, Seattle, September 11, 1949

A woman from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in a formal dress with a hat, rides a horse at what is currently the site of the Seattle Center. Circus tents and a crowd are in the background.
ID Number:2014.49.010.006.0009
Date:1949
Image of Circus elephants posing with female performer, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Circus elephants posing with female performer, Seattle, September 11, 1949

A female performer from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus poses in the center of four elephants at the current site of the Seattle Center.
ID Number:2014.49.010.007.0011
Date:1949
Image of Circus elephants posing with trainer, Seattle, September 11, 1949
Photograph

Circus elephants posing with trainer, Seattle, September 11, 1949

A trainer from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus works with elephants at the current site of the Seattle Center.
ID Number:2014.49.010.007.0178
Date:1949
Image of Cora Spencer and others posing in costume, Seattle, circa 1949
Photograph

Cora Spencer and others posing in costume, Seattle, circa 1949

Cora Spencer, center, and two unidentified women pose in "Old Timers" costumes on the lawn of the Tennis Club at 23rd & E. Olive.
ID Number:2014.49.010.013.0179
Date:Circa 1949
Image of Partygoers playing cards, Seattle, circa 1950
Photograph

Partygoers playing cards, Seattle, circa 1950

In this photo, ten women and two men are seated in a circle on a living room floor, playing cards or watching the game. All of the woman are wearing identical party hats. Among those pictured are, from left to right, (possibly) Glenn Buxton (seated on floor near center of frame), Cecilia "Babe" Homes (front center, showing card hand to…
ID Number:2014.49.010.020.0041
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Group seated at table at awards dinner, Seattle, circa 1955
Photograph

Group seated at table at awards dinner, Seattle, circa 1955

Nine people in formal attire are seated around a table with a tall flower arrangement. The woman at the center of the frame is holding a trophy engraved with "Gay Ladies Social Club." Identified are Sparrow Jackson (man to left of centerpiece) and Irene (Saunders) Jackson (to right of centerpiece). The others are unidentified.
ID Number:2014.49.010.027.0059
Date:Circa 1955
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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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