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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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81 results for: Environment and Climate

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Image of Log jam on the Snohomish River, November 1892
Photograph

Log jam on the Snohomish River, November 1892

In the late fall of 1892, heavy rains filled the rivers of western Washington. The water rushed down the Snohomish River, sweeping away logs which were enroute to Everett area lumber and shingle mills. A huge log jam formed upstream from the Great Northern Railway bridge. This photo, taken in November 1892, shows the Snohomish River log jam. In spite…
ID Number:1955.970.579
Date:1892
Image of Flooding in Kent, circa 1915
Photograph

Flooding in Kent, circa 1915

Flooding was a serious problem in Kent since its founding in pioneer days. Until a dam was built in the 1950s, the Green River flooded almost every winter. Water covered farms and washed away roads and bridges.This photo, possibly taken in 1906, 1911, or 1921, shows one of Kent's many floods. Firewood and other floating debris fill the yard. The…
ID Number:1983.10.6479.4
Date:Circa 1915
Image of Flood at Orillia, December 12, 1933
Photograph

Flood at Orillia, December 12, 1933

Over a week of heavy rains in mid-December 1933 caused mudslides and flooding throughout western Washington state. On December 10, the Seattle Times reported that all area rivers were near flood stage. People from Kelso to Bellingham hoped that continued warm weather wouldn't melt the snow in the mountains and add to the misery.This photo, taken on December 12, 1933…
ID Number:1983.10.17636.9
Date:1933
Videorecording

Oral history interview with Jim Ellis, March and July 1985

James Reed “Jim” Ellis (b. 1921) is widely regarded as the most visionary civic activist in King County history.Born in California, Ellis family moved to Seattle with his family in 1923. He attended John Muir Elementary School and Franklin High School, and graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1948.In the 1950s, Ellis was a leader in…
ID Number:1985.135.9
Date:1985
Image of Puyallup River flood control model at the University of Washington, 1938
Photograph

Puyallup River flood control model at the University of Washington, 1938

Just north of the Oceanography building on the University of Washington campus, an outdoor scale model of the lower Puyallup River was built by the University and the Works Progress Administration for experimentation in flood control. This photo shows two men working on the model, with the UW Harris Hydraulics Laboratory visible in the background. The names Norton, William; Abie,…
ID Number:1986.5.6554.1
Date:1938
Image of Puyallup River flood control model at the University of Washington, 1938
Photograph

Puyallup River flood control model at the University of Washington, 1938

Just north of the Oceanography building on the University of Washington campus, an outdoor scale model of the lower Puyallup River was built by the University and the Works Progress Administration for experimentation in flood control. This photo shows four men near water pumping equipment. The names Norton, William; Abie, Don; Harris, Charles, Prof; Griffith, Howard; Snook, Glenn; Reynolds, Earl;…
ID Number:1986.5.6554.2
Date:1938
Image of Puyallup River flood control model at the University of Washington, 1938
Photograph

Puyallup River flood control model at the University of Washington, 1938

Just north of the Oceanography building on the University of Washington campus, an outdoor scale model of the lower Puyallup River was built by the University and the Works Progress Administration for experimentation in flood control. The names Norton, William; Abie, Don; Harris, Charles, Prof; Griffith, Howard; Snook, Glenn; Reynolds, Earl; Sather, F. I.; Hussey, Edward were noted in the…
ID Number:1986.5.6554.3
Date:1938
Image of Tunnel driller for Metro sewer project, Seattle, 1967
Photograph

Tunnel driller for Metro sewer project, Seattle, 1967

Handwritten on sleeve: SEATTLE, SEWERS, Metro tunnel project.Date photograph was filed at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (date of photograph and file date may differ by a month or more): April 9, 1967.
ID Number:1986.5.11781.1
Date:1967
Image of Students overturning car in Earth Day demonstration outside Seattle Community College, Seattle, 1970
Photograph

Students overturning car in Earth Day demonstration outside Seattle Community College, Seattle, 1970

Earth Day was first observed nationwide on April 22, 1970. In Seattle, a number of activities marked the day, including rallies, speeches, and educational exhibits. This photo documents a more active response, as students at Seattle Central Community College destroy an automobile as the symbol of air pollution. Handwritten on sleeve: S.C.C. Earth Day. Date photograph was filed at the…
ID Number:1986.5.52119.2
Date:1970
Image of Earth Day booth, Seattle, April 22, 1970
Photograph

Earth Day booth, Seattle, April 22, 1970

On April 22, 1970, a nationwide program to spend one day considering issues of environental protection, was observed in Seattle for the first time. Some 3,000 people came to the Seattle Center to look at exhibit booths, view films, and listen to speeches and discussions. Earth Day continues to be observed each year on April 22. Handwritten on sleeve: Ecology…
ID Number:1986.5.52123.1
Date:1970
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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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