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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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178 results for: Police and Law Enforcement

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Image of Portrait of
Photograph

Portrait of "Uncle Joe" Surber, Seattle, circa 1915

Prior to the 1869 organization of the Seattle Police Department, an appointed marshal kept peace in the small but quickly growing town. William Harvey "Uncle Joe" Surber (1834-1923) is generally accepted as the city's first sheriff, purportedly appointed in 1861 by the town council. Mr. Surber had arrived in Seattle in 1858, after unprofitable attempts at gold mining in California…
ID Number:1957.1284.8
Date:Circa 1915
Image of Seattle Police Tug-of-War champions, July 1924
Photograph

Seattle Police Tug-of-War champions, July 1924

The Seattle Police Sports Association was organized in 1922 to for members of the police department. Seattle police athletes competed against other departments from Tacoma, Portland, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, and other Northwest cities in track and field events, such as the 100 meter dash, javelin throw, and various marksmanship events. In July 1924, the Seattle Police Department won the Tug-of-War…
ID Number:1964.3355.2
Date:1924
Image of Puget Power & Light payment to King County Sheriff Matt Starwich, Seattle, circa 1924
Photograph

Puget Power & Light payment to King County Sheriff Matt Starwich, Seattle, circa 1924

This image documents a payment from Puget Power and Light to King County Sherriff Matt Starwich. Above is a reproduction of a Puget Power and Light check for over $655,000 made out to Starwich signed by Puget Power and Light President A.W. Leonard. The photo below shows Starwich accepting the check.The mock up is part of a collection from McBride…
ID Number:1974.5923.181
Date:Circa 1924
Image of Seattle Police Dept Band souvenir, 1913
Ephemera

Seattle Police Dept Band souvenir, 1913

The Seattle Police Department Band formed in 1913, under the direction of Sergeant Clarence G. Carr. It began with 22 instruments and planned to expand from there. The souvenir pamphlet for the new band assures readers that "The band will not be ready for service until the players have reached a point of efficiency that will satisfy musical critics."In addition…
ID Number:1976.6296.22
Date:1913
Image of Thirty-six secret knock-out blows without the use of fists, Seattle, 1938
Ephemera

Thirty-six secret knock-out blows without the use of fists, Seattle, 1938

In 1926, Seattle Police Patrolman S.J. Jorgensen was a nationally-known pistol champ and jiu-jitsu instructor. In 1930, he published this booklet for police departments, filled with images showing knock-outs, headlock breaks, and other self-defense techniques. Also included are testimonial letters for his earlier book, "American Police Jiu-Jitsu," as well as ads for books on health, body building, and civil service…
ID Number:1976.6296.23
Date:1938
Image of Seattle Police Department car, 1967
Photograph

Seattle Police Department car, 1967

This image shows a Seattle Police Department car parked on a downtown street around 1967. This model is a Plymouth Fury, which was a popular model for police cars in the 1960s and 1970s.
ID Number:1980.7067.1.26.2
Date:1967
Image of Policeman disposing of firearms in Elliott Bay, circa 1922
Photograph

Policeman disposing of firearms in Elliott Bay, circa 1922

The Seattle Police Department got rid of guns and other weapons when they no longer needed them for evidence. In this photo, taken about 1922, a policeman empties a crate of firearms over the side of a boat in Elliott Bay. Webster & Stevens number: 103312
ID Number:1983.10.113.2
Date:Circa 1922
Image of Firearms and other weapons in the police department property room, circa 1922
Photograph

Firearms and other weapons in the police department property room, circa 1922

Seattle police took guns and other weapons from people arrested for crimes. The weapons were tagged as evidence and kept for use during trials. In this photo, taken about 1922, a staff member checks a pile of firearms and other weapons. Webster & Stevens number: 103312
ID Number:1983.10.113.4
Date:Circa 1922
Image of Police officer directing traffic at 4th and Pike, Seattle, circa 1920
Photograph

Police officer directing traffic at 4th and Pike, Seattle, circa 1920

In this image an unidentified Seattle Police officer directs pedestrian, automobile, motorcycle, and wagon traffic from the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Pike Street. Visible behind him on the northwest corner of the intersection is the menswear store Tailored Ready Co. The store sold "men's and boys' clothing, uniforms, hats, caps, trunks, and suit cases," at 401-403 Pike Street from…
ID Number:1983.10.1089.1
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Police officer directing traffic at 4th and Pike, Seattle, circa 1920
Photograph

Police officer directing traffic at 4th and Pike, Seattle, circa 1920

In this image an unidentified Seattle Police officer directs pedestrian, automobile, and wagon traffic from the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Pike Street. On the right side of the frame, the menswear store Tailored Ready Co. is visible on the northwest corner of the intersection. The store sold "men's and boys' clothing, uniforms, hats, caps, trunks, and suit cases," at…
ID Number:1983.10.1089.2
Date:Circa 1920
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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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