The Seattle Commercial Club was incorporated on July 11, 1906, by a group of businessmen in order to "stimulate the civic spirit and patriotism of the citizens of Seattle; to procure a market for the produce of this vicinity; to encourage commerce and enterprise in all mercantile lines; to support all local industries and manufacturers; and to collect and impart data relating to the State of Washington and its subdivisions in a manner which will benefit the greatest number of its citizens."

The brochure seen here was likely intended to promote the city as an attractive place for new businesses and investments. According to the brochure, during the first six months of 1906, the population of greater Seattle was 210,000, and the city was home to 17 banks, 35 public schools, 30,000 telephones, and 934 manufacturing plants. During that same time period 4,813 building permits were issued and 399 deep-sea vessels arrived in port.

Caption information source: Bagley, C. (1916). History of Seattle from the Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Volume 2 (pp. 576-577). Seattle, WA: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company.