The founders of premiere Seattle department store Frederick & Nelson got their start selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889. The business expanded to include home delivery of goods, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. The owners built a reputation for elegance and customer service. Although the company went out of business in 1992, it is fondly remembered for such innovations as having the first elevator for customers in Seattle, and for the popular Frango brand of chocolate mint truffles.

The account statement seen here was sent from Frederick & Nelson to Mrs. G. G. Altnow, and shows her purchases and credits during the month of December 1908. Mrs. Altnow seems to have purchased mostly kitchen supplies and furnishings that month, paying $1.35 for a tea kettle and .10¢ for an eggbeater.

Caption information source: "Frederick & Nelson Department Store," by David Wilma, HistoryLink.org Essay 2939.