The Big Snow of 1916 came after an exceptionally cold January during which about 2 feet of snow had already accumulated. In early February a storm hit which added an additional 21.5 inches of snow in one 24-hour period. The new and heavy snow added ice, trapping trolleys and cars, freezing railroads, halting classroom education and businesses, and collapsing roofs all over town, including the St. James cathedral dome, which caved into its narthex.
This photo postcard, dated February 2, 1916, shows the Rainier Beach trolley and other trolleys and cars on 4th Avenue between Pike and Union at night, with deep banks of snow along the road. The marquee of the Imperial Hotel is visible at top right.
Caption information source: Seattle's Big Snow of 1916 dumped 38 inches in two days, Paul Dorpat, Seattle Times, February 18, 2016
ID Number: 1980.7166.1.71.2
Date: 1916
Physical Description: 1 photographic postcard : sepia ; 5.5 x 3.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv35245
