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Photograph
Aerial photograph of Bon Marché with Christmas star and downtown extending east and north, Seattle, circa 1965
Order an ImageThe Bon Marché was founded in 1890 by German immigrant Edward Nordhoff and his wife Josephine. Originally located in Seattle’s Belltown district at First Avenue and Cedar Street, in 1896 it moved to a more central location downtown at Second Avenue and Pike Street.
The holiday star hangs annually on the corner of the Bon Marché building at Fourth Avenue and Pine Street. The display was created by lifetime Bon employee Bob James in the 1950s. The display evolved from a lighted tree hanging on the side of the building to the star as it is now displayed, measuring 161 feet long, 60 feet wide, and with 4,300 light bulbs surrounding a 1,000 watt metal halide center.
The holiday star hangs annually on the corner of the Bon Marché building at Fourth Avenue and Pine Street. The display was created by lifetime Bon employee Bob James in the 1950s. The display evolved from a lighted tree hanging on the side of the building to the star as it is now displayed, measuring 161 feet long, 60 feet wide, and with 4,300 light bulbs surrounding a 1,000 watt metal halide center.
ID Number: 2009.20.74
Date: Circa 1965
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 9 x 13.5 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/xv44656
View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv44656
Credit: MOHAI, Bon Marché Collection, 2009.20.74
Copyright: All Rights Reserved