In 1853, the Territory of Washington was created from a portion of the Oregon Territory, and in 1863, right about the time the Territory attained its final boundaries, the residents of Seattle threw a tenth anniversary party to celebrate. Although not incorporated as a town until 1865, Seattle in 1863 was a growing community of about 300 white settlers (not including Native Americans), with an economy based mainly on the timber industry and shipping logs to San Francisco.
The invitation pictured here is for the Territory's anniversary ball, which was to feature "Excellent Music," at Yesler's Hall, a two-story meeting hall built in 1861 by Henry Leiter Yesler (1810-1892) on the southwest corner of Commercial Street (now First Avenue South) and Mill Street (now Yesler Way). Organizers for the event are listed as Charles H. Gorton, J. T. Jordan, H. McAleer, and Martin Giveler. Floor managers are T. S. Russell, S. F. Coombs, B. R. Stone, and E. M. Smithers.
Caption information source: http://pcad.lib.washington.edu/building/14288.
ID Number: MS.COLL.556
Date: 1863
Physical Description: 1 invitation ; 3.75 x 5.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant.
