Seattle's Yesler-Leary Building was built in 1883 on the northwest corner of Mill Street (Yesler Way) and Front Street (First Avenue). Law offices, a bank, and other businesses occupied its many-windowed upper floors. In the basement, people could buy beer and sandwiches or bowl a game or two in the bowling alley. This elegant corner building, was one of several ornate brick and cast iron buildings on the block.

This late 1880s photo looks across Mill Street (Yesler Way) to the Yesler-Leary Building and its neighboring Seattle businesses. The building was named for Henry Yesler and John Leary. Both men were early settlers and former Seattle mayors.

Original inventory lists Webster & Stevens as photographer. Image is same as 1983.10.6224, which is a glass copy neg of the mounted photograph.
SHS category: Buildings