January and February of 1916 were exceptionally cold. By the end of January, about 2 feet of snow had already accumulated, with more on the way. The heavy snow and ice trapped trolleys and halted businesses all over town.
In this photo taken at the end of January 1916, workmen try to clear the ice near the trolleys stranded on Pike Street, just west of its intersection with Fifth Avenue. The large building in the background is the Grote Rankin furniture store.
Signs visible in image: Grote Rankin
Title in original inventory: East on Pike from Fourth, 1916 SHS category: Snow
ID Number: SHS622
Date: 1916
Physical Description: 1 photographic print on cardboard mount: b&w ; 8.5 x 6.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
