Donald Schmechel Oral History Collection
Watch oral histories with prominent figures in the Pacific Northwest including artists Jacob Lawrence and Kenneth Callahan; Governors Albert Rosellini and Dixy Lee Ray and Reverends David Colwell and Samuel McKinney.
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Pietro Belluschi Interview, November 24, 1986
Pietro Belluschi (1889-1994) was an architect based for many years out of Portland, Oregon. Belluschi was born in Ancona, Italy and came to the United States in 1923 as an exchange student at Cornell University. Belluschi was known for his modern approach to architecture and the design of buildings such as the Equitable Building in Portland and the Pan Am Building in New York City. Over the course of his career, Belluschi designed over 1,000 buildings. He also served as the dean of the MIT School of Architecture and Planning from 1951 until 1965. The American Institute of Architects awarded him their Gold Medal in 1972.
Identifier: spl_ds_pbelluschi_02
Date: 1986-11-24
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Helmut Eppich Interview, February 6, 1987
Helmut Eppich (1933-) was born in Yugoslavia. Together with his twin brother, Hugo, Helmut moved to Canada in 1953. They founded Ebco Industries Ltd in 1956 which specializes in metal fabrication. In 1990, the brothers received the BC Business Entrepreneurs of the Year award.
Identifier: spl_ds_heeppich_01
Date: 1987-02-06
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Solomon Katz Interview, 1985
Solomon Katz (1909-1989) was a University of Washington professor, dean and provost and community patron of the arts. Katz was born in Buffalo, New York and attended Cornell University where he studied ancient history. In the 1930s, he taught Greek at the University of Oregon before moving to the University of Washington in 1936 where he taught Roman, Byzantine and medieval history. During World War II, Katz served as a major in the Army Air Force Intelligencer. Following the war, Katz returned to the University of Washington and became chair of the history department in 1954, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1960 and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs in 1965. He retired from the University in 1979. Katz was part of many organizations including the Seattle Center Advisory Commission, the Lakeside School Board of Trustees, the board of the Seattle Repertory Theatre, the Seattle Arts Commission, the Seattle Art Museum, the Haas Foundation and Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations (PONCHO).
Identifier: spl_ds_skatz_01
Date: 1985
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Municipal Plans Commission of the City of Seattle map showing a portion of Duwamish Valley, 1911
Map showing proposed city improvements under the Plan of Seattle, commonly known as the Bogue Plan. Designed by Virgil Bogue, Seattle's municipal plans director, the Bogue Plan proposed a series of improvements aimed at beautifying the city and making it making it more cohesive after years of rapid growth and industrialization. The plan worked in tandem with the Olmsted Brothers new system of parks, begun in 1903, and proposed new government buildings, an improved city center and an interurban road connecting the city together. The plan was rejected by voters in 1912.
Identifier: spl_maps_2465533_8
Date: 1911
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Ralph Anderson Interview, May 25, 1987
Ralph Anderson (1924-2010) was a Seattle architect known for his work with historic preservation efforts in Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. Anderson attended Queen Anne High School and graduated with his architecture degree from the University of Washington in 1951. He worked as a draftsman for Paul Hayden Kirk from 1951 to 1954 before forming his own firm. During the 1960s and 1970s, he led helped restore several buildings in Pioneer Square including the Union Trust Building, the Pioneer Building and the Grand Central Hotel. His restoration efforts extended to Pike Place Market in the 1970s, focusing on the Smith Block, Butterworth Building and Alaska Trade Building.
Identifier: spl_ds_randerson_01_01
Date: 1987-05-25
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Roland Trafton Interview, 1986
Roland Trafton (1920-2005) was CEO of Safeco Corporation and a leading figure in local philanthropic efforts. Trafton was born in Venice, California and his family moved to Washington when he was young. He attended the University of Washington, leaving during World War II to serve in the Army Air Corps. Upon his return to the University after the war, he earned his law degree. Trafton married his wife Rose Marie in 1943 and together the couple had five children. In 1952, Trafton began working at Safeco where he held a number of positions before becoming CEO in 1979. During his time with the company he created the Safeco Art Collection which became home to works from many Pacific Northwest artists. Trafton retired from Safeco in 1979. He was heavily involved in charitable projects, fundraising for many local organizations such as the Pacific Science Center, Seattle Art Museum, Children’s Hospital and the 5th Avenue Theatre. His interests also extended to the outdoors where he was an experienced mountaineer and marathon runner.
Identifier: spl_ds_rtrafton_01
Date: 1986
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The Lower University District, 1968
Map depicting University District Businesses and attractions.
Identifier: spl_maps_2392031
Date: 1968
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Second Supplemental Maps, Lake Union [Portage Bay] Shore Lands, circa 1960
Map depicting land parcels near Portage Bay and Montlake.
Identifier: spl_maps_2479642
Date: 1960
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Ibsen Nelson Interview, 1988
Ibsen Andreas Nelson (1919-2001) was a Seattle architect known for his historical preservation efforts and his designs for buildings such as the Museum of Flight and the Inn at the Market. He also designed many residential homes, including one for his friend and prominent Pacific Northwest artist Morris Graves. Originally from Ruskin, Nebraska, Nelson served in the army during World War II and received two bronze stars. Following the war, he attended the University of Oregon which he graduated from in 1951 with his degree in architecture. He worked briefly at Naramore, Bain, Brady and Johanson in Seattle as a draftsman before opening his own architectural firm in 1953. Nelson was a member of the Seattle Design Commission, and served as president of both the Allied Arts of Seattle and the Seattle Municipal Arts Commission.
Identifier: spl_ds_inelson_01
Date: 1988-04-06; 1988-04-12
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James St. Cable Line, Birds Eye View - Looking South, 1904
Map showing the James St. Cable Car route and location of pulleys.
Identifier: spl_maps_2354008
Date: 1904
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