Seattle Historic Postcard Collection
Preview up to 100 items from this collection below. Highlights of early 20th century Seattle, as depicted through our historic postcards. Cards include images of buildings, attractions and events from the 1900s to the 1960s along with messages between friends and family.
-
Young Women's Christian Association at 5th Ave. and Seneca St.
Opened in 1914 and led by Mrs. Rees Daniels, the YWCA headquarters was a support center for young working women. The eight-story brick building still serves as the YWCA headquarters today.
Identifier: spl_pc_00500
Date: 1915?
View this item -
Smith Tower, Court House and City Hall, ca. 1950
Transcribed from postcard: "Smith Tower, Court House and City Hall, Seattle, Washington, in down-town Seattle. From the observation platform in Smith Tower, a 42-story building, one may enjoy an excellent view of the city and surrounding country."
Identifier: spl_pc_00210
Date: 1950?
View this item -
-
Frederick & Nelson
In Seattle, Christmas isn't Christmas without a Day at Frederick & Nelson. Seattle's most beautiful department store had rolled out the red carpet for its friends and neighbors this Christmas. The scene shows one of the First floor aisles.
Identifier: spl_pc_00224
Date: 1955
View this item -
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, ca. 1965
Transcribed from postcard: "Interior icons on gold-leaf were executed in 13th century Byzantine Style on Mount Athos, the Holy Mountain of Orthodoxy."
Identifier: spl_pc_00305
Date: 1965?
View this item -
St. James Cathedral, ca. 1909
Bishop Edward O'Dea purchased the land for St. James Cathedral's First Hill site in 1903 after successfully petitioning the Pope to relocate the episcopal see from Vancouver, Washington to Seattle. The cornerstone for the building was laid in 1905 with more than 5,000 people in attendance and the cathedral officially opened on December 15, 1907.
Identifier: spl_pc_00306
Date: 1909?
View this item -
Frederick and Nelson, ca. 1918
The Frederick and Nelson flagship store opened in 1918 at 5th Avenue and Pine Street. The store attracted thousands of customers on it's first day and remained a popular shopping location for decades. The company went out of business in 1992 and the building was taken over by Nordstrom.
Identifier: spl_pc_00204
Date: 1918?
View this item -
Hotel Butler, ca. 1908
The original Butler Block building was a three story wooden building that was constructed around 1875. This building burned in the fire of 1889 but was quickly replaced with a more substantial stone structure. The Butler Hotel or Hotel Butler began operation in the building in 1903, attracting many visitors and gaining a reputation during Prohibition for ignoring the laws against alcohol. The Great Depression forced it to close its doors in 1933 and now all that remains are the lower two floors of the building which were converted into a parking garage.
Identifier: spl_pc_00808
Date: 1908?
View this item -
City Loan Pavillon Menu
Owned and operated by Julia and Francois Kissel from 1975 to 1987.The Kissels also owned the Brasserie Pittsbourg, which they merged with the City Loan Pavillon in 1985. It was eventually renamed Brasserie Pavillon. They also opened Maximillien's in Pike Place Market. Brasserie Pavillon was sold in 1987, but as of 2012, Maximillien's was still in operation.
Identifier: spl_menu_00174
View this item -
Federal Building at 3rd Ave. and Union St., ca. 1910
Street view of the Federal building in downtown Seattle (also known as the U.S. Court House, Custom House and Post Office). Construction on the Federal Building began in 1903 and ended in 1908. The building was located at the intersection of Union Street and Third Avenue, which was being regraded at the time. The Third Avenue regrade left a gap of four feet down to the new sidewalk which resulted in a new set of stairs being added to the building's exterior. The building was demolished in 1958.
Identifier: spl_pc_00406
Date: 1910?
View this item