Preview up to 100 items from this collection below. Explore the early history of the Pike Place Market through letters, receipts, plans, rental agreements and other documents related to the market’s business.
Market Radio Broadcast transcript
Broadcast transcript for K.Z.C., the Market Radio Broadcasting Station. The transcript includes radio operator instructions and a summary of the information provided in the radio program: 'We will transmit music, talks on topics pertaining to foodstuffs, various methods of their preparation for the table, timely hints for canning and preserving, good values, eating for health, and such subjects. We will also broadcast the latest low retail prices of farm produce, meats, groceries, poultry, butter, eggs, etc.' This particular transcript includes a discussion on 'Candy as Food' advertising the benefits of sweets and advertisements for Pike Place Market businesses and attractions such as the sugar stalls in the new Municipal Market, the Economy Fish Market, and a new branch of the Seattle Public Library within the market.
Identifier: spl_sh_00049
View this itemLetter from Arthur Goodwin to Mrs. Alywin regarding her request for a raise for her work at the the post office, April 7, 1927
Letter responding to Mrs. Aylwin's request for a raise to account for the increased business at the Pike Place Market post office. Goodwin replies that he cannot justify a raise without seeing further evidence of the heavier traffic that Mrs. Aylwin references.
Identifier: spl_sh_00066
Date: 1927-04-07
View this itemLetter from Arthur Goodwin to D.Z. Gourman regarding unauthorized signage at his stall, November 12, 1927
Letter from Arthur Goodwin to D.Z. Gourman informing him that he is not permitted to display the price of butter on his signage as it draws business away from other vendors at Pike Place Market.
Identifier: spl_sh_00094
Date: 1927-11-12
View this itemLetter from Arthur Goodwin to D.Z. Gourman regarding poor business practices, March 11, 1927
Letter from Arthur Goodwin to D.Z. Gourman stating he has become aware of Gourman's practice of directing customers looking for butter to stalls on the upper floor rather than the closer stalls on the lower floor. Goodwin states 'We do not think this is fair to your neighboring merchants and we ask you to investigate and if your clerks have been doing this, to correct it.'
Identifier: spl_sh_00082
Date: 1927-03-11
View this itemLetter from Arthur Goodwin to William Peterson regarding sagging floor in Economy Market. January 17, 1927
Letter from Arthur Goodwin to William Peterson of the General House Repair Co. asking him to look into the sagging floor of the Bartell's Drug Store located in the Economy Building and make repairs as quickly as possible.
Identifier: spl_sh_00048
Date: 1927-01-17
View this itemAerial photograph of Pike Place Market looking north
Aerial photograph of Pike Place Market facing north. The viaduct and waterfront piers can be seen on the left side of the photo.
Identifier: spl_sh_00011
View this itemLetter from Arthur Goodwin to D.Z. Gourman instructing him to stop selling certain products, November 12, 1927
Letter from Arthur Goodwin to D.Z. Gourman letting him know that they have received complaints from other vendors at Pike Place Market over the fact that Gourman is now selling goods such as cranberries and nuts at his stall. Goodwin instructs Gourman to stop selling these items, stating 'As a grocery, you certainly have more lines than any other business in the market and we canot contenance your converting your place into lines that conflict with specializers, who depend entirely on these commodities for their business.'
Identifier: spl_sh_00095
Date: 1927-11-28
View this itemI.A. Caraco receipt for the Desimon Bros. & Co., October 19, 1935
I.A. Caraco's receipt for the purchase of grapes from the Desimone Brothers & Company Vegetable Growers. The back of the receipt promises 'We believe everything you bought of us today will give you entire satisfaction. If there is anything wrong about this transaction we stand in readiness at any and all times to cheerfully rectify the same.'
Identifier: spl_sh_00051
Date: 1935-10-18
View this itemLetter from John J. Rowan to Arthur Goodwin congratualting him on the success of the Tacoma Crystal Palace Public Market and describing the arrival of Charles Lindbergh in New York, June 14, 1927
Letter from John J. Rowan to Arthur Goodwin congratulating him on the success of the Tacoma Crystal Palace Public Market. Rowan also relays news of Charles Lindbergh's arrival in New York City, describing the excitement and celebrations. He writes 'Lindbergh arrived here yesterday (13th) the City went wild cheering, rushing mad to get a glimpse of this youngster. I saw him and his Mother, as the procession passed through Central Park. Both of them were as cool as ice while the hordes of people howeled, cheered and jostled.'
Identifier: spl_sh_00118
Date: 1927-06-14
View this itemConstruction on Pike Place in front of Leland Hotel
Photograph depicting the construction underway on Pike Place in front of the Leland Hotel.
Identifier: spl_sh_00013
Date: 1939-08-17
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