The University Bridge, 1930′s. Photographed by Ed Kennell. Photo courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Archive for 2010
Kennell’s University Bridge 193x
December 15th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure |
5 Comments »
Vintage Seattle reader Kristin Kennell was kind enough to send in this 1930′s shot snapped from the University Bridge. It was taken by her father, Ed Kennell, and was his first 5×7 negative. Thanks Kristin.
The University Bridge, 1930′s. Photographed by Ed Kennell. Photo courtesy Kristin Kennell.
The University Bridge, 1930′s. Photographed by Ed Kennell. Photo courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Jensen’s U.W. Campus
December 13th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 10 Comments »
We could have called this Jensen’s Red Square but that wouldn’ t be qui te accurate. Our hero Max R. Jensen, who passed away this year at the age of 89, took this shot probably in the 1950′s. This large open square on the U.W. campus next to Suzzallo Library was, of course, excavated and paved with the red brick in 1969. Click for higher res.
A section of the University of Washington campus at Seattle. The campus covers 582 acres, all beautifully landscaped. The building to the right is the Library and to the left Savery Hall. Ektachrome by Max R. Jensen.
A section of the University of Washington campus at Seattle. The campus covers 582 acres, all beautifully landscaped. The building to the right is the Library and to the left Savery Hall. Ektachrome by Max R. Jensen.
Sixth & Seneca 18xx
December 6th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 8 Comments »
I just love seeing these late 1800′s views of present day downtown Seattle. This shot of Sixth and Seneca from between 1885 and 1895 shows a very young Seattle. You can even see the freshly cut down trees in the foreground. For the shocking difference to the present, click here for the modern day scene. Click for higher res.
Northeast Sixth and Seneca, Seattle, Washington. 1885-1895. Image courtesy Washington State Digital Archives.
Northeast Sixth and Seneca, Seattle, Washington. 1885-1895. Image courtesy Washington State Digital Archives.
Kennell’s Seattle Rotary Club 1937
December 1st, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 8 Comments »
Vintage Seattle reader Kristin Kennell was kind enough to send along another shot taken by Earl Kennell, Sr. This particular photograph shows the Seattle Rotary Club packed inside a banquet hall in 1937. Thanks again, Kristin!
Seattle Rotary Club, 1937. Photo taken by Earl Kennell, Sr.; courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Seattle Rotary Club, 1937. Photo taken by Earl Kennell, Sr.; courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Jensen’s Y.M.C.A.
November 29th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 17 Comments »
Hopefully you all made it through Snowmageddon 2.0 last week. It’s back to work as usual. We start things off this week with Max R. Jensen’s look at the Y.M.C.A. Who can date it ? Click for higher res.
Seattle Downtown Y.M.C.A., 909 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 4, Washington. 257 rooms offering comfortable living, including barber shop, dry-cleaning service, complete athletic facilities and coffee shop, topped by a central downtown location which brings Seattle’s recreational, shopping and office areas to Y.M.C.A. residents. Color photo by Max R. Jensen.
Seattle Downtown Y.M.C.A., 909 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 4, Washington. 257 rooms offering comfortable living, including barber shop, dry-cleaning service, complete athletic facilities and coffee shop, topped by a central downtown location which brings Seattle’s recreational, shopping and office areas to Y.M.C.A. residents. Color photo by Max R. Jensen.
Inside The Kennell-Ellis Studio 1929
November 22nd, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 3 Comments »
For the past few weeks Vintage Seattle reader Kristin Kennell has been scanning and sending in photos from her family’s photography studio Kennell-Ellis. Check out the exterior shot from the 1950′s here and even earlier photos here. This time Kristin treats us to a look inside the Kennell-Ellis Studio on Union Street from 1929. Thanks Kristin!
Interior of the Kennell-Ellis Studio, downtown Seattle in the Gary Building on Union Street, 8/2/1929. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Interior of the Kennell-Ellis Studio, downtown Seattle in the Gary Building on Union Street, 8/2/1929. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Interior of the Kennell-Ellis Studio, downtown Seattle in the Gary Building on Union Street, 8/2/1929. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Interior of the Kennell-Ellis Studio, downtown Seattle in the Gary Building on Union Street, 8/2/1929. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Jensen’s Trinity
November 17th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 6 Comments »
Did you really think we could go a week with some photography from the venerable Max R. Jensen? No, no, no. Here is Jensen’s Trinity, as I’m calling it, Smith Tower, Court House and City Hall. I had the pleasure of attending a wedding reception last week atop Smith Tower in the Chinese Room and it is pretty amazing. Definiately check it out if you get the chance. Click!
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. Photo by Max R. Jensen.
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. Photo by Max R. Jensen.
The Coronado 1920
November 15th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 6 Comments »
Regular Vintage Seattle contributor Allen has scored another nice vintage Seattle photo — this time showing Capitol Hill’s Coronado Apartments circa 1920. Allen was kind enough to share it with us all. He writes:
The Coronado Apartments @ 115 Bellevue Ave. N., c1920 — Seattle, Washington. http://www.flickr.com/photos/crackdog/5153038438 Photo courtesy Allen.
Picked this one up the o ther day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crackdog/5153038438
The back of the photo reads:
Where we live.
115 Belleview (sic) Ave North
Seattle, Wash.
I recognized the location right away and was surprised to see that it had not changed much at all in 90 years. Both the apartment building and the house in the background have managed to survive.
Here’s a present day image I just took today:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crackdog/5166176780/
-Allen
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crackdog/5153038438
The back of the photo reads:
Where we live.
115 Belleview (sic) Ave North
Seattle, Wash.
I recognized the location right away and was surprised to see that it had not changed much at all in 90 years. Both the apartment building and the house in the background have managed to survive.
Here’s a present day image I just took today:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crackdog/5166176780/
-Allen
The Coronado Apartments @ 115 Bellevue Ave. N., c1920 — Seattle, Washington. http://www.flickr.com/photos/crackdog/5153038438 Photo courtesy Allen.
Early Days Of Kennell-Ellis Photography
November 10th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 13 Comments »
I was really interested in the Kennell-Ellis photo that Kristin Kennell sent in the other day. It seems like she may be able to share with us a certain “angle” (sorry! I had to) of early Seattle photography. I’m glad to say that Kristin replied with more great photos. I also asked her about when the studio closed — she writes:
Interior of the Kennell-Ellis Photography Studio at 616 Olive Way taken in 1938 with Earl and Irene Kennell behind the counter. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
The first Kennell Studio in Colfax taken in 1919, exterior with Earl and Irene Kennell standing by their car. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Inside the first Kennell Studio in Colfax. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Inside the first Kennell Studio in Colfax. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Hi Jess-
You know I was quite young when the Olive Studio closed down, I’d say in the mid 1970s. I can’t say what exact year. There were studios are Southcenter, Northgate, etc and they remained after the one on Olive closed down.
It was called Kennell-Ellis because Kennell was my grandpa’s name and Ellis was my grandma’s name. They were active travelers and did these extensive slide shows of their travels to faraway places. They showed to publicize their business and encourage others to explore the world. They were in Bali in the early 1950s and have these extensive slide shows of Egypt, India, etc. They were quite well-known around the city for their civic involvement and their wandering natures, at a time few people were traveling so far and wide.
The studio photography business used to be so vital to society and that changed with the changing technology and everyone taking snap shots. I have fished out a photos of their first studio in Colfax taken in 1919, exterior with Earl and Irene Kennell standing by their car out front, and the interior. It might be fun to put that with the other photo. The fancier photo is the interior of the studio on Olive taken in 1938 with Earl and Irene Kennell behind the counter, so that one was not taken by my family but rather one of their “artists.” That Olive Way Studio was south, just down the street, from the original Ward Family “El Gaucho” restaurant.
When I go into the homes of old Seattle families I see that their wedding photo on display or children’s graduation photos were taken by Kennell Ellis and the 20% of Seattle residents that were born in the city relate my last name to that business in a snap. They did early early hand-colored photos and they are still fun to see. I am the keeper of the family photos and I’ve scanned many of them, you can imagine what an archive they have. They were both born in Washington so they have a treasure trove of photos for instance of Armistice Day etc.
[...]
All the best,
Kristin Kennell
You know I was quite young when the Olive Studio closed down, I’d say in the mid 1970s. I can’t say what exact year. There were studios are Southcenter, Northgate, etc and they remained after the one on Olive closed down.
It was called Kennell-Ellis because Kennell was my grandpa’s name and Ellis was my grandma’s name. They were active travelers and did these extensive slide shows of their travels to faraway places. They showed to publicize their business and encourage others to explore the world. They were in Bali in the early 1950s and have these extensive slide shows of Egypt, India, etc. They were quite well-known around the city for their civic involvement and their wandering natures, at a time few people were traveling so far and wide.
The studio photography business used to be so vital to society and that changed with the changing technology and everyone taking snap shots. I have fished out a photos of their first studio in Colfax taken in 1919, exterior with Earl and Irene Kennell standing by their car out front, and the interior. It might be fun to put that with the other photo. The fancier photo is the interior of the studio on Olive taken in 1938 with Earl and Irene Kennell behind the counter, so that one was not taken by my family but rather one of their “artists.” That Olive Way Studio was south, just down the street, from the original Ward Family “El Gaucho” restaurant.
When I go into the homes of old Seattle families I see that their wedding photo on display or children’s graduation photos were taken by Kennell Ellis and the 20% of Seattle residents that were born in the city relate my last name to that business in a snap. They did early early hand-colored photos and they are still fun to see. I am the keeper of the family photos and I’ve scanned many of them, you can imagine what an archive they have. They were both born in Washington so they have a treasure trove of photos for instance of Armistice Day etc.
[...]
All the best,
Kristin Kennell
Interior of the Kennell-Ellis Photography Studio at 616 Olive Way taken in 1938 with Earl and Irene Kennell behind the counter. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
The first Kennell Studio in Colfax taken in 1919, exterior with Earl and Irene Kennell standing by their car. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Inside the first Kennell Studio in Colfax. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Inside the first Kennell Studio in Colfax. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
Jensen’s Looking South
November 8th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 5 Comments »
Max R. Jensen loved to take to the skies. Here’s one of those signature aerial shots, showing downtown with Mount Rainier in the background. Who would like to place the date? Click for the high res copy.
Seattle, Washington. Here is shown a portion of the huge, sprawling city of Seattle — Northwest’s major industrial city whose shipping facilities are world renown. Photo by Max R. Jensen.
Seattle, Washington. Here is shown a portion of the huge, sprawling city of Seattle — Northwest’s major industrial city whose shipping facilities are world renown. Photo by Max R. Jensen.
Kennell-Ellis Photography 1950′s
November 5th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 15 Comments »
Have I mentioned how much I love reader photo submissions? Well, I do. When digging around in those old shoeboxes for photos of the old Seattle, don’t forget to send them in to share with everyone who views Vintage Seattle. This is what Kristin Kennell did by sending in this late 1950′s photograph of the family business, Kennell-Ellis Photography Studio. Take it away, Kristin:
Kennell-Ellis Photography Studio at 616 Olive Way, late 1950′s. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell.
This is a photo of our family’s business that was at 616 Olive Way for many years just around the corner from the old Fredrick and Nelson’s. They had several studios in downtown Seattle and many regionally around the PNW, naturally in the age when people dressed up to have their pictures taken and when fewer people had photo capabilities at home. I thought you’d enjoy this photo. I am still digging for older ones of Seattle in the early days. Stay tuned.
Thanks for your website,
Kristin Kennell
Thanks for your website,
Kristin Kennell
Kennell-Ellis Photography Studio at 616 Olive Way, late 1950′s. Photograph courtesy Kristin Kennell. Election Day 2010
November 2nd, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 6 Comments »
It’s election day, folks! Don’t forget to get out and vote or get your ballot in the mail. The photo below shows Daniel Evans, 16th Governor of the State of Washington, a Republican who served from 1965 until 1977. One thing we can tell for sure: they dressed better back then. Click for high res.
Image shows Governor Evans shaking hands with Thor C. Tollefson, Director of the Department of Fisheries, as he receives a certificate of appreciation, February 28, 1975. Thor Carl Tollefson (1901-1982), Representative to Congress from Washington State, was born in Minnesota and later moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1912. In 1930, he graduated from the University of Washington Law School in Seattle, and became a Pierce County prosecutor in 1938. In 1944 Tollefson ran as a Republican in the race for Representative of Washington State in the 6th district, which then covered all of Pierce and King counties except the city of Seattle. He lost to Democrat John Coffee that year, but ran again in 1946 and this time was successfully elected to the 80th Congress. He was re-elected to the next seven congresses, serving as a Representative consecutively from January 1947 to January 1965. During his congressional career, he served on the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee from 1949 to 1964. In 1964, Tollefson was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the 88th Congress. Following his Congressional career, Tollefson was appointed director of fisheries for the State of Washington and later served as special assistant to the Governor in charge of international fisheries negotiations. He died December 30, 1982 in Tacoma, Washington. Image courtesy Washington State Digital Archives.
Image shows Governor Evans shaking hands with Thor C. Tollefson, Director of the Department of Fisheries, as he receives a certificate of appreciation, February 28, 1975. Thor Carl Tollefson (1901-1982), Representative to Congress from Washington State, was born in Minnesota and later moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1912. In 1930, he graduated from the University of Washington Law School in Seattle, and became a Pierce County prosecutor in 1938. In 1944 Tollefson ran as a Republican in the race for Representative of Washington State in the 6th district, which then covered all of Pierce and King counties except the city of Seattle. He lost to Democrat John Coffee that year, but ran again in 1946 and this time was successfully elected to the 80th Congress. He was re-elected to the next seven congresses, serving as a Representative consecutively from January 1947 to January 1965. During his congressional career, he served on the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee from 1949 to 1964. In 1964, Tollefson was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the 88th Congress. Following his Congressional career, Tollefson was appointed director of fisheries for the State of Washington and later served as special assistant to the Governor in charge of international fisheries negotiations. He died December 30, 1982 in Tacoma, Washington. Image courtesy Washington State Digital Archives.
Red Mill Tavern 1985
October 29th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 18 Comments »
Well, this was a fun one to figure out. I didn’t recognize the buildings in the foreground but some background buildings gave it away. This 1985 Red Mill Tavern shot from Michael Shellenbarger seems to show 2nd Ave between Union and University, facing south. Click here for the modern day shot.
Exterior of the Red Mill Tavern and surrounding business area, 1985. Photographed by Michael Shellenbarger. Photo courtesy University of Oregon Libraries, Architecture of Oregon & the Pacific Northwest.
Exterior of the Red Mill Tavern and surrounding business area, 1985. Photographed by Michael Shellenbarger. Photo courtesy University of Oregon Libraries, Architecture of Oregon & the Pacific Northwest.
Jensen’s U.W. Aerial
October 25th, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 4 Comments »
I don’t know of a better way to start the week than tak ing in a Max R. Jensen photograph. This time around he went upward for the aerial shot of University of Washington, I-5, Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, and Cascades. Click on the thumbnail for the full-res krinkle cut.
This aerial view to the east of Seattle shows the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge spanning Lake Washington. The Cascade Mountain Range forms the background while the University of Washington campus can be seen at the front. Color photo by Max R. Jensen.
This aerial view to the east of Seattle shows the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge spanning Lake Washington. The Cascade Mountain Range forms the background while the University of Washington campus can be seen at the front. Color photo by Max R. Jensen.
Passing Luna Park 1910
October 21st, 2010 by Cliffe | Sorted Photo Exposure | 8 Comments »
Below find a circa 1910 photograph of a ferry boat passing Luna Park on its way to Alki Point, a trip that cost just 10 cents at the time. I don’t find tons of great shots of Luna Park and this one is fairly clear. Also love the trio tied to the buoy. Click for the high res.
A ferry boat with passengers passing in front of Luna Park at West Seattle, circa 1910. In the foreground is a small dingy with three aboard tied to a floating buoy. Photographer unknown. Image courtesy Washington State Digital Archives.
A ferry boat with passengers passing in front of Luna Park at West Seattle, circa 1910. In the foreground is a small dingy with three aboard tied to a floating buoy. Photographer unknown. Image courtesy Washington State Digital Archives.
