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Past Post Archive

Past Post: Old Growth

March 2nd, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 3 Comments » border

Regular Vintage Seattle reader Richard P. Hill sends in this vintage postcard featuring the “old growth” he alluded to here. Now that’s some big lumber. I’m still moving, so I posted this from the past (Thursday). I’m dying to know — what happens in the future? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for sending this in, Richard.

This is the kind of wood that old Seattle houses were made of, and now sadly no longer exists. It wasn’t that long ago. Not sure when this is from, probably 50’s -60’s? Check out the sharp dressed man.
– Richard P. Hill

Front: Old Growth. Postcard courtesy Richard P. Hill.

Past Post: Home Of The Huskies

February 27th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 2 Comments » border

Jenni Pertuset of the Open Book Blog sends in this vintage postcard featuring Husky Stadium. Here’s Jenni:

Here’s the UW photo postcard I promised. As I mentioned, it is from between 1950 and 1968 if this site is correct http://www.4malamute.com/stadium2.html about the history of the stadium’s seating capacity:

“In 1950, an upper deck, with a cantilevered steel roof, was added the stadium on the south side, bringing the seating capacity to 55,000 … In 1968, 3000 seats were added to the north rim of the stadium and portable bleachers were added in the north end zone.”

The reverse of the card says:

University of Washington, Seattle, Washington The 55,000 seat university Stadium is located on the shores of Seattle’s Lake Washington. The original horseshoe was constructed in 1920 and the cantilevered upper deck which seats 15,000 was added in 1950.

DISTRIBUTED ONLY BY SMITH-WESTERN CO., INC., TACOMA-PORTLAND Plastichrome (R) by COLORPICTURE
PUBLISHERS, INC., Boston 30, Mass., U.S.A.
Color by Pat O’Malley

Front: University Of Washington Stadium, Home Of The Huskies. Postcard courtesy Jenni Pertuset.

Past Post: Before Smith Tower

February 23rd, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 3 Comments » border

Now here’s something you don’t see often — a postcard showing the rag-tag building that was demolished to make way for one of Seattle’s first and most well known skyscrapers. I’m guessing the Benaroya Company was not planning on issuing a Ballard Denny’s postcard. Just a guess. The vintage postcard comes from 1918. You can compare the modern day satellite image with the postcard and find a few surrounding buildings still standing. Click on the images to see full-res.

Front: Corner one-story building with bill boards on roof marking the site which the 42 Story L.C. Smith Building was erected upon.

Back: Postcard sent July, 1918.

Past Post: Aeroplane View Of U.W. Campus

February 16th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 5 Comments » border

This week we’ve had Jenni Pertuset and Deran Ludd write in with some great old postcards. Now I feel like I have to get my act together and show something from my archives, lest I should be out of a job. This 1929 card shows the University of Washington Campus and the site of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. By ‘29 most of the buildings were already destroyed — though you can see the Forestry building. Speaking of postcards sent in 1929, check out this article about a card from Seattle to Boston that took the scenic route. Click on the images for more resolution.

Dear Basseu,
Are in Seattle and —- out to see the University this afternoon. Fine bldgs and magnificent setting. Lots of Love.
Aunt Annie

Front: An Aeroplane View Of U. Of W. Campus, Seattle.

Back: 582-acre University of Washington campus on two beautiful lakes has a setting unparalleled. Postcard sent August, 1929 to New Haven, Conn.

Past Post: Seattle, Glamour City Of Wa.

February 13th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 9 Comments » border

Vintage Seattle reader Deran Ludd wrote in with this super cool Art Deco postcard of, as he puts it, “a more mythic Seattle.” A big thanks to all of you who have been sending in your favorite old-school Seattle content. Keep it coming! Deran writes:

This is a non-photo card of Seattle that evokes a lot to me. It is in sort of a WPA/American Regionalist/NeoExpressionist sort of style. This one with the Smith tower at the center is my all time favorite mythic Seattle.

Front: Art Deco Seattle postcard. Postcard courtesy Deran Ludd.

Back: Seattle, Glamour City of Washington. East meets West, Far North and Orient in metropolitan Seattle, U.S. gateway to Alaska and the empires of the Pacific. Postcard courtesy Deran Ludd.

Past Post: First Methodist Church

February 13th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 4 Comments » border

Jenni Pertuset of the Open Book Blog sends along this postcard of First Methodist Church. As you may know, the church was saved last year and now the developer has unveiled plans for the adjacent skyscraper. Like it? Hate it? Regardless, Jenni writes:

Here’s another from our friend Nicky in Chicago.

Handwritten on the reverse: “April 20. 1915″

Printed:
“Pub by The Acmegraph Co., Chicago.”

Front: First Methodist Episcopal Church, Seattle, Wash. 12718. Postcard courtesy Jenni Pertuset.

Past Post: Arches & A View From The Top

February 10th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 8 Comments » border

So how was your caucus? Was it as out of control, disorganized, and chaotic (but fun) as the one Anna and I attended at T.T. Minor School? Anyway, we were talking last week about some of Minoru Yamasaki’s architectural trademarks that can be seen on the Pacific Science Center Building. Here’s a 1960’s vintage postcard showing the arches lit up at night (nearly as thrilling as the 96 second Monorail ride). The second card also shows a night scene, this time from the Needle. Click on the cards for full-res versions.

Front: U.S. Science Pavilion Arches

Back: Seattle World’s Fair. U.S. Science Pavilion at Night. Color photo by Mike Roberts.

Front: Seattle From The Needle.

Back: Night panorama of Seattle’s metropolitan business and hotel district. A view reserved for sightseers and diners on Top of the Needle where the restaurant revolves once an hour. Street in center is Fifth Avenue marked by the tracks of the Monorail which covers the 1.2 miles route from downtown to the “Seattle Center” for a thrilling 96 second ride.

Past Post: Pacific Science Center

February 3rd, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 5 Comments » border

Today’s Past Postcard is a 60’s era piece showing the Pacific Science Center. The building was designed by Minoru Yamasaki (known for his work on the World Trade Center buildings) for the 1962 World’s Fair, then known as the United States Science Pavilion. You could also see the building in Elvis Presley’s It Happened at the World’s Fair film. Wikipedia has this shot, which shares a similar frame with the postcard. Also, for those who didn’t know, Minoru Yamasaki was born in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington. Give the thumbnails a click for a closer look at those 1960’s women’s clothing styles.

Front: Pacific Science Center.

Back: Pacific Science Center is a special attraction in the civic center of Seattle, Washington. It is one of the architectural wonders of the nation.

Past Post: Manning’s Cafeteria Interior

January 30th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 5 Comments » border

“The Great Googie” debate (or should the former Manning’s Cafeteria building be torn down to make way for yet another big box condo) has been getting quite a bit of play in the press recently. The Seattle PI has reported on it. Mossback has thrown in his two cents. Even my blogger compadre Didi, in that far away land known as Chi-town, has posted on it. So now it’s my turn by way of vintage postcard! This 1960’s era card shows the interior of the former Manning’s and later Denny’s. Once again “Miss Seattle” gasps when reading the back: “Family style food prepared by all women cooks.” Whew! Didn’t want one of those MEN cooking my taters. Click on the thumbnails for larger views. And when you’re done viewing these, check out this completely ridiculous LA Times headline. I guess I’ve got some work to do on my post titles.

Front: Manning’s Cafeteria And Buffet, Ballard.

Back: Manning’s In Ballard — Cafeteria And Buffet. Open 6:30 A.M. till 9:00 P.M. Everyday Including Sundays & Holidays. 5505 - 15th N.W. Seattle, Wn. Tel. SUnset 2-5444. “Family style food prepared by all women cooks.”

Past Post: Seattle Art Museum 1941

January 24th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 1 Comment » border

Came across this picture postcard of the Seattle Art Museum sent in December, 1941. President of the Art Institute of Seattle Richard Fuller was granted permission to relocate to Volunteer Park in the 1930’s. The Seattle Art Museum opened there on June 23, 1933. The building was designed by Carl Gould, who was then head of the University of Washington School of Architecture. In 1991 the Seattle Art Museum opened at its new building in downtown Seattle and in 1994 the original building was rededicated as the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

Front: Seattle’s New Art Museum — Volunteer Park. Ellis 100-8.

Back: Postcard sent Dec 3, 1941.

Past Post: Puget Sound & 3rd and Pike

January 20th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 3 Comments » border

Last week I posted the blog’s very first user-submitted Reframe feature. And today I’m very proud to post the very first user-submitted Past Post! Jenni Pertuset of the Open Book Blog kindly sent along these postcards. I’ll let her explain:

Here’s a scan of the front of a couple of postcards, both of which were mailed to us in Seattle by a friend in Chicago. I’m not including the reverse side, since they contain his messages.

The back of the”aeroplane view” one has no written message (other than from our friend) and says: C. P. Johnston Co., Seattle, Washington

The back of the “third avenue” one says:
ADAMS NEWS CO., SEATTLE, WASH.
GENUINE CRUTEICH-CHICAGO “C.T. ART-COLORTONE” POST CARD (REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.)

and has this original message:

[left side]
Lt. (jg) J B Hendley USNR
BOQ Pier 91
Seattle Wash

Dear mom,
Received your grand letter. Everything is under control. Feel tiptop and “raring to go”
Bruce

[right side]
Mrs J A Hendley
2124 - N 63rd
Wauwatosa 13
Wisconsin

and this postmark:

U.S. Oct 11A.M. 1944 NAVY

Hope this is of some interest.

- Jenni

Front: 237: -Aeroplane View Of The Puget Sound Area, Washington.

Front: Third Avenue and Pike, Seattle, Wash.

Past Post: Space Needle In Galaxy Gold

January 17th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 8 Comments » border

They called it “Galaxy Gold.” This was the original color of the space needle pagoda in 1962 when it opened for the World’s Fair. The garish orange hue was brought back in 2002 for the month of April to celebrate the 40th anniversary. If you squint, the second card kind of makes it look like a hamburger on a stick. Check out these vintage 1962 postcards and let us all know if you prefer the current color or “Galaxy Gold.” Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

Front: Eye Of The Needle

Back: Seattle’s New Look. A view of the Space Needle overlooking Lake Union and Lake Washington in background.

Front: Space Needle

Back: Space Needle — Seattle. The 600 feet high Space Needle which was built on the grounds of the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962 is the pride of Washington’s largest city. Here is a clear aerial view of the Needle and the Monorail leading toward the downtown business district. The Eye of the Needle has an observation deck and a revolving restaurant which is operated by Western International Hotels.

Past Post: Sunset On Elliott Bay 1908

January 8th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 2 Comments » border

Oh I think you know what time it is. That’s right, vintage postcard time right about now. This 1908 card shows Elliott Bay at sunset with our writer impressed. The hand-tint reminds me a lot of this card of a stormy Lake Washington from 1913. And as we know from past tints, we have to look closely to see if the sunset was indeed there in the photo or a creative liberty. In this case it looks to be legitimate. Click on the postcard for a larger view.

Isn’t this a beautifuy scenery
Leo

Front: 164 — Sunset On Elliott Bay, Seattle, Washington. Edward H. Mitchell, Publisher, San Francisco.

Back: Postcard sent May 30, 1908 to St Louis, Missouri.

Past Post: Seatac & Hyatt House Hotel

January 5th, 2008 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 6 Comments » border

For those of you who endured travel hell at the airport during the holidays, please forgive me. I’d hate to drudge up bad memories so soon, but this Past Postcard entry is dedicated to none other than Seatac Airport. The first card touts the $11 million airport renovation from 1949. The second card shows a model for the “world’s first fly-in hotel” — The Hyatt House Hotel, which was right next to the airport. The hotel opened in 1960 and actually just closed down (it was then the Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport) two years ago. According to this news story from the PI, the Hyatt House was a hangout for a number of famous musicians and movie stars over the years. Click on the images for full resolution.

Front: Seattle-Tacoma Airport.

Back: The new $11,000,000.00 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, now serving the United States, Alaska and the Orient.

Front: The Hyatt House Hotel

Back: World’s First Fly-In Hotel. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, Washington. 125 new luxurious rooms –heated olympic size pool — banquet, dining, lounge and 24-hour coffee shop — beauty and barber shops — televisions and radio in every room — free transportation to and from Airport.

Past Post: Our Jewell, Mount Rainier 1941

December 30th, 2007 by Cliffe | Sorted Past Post | 1 Comment » border

With the holidays wrapping up, I thought this vintage postcard was fitting. “Jewell” sent Maude Schneider this post-holiday card of Mount Rainier in January 1941 complete with curious spelling and punctuation. Did Jewell and Maude ever have that lunch and/or dance? I wonder. Click on the postcard for larger images.

Jan, 10, 1941 — Aberdeen, Wash.
Dear Maude,
Your beautiful card received today. A nice card thank you, I hope you will ike thisl, It is just as nice as it looks, Yes, Holladays has come & gone, &, sorry of your cold, I am just fine, &, I am glad that you had a good treatment for Xmas, I had fairly well, &, dident expect much, I thank you for the future luch, & same for you, “DEAR” I wish you were I could have a dance with you.
Sincerely,
“JEWELL”

Front: 56 — Lake Washington Boulevard and Mount Rainier, Seattle, Washington. Chas R. Laidlaw — Aerophoto.

Back: Postcard sent January 11, 1941 to Maude Schneider in Mount Joy, PA.