Arthur W. Denny University of Washington campus site photographs, circa 1894

Overview of the Collection

Photographer
Denny, Arthur W.
Title
Arthur W. Denny University of Washington campus site photographs
Dates
circa 1894 (inclusive)
Quantity
17 photographic prints, 1 reciept (1 box) ; 8 x 10 in.
Collection Number
PH0288
Summary
Photographs of University of Washington campus during land clearing activities and initial construction of buildings, circa 1890s
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

The entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Permission of the Visual Materials Curator is required to view original photographs.

Additional Reference Guides

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

On November 4, 1861, classes began at the Territorial University of Washington. The population of the city of Seattle at that time was 250. The overcrowded University outgrew its original ten acre site within thirty years. With a growing population of 50,000 in 1891, the city was encroaching on the site. The University needed to explore alternative locations that offered room for future expansion. The most desirable area was around Union Bay. The site was northeast of downtown on the shores of Lake Washington and Lake Union. It was first suggested in 1891, but it was not until 1893 that it was purchased and clearing for the campus commenced.

In 1894, the University hired A.W. Denny, at the cost of $12.75, to document the progress of work at the future campus site. His photographs depict the progress of clearing the site for construction starting from undisturbed forest land to fallen trees, stumps, and cleared and leveled ground.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Photographs of University of Washington campus during land clearing activities for initial construction. Also views of Lake Washington and Lake Union.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

View the digital version of the collection .

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Processing Note

Processed by Erin Whitney, 2009, and Jennifer Hawkins, 2010.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder item
1/1 1 Cleared field (Denny 1)
On verso: Our corner of the campus cleared of heavy trees and stumps, ready for the plows and levelers.
1894
1/1 2 Grove of young conifers (Denny 2)
On verso: Grove of young conifers
1894
1/1 3 Cleared field with construction support buildings (Denny 3)
On verso: Starting on the new buildings U of W campus 1894
1894
1/1 4 View of Lake Washington (Denny 4)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. A glimpse of the Lake Washington shore of the Arboretum before being touched by the gardens. Washington (State) University Campus and Buildings.
1894
1/1 5 Native shrubs in wooded field (Denny 5)
On verso: University of Washington Campus, 1894. Tangle of native shrubs with the beautiful western spirea in the center
1894
1/1 6 Branch railroad through trees (Denny 6)
On verso: University of Washington Campus, 1894. Branch railroad through the forest to the site of the new buildings.
1894
1/2 7 Cleared field with corduroy road through brush (Denny 7)
On verso: University Campus 1894. Lake Union as seen over one of the old corduroy roads.
1894
1/2 8 Shore of Lake Union (Denny 8)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Shore of Lake Union in its wild state.
1894
1/2 9 Cleared field with stumps (Denny 9)
On verso: University of Washington Campus, 1894. Land cleared but not "stumped".
1894
1/2 10 Cedar trees (Denny 10)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Young cedar trees that will be preserved..
1894
1/2 11 Hemlock tree and brush (Denny 11)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Small hemlock tree.
1894
1/3 12 Ravine (Denny 12)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. One of the ravines being prepared for new plantings of imported trees and shrubs..
1894
1/3 13 Cleared area ready for stump pulling (Denny 13)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Ready for the stumpers.
1894
1/3 14 Splintered tree and woods (Denny 14)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. A splintered giant of the forest.
1894
1/3 15 Fallen tree and woods (Denny 15)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Fallen timbers awaiting the attention of the gardeners and foresters.
1894
1/3 16 View of Union Bay through tall trees (Denny 16)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Glimpse of Union Bay of Lake Washington.
1894
1/3 17 Union Bay (Denny 17)
On verso: University of Washington Campus 1894. Union Bay, and arm of Lake Washington supplying a perfect rowing course for races or pleasure trips.
1894
1/4 18 Receipt from State University of Washington to A.W. Denny for photographic services August 14, 1894

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • College campuses--Washington (State)--Seattle--19th century--Photographs
  • Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)

Personal Names

  • Denny, Arthur W.--Photographs

Corporate Names

  • University of Washington--Buildings--Photographs
  • University of Washington--Photographs
  • University of Washington--Planning--Photographs

Geographical Names

  • Seattle (Wash.)--Photographs