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Photographs of Seattle City Light projects, approximately 1919-1963

Overview of the Collection

Title

Photographs of Seattle City Light projects

Dates

approximately 1919-1963 (inclusive)

Quantity

0.38 cubic feet (2 boxes containing 168 photographic prints)

Collection Number

PH1124

Summary

Photographs made to document the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, Seattle City Light buildings, projects and activities

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 collection is open to the public.

Request at UW

Additional Reference Guides

Languages

English

Sponsor

Funding for the processing of this collection was partially provided through grants awarded by Seattle City Light and IBEW Local 77.

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Historical Note

Seattle's first hydroelectric project was on Cedar River, and the plant first generated power for the City in 1905, under the supervision of the City Water Department. By 1910, however, the City Council declared the need for a department solely focused on electricity, and Seattle City Light was created on April 1, 1910. The department's second superintendent, James Delmage Ross, is known as the "Father of City Light." Ross spearheaded the complex effort to build the three dams on the Skagit River which provide much of Seattle's electricity.

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Content Description

Includes photographs made to document the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project which included the construction of three dams: Gorge, Diablo, and Ross (originally known as Ruby). Also includes photographs of Seattle City Light offices, substations, powerlines, and etc.

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Other Descriptive Information

Many of the photographs with photographer's numbers between 5,000 and 5,999 are probably by James P. Lee, the City of Seattle's photographer for many years.

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Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

View selections from the collection in digital format

Restrictions on Use

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

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Organized into 5 accessions.

Accession No. Series 1, Skagit River Hydroelectric Project,
Accession No. Series 2, Seattle City Light North Substation,
Accession No. Series 3, Lake Union Steam Plant,
Accession No. Series 4, Seattle City Light Offices,
Accession No. Series 5, Inverness Neighborhood Project,

Processing Note

Processed by Elizabeth Russell; processing completed in 2013.

Related Materials

The Seattle City Light Albums (PH Coll 45) document construction of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project

The Skagit Hydroelectric Project was a series of three dams and powerhouse construction projects along the Skagit River in northern Washington State which began in 1918 and continued until the early 1960s. Construction on the three dams began with Gorge Dam and Powerhouse, dedicated in 1924. The second dam built was Diablo Dam, completed in 1930. The furthest upstream dam, originally named Ruby Dam but renamed Ross Dam after the death of James D. Ross, was completed in 1943. These dams currently create electricity and provide water storage for Seattle.
- Description: Site of Gorge Powerhouse before construction (5001)
  
  Duplicate of item 1-18 in PH Coll 45 Seattle City Light Albums.
  
  Caption on photo: Gorge - Power House Site. Mile 16. Distance from Marblemont.
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 1
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Plank walkway at Devil's Corner in Skagit Canyon below Gorge Creek (5002)
  Duplicate of item 1-39 in PH Coll 45 Seattle City Light Albums.
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 2
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River at bend in river nick-named "Devil's Corner" (5003)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 3
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Snowslide Gulch near Gorge Powerhouse site (5004)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 4
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Boulders in the Skagit River (5005)
  Caption on photo: Giant Stepping Stones.
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 5
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: White water rapids in Skagit River (5006)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 6
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: White water at proposed Gorge Dam site (5007)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 7
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: White water rapids and boulders at proposed Gorge Dam site with man crossing river in hand-operated cable car (5008)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 8
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River near Gorge Dam site
  
  Dates: circa July 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 9
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River at proposed Gorge Dam site showing wooden structure on bank (5009)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 10
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Log structure built as Gorge Camp Headquarters at Newhalem (5010)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 11
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Gorge Creek Canyon seen from the Skagit River (5013)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 12
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Steep canyon wall along the Skagit River (5014)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 13
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: North bank of proposed Gorge Dam site (5015)
  
  Dates: circa July 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 14
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Camp used during diamond drilling exploration for Gorge Dam site (5016)
  
  Dates: circa July 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 15
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: South bank of proposed Gorge Dam site (5017)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 16
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River and wooded bank, probably near dam site (5018)
  
  Dates: circa 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 17
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Main building on Davis Ranch (5019)
  The Davis Ranch, a popular roadhouse,was condemned to make way for the Diablo Dam Hydroelectric Project.
  
  Dates: circa 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 18
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Reflector Bar Ranger Station (5020)
  
  Dates: June 30, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 19
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Reflector Bar Gaging Station near Diablo Power House site (5021
  
  Dates: June 30, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 20
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Diablo Trail Bridge at site of Diablo Dam (5022)
  
  Dates: June 30, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 21
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River with Thunder Creek Watershed in distance (5023)
  
  Dates: June 30, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 22
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Diablo Canyon at site of Diablo Dam (5026)
  Duplicate of item 2-1 in PH Coll 45 Seattle City Light Albums.
  
  Dates: June 30, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 23
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Looking down on Skagit River at bend in river downstream of Ross Dam site (5027)
  
  Dates: June 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 24
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River at rapids known as Rip Raps, later the site of Ross Dam (5028)
  
  Dates: June 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 25
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Ruby Creek seen from trail above site of Ross Dam (5029)
  
  Dates: June 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 26
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Site of Ross Dam Powerhouse (5030)
  
  Dates: June 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 27
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Man at gauging station at Ross Dam Powerhouse site (5031)
  
  Dates: June 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 28
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit Canyon downstream from Ross Dam site (5032)
  
  Dates: June 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 29
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Diamond drill machinery on Skagit River bank at site of Ross Dam (5033)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 30
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: South bank of Ross Dam site (5034)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 31
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Worker next to diamond drill machinery on river bank at Ross Dam site (5035)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 32
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Detail view of diamond drill machinery on river bank at Ross Dam site (5036)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 33
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Mountainous terrain above Ross Dam site (5037)
  
  Dates: July 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 34
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: River viewed from hill, probably near junction of Skagit River and Ruby Creek (5038)
  
  Dates: circa 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 35
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Junction of Ruby Creek with Skagit River (5039)
  Caption on photo: Junction of Ruby Creek with Skagit River, Mile 28. Ruby Creek Trail Bridge, Shinkle Bridge in Distance.
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 36
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Ruby Creek Trail Bridge and suspension bridge at junction of Ruby Creek and Skagit River (5040)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 37
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Junction of Skagit River and Ruby Creek, with ranch buildings at right (5041)
  McMillan's Roadhouse is at lower right. Two bridges are shown, one a cable suspension bridge across the Skagit River and the other temporary footbridge across Ruby Creek built during the Skagit hydroelectric construction project.
  
  Dates: June 28, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 38
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Site of Ruby Reservoir on Skagit River near McMillan Ranch
  
  Dates: circa 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 39
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooded mountainside of Ruby Creek watershed (5043)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 40
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Tent camp and horses near junction of Skagit River and Ruby Creek
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 41
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Ross Dam site from a distance (5045)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 42
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Upper Skagit Valley near Ross Dam site (5046)
  
  Dates: June 29, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 43
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Site of Gorge Powerhouse on Skagit River (5047)
  
  Dates: October 21, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 44
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River and wooded bank near site of Gorge Powerhouse (5048)
  
  Dates: October 21, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 45
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Gorge Powerhouse site (5049)
  
  Dates: October 21, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 46
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River near Gorge Powerhouse site (5050)
  Caption on photo: View near Mile 16.
  
  Dates: October 21, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 47
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Babcock Creek Falls (5051)
  
  Dates: October 21, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 48
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River (5052)
  
  Dates: October 16, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 49
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River and river bank (5053-5054)
  
  Dates: October 16, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 50-51
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Trees on river bank, possibly during timber cutting at Gorge Dam site (5056)
  
  Dates: October 16, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 52
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River (5057)
  
  Dates: October 16, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 53
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River rapids (5058)
  
  Dates: October 16, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 54
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden suspension bridge across Skagit River and early construction work on Gorge Dam (5059)
  
  Dates: October 17, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 55
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden bridges across Skagit River during early construction work on Gorge Dam (5060)
  
  Dates: October 17, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 56
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden bridge across Skagit River during early construction work on Gorge Dam (5061)
  
  Dates: October 17, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 57
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden bridge across Skagit River showing surveying tripods reached by ladder (5062-5063)
  
  Dates: October 17, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 58-59
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden bridge across Skagit River showing surveying tripods with camp in background (5064)
  
  Dates: October 17, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 60
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: River boulders and early construction activity (5065)
  
  Dates: October 17, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 61
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Men standing on makeshift wooden briges at dam site (5066)
  
  Dates: October 22, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 62
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Boulders in the Skagit River (5067)
  Caption on photo: Giant Stepping Stones.
  
  Dates: October 21, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 63
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Workers with wooden structures on Skagit River for preliminary dam construction work (5068)
  
  Dates: October 19, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 64
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Skagit River near Ross Dam site (5069)
  
  Dates: October 19, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 65
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden structures on Skagit River at site of Ross Dam (5070)
  
  Dates: October 19, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 66
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Ladders on bank at Ross Dam site (5071)
  
  Dates: October 19, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 67
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Steep, rocky bank of Skagit River near Ross Dam site (5072)
  
  Dates: October 19, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 68
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Looking downstream from Ross Dam site, with wooden structures at right (5073)
  
  Dates: October 19, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 69
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Looking downstream at Ross Dam site
  
  Dates: circa 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 70-71
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Bridge on Rocky Creek (5074)
  
  Dates: October 23, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 72
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Bridge over creek (5075)
  Caption on photo: Diobse.
  
  Dates: October 23, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 73
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Bridge over Bacon Creek (5076-5078)
  
  Dates: October 23, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 74-76
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Man standing on log bridge across Goodell Creek (5079)
  
  Dates: October 23, 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 77
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: River, probably the Skagit River or Ruby Creek
  
  Dates: circa 1919
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 78
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Intersection of Great Northern Railroad line and Seattle City Light rail line in Rockport (5080)
  
  Rockport Mercantile at left.
  
  The Great Northern Railroad line only extended as far as Rockport, so in 1919 Seattle City Light commissioned an extension of the line to the east to carry construction supplies to the sites of the Gorge Dam and Powerhouse.
  
  Dates: August 13, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 79
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Steam shovel used during construction of rail line from Rockport to Newhalem (5089)
  
  Dates: August 11, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 80
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Grant Smith Co. steam shovel at rocky curve overlooking Skagit River (5092)
  
  Dates: August 11, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 81
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Railroad trestle during construction of line from Rockport to Newhalem (5094)
  
  Dates: August 11, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 82
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Rocky grade along Skagit River (5098)
  
  Dates: August 11, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 83
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Workers stretched out on stumps of old growth trees cut during railroad construction (5099)
  
  Dates: August 12, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 84
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Tractor hauling logs in front of sawmill, west of Babcock Creek and Gorge Powerhouse site (5100)
  
  Dates: August 12, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 85
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden suspension pedestrian bridge across Skagit River (5106)
  
  Dates: August 12, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 86
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Sawmill built to provide lumber for the Gorge Dam project (5108)
  
  Dates: August 12, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 87
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Worker standing at tunnel entrance, probably the west portal of the tunnel constructed to carry water from the Gorge Dam reservoir to the powerhouse (5109)
  
  Dates: August 12, 1920
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 88
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Man standing in front of turbine loaded on truck
  Sign on turbine reads: From the Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Co., Cleveland, Ohio, Engineers and Manufacturers.
  
  Dates: circa 1920-1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 89
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Young man standing in front of Generator No. 1 in the Gorge Powerhouse
  
  Dates: February 14, 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 90
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Visitors inside tunnel at junction (5237)
  
  Duplicate of item 1-71 in PH Coll 45 Seattle City Light Albums.
  
  Caption: Interior of two mile tunnel serving Gorge Power House. Tunnel is 20'-6" inside diameter & supplies three 10'-0" diameter penstocks. Capacity 112,500 H.P.
  
  Dates: August 15, 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 91
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Workmen standing on and around Westinghouse generator in Gorge Powerhouse
  
  Dates: circa 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 92
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Boy standing next to Westinghouse generator in Gorge Powerhouse (5342)
  Caption on page: Interior of Gorge Power House. Skagit River Development. Installed capacity - 75,000 H.P.
  
  Dates: circa 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 93
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Gorge Powerhouse and bridge over Skagit, seen from higher elevation (5347)
  
  Dates: circa 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 94
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Gorge Powerhouse
  
  Dates: circa 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 95
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Gorge Powerhouse
  
  Dates: circa 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 96
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Original wooden Gorge Creek Dam
  
  Dates: 1925
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 97
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Wooden pedestrian bridge over Skagit River canyon
  
  Dates: circa 1927
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 98
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Photograph of Hudson and Hammond Architects drawing of Diablo Powerhouse
  Caption on drawing: City of Seattle - Skagit Power Development - Diablo Power House. John S. Hudson and H.G. Hammond, Architects, Seattle, Washington.
  
  Dates: circa 1928-1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 99
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Incline railway at Diablo Dam construction site (D(28-5-23)1)
  Duplicate of item 2-8 in PH Coll 45 Seattle City Light Albums.
  
  Dates: May 23, 1928
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 100
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work at Diablo Dam site (D(28-8-28)2)
  
  Dates: August 28, 1928
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 101
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Winston Bros. container car on incline railway above Diablo Dam construction camp (D(28-8-28)6)
  
  Dates: August 28, 1928
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 102
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work at Diablo Dam site (D(28-10-3)1)
  
  Dates: October 3, 1928
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 103
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work at Diablo Dam site (D(28-10-3)2)
  
  Dates: October 3, 1928
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 104
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Interior of diversion tunnel for Diablo Dam (5353)
  
  Dates: August 28, 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 105
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Eight men posed in front of steel plate wye for Diablo Dam penstock (8728A)
  A penstock is an intake structure that controls water flow. In a hydroelectric dam, water flows from a reservoir through the penstock to the turbines for power generation. The wye is a branching structure that allows water to flow toward more than one turbine.
  
  Dates: October 20, 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 106
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Walkway under construction on top of completed Diablo Dam (D(9-16-30)1)
  
  Dates: September 16, 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 107
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Diablo Dam and Diablo Lake, seen from higher elevation (D(30-11-7)1)
  
  Dates: November 7, 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 108
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Diablo Dam and Diablo Lake, with construction activity below dam (D(30-11-7)3)
  
  Dates: November 7, 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 109
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Pipes and water flow connected to operations at Diablo Dam (D(30-12-8)2)
  
  Dates: December 8, 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 110
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Man standing in Diablo Dam control room (D(30-12-8)6)
  
  Dates: December 8, 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 111
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Water released through Diablo Dam below control room (D(31-1-24)6)
  
  Dates: January 24, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 112
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Mist and spray coming from water over Diablo Dam spillways (D(31-1-28)1)
  
  Dates: January 28, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 113
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Spray over Diablo Dam (D(28-1-31)5)
  
  Dates: January 28, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 114
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Water coming through spillways at Diablo Dam (D(31-2-3)3)
  
  Dates: February 3, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 115
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Water coming through spillways at Diablo Dam (D(31-2-3)5)
  
  Dates: February 3, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 116
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Man and two women standing on walkway on top of Diablo Dam (D(31-3-6)3)
  
  Dates: March 6, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 117
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Diablo Dam seen from downstream on the Skagit River ( D(31-3-8)3)
  
  Dates: March 8, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 118
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Water flowing through spillways on Diablo Dam, seen from higher elevation
  
  Dates: circa 1930-1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 119
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Looking down on Diablo Dam from Thunder Creek Trail (5450)
  Caption on page: Diablo Dam. Skagit River Development. Height - 389', length across top - 1200'.
  
  Dates: 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 120
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Large pipes and scaffolding for construction of Diablo Powerhouse (D(31-4-2)1)
  
  Dates: April 2, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 121
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Men at work installing large pipe for construction of Diablo Powerhouse (D(31-4-2)3)
  
  Dates: April 2, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 122
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work at Diablo Powerhouse site (D(31-4-2)6)
  
  Dates: April 2, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 123
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work at Diablo Powerhouse site (D(31-4-30)5)
  
  Dates: April 30, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 124
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work at Diablo Powerhouse site (D(31-4-30)6)
  
  Dates: April 30, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 125
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Water flowing through spillways of Diablo Dam (D(31-5-9)1)
  
  Dates: May 9, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 126
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Looking across Diablo Dam and Diablo Lake, with hills in background (D(31-5-9)6)
  
  Dates: May 9, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 127
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Men standing on and around large pipe for Diablo Powerhouse, possibly draft tube (D(31-6-20)1)
  
  Dates: June 20, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 128
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Looking down on bifurcated penstock at Diablo Powerhouse construction site (D(31-6-20)3)
  
  Dates: June 20, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/5, Item 129
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Workers standing around tube opening during construction of Diablo Powerhouse (D(31-6-26)1)
  
  Dates: June 26, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 130
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Men at work on construction of Diablo Powerhouse (D(31-7-1)2)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 131
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Buildings and construction supplies used for Diablo Powerhouse on bank of Skagit River (D(31-7-1)3)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 132
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work on Diablo Powerhouse (D(31-7-1)4)
  
  Dates: July 1, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 133
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Construction work on Diablo Powerhouse (D(31-7-13)1)
  
  Dates: July 13, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 134
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Scaffolding around penstock pipes on hillside above Diablo Powerhouse site (D(31-7-16)1)
  
  Dates: July 16, 1931
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 135
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Houses on river bank, across from road
  
  Dates: circa 1919-1930s
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 136
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Pedestrian bridge across river canyon
  
  Dates: circa 1919-1939
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 137
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Town of Newhalem
  
  Dates: circa 1920s-1930s
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 138
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Photograph of drawing of Skagit River Power Project, including all three dams and powerhouses
  Caption includes proposed plan for the project, with projected dates of completion and projected horse power of power generation.
  
  Dates: circa 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 139
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Photograph of drawing of Skagit River Power Project
  
  Dates: circa 1920s-1930s
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 140
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Aerial view of Ross Dam and Powerhouse and Ross Lake
  
  Dates: circa 1956
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 141
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Aerial view of Ross Dam and Ross Lake
  
  Dates: circa 1956
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/6, Item 142
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
- Description: Gorge Dam Construction
  15 black and white prints taken during the construction of the Gorge Dam on the Skagit River. Prints include captions.
  
  Dates: 1921-1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/8
  
  Location: Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
Series 2: Seattle City Light North Substation

Receiving station for Skagit Power Project at N.E. 75th Street in Seattle.
- Description: North Substation under construction (5196)
  
  Dates: March 1, 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 143
  
  Location: Series 2: Seattle City Light North Substation
- Description: Synchronous condenser in North Substation with 15,000 KVA capacity (5252)
  Duplicate image PH Coll 45.1-4.
  
  Dates: October 22, 1924
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 144
  
  Location: Series 2: Seattle City Light North Substation
- Description: North Substation (5331)
  Duplicate image PH Coll 45.1-1.
  
  Dates: circa 1930s
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 145
  
  Location: Series 2: Seattle City Light North Substation
Series 3: Lake Union Steam Plant

Seattle City Light plant completed in 1917.
- Description: Machinery inside Lake Union Steam Plant (4523)
  Caption: Interior of Lake Union Steam Plant. Seattle. 50,000 H.P.
  
  Dates: May 16, 1921
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 146
  
  Location: Series 3: Lake Union Steam Plant
- Description: Lake Union Steam Plant (5467)
  
  Dates: 1930
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 147
  
  Location: Series 3: Lake Union Steam Plant
Series 4: Seattle City Light Offices
- Description: Seattle City Light warehouse and shops at 4th Avenue and Spokane Street (6082)
  
  Dates: June 9, 1928
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 148
  
  Location: Series 4: Seattle City Light Offices
- Description: Seattle City Light Building at 3rd Avenue and Madison Street, downtown Seattle
  
  Dates: circa 1935-1940s
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 149
  
  Location: Series 4: Seattle City Light Offices
- Description: Electric appliances on display in Seattle City Light building at 3rd Avenue and Madison Street, downtown Seattle
  
  Dates: circa 1935-1940s
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 150
  
  Location: Series 4: Seattle City Light Offices
- Description: Seattle City Light Building at 3rd Avenue and Madison Street, downtown Seattle
  The renovated Seattle City Light Building at 3rd Ave. and Madison St. was designed by Jone & Bindon and Decker, Christenson & Kitchin, 1957.
  
  Dates: circa 1960s
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 151
  
  Location: Series 4: Seattle City Light Offices
Series 5: Inverness Neighborhood Project
- Description: Linemen working on power lines on Inverness street
  Written on verso: Inverness before 1963 (before utilities underground).
  
  Dates: circa 1960-1962
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 152
  
  Location: Series 5: Inverness Neighborhood Project
- Description: Street in Inverness without overhead power lines
  Written on verso: Inverness after 1963 (utilities undergrounded).
  
  Dates: circa 1963
  
  Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 153
  
  Location: Series 5: Inverness Neighborhood Project

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)

Personal Names

--Photographs

Corporate Names

Seattle City Light--Photographs

Photographs of Seattle City Light projects, approximately 1919-1963

Table of Contents

Overview of the Collection

Historical Note

Content Description

Other Descriptive Information

Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

Restrictions on Use

Administrative Information

Arrangement

Processing Note

Related Materials

Detailed Description of the Collection

Series 1: Skagit River Hydroelectric Project

Series 2: Seattle City Light North Substation

Series 3: Lake Union Steam Plant

Series 4: Seattle City Light Offices

Series 5: Inverness Neighborhood Project

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Personal Names

Corporate Names