Post Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition photograph collection

Post Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition photograph collection, 1911-1965

Overview of the Collection

Collector: University of Washington Libraries. Special Collections
Title: Post Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition photograph collection
Dates: 1911-1965 (inclusive)
19111965
Quantity: 57 photographic prints (17 modern contact prints, 40 original prints) (1 box, 1 oversize folder) ; various sizes
2 negatives : nitrate
13 negatives : glass
Collection Number: PH0778
Summary: Photographs of the AYPE dissolution banquet, of the demolition of several buildings, and a campus panorama which shows a number of former AYPE buildings
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: Selections from the collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials curator is required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.
Languages: English

Historical BackgroundReturn to Top

Prior to the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), the grounds of the University of Washington were mainly forest, with only a few buildings. By hosting the AYPE, the University was not only able to get the grounds landscaped, but also acquired 20 buildings and a number of landmarks such as the statue of George Washington and the Geyser Basin (which later became Frosh Pond and then Drumheller Fountain). The University began utilizing these buildings at the close of the AYPE, but most of the buildings were hastily constructed, not meant for long term use, and not often designed for education. Of the 20 buildings that remained after the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, only a few still exist including the former Fine Arts Building (now the Architecture building), the Michigan Club Building (now the Physical Plant Office), and the former Washington State Women's Building (now Cunningham Hall).

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Photographs of the AYPE dissolution banquet, as well as the demolition of the Oriental Building, Forestry Building, Geyser Basin, New York Building and the Auditorium. Also includes a large panorama of campus on a May Day celebration which shows a number of former AYPE buildings.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

View selections from the collection in digital format.

Modern prints of the negatives are available for viewing.

Restrictions on Use

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

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Glass plate negatives donated by Professor Plein, January 1963.

Processing Note

Processed by Marion Brown, 2008

Original photographs were transferred from the UW Campus file in 2007.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

AYPE Dissolution BanquetReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/1	1a	Dissolution banquet of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Corporation	June 27, 1911
1/1	1b	Dissolution Banquet of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific-Exposition Corporation Same photo as 1a; banquet attendees are numbered on the front and identified on back.	June 27, 1911

University of Washington campusReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/2	2	Man and woman walking around Geyser Basin with the Auditorium in the background Alvin A. Peterson (photographer)	1911?
1/2	3	Road in front of the Auditorium Alvin A. Peterson (photographer) The Auditorium was used as Meany Hall until it was demolished in 1965.	1911?
1/2	4	Path and trees probably near the Auditorium Alvin A. Peterson (photographer)	1911?
1/2	4a	Columns Alvin A. Peterson (photographer)	1911?
1/2	4b	Denny Hall Alvin A. Peterson (photographer)	1926?
1/2	5-6	Hoo Hoo House Alvin A. Peterson (photographer) The Hoo Hoo House was used as the Faculty Club until it was demolished in 1959.	1930?
1/2	7	Machinery Hall Alvin A. Peterson (photographer) Machinery Hall was used as the Engineering Building until it was demolished in 1957.	1911?
1/2	8-9	Machinery Hall and Boeing Aerodynamical Chamber viewed from across an ornamental garden Alvin A. Peterson (photographer)	1936?
1/2	10	Machinery Hall viewed from across Geyser Basin Alvin A. Peterson (photographer)	1911?
1/2	11	Oregon State Building and Water tower viewed from across Geyser Basin Alvin A. Peterson (photographer) The Oregon State Building was used as the Law building until it was demolished in 1917.	1911?
1/2	12	Music Pavilion near the edge of Geyser Basin Alvin A. Peterson (photographer) Torn down in 1920.	1911?
1/2	13	Music Pavilion viewed across Geyser Basin with Mount Rainier in the distance	1910?
1/2	14	Good Roads Building Before it was demolished on April 1, 1961, the Good Roads Building served as the Forestry Hall and the ROTC building.	between 1910 and 1924?
1/2	15	Good Roads Building Grondal (photographer)	1916
1/2	15a	Suzzallo Library Alvin A. Peterson (photographer)	1926?
1/2	16	Washington Women's Building The Washington Women's Building is one of the few AYPE buildings that still stand. In its lifetime it has been used as the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the Chemistry Annex, the ROTC Building, the Atmospheric Science and the Johnson Annex B.	1913?
1/2	17	Washington Women's Building	between 1910 and 1924

Oriental BuildingReturn to Top

After the AYPE the Oriental Building was used as the Armory. It was torn down in 1920.

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/3	18	Oriental Building Webster & Stevens (photographer)	1910?
1/3	19	Oriental Building Although the photograph is not conclusive, it appears to be near the destruction of the Oriental Building due to the loose boards pictured inside and the general run-down appearance of the building.	1920?
1/3	20	Oriental Building viewed across Geyser Basin Alvin A. Peterson (photographer) The Oriental Building was used as the Armory until it was demolished in 1920.	1911?
1/3	21	Oriental Building	1911?

Forestry Building DemolitionReturn to Top

After the AYPE the Forestry Building was used as a museum. In 1927, the museum was moved to another building and in 1930 the Forestry Building was destroyed.

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/3	22	Forestry Building and water tower J. N. Cobb (photographer)	between 1909 and 1930?
1/3	23	Forestry Building prior to destruction	1928
1/3	24-25	Frame of Forestry Building with logs piled in front	1930
1/3	26-27	Frame of the Forestry Building with two men standing on logs piled in front	1930
1/3	28	Bob Odettry, Lawrence S. Torvich and Dick Lordes on large log	1930
1/3	29	Piled logs	1930
1/3	30	Frame of Forestry Building with bushes and two automobiles in front	1930
1/3	31-36	Frame of Forestry Building with timber piled in front	1930
1/3	37	Three men standing on top of beam from the Forestry Building	1930
1/3	38-39	Beam from the Forestry Building on the back of a truck	1930

Geyser Basin renovationReturn to Top

Geyser Basin was renamed "Frosh Pond" due to the tradition of dunking unwilling freshmen in it. The University put a stop to this tradition in 1922. In 1961, the pond was renamed "Drumheller Fountain" when Regent Joseph Drumheller donated the three rings of fountain jets that still operate in the fountain.

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/4	40-41	Panorama of men clearing out the Geyser Basin The two photographs placed together form a panorama.	December 4, 1936

New York Building demolitionReturn to Top

After the AYPE the New York Building was used as the UW President's residence. In 1927 it was remodeled as the Music Building. It was torn down in 1950.

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/4	42	New York Building James O. Sneddon (photographer)	February 20, 1950

Auditorium demolitionReturn to Top

After the AYPE the Auditorium was renamed Meany Hall. It was remodeled in 1925. An earthquake in 1965 damaged the building and in August "Old Meany Hall" was torn down.

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/4	43-46	Auditorium being demolished	August 1, 1965
1/4	47-49	Crowd watching the demolition	August 1965
1/4	50-51	Crane demolishing Auditorium	August 1965
1/4	52	Cloud of dust obscuring Auditorium	August 1965

PlaqueReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box/Folder	item
1/4	53	Plaque commemorating the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Plaque reads: On these grounds was held between June 1 and October 16, 1909, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. And this tablet is erected by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce as a testimonial to those citizens of Seattle who, from a sense of civic loyalty and at great personal sacrifice, created and carried to success an exposition of lasting benefit not only to this city but to the entire Northwest. But far more important than all other advantages resulting from such an exhibition is the inspiring example of unselfish and disinterested public service which these citizens, without material reward or the hope thereof, have given to their city. Such men are the proudest possession of any community and the surest guarantee of its prosperity and greatness.	between 1909 and 1965?

PanoramaReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
mapcase	item
M271	54	Crowd watching Maypole dance at University of Washington May Day celebration Shows the Philippines Building (Mines Rescue Station), the Forestry Building, the Washington State Building (Library), the University Mines Building, the Oriental Building (Armory) and the Music Pavilion.	between 1910 and 1920

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
Wrecking--Washington (State)--Seattle--Photographs

Corporate Names

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (1909 : Seattle, Wash.)--Buildings--Photographs

Geographical Names

Seattle (Wash.)--Buildings, structures, etc.--Photographs

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