Archives West Finding Aid
Table of Contents
Robert Roblee Collection of William N. Bell family materials, circa 1850s-1910
Overview of the Collection
- Collector
- Roblee, Robert
- Title
- Robert Roblee Collection of William N. Bell family materials
- Dates
- circa
1850s-1910 (inclusive)18501915
1870-1897 (bulk)18701897 - Quantity
- 2.13 cubic feet, (5 boxes)
- Collection Number
- 2008.54 (accession)
- Summary
- Legal and business documents, correspondence and ephemera related to Seattle pioneer family, plus photographs of early Seattle
- Repository
-
Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library
P.O. Box 80816
Seattle, WA
98108
Telephone: 2063241126 x102
library@mohai.org - Access Restrictions
-
The collection is open to the public by appointment.
- Languages
- English.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Legal and business documents, correspondence and ephemera related to the Seattle pioneer Bell family, plus photographs of early Seattle. The collection includes photographs of early Seattle; a number of land deeds and plat maps, particularly pertaining to lands owned by the Bell, Denny and Boren families, including the original plat of Belltown, and the land deed transferring property from Carson Boren to William Bell for the residence on the site of the Hoge Building. The collection also includes tax statements and receipts and other legal documents; ephemera, including a number of calling cards and invitations collected by the Bell family; materials on the Bellevue Hotel (built by William Bell in 1890) and on President Harrison's visit to Seattle in 1891; and a biography of William N. Bell and a family genealogy, written by Bell's daughter Mary Virginia Bell Hall.
Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top
William Nathaniel Bell (1817-1887) and his wife, Sarah Ann (Peter) Bell (1819-1856) arrived at Alki Beach in present-day West Seattle with the Denny party and other pioneers on the schooner Exact in 1851. The Bells, settling north of the future downtown area in what would become known as "Belltown," helped to establish the new "Town of Seattle."
Sarah Ann Bell was seriously ill when Indians attacked Seattle on January 26, 1856 in the "Battle of Seattle." Bell decided to move his ailing wife and his children to California. Though Sarah died in California that same year, Bell did not return to Seattle until 1870. He sold some of his now-valuable real estate, built the Bellevue Hotel at the corner of First Avenue and Battery Street, and engaged in other businesses, including developing Belltown, where his son Austin Bell had lived for years. Virginia and Olive streets are named for two of Bell's daughters, and Stewart Street honors Olive's husband, Joseph H. Stewart.
The Bells had seven children: Martha Ann Bell (1840-1848); Laura Kriziah Bell Coffman (1842-1887); Susan Francis Bell (1844-1845): Olive Julia Bell Stewart (born 1846 and married to Joseph Stewart); Mary Virginia Bell Hall (born 1847 and married to George Hall); Albina Lavisa Bell (died in infancy in 1857); and Austin Armenius Bell (1854-1889).
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Alternative Forms Available
View selections from the collection in digital format by clicking on the camera icons in the inventory below.
Restrictions on Use
The Museum of History & Industry is the owner of the materials in the Sophie Frye Bass Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from MOHAI before any reproduction use. The museum does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.
Preferred Citation
Robert Roblee Collection of William N. Bell family materials, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Arrangement
Arranged in 9 series:
- Biographical material
- Photographs
- Maps and drawings
- Legal and business documents
- Certificates
- Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence
- Bellevue Hotel
- President Benjamin Harrison's trip to Seattle
- Ephemera
Location of Collection
3a.4.6-7 (Boxes 1-4)Location of Collection
1a.4.20 (Box 5-oversize)Location of Collection
VIII.a.7 (oversized map)Custodial History
Collection was originally from Virginia Bell Hall.
Acquisition Information
Donor: Robert Roblee, October 2008
Processing Note
Processed in 2008.
A folder of biographical materials was found in 2014 and added to Box 4. The folder include lineages of the Bell family, and photocopies of Abstracts of Title, clippings and other materials.
Separated Materials
These materials are part of a donation that also included a number of artifacts. These artifacts are cataloged and stored separately by MOHAI's Collections Department. A complete inventory of the collection artifacts is also available in the Library.
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
Biographical materialReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/15 | 2008.54.101: Typescript biography of William N. Bell and family genealogy, written by
daughter Virginia Bell Hall 4 pages
|
1916 January |
| 4/4 | Lineage documents, family trees, and clippings |
undated |
Photographs, circa 1880-1920Return to Top
37 photographs
Most of the photographs are mounted on cards (5" x 8.5").
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box/Folder | ||
| 1/1 | 2008.54.1: Albumen cabinet card of Colton and Crocker mansions on California Street,
San Francisco
California View Co. , San Francisco (publisher)
5" x 8"
|
circa 1880 |
| 1/2 | 2008.54.2: Albumen cabinet card of Mary A. (Mrs. Arthur A.) Denny
Silva's International Gallery , San Francisco (photographer)
|
circa 1870s |
| 1/3 | 2008.54.3: Woman, probably Emily Inez Denny oval, 4" x 3"
|
circa 1890 |
| 1/4 | 2008.54.4: Carte-de-visite of George W. Hall
George Moore , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
|
circa late 1800s |
| 1/5 | 1869 July 23 | |
| 1/6 | 2008.54.6: Photogravure of Emily Inez Denny |
circa early 1900s |
| 1/7 | 2008.54.7: Cabinet card of unidentified man
New York and Dore , San Francisco
|
undated |
| 1/8 | 2008.54.8-9: Margaret Lenora Denny residence on Boren Avenue, Seattle
Mary (Mrs. Arthur A) Denny moved in with her daughter Lenora after her husband died. One of the images
shows three women in front of the residence.
|
undated |
| 1/9 | 2008.54.10: Unidentified woman |
circa 1920 |
| 1/10 | 2008.54.11: Olive Bell Stewart, William Bell's daughter
Morse , San Francisco (photographer)
|
undated |
| 1/11 | 2008.54.12: Signed cabinet card of Arthur A. Denny
M.P. Rice , Washington D.C.
Taken when Denny served in the legislature.
|
circa 1860s |
| 1/12 | 2008.54.13: Cabinet card of a Catholic school
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
|
circa 1888 |
| 1/13 | 2008.54.14: Unmounted cabinet size photograph of Margaret Lenora Denny home on Boren
Avenue |
undated |
| 1/14 | 2008.54.15: Stereocard of family at Gordon Creek, Yale, British Columbia
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
|
circa late 1880s |
| 1/15 | 2008.54.16: View from First Hill toward Elliott Bay before Seattle fire
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
Showing Central School, tower of Sisters of Providence Hospital, James McNaught home, Denny Hill after
having been clear-cut logged; old Territorial University on Denny's Knoll, and Madison Street before the trolley line
was built.
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/16 | 2008.54.17: View of city from roof of Central School looking north, with 7th Avenue
on right, Queen Anne Hill, and Lake Union and Western Mill in distance
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/17 | 2008.54.18: David Denny's Western Mill Company at the south end of Lake Union,
looking southeast, Seattle |
circa 1888 |
| 1/18 | 2008.54.19: View from Denny Hill down 3rd Avenue at intersection of Pike
Street
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
Showing Arthur Denny's home at 1st and Union; Territorial University on knoll with circle of trees;
Young Naturalist's Club (founded 1885, predecessor to Burke Museum); Providence Hospital; Beacon Hill; tide lands near
Yesler Wharf stretching to Beacon Hill; tracks of Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad.
|
circa 1887 |
| 1/19 | 2008.54.20-21: Two photographs comprising a panorama view from Denny Hill from 3rd
Avenue
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
Includes buildings identified in .19 as well as Holy Names Academy; both McNaught homes; King Street
Coal Wharf; Yesler's Wharf with logging mill; tide flats; 2nd Avenue with horse car tracks; Brown's pavilion; and the
first home of Plymouth Congregational Church.
|
circa 1887 |
| 1/20 | 2008.54.22-23: Two photographs comprising a panorama of King Street Coal Works, showing
wharves, sailing ships and Ballast Island
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/21 | 2008.54.24: Men in front of huge logs on rails to Stetson & Post Lumber Mill,
Beacon Hill and Holy Names Academy in distance
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/22 | 2008.54.25: View of Seattle from King Street Coal Works trestle
Judkins , Seattle, W.T. (photographer)
Showing (left to right): McNaught mansions, Providence Hospital, Central School, and Coppin's Water
Works. Also shows the Felker House, first clapboard house in Seattle, built around 1854-1855, Our Lady of Good Health
Catholic Church at 3rd and Washington Streets, the old County Building, Yesler Mansion, and the Arlington House
Hotel.
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/23 | 2008.54.26: Sidewheel steamer Olympian at Columbia and
Puget Sound Railroad Company dock |
circa 1880s |
| 1/24 | 2008.54.27: King Street Coal Works docks, showing Northern Pacific rail cars on
tracks
Visible in distance: Occidental Hotel, New England Hotel, Squire's Opera House, Central School and
Coppin's Water Works
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/25 | 2008.54.28: Columbia & Puget Sound Railroad dock with steamers at dock, including
sidewheeler steamer Mexico
Visible in distance: Central School, Territorial University, McNaught mansion and Frye Opera House
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/26 | 2008.54.29: Columbia & Puget Sound Railroad dock and Yesler's wharf and mill
pond, Denny Hill on left |
circa 1880s |
| 1/27 | 2008.54.30: Columbia & Puget Sound Railroad dock with view of city
behind
Judkins , Seattle (photographer)
Visible in distance: Yesler-Leary building, Occidental Hotel, Central School, Yesler Mansion, Baptist
Church, Coppin's waterworks and Columbia, James and Cherry Streets
|
circa 1880s |
| 1/28 | 2008.54.31: Seattle waterfront at Columbia and Madison, with sailboats and Frye's
Opera House in background
Also visible: Central School, Stetson-Post Building at 2nd and Marion, First Presbyterian Church,
Territorial University and Washington Boat Works
|
circa 1886 |
| 1/29 | 2008.54.32: McNaught mansion at 4th Avenue and Spring Street
Judkins , Seattle (photographer)
|
circa 1885 |
| 1/30 | 2008.54.33: Yesler-Leary building at First Avenue and Yesler Way
Judkins , Seattle (photographer)
|
circa 1885 |
| 1/31 | 2008.54.34: Holy Names Academy at 7th Avenue and Jackson Street
Judkins , Seattle (photographer)
|
circa 1885 |
| box-folder:oversize | ||
| 4/1 | 2008.54.35-37: New Washington Hotel photographs 3 photographs
Three photographs, one with the menu for January 28, 1913 printed on verso, from the New Washington
Hotel. Photographs depict the Boulevard along Lake Washington, a view of a fisherman "Fishing in the Skykomish," and a
dirt road "Washington Forest on the Road to Mount Rainier." All on printed on front with "Copyright 1910. The New
Washington Hotel, Seattle, U.S.A."
|
1913 |
Maps and drawings, 1871-1892Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| box-folder:oversize | ||
| 4/2 | 2008.54.38: "Plat of an addition to the Town of Seattle"
Photocopy of original
Photocopy of re-recording of original map of portion of Seattle laid out on claims of Carson Boren,
Arthur Denny, and Henry Yesler, showing area bounded by Seneca and Jefferson Streets and Front Street and Tenth Avenue.
Includes donation made by C.D. Boren for the Puget Sound University, between Columbia and Seneca and Sixth and Tenth;
due to lack of funds, however, this institution was never built and the land reverted to Boren.
|
1875 March 18 |
| 4/2 | 2008.54.39: Plat of Bell and Denny claim
Photocopy of re-recording of original map, which was signed by Probate Judge Thomas Mercer and dated
August 16, 1858. Shows a portion of the Seattle laid out on the land claims of William Bell and Arthur A. Denny, from
Broad to Battery Streets and Third Street and Front Street.
|
1875 March 18 |
| 4/2 | 2008.54.40: "A Plat of the First Addition" laid off by William N. Bell and Arthur A.
Denny
Photocopy of re-recording of original map, original signed by Probate Judge David Denny and dated July
9, 1870. Shows L-shaped area bounded by Fourth Street and Bell on the outside, and Third Street and Battery on the
inside.
|
1875 February 28 |
| 4/2 | 2008.54.41: "A Plat of the Second Addition" laid off by William N. Bell and Arthur A.
Denny
Photocopy of re-recording of original map, original signed by A.A. Denny and dated July 9, 1870. Shows
area bounded by Broadway and Bell Streets, and Fourth and Sixth Streets.
|
1871 November 20 |
| 4/2 | 2008.42: "Plat of an Addition to the Town of Seattle, Washington Territory, laid
off by the heirs of Sarah A. Bell (deceased)"
Photocopy of re-recording of original map, original dated April 8, 1872. Shows property bounded by
Eighth and Fourth Streets and Pine and Lenora Streets.
|
1875 April 30 |
"Plat of the Second Addition, City of Seattle, As Laid Off by the Heirs
of Sarah A. Bell (deceased)"
S.C. Harris (draughstman)
1 photocopy of original plat map (2 hand drawn versions of map) 14.75 x 23.5 inches
2 versions of plat map of Bell property; one is hand-drawn and colored, the other seems to be earlier
and is in ink, with a manuscript deed on verso; this second version is in poor condition, rolled and in multiple
pieces.
|
1875 December | |
| box-folder:oversize | ||
| 4/2 | 2008.54.43: Photocopy
Photocopy of map showing original plat of Belltown, a portion of donation claims of William N. Bell
and Arthur A. Denny, bounded by Bell and Pike Streets (including Pine, Olive, Howell, Stewart, Virginia and Lenora
Streets), and 4th and 14th Streets.
|
1875 December |
| map-drawer | ||
| VIII.a.7 | 2008.54.44: Hand-drawn and colored map
Hand drawn and colored plat map including names of members of Bell family for each property
|
1875 December |
| box-folder:oversize | ||
| 4/2 | 2008.54.45: Hand-drawn map
This version of the map seems to have been made earlier and is in ink, with a manuscript deed on
verso. This second version is in poor condition and unavailable for use.
|
1875 December |
| box-folder:oversize | ||
| 4/2 | 2008.54.46: "Plat of the Third Addition to that part of the City of Seattle, W.T.
heretofore laid by A.A. Denny and William N. Bell, and situated on the Donation Claim of William N. Bell and lying
between Front and Fourth Sts. and south of Bell Street"
Photocopy of original. Original signed by William Bell
|
1876 October 26 |
| 4/2 | 2008.54.47: "Plat of the 4th Addition to the City of Seattle as laid of by Wm. N.
Bell" 1 blueprint
Showing a portion of Bell's donation claim, a triangle of property circumscribed by Elliott Bay, Depot
Street (now Denny Way) and Lake Avenue
|
1881 December 31 |
| 4/2 | 2008.54.48: "Proposed plan of improvement for Salmon Bay Harbor"
Copy of drawing showing Puget Sound, Ballard, warehouses and grain elevators.
|
1892 November |
Legal and business documents, 1858-1894Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
Surveyor's notes |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 2/1 | 2008.54.49: "Copy of Field Notes of W.A. Bell's Donation Land Claim in Township 25
N. Ranges 3 & 4 East," signed by W.M. Micken, Surveyor General of Washington Territory
Copy of notes from a survey of Bell's property conducted on January 26, 1861
|
1881 |
| 2/1 | 2008.54.50: "Notes of Survey of Exterior Lines of Corners" of property for Seattle
Lodge No. 7 I.O.O.F., handwritten by surveyor Philip G. Eastwick, with small hand-drawn map showing location of the
property, with wagon road and Smith Cove drawn in. |
1879 April 4 |
Warranty deeds |
||
| box:oversize | ||
| 5 | 2008.54.51: Carson Boren manuscript deed for sale of a block of land to William N.
Bell, signed by Boren, notary public Charles Plummer and witness Edmund Carr.
Framed.
Deed is on thin blue paper, measuring 10.5 x 16.25 inches. The deed is for a block of property at the
corner of 2nd Avenue and Cherry Street sold for $360.
|
1858 April 16 |
| Box/Folder | ||
| 2/2 | 2008.54.52: William Hedges deed to George M. Hall and J.H. Dicker, signed by Hedges
(with an x), James McNaught, and John T. McGilvra |
1870 March 12 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.53: William B. Bell deed to A.A. Denny, signed by William and Isabella
Bell, John J. McGilvra and James McNaught |
1870 June 7 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.54: William B. Bell deed to A.A. Denny, signed by William and Isabella
Bell, John J. McGilvra and James McNaught (different property from above) |
1870 June 7 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.55: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur
and Mary Denny, David Denny, L.G. Boren and G.A. Kellogg |
1872 February 29 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.56: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur
and Mary Denny, David Denny, L.G. Boren (different property from above) |
1872 February 29 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.57: William Bell deed to George W. Hall, signed by William N. Bell, Mrs. V.
Bell and David T. Denny |
1872 March 28 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.58: William Bell deed to Tracy S. Harris signed by William Bell, John Leary
and Irving Ballard |
1872 April 9 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.59: George W. and Mary V. Hall, William Bell, Austin Bell, Laura Coffman
and Olive and Joseph Stewart deed to Dexter Horton and Arthur A. Denny, signed by David Denny, probate judge. George
and Mary Hall and William Bell |
1972 December 24 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.60: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur
and Mary Denny, R.H. Denny and G.H. Kellogg |
1873 January 8 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.61: George W. and Mary V. Hall and William Bell (as attorney for Olive
Stewart and Laura Coffman, and guardian of Austin Bell) deed to William Bell, signed by the Halls and Bell |
1873 February 27 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.62: George W. and Mary V. Hall and William Bell (as attorney for Olive
Stewart and Laura Coffman), and William and Lucy Bell deed to Austin Bell, minor heir (under guardianship of William
Bell) |
1873 February 27 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.63: Certificate of Purchase for Lots 7 and 8 in Block 26, Bell's addition
purchased by William N. Bell for $6.96, signed and sealed by S. Harris, King County Treasurer, Washington
Territory |
1874 July 27 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.64: Carson Boren sale of land to William Bell, singed by Boren, Roswell
Scott and M.W. Booth |
1875 March 22 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.65: William Bell manuscript deed to W.G. Curtis, written and signed by
Bell |
1877 June 20 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.66: William Bell manuscript deed to P.J. Quealy, signed by Bell |
1878 August 5 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.67: Olive J. and Joseph A. Stewart deed to Austin Bell, signed by William
Bell, Attorney A. MacIntosh and William H. Reeves |
1879 October 23 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.68: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur
and Mary Denny, R.H. Denny and Roswell Scott |
1880 April 39 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.69: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to William N. Bell, signed by Arthur
and Mary Denny, Roswell Scott and B.F. Briggs |
1881 December 23 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.70: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to Mary V. Hall, signed by Arthur and
Mary Denny, Charles Denny, Roswell Scott and J.C. Harris, auditor |
1882 February 3 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.71: George W. and Mary V. Hall deed to Alfred Gorton signed by George and
Mary Hall, John J. McGilvra and J.K. Rothwell, Jr. |
1884 May 3 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.72: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny deed to David T. Denny and Austin A. Bell,
signed by Arthur and Mary Denny, C.L. Denny, R.M. Hopkins and Lyman Wood, auditor |
1887 October 22 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.73: George W. Hall lease to Russell & McKay, signed by George and Mary
Hall, Perkins Russell and Robert S. MacKay |
1878 September 8 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.74: Arthur A. and Mary A. Denny quit claim deed to Mary V. Hall, signed by
Arthur and Mary Denny, M.L. Denny and Lee DeVries, notary public |
1892 March 11 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.75: Olive J. Stewart (widow), William and Jessie Coffman, Alice and Charles
Allmond, Annie L and Edward H. Reynolds, Mamie O. and L.R. Dawson, and Walter Coffman deed to Mary V. Hall |
1893 |
| 2/2 | 2008.54.76: Walter and Jessie Cooffman, sale of land to Mary V. Hall, singed by Mr.
and Mrs. Coffman and two witnesses |
1894 April 14 |
Statements and receipts |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 2/3 | 2008.54.77: Property tax statements and receipts approximately 38 items
Property tax and other receipts for William Bell's properties, to William Bell, Mary and George Hall
or Austin Bell; also includes receipt for rent collected for Bell, and receipts for insurance on buildings owned by
Bell.
|
circa 1880-1895 |
| 2/4 | 2008.54.78: Receipts for goods and services purchased byWilliam N. Bell 20 items
Receipts to various early Seattle vendors for goods or services all made out to William N. Bell.
Businesses include several for Schwabacher Brothers & Co., Hans Nelson, teamster for hauling, Edgar Bryan, Belltown
Cash Store for groceries, Charles Baker, cash grocer, Stetson & Post for lumber and other building materials,
Oregon Improvement Company and F.M. Thomas.
|
1878-1885 |
| 2/5 | 2008.54.79: Receipts-William N. Bell 26 items
Largely receipts for payments made by William N. Bell, or Austin Bell for William Bell, for wages,
services and other expenses. Also includes a receipt for rents collected for Bell by Thomas Wood on Bell's various
properties, and an October 16, 1880 memorandum from A.A. Denny noting the transfer of 67 shares of stock in the Seattle
and Walla Walla Railroad to Denny from William N. Bell.
|
1881-1887 |
| 3/1 | 2008.54.80: Receipts-George Hall 15 items
Receipts to various vendors, also deposit slips and cancelled checks from Dexter Horton & Co.
Bankers, all signed or made out to George Hall.
|
1888-1893 |
Miscellaneous legal and business papers |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 2/6 | 2008.54.81: "Petition for Distribution of Real Estate, Heirs and Surviving husband
of Sarah Ann Bell, deceased"
Manuscript document to Waldo York, probate court judge of King County, petitioning for the
distribution of Sarah Bell's Seattle properties among her children and husband, signed by William N. Bell, George Hall
and Mary V. Hall.
|
1873 January 15 |
| 2/6 | 2008.54.82: "Guardianship of Austin A. Bell"
Manuscript letter signed by David T. Denny, King County Probate Court Judge, appointing William N.
Bell guardianship of "the person and property" of his son Austin A. Bell.
|
1870 July 27 |
| 2/6 | 2008.54.83: Letter from State of Washington Commissioner of Public Lands offering
for sale to Mary Hall tide lands at foot of Vine Street along Railroad Avenue 3 pages
|
undated |
| 2/6 | 2008.54.84: Deed with Seattle Lodge silver stamp and seal of Washington Territory
Notary Public, certifying that William Bell has purchased a cemetery plot at the Odd Fellows cemetery |
1881 May |
CertificatesReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/2 | 2008.54.85: Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Seattle lodge, "visiting" certificate
issued toWilliam N. Bell recommending admission in other Odd Fellow lodges
Writing on verso notes that Bell visited lodges in Peoria and Lebanon, Illinois in May 1882.
|
1882 April 1 |
| 3/2 | 2008.54.86: Certificates of Election for George W. Hall's election as councilman of
the Common Council of the City of Seattle 2 certificates
|
1885 July 26; 1889 July 28 |
Mary Virginia Bell Hall correspondence, Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/4 | 2008.54.88.1-4: Postcards
4 postcards addressed to Virginia Bell Hall, from friends. Cards depict Manila, Venice, Hong Kong and
the Denny monument at Alki.
|
undated |
| 3/4 | 2008.54.88.5: Letter addressed to Virginia Bell Hall from Lillie Millar, on black
bordered stationery, addressed "My Dear Friend Jennie" |
undated |
| 3/4 | 2008.54.88.6: Letter from First National Bank of Stamford, Connecticut, regarding
duplicate of check destroyed in San Francisco fire |
1906 November 16 |
| 3/4 | 2008.54.88.7: Letter to Mary V. Bell accompanying gift |
1878 May 18 |
Bellevue Hotel, Return to Top
The Bellevue Hotel was built by William N. Bell at the corner of Front and Battery Streets in Seattle, and finished in 1890.
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box/Folder | ||
| 2/7 | 2008.54.89.1: Illustrated card advertising the Bellevue Hotel |
undated |
| 2/7 | 2008.54.89.2: Typewritten inventory of property in the Bellevue Hotel 15 pages
Details all furniture, carpeting, drapery, stoves, chamber pots, beds, etc. in each of the hotel's 95
rooms, offices hallways, bar room, linen room, and uninventoried furniture.
|
undated |
| 2/7 | 2008.54.89.3: "Statement of cost of Hotel built by W. S. Hoffan for W. N.
Bell"
Handwritten statement of the cost of building the Bellevue Hotel, listing lumber, windows, lettering,
paints, tin work, hardware, plumbing, roofing, etc. The total cost for the elaborate 95 room hotel was $30,230,
084.
|
undated |
President Benjamin Harrison's visit to Seattle, 1891 May 6Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/5 | 2008.54.90.1-2: Letters from Seattle Mayor Harry White appointing Mary V. and George W.
Hall to the reception committee for Harrison's visit 2 letters
|
1891 May 1 |
| 3/5 | 2008.54.90.3-4: Letters from Douglas Young, on Mayor's office stationery 2 letters in one envelope
One letter requesting Hall's Committee to receive visiting Municipal officials, the other listing
members of Committee chaired by Hall, and appointed to raise money to defray expenses of reception of the Presidential
party.
|
1891 April 21 |
| 3/5 | 2008.54.90.5: Menu and two round trip tickets for presidential reception on board
steamer City of Seattle between Tacoma and Seattle |
1891 May |
| 3/5 | 2008.54.90.6: Invitation to accompany City Council on steamer Willamette, to escort Presidential party to Seattle harbor. |
1891 May 2 |
| 3/5 | 2008.54.90.7-8: Souvenir Program for President Harrison's reception, with 2 copies of
program, on paper and on silk, in leather covers embossed with "Mrs. G.W. Hall"
Guests include President and Mrs. Harrison, Postmaster General and Mrs. Wanamaker, other federal
officials, and Seattle party including Mayor White, Council President George Hall, Messrs. Brainerd, Greene, A.A.
Denny, Holman, E.L. Terry and others
|
1891 May |
Ephemera, Return to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
Wedding invitations and announcements
Dates refer to wedding dates. Many of the items are in envelopes addressed to Mr. and Mrs. George
Hall
|
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.1: Charles L. Denny and Viretta Chambers, Olympia, Washington
Printed card in original envelope
|
1887 June 15 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.2: Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Denny (Alice M. Kellogg)
Announcement in original envelope, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
1877 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.3: Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Reynolds (Mary Meydenbauer)
Announcement in original envelope
|
circa 1880s |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.4: Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Wallingford, invitation to marriage of their daughter
Emma I. to William D. Wood, Napa, California
Printed invitation sent to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
1883 June 27 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.5: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Burke (Carrie L. McGilvra) announcement
Addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall
|
1879 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.6: Mrs. Virginia Bell Hall, announcement of wedding of daughter Olive
Virginia to Lyman Talcott D. Banks, Seattle, with reception at Wing Point, Eagle Harbor
In original envelope
|
1912 April 5 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.7: Mr. and Mrs. George R. Finn
Printed invitation sent to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
1879 November 26 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.8: E.H. Reynolds and Annie L. Coffman
Trifold with 2 small envelopes containing names of bride and groom, separated at one fold, in original
envelope.
|
1888 January 5 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.9: Henry W. Miller and Lillian G. Potvin
Card with invitation sent to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
1890 October 15 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.10: Frank Hanford and Anna Evelyn Wait, Canby, Oregon
With reception card for Seattle, W.T. In original envelope.
|
1886 October 20 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.11: Mrs. Mary V. MacDonald, wedding reception invitation for her daughter
Theresa
Addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
1877 January 9 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.12: T.R. Pumphrey and Daisy Holman
In envelope with calling card, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
1888 January 24 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.13: A.B. Stewart and May E. Martin
In envelope with calling card, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
1884 January 29 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.14: Mr. and Mrs. Henry K. Hall, invitation to marriage of their daughter
Nellie to Fred E. Sander |
1883 January 25 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.15: Mrs. L.R. Johns, invitation to marriage of daughter, Seattle,
W.T. |
1875 August 9 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.16: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur B. Merrill (Fannie Low)
Envelope addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall.
|
circa 1880s |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.17: Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Willey, Jr. (Lottie Harmon), Seattle,
W.T,
Cards in envelope.
|
1883 November 19 |
| 3/6 | 2008.54.91.18: L.S. McLure and Ella Tibbits, Trinity Church, Seattle, W.T.
With calling cards and reception notice in envelope.
|
1880 July 15 |
Death announcements |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/7 | 2008.54.92.1: Memorial service program for Dr. Thomas T. Minor, G. Morris Haller and
E. Louis Cox, drowned December 2, 1889 off Whidbey Island |
1889 |
| 3/7 | 2008.54.92.2: Ruth F. Kellam, died January 8, 1908, funeral on January 10 |
1908 |
Calling cards and invitations |
||
Calling cards 13 calling cards
|
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.1: Virginia Bell Hall |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.2: Mr. & Mrs. R.R. Bell and Miss Eva L. Davis, calling cards in
envelope addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hall |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.3: J. Crawford, John Leary, M.A. Kelly, G. Renciu (?), signed calling
card |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.4: Miss Lenora M. Denny 3 copies
|
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.5: Mrs. O.O. Denny |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.6: Charles Frasch, small calling card in envelope |
1882 |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.7: Mrs. Helen M. Hunt, signed in ink |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.8: Mrs. Samuel Kenney, black border widow's calling card |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.9: Mrs. William Nye Redfield, printed with name and address "802 Twelfth
St." and "Thursday" |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.10: Mrs. Chas. Prosch, printed with name and address "611 Ninth
Street" |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.11: Mrs. Thos. W. Prosch, signed in ink "Miss Prosch" |
undated |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.12: W.H. Pumphrey |
1880 |
| 3/8 | 2008.54.93.13: Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sohns and Ida J. Plummer, calling cards in
envelope, Sohn's card printed with "Seattle, W.T." |
undated |
New Year's calling cards
Calling card featuring New Year's greeting in graphics and/or type
|
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.1: Handwritten calling card of Brookes, Bryant, Jennings |
1881 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.2: S.L Crawford; "Intelligencer" printed in lower right corner of
card |
1881 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.3: G. Davies |
1882 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.4: Mrs. Mary Ann Denny and Miss Margaret Lenora Denny, Christmas and New
Year card with Denny coat of arms printed on card
With original envelope addressed the Mrs. Virginia Hall in San Francisco
|
1910 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.5: Chas. Evans, Alonzo [illeg.], Van Wyckoff, Nicholas S. Snyder
handwritten on card |
1880s |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.6: Charles Frasch and William L. Lindsley, trifold card |
circa 1875 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.7: Charles Frasch and William L. Lindsley |
circa 1882 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.8: Harry Lott and Thomas Pearce |
1880s |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.9: Z.C. Miles |
1880s |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.10: Chas. Prosch written in pencil on card |
undated |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.11: T.R. Pumphrey Chromolithograph card
|
undated |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.12: W.H. Pumphrey, U.M.. Rasin, L.S. McLure |
1880 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.13: H.G. Struve, E.L. Smith, W.H. Belton |
1883 |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.14: Ed. L. Terry and Nicholas S. Snyder printed on card, Geo. L. Hill,
J.O. Harris handwritten on card |
1880s |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.15: J.D. Van Buren |
1880s |
| 3/9 | 2008.54.94.16: Joint New Year's cards from Henry Yesler, Bailey Gatzert and Moses R.
Maddocks 4 cards
These three good friends sent out joint, humorous and highly decorated New Year's card every year
for at least nineteen years.
|
1880-1883 |
Invitations |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/10 | 2008.54.95.1: "At home" invitation from Mr. and Mrs. James McNaught for their "Tin
Wedding" anniversary |
1881 November 29 |
| 3/10 | 2008.54.95.2: Old Folks' Hop at Squire's Opera House, Seattle
Invitation addressed to G.W. Hall Esq., in original envelope
|
1880 January 20th |
| 3/10 | 2008.54.95.3: "Receive friends" invitation from Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Yesler
In original envelope addressed to "Mr. Geo. W. Hall & wife"
|
circa 1880 |
| 3/10 | 2008.54.95.4: "At home" invitation from Mrs. G.W. Boardman and Miss Boardman, 14th
and Seneca
Handwritten invitation in original envelope addressed to Mayor and Mrs. Hall
|
1892 February 19 |
| 3/10 | 2008.54.95.5: "Receive friends" invitation from Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Whitworth, corner
4th and Seneca Streets |
1881 April 28 |
Miscellaneous ephemera |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/12 | 2008.54.97.1: Pass for George Hall for "all ports till further orders," by order of
Col. J.C. Haines and W.T. Sharpe
This is possibly related to the aftermath of the Great Seattle Fire in 1889, when the city was guarded
by the military, under the command of Colonel Haines.
|
|
| 3/12 | 2008.54.97.2-10: Envelopes 9 envelopes
Postmarked, stamped empty envelopes addressed the Mr. and/or Mrs. Geo. W. Hall or William N. Bell in
Seattle.
|
1880s |
| box-folder:oversize | ||
| 4/3 | 2008.54.100: Clippings |
|
| box-folder:oversize | ||
| 4/3 | The Argus, vol. 6, no. 46 44 pages
Numerous photographs, drawings and portraits of Seattle people, places and historical figures.
|
1899 December 28 |
| 4/3 | The Argus, vol. 8, no. 46 44 pages
Many photographs, including page of Curtis photos of Seattle Indian's and a bird's-eye view of
Seattle
|
1901 December 21 |
| 4/3 | Bell's Centennial Advertiser, published
by Austin Bell 4 pages
Front page includes a history of Seattle
|
1876 July 4 |
| 4/3 | New York Daily Graphic, pages
489-492
Includes illustrated feature on Seattle, including description and history.
|
1888 May 4 |
| 4/3 | New York Herald reprint of April 15, 1865
issue of assassination of Abraham Lincoln |
1901 September 18 |
| 4/3 | North Seattle Advocate, vol.1 no.
17
Seattle first suburban newspaper(?)
|
1888 October 1 |
| 4/3 | Seattle Daily Chronicle, vol. 8, no.
103
Feature article on death of Ulysses S. Grant
|
1885 August 8 |
| 4/3 | Seattle Post-Intelligencer 4 items
|
circa 1900; 1888 October 4; 1889 April 10; 1890 November 9 |
| 4/3 | University of Washington Daily, vol. 20,
no. 66, showing front page photo of Mary Ann (Mrs. A.A.) Denny with her death announcement |
1911 January 4 |
| 4/3 | The Weekly Intelligencer,
Seattle 2 items
|
1872 February 26; 1874 November 28 |
| 4/3 | The West Shore, vol. 10, no.
6
Includes many advertisements, several woodcuts of Seattle scenes, homes, businesses, and hotels
(including Bell's Hotel).
|
1884 June |
| 4/3 | Daily Intelligencer |
1877 March 2 |
| 4/3 | The Intelligencer |
1874 November 28 |
| 4/3 | Seattle Daily Times |
1888 October 2 |
| 4/3 | Seattle Times "Now & Then" feature by
Paul Dorpat--"House with a Past"
Article about a house on the corner of Second and Columbia, probably built by William Bell, who owned
that property.
|
2007 January 28 |
Programs |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/11 | 2008.54.96.1: Souvenir program for
Camille starring Agnes Lane at Cordray's New Theater, Seattle |
1891 March 23 |
| 3/11 | 2008.54.96.2:
The Critic, official program for the Seattle Opera House
Program contains many advertisements for Territorial period businesses. Program is for performances of
Lucia Di Lammermoor,
Il Trovatore, and
La Traviata.
|
1890 November 7-8 |
Books |
||
| Box/Folder | ||
| 3/13 | 2008.54.98: The Seattle Spirit by L. Byrd Mock,
Seattle
Book is inscribed to Virginia Bell Hall from Mary L. Denny. 136 pages, including 2 folding maps and
several photographs.
|
1911 |
| 3/14 | 2008.54.99: Hoge Building Flashes
5-page bi-monthly booklet intended for the tenants of the Hoge building, includes a history of the
Hoge Building, built in 1911 on property originally owned by Carson Boren at the corner of Second Avenue and Cherry
Street.
|
1926 May |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Deeds--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Pioneers-Washington (State)--Seattle
- Plat maps--Washington (State)--Seattle
Personal Names
- Bell, Austin A., 1854-1889
- Hall, Mary Virginia Bell, b.1847
- Stewart, Olive Bell, b. 1846
Geographical Names
- Belltown (Seattle, Wash.)
- United States--Washington (State)--Seattle
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Bell, William N. (William Nathaniel), 1817-1887 (creator)
Finding aid prepared by Jody Hendrickson
2010
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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