Nathan Eckstein papers, 1857-1943

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Eckstein, Nathan, 1873-1945
Title
Nathan Eckstein papers
Dates
1857-1943 (inclusive)
Quantity
.42 cubic feet (1 box)
Collection Number
0109 (Accession No. 0109-001)
Summary
Personal correspondence, memorabilia, clippings and other materials documenting Eckstein's activities and interests. Nathan Eckstein (1873-1945) was a Seattle Jewish civic and business leader.
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

Open to all users.

Additional Reference Guides

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Nathan Eckstein was born on January 10, 1873, in Bavaria, Germany. In 1888, he came to New York and worked in the wholesale grocery business. He married Mina Schwabacher in 1902 and the two moved to Seattle, where Eckstein entered into business with his Schwabacher in-laws and eventually succeeded Bailey Gatzert as president of Schwabacher Bros. & Co.

Eckstein was a member of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle School Board (twice serving as president), and many other civic and cultural organizations. Also active in Seattle's Jewish Community, Eckstein served on the board of congregation Temple De Hirsch and was its second president.

Nathan Eckstein's long record of service to the civic, social, and cultural life of Seattle earned him the title "Seattle's most useful citizen" in 1926.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains Eckstein's personal correspondence, memorabilia, clippings and other materials documenting his activities and interests. It also includes Schwabacher Bros. & Co. financial and other documents.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Some restrictions exist on duplication, quotation, or publication. Contact the repository for details.

Preferred Citation

[Title of item], [date of item if known], [box/folder number], [Nathan Eckstein Papers], [Accession No. 0109-001], University of Washington Libraries.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Arranged into two series:

  • Personal Papers
  • Schwabacher Bros. & Co. Records

Acquisition Information

Gift of Joanna Eckstein.

Processing Note

The collection is a merger of two accessions: 0109-001 and 0109-002. Accession 0109-002 contained photocopies of newpaper clippings and has been interfiled with accession 0109-001.

11 Photographs were relocated to PH Coll 749 in Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries, in 1982.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Personal PapersReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Correspondence
Letters are arranged chronologically.
Box/Folder
1/1
Correspondence 1910-1926
Correspondents include the Seattle Carnival Association, Henry Suzzallo, Washington State Governor Louis F. Hart, and Quartermaster General W. H. Hart.
1910-1926
1/2
Correspondence 1927-1929
Correspondents include Washington State Governor Roland H. Hartley, Seattle Mayor Bertha K. Landes, and the Bibliophile Society.
1927-1929
1/3
Correspondence 1932-1943
Correspondents include E.O. Holland, Washington State Governors Clarence D. Martin and Arthur B. Langlie, and Seattle Mayor Earl Millikan. The file also includes the first ticket issued by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, with accompanying letter.
1932-1943
1/4
Letters to Bailey Gatzert
Includes letter regarding dispute between Northern Pacific Railway and the Seattle community.
1880-1889
1/5
Annual new year greeting card from Henty Yesler, Bailey Gatzert, and M.R. Maddocks.
1882-1890
1/6
Collected correspondence
Includes letters to Lieutenant John Hayes of the Iowa infantry, apparently collected by Eckstein.
1862-1870
Stock certificates
Contains stock certificates for many regional companies, including certificate for Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad and Transportation Co. signed by president A.A. Denny.
Box/Folder
1/7
Stock certificates issued to Bailey Gatzert
1870-1889
1/8
Stock certificates
1898-1920
1/9
Stock certificates
1922-1942
Other papers and memorabilia
Box/Folder
1/10
Notes and writings
Includes handwritten music and lyrics for "Happy Are We Tonight Boys"
1/11
Memorabilia
Includes invitation cards, an unused Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition ticket, a labor relations brochure, and a Department of State issued certificate for free passage.
1/12
Ticket to impeachment of Andrew Johnson
Ticket is framed.
1868
1/13
Banquet menus
1879, 1905
1/14
William Seward speech (reprint) on freedom in Kansas
1858
1/15
Ephemera
Includes German propaganda leaflet from WWI and a Seattle Art Museum membership solicitation.
1/16
Newspaper clippings (accession 109-002)
1921-1933
1/17
Miscellaneous publications
Includes a history of the Bank of Manhatten Company and a play script for "The Colonel and his Friends."
1/18
Abstract of Title for lots on Capitol Hill
Contains records of real estate transactions for lots on Capitol Hill, Seattle

Schwabacher Bros. & Co. recordsReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Financial documents
Box/Folder
1/19
Invoices and promissory notes
1857-1874
1/20
Invoices and promissory notes
1876-1880
1/21
Invoices and promissory notes
1881-1884
1/22
Invoices and promissory notes
1886-1915
Other records
1/23
Price list catalog
April 15, 1894
1/24
Federal license to import and distribute green coffee
1918

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Jews

Personal Names

  • Eckstein, Nathan, 1873-1945--Archives
  • Gatzert, Bailey, 1829-1893

Corporate Names

  • Schwabacher Bros. & Company (Seattle, Wash.)

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)