Seattle Port Commission records, 1899-1960

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Seattle Port Commission
Title
Seattle Port Commission records
Dates
1899-1960 (inclusive)
Quantity
5.52 cubic feet
Collection Number
2148_4230
Summary
Records of the governing body for the Seattle waterfront.
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.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Seattle Port Commission, a publicly-owned governing body for the Seattle waterfront, was established by King County voters in September 1911 for the City's waterfront area. The Commission had the power to authorize and control improvements to Harbor and transportation facilities on the waterfront, to purchase land, to levy property taxes and issue bonds. The first Port Commissioners were Robert Bridges, Hiram Chittenden and Charles Remsberg.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Correspondence, reports, campaign files, and related material.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Organized into 2 accessions:

  • Accession No. 2148-001, Seattle Port Commission records, 1919-1960
  • Accession No. 4230-001, Seattle Port Commission records, 1899-1921

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Accession No. 2148-001: Seattle Port Commission records, 1919-1960Return to Top

3.63 cubic feet

Scope and Content: Correspondence (general, interoffice) 1954-1958, 1960; campaign files and reports.

Subject files within this accession reflect the Seattle Port Commissions's interest in operations at other major ports during the 1930's, particularly San Francisco and New York City. Also documented are proposals to establish 'free' or 'foreign' trade zones in the Port of Seattle. Campaign material from the 1938 Port Commission election provide evidence of the campaigns of John C. Stevenson and Smith M. Wilson. There is also some evidence of Works Progress Administration projects underway in Seattle from 1935 to 1937.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Seattle Port Commission, July 24, 1973

Description
Seattle Port Commission records

Accession No. 4230-001: Seattle Port Commission records, 1899-1921Return to Top

1.89 cubic feet

Scope and Content: Correspondence, reports, related material; 1899-1921.

This accession documents some of the early activities of the Seattle Port Commission and development of the waterfront. Correspondence with the Bush Terminal Company and the Seattle Commercial Club, reflects some of the dispute regarding the Harbor Island Ferry Terminal proposals. Details of improvement schemes for areas including Smith's Cove and the East Waterway, Salmon Bay and the Central Waterfront are also documented. The Robert Bridges subgroup contains evidence of his political interest and activities.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Mrs. Robert Bridges, January 1, 1939.

Description
Seattle Port Commission records

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • City planning--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Harbors--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
  • Waterfronts--Washington (State)--Seattle

Personal Names

  • Ross, J. D. (James Delmage), 1872-1939

Corporate Names

  • Seattle Port Commission--Archives
  • Seattle Port Commission--Officials and employees
  • Seattle Port Commission--Records and correspondence

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Bridges, Robert, d. 1921 (creator)
    • Dill, Clarence C. (Clarence Cleveland), 1884-1978 (creator)
    • Jones, Wesley Livsey, 1863-1932 (creator)
    • Lewis, James, 1863-1939 (creator)
    • Lister, Ernest, 1870-1919 (creator)
    • McAdoo, W. G. (William Gibbs), 1863-1941 (creator)
    • Poindexter, Miles, 1868-1946 (creator)
    • Turner, George, 1850-1932 (creator)
    • Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924 (creator)
    Corporate Names
    • Bogle, Bogle & Gates (Seattle, Wa.) (creator)
    • Central Labor Council of Seattle and Vicinity (creator)
    • National Nonpartisan League. State of Washington (creator)
    • United States. Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works (creator)