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).
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.
Modern prints of the negatives are available for viewing.
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.
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Glass plate negatives donated by Professor Plein, January 1963.
Processed by Marion Brown, 2008
Original photographs were transferred from the UW Campus file in 2007.
Same photo as 1a; banquet attendees are numbered on the front and identified on back.
The Auditorium was used as Meany Hall until it was demolished in 1965.
The Hoo Hoo House was used as the Faculty Club until it was demolished in 1959.
Machinery Hall was used as the Engineering Building until it was demolished in 1957.
The Oregon State Building was used as the Law building until it was demolished in 1917.
Torn down in 1920.
Before it was demolished on April 1, 1961, the Good Roads Building served as the Forestry Hall and the ROTC 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.
After the AYPE the Oriental Building was used as the Armory. It was torn down in 1920.
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.
The Oriental Building was used as the Armory until it was demolished in 1920.
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.
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.
The two photographs placed together form a panorama.
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.
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.
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.
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.