The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE) held in Seattle, Washington, was the spectacular result of nearly 10 million dollars and four years of effort. The Klondike Gold Rush made Seattle the dominant city in the Pacific Northwest, as the major supplier to Alaska. The goal of the 1909 AYPE was to show off the growth and development of the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle, and to display the value of commercial trade with the Pacific Rim. When Japan agreed to participate, the AYPE became a truly international, multi-cultural event, which planners of the AYPE hoped would demonstrate cooperation between people from around the world. On a less philosophical level, city officials also hoped that the exposition would encourage people to relocate to the growing metropolis of Seattle.
Officials soon decided on the largely wooded grounds of the University of Washington, situated on Lake Washington, with Mount Rainier visible in the distance. The first $650,000 for the AYPE was raised by proud Seattlites, who bought "shares" of the exposition. Much of the rest was funded by the sale of public lands and by the Washington State legislature, with the understanding that the buildings built for the exposition would become part of the University of Washington at the end of the AYPE. John and Frederick Olmsted, son and stepson of Frederick Law Olmsted, prominent landscape architects in their own right, designed much of the AYPE grounds.
Thanks to two years of planning and the huge sums of money raised, the AYPE grounds and exposition were everything the planners had hoped for. It was a fascinating mix of ethnic diversity and crass commercialism, but it clearly appealed to the people of the United States. Over 80,000 people attended the AYPE on opening day in June 1909, and by closing day (October 16, 1909), 3.7 million people had paid to see attractions such as the Igorrote Village and the Indian and Eskimo exhibits.
Although the Exposition boasted its own official photographer, amateur photographers could purchase a paper permit, allowing access for one day. With the day pass, an amateur photographer with a camera smaller than 6 x 8 inches was allowed to take unlimited photographs of the buildings, exhibits and other features. In February 1909, newspaper articles encouraged Seattle residents to take photographs of the construction and send them "back home" to people outside the city as incentive to attend the upcoming Exposition.
Arranged in 6 series.
Financial and planning records, Cowlitz County exhibit guest book, reminiscence of the organization and management of the Exposition by John E. Chilberg, pamphlets, maps, invitations, menus, clippings, memorabilia, souvenirs, and ephemera related to the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.
Open to all users.
Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.
Daily revenue reports and monthly treasurer's reports addressed to Edmond S. Meany, the University of Washington representative to the Executive Committee.
Shows daily gate receipts, daily revenue from concessions, and daily paid and free admissions.
Reminiscence of the organization and management of the Exposition by John E. Chilberg, the President of the Alaska Yukon Pacific Corporation that oversaw the Exposition.
Donated by Pauline Elwell, 1986-12-29
Scope and Content: White silk shawl purchased by Florence Tustin's grandfather and worn by Tustin at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition.
Donated by Florence Tustin, 1989-07-15
Scope and Content: Commemorative silver-plated Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition spoon. The bottom of the handle on the reverse side is marked with "MB" crossed by mining tools, along with "A1" enclosed in a circle. On the obverse, the handle is decorated with a figure holding the AYP emblem between its right arm and lap. The figure is part of the letter "S" that begins the words "Seattle 09" that appear down the handle. The bowl of the spoon depicts the Manufactures Building, which is also labeled. The reverse of the bowl is blank. The reverse of the handle features the Seattle city skyline from Elliott Bay with a floral motif at its tip, and the words "Seattle 09" at the bottom of the skyline.
Donated by Harry Page, 2007-11-13
Scope and Content: Commemorative gilt-edged Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition plate. The obverse features the words "Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition" along the top in the outer ring, and the words "Seattle Washington 1909" along the bottom in the outer ring. A cluster of three pink roses is on each side of the outer ring. The center ring of the plate depicts the Oregon State Building, which is labeled and painted in a three-quarter view. On the reverse, there is a red rectangular stamp that marks that the plate was "Manufactured Exclusively for the Oregon Commission."
Donated by Paula Freeman, 2008-02-07
Scope and Content: Commemorative Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition fob. Medals are reversible with different images on each side. The top medal has William H. Seward on one side and the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition emblem on the reverse. The second medal has the Forestry Building with the Fine Arts Palace on the reverse. The third medal has the Manufactures Building with the United States Government Building on the reverse. The medals are linked together with chains that meet at the top with a ring, so it could be worn as a watch fob or hung as a display piece.
Donated by Ted Ludgate, 2018-03-22
Scope and Content: Commemorative Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition mug. Mug is white and features the A.Y.P.E. emblem on the side. On the bottom of the mug is printed "Adams Tunstall, England: Made for the Bon Marché, Seattle, Washington."
Donated by Ted Ludgate, 2018-03-22
Scope and Content: Plaque of Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition emblem. Plaque is ceramic and painted gold. It has been damaged and is in approximately 11 pieces. It is 12" in diameter.
Donated by Ted Ludgate, 2018-03-22
Scope and Content: Roll of tear off admission tickets, printed 'Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition: Bureau of Admissions.' Tickets are small and red. Roll is 7.5" in diameter.
Donated by Nancy Siegel, 2016
This item is an artifact or framed work of art and requires special handling. Please contact Special Collections for more information regarding access and/or retrieval.
Scope and Content: Original art piece made of hair featuring the grounds of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Artist is signed as Mrs. E. O. Burch. Ellen O. Burch of Seattle entered the piece into the fair for judging and was awarded the grand prize on October 16, 1909. The framed hair picture was preserved along with a grand prize ribbon and large diploma signed by Exposition dignitaries.
Donated by Dan Kerlee in 2018.
Scope and Content: The grand prize ribbon and large diploma signed by Exposition dignitaries was awarded to Mrs. Ellen O. Burch for her original art piece made of hair featuring the grounds of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.
Donated by Dan Kerlee in 2018.
Silver spoon engraved with sketch of bridge, over the Columbia River and "First Wagon Bridge over the Columbia, Wenatchee, Wash." Spoon handle embellished with apples and leaves.
Donated by Annie Ludlum in 1999.
Silver spoon engraved with image of the Masonic Temple in Spokane, Washington. Spoon handle embellished with Native American in headdress and raised tomahawk.
Donated by Annie Ludlum in 1999
Silver spoon engraved with "AYP Expo Seattle." Spoon handle embellished wit the face of George Washington and the word "Washington."
Donated by Annie Ludlum in 1999
Card reads: "Governor Hughes will deliver an address to the people of the Northwest at 2 p.m., Monday, August second, either in the natural amphitheater or in the auditorium, as circumstances may suggest."
Booklet detailing itinerary and personnel of aforementioned titles; bound in sage suede with "Mr. J.E. Chilberg" stamped into cover
Blank form for AYPE vendors
Duo-face cardboard flyer advertising the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition on one side and Yellowstone National Park on the reverse.
Complete booklet of tickets for pay streak attractions. Cover reads: "Special Exploitation Department Pay Streak Ticket Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition 1909; Good for properly accredited newspaper representatives and contest parties only"
Cardboard pass made out to Miss May Banks; signed by J.E. Chilberg
Pamphlet cover only; 3 holes punched into left side
Includes original card, photocopy and clipping related to event
Stamped "M. Banks"
Includes RSVP and reply cards
2 different designs
Includes an envelope addressed to "C.L. Andrews, Alaska Building" and admittance card for Mr. and Mrs. M.E. Henry
Includes a blank envelope
Invitation made out to Clarence L. Andrews; includes addressed envelope
One card reads: "Property of Mabel Chilberg"; includes one envelope addressed to C.L. Andrews
One menu is stamped "March 7, 1962" and features "g. dda M. Johnson March '59" written in pencil
Also reads: "Tendered by governor of the State of Washington and the officers of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, Washington State Building, September 30th 1909";
Made out to F.A. McDonald for ten shares
Clippings about AYP officers, resolutions, memos, committee lists, by-laws, "Report of the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition Commission," "Town meets gown: An exposition committee comes to the Board of Regents in 1906" by Jane Powell Thomas (copy)
Clippings, press release, flyer for Forestry Building, resolutions (partial)
Clippings, invitation to groundbreaking ceremony
Originals are fragile; please use photocopies in preceding folder
Booklet of a touring exhibition presented at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition
Booklet produced by the Department of the Interior for the Alaska Exhibit
Additional copy catalogued in Pacific Northwest Special Collections
Excerpt of a booklet produced by the Department of the Interior for the Alaska Exhibit
Pocket-sized tri-fold flyer with illustrations and "Some facts about the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition"
Program of events for Dixie Day
Includes list of officers and members of the AYPE Hostesses' Association, a branch of the National Hostesses' Association; written on cover: "Mr. James A. Wood"
Flyer listing personnel and officials of Seattle and Tacoma Chambers of Commerce and train itinerary
Tri-fold advertisement for a "Seeing Seattle" car tour
Booklet of the proceedings at the temporary unveiling of the statue to the late secretary Seward
Additional copy catalogued in Pacific Northwest Special Collections
Pocket-sized foldout map of AYPE
A pocket-sized booklet describing a vase created by the Gorham Company to commemorate the "completion of the first century of the Republic of the United States of America," exhibited by Albert Hansen at the AYP Exposition
Includes list of officers and members of the Educational Exhibitors' Association; written on cover: "Mr. James A. Wood"
Additional copy catalogued in Pacific Northwest Special Collections
Booklet produced by the Department of the Interior for the Alaska Exhibit
Additional copy catalogued in Pacific Northwest Special Collections
Postcard-sized book of photographs published by Robert A. Reid Publisher
Extremely fragile condition
Oversize folded fact sheet with map and photographs of Alaska
Pocket-sized flyer describing the purpose, scope and contents of the AYPE Educational Exhibit; written on cover: "M. Banks"
Booklet with text and photos of the AYPE
Booklet produced by North Western Line describing rail routes, prominent Pacific Northwest cities, the AYPE, local Seattle hotels and boarding houses with rates, conventional schedule dates
Pocket-sized booklet describing purposes of exposition, states, ground breaking event, funding, exhibits; features map and photographs
Booklet describing King County buildings, lumber, coal mining, horticulture, dairy, rail, shipping industries. Includes local statistics and photographs.
Pocket-sized booklet produced by the Seattle Electric Company Department of Publicity describing exposition, Seattle neighborhoods, hotels, theaters, clubs. Includes interurban tour schedules, maps, baseball game schedule, blank pages for memoranda.
Pocket-sized folded sheet describing Government exhibits
Paperback book of photographs of AYPE buildings, statues, pay streak exhibitions. Also includes photos of Seattle street scenes
Pamphlet on the "historical painting now on view at H.J. Heinz Company's exhibit, Agriculture Building, Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, Seattle, Washington, June 1st, to October 16th, 1909."
Booklet by R.D. Bailey, Superintendent of Educational Exhibit
Guide is complete with tipped-in map