The Pacific Outfitting Company was founded in 1907 as a part of a larger chain of stores, including the Eastern and Columbia Outfitting Companies. The corporation was founded in 1887 by Alfred Shemanski, a Polish immigrant. Pacific opened in Seattle in a storefront at 422 Pike Street, and eventually set up stores in Spokane and Bellevue. Pacific started as a clothing store for women, soon expanding to sell men’s apparel as well. The store was managed by Max Lipman from 1912 until his death in 1953. Lipman used World War I to establish the store by gaining a monopoly on credit. Lipman was also able to keep the store open during the Depression, something many of his neighbors were not able to do. Pacific was also one of the first companies in Seattle to organize a union. Besides being a capable manager, Lipman was very heavily involved in the community, and as the community expanded, so did the store. Upon Lipman’s death in 1953, his son Herbert took over management. The store continued to remain in business until 1991, when the corporation was dissolved.
The majority of the collection is made up of photographs. These photos range from the store’s early days to the days of their liquidation sale. Subjects depicted include the store, employees and clothing. Business documents include store license, minutes, by-laws, meetings and stocks. Other materials include promotions for credit and bonds. The transcript of an interview with Herbert Lipman provides background on the family and the history of the store.
View selections from the collection in digital format by clicking on the camera icons in the inventory below.
The collection is open to the public by appointment.
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.
Collection on the Pacific Outfitting Company, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
Found in collection
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
Pacific Outfitting Co. store at 3rd Avenue near Seneca Street.
Identifications on verso.
Mounted
‘Compliments of Electric Heating and Light Co.’ written on back
Photograph was taken after a dance contest sponsored by Pacific Outfitting Co.
Mounted
Display in window welcoming Loyal Order of Moose.
Wearing uniforms furnished by Pacific Outfitting Co.
Mounted
Mounted
Half-tone reproduction
Written on verso: Founder and President of Pacific Outfitting Company 1908-1966
Some individuals identified on accompanying photocopy.
Wearing coats and trousers by Pacific Outfitting Co.
Accompanied by copy of newspaper article showing the photo.
Wearing uniforms provided by Pacific Outfitting Co.
Identified as "manager."
5 items
Trademark of ‘One and One Half Sale.’
Advertisement for sale is attached to certificate.
Includes minutes, business licenses, trustees’ meetings, stockholder meetings, by-laws, Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Administrative Dissolution.
“The Home of Cheerful Credit”
Nitrate negative
Nitrate negative
Nitrate negative
Nitrate negative
Inquiring about an unused incentive check he found
2 copies
Includes obituary for Max Lipman
Transcript of an interview with Herbert Lipman about the Lipman family and the history of the Pacific Outfitting Co., conducted by Carla Wulfsberg in 1983.
Pledge of Allegiance on one side and the Star Spangled Banner on the other, with cloth flag attached at top. Compliments of the Pacific Outfitting Company
Letter includes Pearson's remembrance of Max Lipman and the store during the Great Depression.