Edward K. Triol Collection of Seattle Bridge Construction Photographs and Drawings, 1915-1925
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Triol, Edward K.
- Title
- Edward K. Triol Collection of Seattle Bridge Construction Photographs and Drawings
- Dates
- 1915-1925 (inclusive)19151925
- Quantity
- 1 box plus oversize folder, (.3 cubic feet)
- Collection Number
- 2006.7
- Summary
- Photographs of Seattle bridges under construction, taken by city photographer James P. Lee, plus three bridge design drawings
- Repository
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Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library
P.O. Box 80816
Seattle, WA
98108
Telephone: 2063241126 x102
library@mohai.org - Access Restrictions
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The collection is open to the public by appointment.
- Languages
- English.
Biographical Note
Edward K. Triol (1883-1965) was a civil engineer. Before his time in Seattle, he held positions as engineer on the New York barge canal, at a filtration plant in Pittsburgh, at a steel plant in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and for the Chicago, Milwaukee and Puget Sound Railway. In Seattle, he partnered in the structural engineering firm Triol and Bushnell with Horace L. Bushnell
James P. Lee (1894-1963) started his career with the Seattle Engineering Department in 1910. In 1922, he became the city's full-time photographer, responsible for documenting major construction projects. He retired in 1957.
Content Description
The collection consists of photographs of Seattle's bridges (Ballard, Fremont, Montlake, Stone Way, West Spokane Street, and University) in various stages of construction, as well as images of ship canals, railway tunnels and the cityscape in general. The University Bridge and the West Spokane Street Bridge are the most thoroughly documented. The photographs were taken by James P. Lee, the official photographer for the Seattle Engineering Department. Almost all images are dated and labeled by the photographer. Some of the photographs have writing on the front, most likely by Triol. The collection also includes two drawings of bridge designs for the Montlake Bridge done by Triol, and one for the West Spokane Street Bridge, by J.D. Blackwell.
Use of the Collection
Alternative Forms Available
View selections from the collection in digital format here or by clicking on the camera icons in the inventory below.
Restrictions on Use
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.
Preferred Citation
Edward K. Triol Collection of Seattle Bridge Construction Photographs and Drawings, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
Administrative Information
Location of Collection
3a.3.7 (box)Location of Collection
1a.3.8 (oversize drawings)Location of Collection
5a.1.shelf1 (rolled drawing)Acquisition Information
Gift of Edward and Gladys Triol; received in February 2006.
Processing Note
Photographs were arranged alphabetically by project, then chronologically.
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.
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Photographs
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Ballard Bridge, 1916-1918
The Ballard Bridge, also known as the 15th Avenue Bridge, was completed in 1917. It connects Ballard, which became part of Seattle in 1907, to the Magnolia and Queen Anne neighborhoods.
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Description: 2006.7.3: Bridge in the early stages of constructionDates: 1916 March 27Container: Folder 1
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Description: 2006.7.4: Looking north from the underside of the unfinished bridge
Seattle Cedar mill is visible to the west.
Dates: 1917 April 24Container: Folder 1 -
Description: 2006.7.5: View across bridge with half of drawbridge raised and log pond in foregroundDates: 1917 July 27Container: Folder 1
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Description: 2006.7.6: View across the partially raised bridgeDates: 1917 July 27Container: Folder 1
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Description: 2006.7.7: Workers on the top of the bridgeDates: 1917 October 3Container: Folder 1
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Description: 2006.7.8: View through the completed bridgeDates: 1918 March 13Container: Folder 1
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Description: 2006.7.9: Ship W.F. Burrows passing through the open drawbridge.
On front of image: "15th Ave. N.W. Br. 1st Boat Thru"
Dates: 1918 March 13Container: Folder 1
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Fremont Bridge, 1915-1917
The original bridge to Fremont was razed in 1911 to make way for the dredging of the Lake Washington Canal; during this time, all traffic was rerouted to the temporary Stone Way Bridge, just five blocks to the east. A second temporary bridge served the original gap until 1915, when traffic was again rerouted to the Stone Way Bridge so that construction on the newest Fremont Bridge could begin.
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Description: 2006.7.1: Temporary bridge
A second temporary bridge erected to serve Ballard and Fremont. While it was under construction, traffic was rerouted to the also temporary Stone Way Bridge five blocks east.
On front of image: "Before"
Dates: 1915 March 18Container: Folder 2 -
Description: 2006.7.2: Cars and streetcar crossing completed Fremont bridge
On front of image: "After"
Dates: 1917 June 15Container: Folder 2 -
Description: 2006.7.10: North pier under construction
On front of image: "N. Pier Fremont"
Dates: 1916 March 23Container: Folder 2 -
Description: 2006.7.11: South pier under construction
On front of image:"S. Pier"
Dates: 1916 July 7Container: Folder 2 -
Description: 2006.7.12: Steelwork underneath the bridgeDates: 1916 October 7Container: Folder 2
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Description: 2006.7.13: Looking south across bridge construction towards Queen AnneDates: 1916 October 7Container: Folder 2
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Description: 2006.7.14: Looking south across bridge construction towards Queen Anne
On front of image: "Dunford" (with arrow pointing to a well-dressed man standing on the pier)
Dates: 1916 November 16Container: Folder 2 -
Description: 2006.7.15: Drawbridge gearsDates: 1916 November 16Container: Folder 2
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Description: 2006.7.16: Looking across the bridge showing cranesDates: 1916 November 16Container: Folder 2
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Description: 2006.7.17: Completed bridge, raisedDates: 1917 April 27Container: Folder 2
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Description: 2006.7.18: Workers posing near water levelDates: 1917 October 10Container: Folder 2
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Montlake Bridge, 1923-1925
A city engineer recommended a bridge at Montlake Avenue to improve access to the city's north side. Finished in mid-1925, it crosses the ship canal at 24th Avenue East.
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Description: 2006.7.19: Worker readying cementDates: 1923 January 12Container: Folder 3
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Description: 2006.7.20: Man in suit surrounded by rebar in bridge structureDates: 1923 March 23Container: Folder 3
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Description: 2006.7.21: Part of the drawbridge mechanismDates: 1924 January 23Container: Folder 3
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Description: 2006.7.22: Bridge interiorDates: 1925 February 26Container: Folder 3
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Description: 2006.7.23: Unfinished pierDates: 1925 March 11Container: Folder 3
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Description: 2006.7.24: Unfinished bridge from a distanceDates: 1925 March 11Container: Folder 3
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University Bridge, 1916-1919
The University Bridge was originally known as both the Eastlake Avenue Bridge and the Tenth Avenue Northeast Bridge, but an ordinance approved in June of 1919 dictated “University Bridge” as its official moniker. The bridge was built to replace the Latona Bridge, which had fallen into disrepair.
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Description: 2006.7.25: Early construction rig
Handwritten on photo: 1st construction rig. He failed (financially).
Dates: 1916 July 16Container: Folder 4a -
Description: 2006.7.26: Bridge supports under constructionDates: 1916 September 25Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.27: Early construction, looking north to the University DistrictDates: 1917 September 17Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.28: Bridge supports being erectedDates: 1917 October 10Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.29: Pile drivers at workDates: 1917 October 16Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.30: Hoisting machinery above a pier of the bridgeDates: 1917 October 30Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.31: Early construction on base of pierDates: 1917 November 9Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.32: Supports being filled with sand and gravelDates: 1917 December 10Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.33: Pile drivers and hoisting machinery at bridge siteDates: 1917 December 10Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.34: Incomplete bridge piersDates: 1917 December 10Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.35: Bridge site with sand and gravel piles in foregroundDates: 1918 January 9Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.36: Worker at bridge site with sand and gravel boxes in backgroundDates: 1918 January 10Container: Folder 4a
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Description: 2006.7.37: Four men in wooden structure inside bridge
On front of image: "Me"[with arrow pointing upward]
Dates: 1918 March 12Container: Folder 4a -
Description: 2006.7.38: Surveyor and three others on top of wooden and rebar structureDates: 1918 April 24Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.39: North pier under constructionDates: 1918 April 24Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.40: Birds-eye view of pier construction siteDates: 1918 April 24Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.41: Detail of pierDates: 1918 May 28Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.42: Crane swinging a beam into placeDates: 1918 July 24Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.43: North and south pier bases under constructionDates: 1918 July 24Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.44: Cross section of a pierDates: 1918 July 24Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.45: Pieces being hoist into place on pier baseDates: 1918 September 18Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.46: Gears with workers in the backgroundDates: 1918 September 18Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.47: Distant view showing one completed pier and one pier under constructionDates: 1918 October 4Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.48: Partially completed bridge spanDates: 1918 October 4Container: Folder 4b
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Description: 2006.7.49: Completed bridge from a distanceDates: circa 1919Container: Folder 4b
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Stone Way Bridge, 1916-1918
The Stone Way Bridge was a temporary structure that served until the opening of the Fremont Bridge in June 1917. It stretched across Lake Union, connecting Westlake with Fremont.
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Description: 2006.7.50: Looking east across the bridgeDates: 1916 May 14Container: Folder 5
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West Spokane Street Bridge No.1, circa 1922-1925
From 1902 to 1917, three bridges were built to serve West Seattle (which was annexed in 1907); unfortunately, none of these were permanent structures. Despite its numerous wooden predecessors, the steel bridge featured here was officially known as West Spokane Street Bridge No. 1 (North). It was finally completed in 1924; its sister bridge, West Spokane Street Bridge No. 2 (South) opened in September of 1930.
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Description: 2006.7.51: Man (Triol?) in wooden bridge support structureDates: 1922 September 25Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.52: Wooden support structureDates: 1922 September 25Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.53: Construction site showing wooden structures and metal stockDates: 1922 September 25Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.54: Pile drivers and other machines at construction siteDates: 1922 September 25Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.55: Early bridge framingDates: 1922 October 20Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.56: Men working with hosing, with diver seated on stool at siteDates: 1922 December 27Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.57: Industrial backdrop of the bridgeDates: 1922 December 27Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.58: Pile drivers and waterfront businesses at construction siteDates: 1922 December 27Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.59: Detail of wooden supportsDates: 1923 February 14Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.60: Men with cement and rebarDates: 1923 March 23Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.61: Rebar detailDates: 1923 March 23Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.62: Men watching workers on low wooden structure at siteDates: 1923 May 3Container: Folder 6a
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Description: 2006.7.63: Site showing piers under constructionDates: 1923 July 23Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.64: Industrial setting at bridge siteDates: 1923 September 14Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.65: Temporary drawbridge completed in 1917Dates: 1923 October 22Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.66: Piers of the first permanent bascule bridgeDates: 1923 October 22Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.67: Bridge piers from water levelDates: 1923 December 7Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.68: Dapper man atop a steel beamDates: 1924 April 21Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.69: Detail of steel beams and pier, showing pier mechanismsDates: 1924 April 21Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.70: Four men atop steel workDates: 1924 April 21Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.71: Detail of steel girdingDates: 1924 April 21Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.72: One end of bridge spanDates: 1924 May 20Container: Folder 6b
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Description: 2006.7.73: Panorama of the bridge and its surroundings
2 pictures taped together
Dates: 1924 May 20Container: Folder 6b -
Description: 2006.7.74: Low wooden buttress structure with utility poles in backgroundDates: 1924 May 20Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.74a: Street view of construction of bridge base over rail tracksDates: 1924 May 20Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.75: Birds-eye view of bridge through treesDates: 1924 May 20Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.76: Workers, rebar and lumber at construction siteDates: 1924 June 28Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.77: Completed bridge pierDates: 1924 June 28Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.78: Old and new bridgeDates: 1924 June 28Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.79: Detail of wooden support structure with scaffoldingDates: 1924 August 13Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.80: Elevated roadway leading to bridgeDates: 1924 August 13Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.81: Detail of drawbridge gearsDates: 1924 August 13Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.82: Ramp under constructionDates: 1924 August 13Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.83: One side of the bridge span under constructionDates: 1924 August 13Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.84: One side of the bridge span in profileDates: 1924 September 2Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.85: Roadway leading to bridgeDates: 1924 September 2Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.86: Finished section of bridge deckDates: 1924 November 12Container: Folder 6c
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Description: 2006.7.87: Finished section of bridge deckDates: 1924 November 12Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.88: Completed roadway leading to bridgeDates: 1925 March 11Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.89: Ground view of supports under bridgeDates: circa late 1924Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.90: Bridge from a distanceDates: circa late 1924Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.91: Detail showing nail pattern in wood, worker's legs and sledgehammerDates: circa late 1924Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.92: Construction on bridge deckDates: circa late 1924Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.93: Nearly completed deckDates: circa late 1924Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.94: Panorama featuring both the new and the old bridge
2 pictures taped together.
On front of image: "Nearly finished"
Dates: circa late 1924Container: Folder 6d -
Description: 2006.7.95: Profile of completed bridgeDates: circa early 1925Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.96: Birds-eye view of old and new bridge side by sideDates: circa early 1925Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.97: Bridge fully openedDates: circa early 1925Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.98: Men standing near wooden structure of bridge pierFrank H. Nowell (photographer)Dates: circa early 1925Container: Folder 6d
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Description: 2006.7.99: Wooden structure of bridge pierFrank H. Nowell (photographer)Dates: circa early 1925Container: Folder 6d
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Lake Washington Ship Canal, 1916, 1923
After five and a half years of construction, the Lake Washington Ship Canal opened on May 8, 1917. It connects Lake Washington, Lake Union, Salmon Bay, and Puget Sound.
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Description: 2006.7.100: Looking west from Fremont to the Lake Washington ship canalDates: 1916 May 4Container: Folder 7
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Description: 2006.7.101: Looking northeast from Smith TowerDates: circa 1923Container: Folder 8
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Miscellaneous, 1923
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Description: 2006.7.102: Subterranean tunnel with rail tracksDates: 1923 September 21Container: Folder 9
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Description: 2006.7.103: Junction of two underground tunnelsDates: 1923 September 21Container: Folder 9
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Drawings,
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Description: 2006.7.104-105: Montlake Stadium Bridge2 drawings each 16.25 x 6.5 inchesEdward K. Triol (creator)
Two design proposals for bridge, by Edward K. Triol
Dates: 1923 AprilContainer: Folder oversize 10 -
Description: 2006.7.106: "Engineer's Side Elevation, West Spokane Street Bridge, View Looking South"7.5 x 42 inchesJ.D. Blackwell, City Engineer (creator)Dates: 1922 SeptemberContainer: Shelf 5a.2.1
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Ballard Bridge (Seattle, Wash.)
- Bridge construction--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Bridges--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Fremont Bridge (Seattle, Wash.)
- Lake Washington Ship Canal (Seattle, Wash.)
- Montlake Bridge (Seattle, Wash.)
- Public works--Washington (State)--Seattle
- University Bridge (Seattle, Wash.)
- West Spokane Street Bridge No. 1 (Seattle, Wash.)
Geographical Names
- United States--Washington (State)--Seattle
Form or Genre Terms
- Photographs
Other Creators
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Personal Names
- Nowell, Frank H., 1864-1950 (creator)
- Lee, James P. (James Patrick), b. 1894 (creator)
