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Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Collection, 1906-1910

Overview of the Collection

Title
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Collection
Dates
1906-1910 (inclusive)
Quantity
2 linear feet, (2 boxes )
Collection Number
2006.3
Summary
Promotional and souvenir publications, photographs and ephemera from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle, 1909.
Repository
Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library

P.O. Box 80816
Seattle, WA
98108
Telephone: 2063241126 x102
library@mohai.org
Access Restrictions

The collection is open to the public by appointment.

Languages
English.
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Historical Note

The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened in Seattle on June 1, 1909 with nearly 80,000 visitors. Originally planned for 1907 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush, the Exposition was postponed two years to avoid a conflict with another summer long exhibition in Jamestown, Virginia, marking that town’s tercentenary. In addition to providing time in which to raise additional funds, the delay gave the planners the opportunity to expand the original concept from that of a commemorative Alaska exhibit to a fair encompassing all the Pacific Rim countries and territories. The new scope of the AYPE would not simply commemorate the past, but display the value of commercial trade with the Pacific Rim, celebrate a new era of commercial and industrial expansion and promote Seattle as its center.

Nationally known landscape architects from Boston, brothers John and Frederick Olmstead, designed the fairgrounds. The central portion of the grounds was oriented along axes that exploited the natural beauty of the setting, with views of Mount Rainer, Lake Union and Lake Washington. Built on 250 acres of the largely undeveloped campus of the University of Washington (and partially funded by the state legislature for later use by the University), the AYPE grounds were close to downtown and convenient transportation. Though most of the buildings, designed by John Galen Howard, were too poorly built to survive, the landscaping of the grounds added value to the university by removing wilderness and opening new possibilities for future university installations.

The grounds were centered around the Arctic Circle, with its cascading fountain and reflecting pool, and the surrounding Court of Honor, flanked by two wings of three buildings on either side. Descending from the domed Government Building, these six building were named for Europe, Asia, Alaska, Hawaii and the industries of Manufacturing and Agriculture. Among other notable AYPE buildings was the Forestry Building, a massive structure built entirely of huge logs in their natural state and surviving for several years after the Exposition as the Washington State Museum, until it was damaged by beetles and razed in 1931. California, Utah, Oregon and Idaho each provided buildings, as did the Washington counties of Chehalis, King, Yakima and Spokane. Most of the buildings were constructed cheaply and easily of plaster and were razed immediately after the fair. Brick buildings that survived include Meany Hall, which was used by the University until the 1964 earthquake, and the Fine Arts Building, now the University’s Architecture Hall. The Geyser Basin reflecting pond still survives as the University of Washington's Frosh Pond; the statue of George Washington, one of several patriotic statues built on the fair grounds, also remains as a feature of the University of Washington campus.

Exhibits ranged from the educational to the sensational, including a 30 feet high pineapple made of smaller pineapples, and an elephant made entirely of exotic nuts. The Fine Arts building displayed numerous paintings in its galleries; government exhibits displayed artifacts of American history and highlighted the work of federal agencies of special interest to the west, such as the reclamation service. The Seattle Symphony Orchestra and other local musical organization held concerts. Many exhibits were enhanced by free lectures and special guided study tours for children. Promotional publications and souvenir booklets accompanied some exhibits, depicting each locality as a sort of paradise on earth. Designated “days” for cities, state, peoples and special interest groups were popular. These included parades, contests, speeches, balls--often occasions to dress in traditional costumes, as in a pageant of Norwegian history, featuring a Viking ship and armor-clad warriors.

The amusements of the Pay Streak were a popular stop for many Exposition visitors. The Pay Streak featured attractions like the Alaska Theater of Sensation, the Fairy Gorge Tickler ride, a miniature railway journey and a recreation of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Pay Streak also featured a variety of exotic dancers and, purportedly, the largest ferris wheel in the world The most popular Pay Streak attraction, however, was "Igorrote Village," an exhibit of a mock village of the Igorot people, natives of the Philippine Islands. Igorot men, women and children were displayed in a simulated “native” habitat, with typical Igorot houses; they performed dances and demonstrated traditional crafts in their traditional attire of loincloths.

Business leaders hoped the Exposition would create an interest in real estate and lure capital for development to Seattle. Though the fair brought money to the city, it actually brought few long term benefits. The anticipated influx of people from other parts of the country never did occur, nor was there significant increased development of Alaska or the development of better trade relations with Pacific rim countries. The buildings did not offer much help to the University of Washington. The fair returned a modest profit, however, and paid a 4 % dividend to stockholders. It brought some recognition to Seattle, provided a season of entertainment and rallied the local community. After drawing approximately 3.7 million paying visitors to its gate, the AYPE closed on October 16.

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Content Description

The collection consists largely of souvenir and promotional publications; most of these publications are illustrated with photographs. Several promote the advantages and potential of Seattle, of Washington, of Alaska, or of the Northwest. Many document the building and grounds of the exhibit, usually with photographs taken by official AYPE photographer Frank H. Nowell.

Other materials include reports, magazine publicity, and fair guides, programs and catalogs. Photographs depict AYPE buildings, grounds and events; ephemera include tickets and invitations to APYE events.

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Use of the Collection

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

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific-Exposition Collection, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Arranged in three series:

  • Publications and papers
  • Photographs and postcards
  • Ephemera

Location of Collection

2a.3.10 (boxes)

Location of Collection

1a.3.17 (oversize photographs)

Location of Collection

1a.4 (oversize certificates and diplomas)

Location of Collection

1a.3.8 (oversize magazines)

Processing Note

The materials in this collection were brought together by the Museum of History & Industry library staff from the library stacks and various accessions. The collection includes materials relocated from accessions 1958.1519, 1960.2092, 5174, 1976.6296, 1976.6362, 1980.6987, 1984.95, 1991.94, 1994.29, 2000.26, 2009.18, 2009.49, 2011.99, 2016.3.14, and 2018.35.

Related Materials

The Frank H. Nowell Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Photographs (1990.73) contains 178 photographs of the buildings and grounds of the AYPE taken by official photographer Frank Nowell.

The O.D. Goetze Photographs and Other Materials (1995.38) include approximately 240 photographic postcards of the AYPE.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

  • Publications and papers

    • Promotional and souvenir publications

      • Description: 2006.3.1 : Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

        Booklet issued by the Department of Publicity describing the plan, scope and aims of the AYPE. Contains photographs of Alaska, Seattle and Washington State.

        Dates: 1907
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.2 : Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, 1909 by Henry Martz.

        Illustrated book about Alaska published in anticipation of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Contains a few photographs of AYPE buildings but largely photographs and text about Alaska, its characteristics and its resources, products, possibilities and “scenic beauty.”

        Dates: 1908
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.3 : Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

        2 copies

        Scrapbook style souvenir album with embossed cover, bound with red cord. Contains photomechanically reproduced photographs attached to heavy brown paper. Photographs depict the building and grounds of the AYPE, with identification printed on image.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.4 : Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

        3 copies

        Scrapbook style souvenir album bound with cord. Contains photomechanically reproduced photographs attached to heavy brown paper. Photographs depict the building and grounds of the AYPE, with identification printed on image.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.5 : Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition , official publication

        5 copies

        Book of captioned colorized black and white photos of AYPE buildings and grounds.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.6 : Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, official publication.

        2 copies

        Booklet of captioned photographs of buildings and grounds.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.7 : The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Illustrated

        3 copies

        3 copies

        Book of captioned photographs of buildings and grounds.

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.8 : The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition and Seattle, the Beautiful Exposition City: Official Photographic Views

        Book of photographs of buildings and grounds with detailed captions. Also includes views of downtown Seattle streets, parks, and scenic views, regrade work in Seattle, and other Washington sites such as Snoqulamie Falls, Paradise River, and Deception Pass.

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.9 : Bon Marche Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Atlas

        Maps of Alaska and the Yukon, the North Pacific Ocean, Washington, California, Orgon, Hawaii, the Philippine Islands, Seattle and Los Angeles.

        Dates:
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.10 : The Exposition Beautiful

        Book of essays about the AYPE, illustrated with official photographs.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.11 : The 57 Exposition Number: Devoted to the interests of domestic science and the furtherance of the Pure Food movement

        Published by the H.J. Heinz Co. AYPE booklet largely about artificial preservatives in food and other essays related to the Heinz company.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.12 : Glimpses of Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition: Seattle and Beautiful Puget Sound

        2 copies

        Captioned photographs of the AYPE, of Seattle and of the Pacific Northwest.

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.13 : Greater Seattle Illustrated: A Glance at Her History. A Review of Her Commerce. A Description of Her Business Enterprises, with Illustration of Her Public and Commercial Buildings, Her Beautiful Residences and Hotels, Residence and Business Streets, Parks and Points of Interest in and about the City

        Includes essays on over 200 Seattle businesses, with a back of book index to articles. 239 pages.

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.14 : King County-State of Washington-1909: Its History, Resources, Development, Present conditions and opportunities.

        Booklet published for free distribution at the AYPE

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.15 : Meet Me in Seattle 1909: Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition-- a General History, Fully Illustrated

        3 copies

        From accession no. 2000.26

        Complimentary book of photographs and essays given out by local businesses (Smith Cannery Co. and Vulcan Iron Works). Includes photographs and biographies of AYPE officials, short historical essays and an essay on plan and scope of the AYPE, including descriptions of buildings and exhibits. Photographs include views of downtown Seattle streets and buildings, official photographs of AYPE grounds and buildings under construction, scenic shots of Seattle and other Western Washington locations. Includes a section about the City of Seattle and its facilities, resources, and opportunities.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.16 : One Hundred and Fifty Latest Views of the A.Y.P. Exposition and the Puget Sound Country

        Book of captioned photographs.

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.17 : Souvenir Book of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expostion: Official Photographic Views

        Book of captioned photographs.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.18 : Book about Seattle

        Cover missing. Includes historical information about Seattle, photographs of Seattle buildings, parks and waterfront, and other Washington State locations, such as Port Blakely on Bainbridge Island.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.19 : Century Vase booklet

        Booklet abut the sterling silver “Century Vase” made by the Gorham Company and exhibited at the AYPE by Albert Hansen, Jewler and Silversmith, first and Cherry, Seattle

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.20 : Canadian Pacific Railway, 1909

        AYPE souvenir booklet shaped like a sheaf of wheat with description and photographs of sites a visitor might see travelling by train across the Canadian West

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.21 : 1910 calendar

        Six page souvenir calendar illustrated with 4x5 photographs of AYPE buildings. Photographs and calendar mounted on brown paper pages.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.22 : Seattle Today

        2 copies

        From title page: “Many illustrations of street scenes and picturesque scenery with accompanying text concerning the commercial importance, attractive surrounding and continuous expansion of the city.” Includes photographs of University of Washington buildings, downtown Seattle streets and buildings, Seattle waterfront and parks, scenic Washington State photographs and photos of the fishing and logging industries.

        Dates: 1910
        Container: Box 1
    • Reports

      • Description: 2006.3.23: U.S. Government Participation in the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

        Inscribed “To: Vivian Carkeek, with compliments of Thomas W. Prosch, March 22nd, 1912.”

        Published by the Government Printing Office. President Taft’s transmission to Congress of the report of the United State Government board of managers on the Government participation in the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Also contains photographs of the Exhibit of the Philippine Islands and various Government Exhibits.

        Dates: 1911
        Container: Box 1
      • Description: 2006.3.24: Report of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Commission of the State of Washington

        2 copies

        Each verso shows a photograph depicting a building or exhibit concerning the State of Washington.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 2
    • Magazines

      • Description: 2006.3.25 : Book of the Royal Blue, volume XII, no. 9

        Magazine published by the Passenger Department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Issue includes article on the AYPE.

        Dates: 1909 June
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.26 : The Coast magazine , volume 18, no. 3

        3 copies

        Special issue about Seattle, including an article about the AYPE.

        Dates: 1909 September
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.27 : Pacific Northwest Commerce magazine (official publication of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce)
        Dates: 1909 October
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2011.99: Scientific American magazine

        AYPE photos on cover; article about the AYPE illustrated with photographs.

        Dates: 1909 April 17
        Container: Box:oversize H4
      • Description: 2016.3.14: Harper's Weekly magazine

        AYPE emblem on cover, includes articles about the AYPE and "The Wonderful Northwest."

        Dates: 1909 April 3
        Container: Box:oversize H4
    • Exposition guides, programs and catalogs

  • Photographs and postcards

  • Ephemera

    • Invitations

      • Description: 2006.3.46.1 : Invitation to initiation of President William H. Taft to the Arctic Brotherhood on September 13, 1909.
        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.46.2 : Invitation from the City of Seattle to visit the AYPE

        Inscribed to Mrs. T.B. Hanna, signed by Mayor John F. Miller.

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.46.3 : Invitation to reception for French Ambassador Jusserand at the New York State building on June 14
        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.46.4 : Invitation to Opening Ceremonies on June 1
        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.47.1 : Invitation from the New England Club to assembly for “visiting and dancing” at the Washington State Building, September 11

        Inscribed to “Esquire Grant”

        Dates: 1909 July
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.47.2.1-3 : Invitations to ground breaking ceremony on June 1, 1907
        Dates: 1907
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.47.3.1-2 : Invitations to lunch at New York State Building on opening day, June 1, 1909
        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 2
    • Other ephemera

      • Description: 2006.3.48 : Blank stationary stamped with AYPE emblem
        Dates: undated
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.49 : Promotional flyer

        Illustration of the Agriculture Building with essay on verso about State and Federal appropriations and progress of construction of the AYPE buildings and grounds.

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.50 : Tickets

        Coupon Ticket Books inscribed with bearer’s name and photograph of bearer attached inside front cover, embossed with signature of A.D. Bannall, Chief of Bureau of Admissions. Includes a monthly pass in a green leather case for employee Ben Mitchell, night watchman in the Washington Building, Also includes souvenir tickets to Seattle Day (September 6) and Hawaii Day (August 25)

        Dates: circa 1909
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.51 : “A-Y-P Addition”

        Real estate brochure from Joseph E. Thomas & Company, advertising lots for sale on Ravenna Boulevard in the “A-Y-P Addition.”

        Dates: undated
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.52 : Commemorative envelope of the 25th Anniversary of the opening day of the AYPE, postmarked June 1, 1934

        From accession no. 6362

        Dates: 1934 June 1
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.55 : Photographer's permit

        Printed on permit: Permit for camera not exceeding in size 4 x 5 inches. A.D. Barrall, Chief of Admissions

        From accession no. 2009.49

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.56: Clippings
        Dates: 1908-1909, 1934
        Container: Box 2
      • Description: 2006.3.57: Scrapbook

        From accession no. 1958.1519.

        Scrapbook of newspaper clippings and ephemera from the AYPE, including a season pass in the name of S.D. McKinstry.

        Dates: 1909
        Container: Box 2

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (1909 : Seattle, Wash.)--Guidebooks
  • Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (1909 : Seattle, Wash.)--Photographs
  • Exhibition buildings
  • Exhibitions--Washington (State)—Seattle

Geographical Names

  • Seattle (Wash.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • Ephemera
  • Photographic prints
  • Souvenirs
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