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.
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.
Arranged in three series:
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.
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific-Exposition Collection, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle
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.
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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.
Booklet issued by the Department of Publicity describing the plan, scope and aims of the AYPE. Contains photographs of Alaska, Seattle and Washington State.
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.”
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.
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.
5 copies
Book of captioned colorized black and white photos of AYPE buildings and grounds.
2 copies
Booklet of captioned photographs of buildings and grounds.
3 copies
3 copies
Book of captioned photographs of buildings and grounds.
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.
Maps of Alaska and the Yukon, the North Pacific Ocean, Washington, California, Orgon, Hawaii, the Philippine Islands, Seattle and Los Angeles.
Book of essays about the AYPE, illustrated with official photographs.
Published by the H.J. Heinz Co. AYPE booklet largely about artificial preservatives in food and other essays related to the Heinz company.
2 copies
Captioned photographs of the AYPE, of Seattle and of the Pacific Northwest.
Includes essays on over 200 Seattle businesses, with a back of book index to articles. 239 pages.
Booklet published for free distribution at the AYPE
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.
Book of captioned photographs.
Book of captioned photographs.
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.
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
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
Six page souvenir calendar illustrated with 4x5 photographs of AYPE buildings. Photographs and calendar mounted on brown paper pages.
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.
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.
2 copies
Each verso shows a photograph depicting a building or exhibit concerning the State of Washington.
Magazine published by the Passenger Department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Issue includes article on the AYPE.
3 copies
Special issue about Seattle, including an article about the AYPE.
AYPE photos on cover; article about the AYPE illustrated with photographs.
AYPE emblem on cover, includes articles about the AYPE and "The Wonderful Northwest."
Includes statement of Exposition mission, suggestions for touring the Exposition, information on surrounding points of interests, photographs and information about Exposition buildings and exhibits, and a program of special days and events.
Guide containing maps, photographs, guides to buildings and exhibits, information for tourists about staying in and touring Seattle and a list of special events.
Issued by the Seattle Electric Company Department of Publicity. Includes maps, directions, places to see in Seattle, information on hotel accommodations, and an index to “Special Days and Events” at the AYPE
Includes Souvenir Opening Day Program
5 copies
Frederick Neil Innes was the AYPE Director of Music
3 copies
8 "diplomas" awarded to exhibit prizewinners and for "valuable services rendered."
Illustrated booklet of AYPE reminiscences by Helen Chasse Keliehor and Sherry Raatz
Snapshot size (4” x 5” and smaller) vintage and modern prints of AYPE buildings and grounds, except as noted for larger prints.
3 copies
From Accession No. 1980.6987
From accession no. 5174
35 page album with 68 postcards depicting scenes from the AYPE. Postcards consist of black and white photographic postcards and printed postcards using colorized versions of official photographs.
2 copies
Official Publication of the AYPE. Reproduction of 24 color postcards of exposition buildings and grounds with foldout of illustrated mailing envelope
From accession no. 1994.29
Postcard with fold out panorama of 10 miles of Seattle waterfront, and east and west sides of 1st and 2nd Avenues.
From accession no. 2007.57
Photographs of Exposition buildings and grounds, Pay Streak and President Taft's visit.
Album also includes 3 photographic postcards of the Great White Fleet visit to Seattle and the Naval Parade.
From Accession No. 1960.2092
Inscribed to Mrs. T.B. Hanna, signed by Mayor John F. Miller.
Inscribed to “Esquire Grant”
Illustration of the Agriculture Building with essay on verso about State and Federal appropriations and progress of construction of the AYPE buildings and grounds.
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)
Real estate brochure from Joseph E. Thomas & Company, advertising lots for sale on Ravenna Boulevard in the “A-Y-P Addition.”
From accession no. 6362
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
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.