Seattle Fire photograph collection, June-August 1889
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- Seattle Fire photograph collection
- Dates
- June-August 1889 (inclusive)18891889
- Quantity
- 96 photographic prints (2 boxes) ; various sizes
- Collection Number
- PH0684
- Summary
- Photographs of the Seattle Fire on June 6, 1889, ruins after the fire, businesses in tents and temporary buildings about a month after the fire
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials Curator is required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.
- Additional Reference Guides
- Languages
- English
Historical Background
The Seattle Fire of June 6, 1889 began a little after 2:00 p.m. in Clairmont's woodworking shop at Madison Avenue and Front Street (now First Avenue), and quickly expanded to the adjacent Denny Block building. At the time Seattle's water system had limited capacity, and the volunteer fire department found the water pressure insufficient for fighting the fire. By 4:00 p.m. a four-block area was in flames. The fire, driven by wind from the northwest, continued to spread. Only Elliott Bay on the west and vacant lots on the north and east contained the fire until a bucket brigade saved the Boston Block at Second and Columbia. At about 6:30 p.m. the new Occidental Hotel at Yesler Avenue and James St. caught fire, and it became clear the flames would spread to the wooden frame buildings south of Yesler. On the east, citizens used wet blankets, mops, and buckets to save the King County Courthouse and Henry Yesler's home along Third. During the evening, however, all of Seattle south of Yesler Avenue and west of Fourth Street burned except for the Oregon Improvement Company dock. The tide flats that were then south of King St. stopped the fire's spread south.
After the fire, the burned areas were guarded and patrolled by members of the Washington National Guard from Seattle, Tacoma, and Port Townsend until June 11, 1889. After the Guard left, however, thousands of scavengers and souvenir hunters began searching the ruins, causing one company to resume the 24-hour watch. The commander called for reserves from Vancouver in southern Washington Territory to relieve the exhausted militia, and Company H of the First Regiment arrived on June 15. Martial law was never in effect, and the National Guard turned looters over to the regular civil courts. On June 18, the Seattle police swore in special policemen to take over from the National Guard.
By a month after the fire many businesses had set up shop in whatever temporary locations they could find. Many set up canvas tents where their buildings had stood. Some merchants had time to save equipment and merchandise during the spread of the fire, and others restocked from shipments and relief that poured in from all over. The City of Seattle took several actions to prevent a recurrence: it purchased the formerly private water company and improved water pressure and pipes, decreed that all new buildings in the business district had to be made of stone or brick, and established a professional fire department.
Content Description
While photographs of the Seattle Fire appear in many Seattle-related photograph collections, this collection represents the most complete compilation of views of the fire and its aftermath. It contains photographs that document the downtown business district during the day of the fire, June 6, 1889, days immediately after the fire, and the rebuilding after the fire including businesses in tents and temporary structures. Many of the photographs were made by William F. Boyd, David R. Judkins, and D.T. Smith.
Other Descriptive Information
"Front Street" and "Commercial Street" are now known as First Avenue.
Since the Seattle Fire of 1889 was an important event in the city's history, photographs of the fire and ruins were widely distributed and have come to the collection from a variety of sources. Many photographers were active in the Seattle area at the time so it is often difficult to identify the creator of each image, but the photographer is noted when known. Photographers later would often copy original photographs and put their name on them, further obscuring the true creator of the image.
A number of the photographs have advertising on the back for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found." It is probable that all these photographs were made by William F. Boyd.
Use of the Collection
Alternative Forms Available
View the digital version of the collection
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions might exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact the repository for details.
Administrative Information
Arrangement
Arranged in 3 series:
- Series 1, June 6, 1889: The Fire
- Series 2, Ruins after the fire
- Series 3, Temporary Structures and Rebuilding
Processing Note
Processed by Joshua Daniel Franklin, 2005, and Solveig Ekenes, 2006.
Item 85b was accessioned as PH2012-013.
Most of the photographs were transferred from the Seattle Photographs file in 2005; others were transferred from the Boyd and Braas Collection, the David R. Judkins Collection, the D. T. Smith Collection, and the Nathan Eckstein Collection.
Bibliography
McDonald, Robert T., "Business District of City Destroyed by Flames in 1889." Seattle Times, June 6, 1948.
Warren, James R.The Day Seattle Burned: June 6, 1889(Seattle, Washington: J. R. Warren, 1989).
Related Materials
Photographs of the Seattle Fire contained in albums are described in the Guide to the John P. Soule Seattle Fire Collection and the Guide to the Seattle Fire Album.
Online versions of the William F. Boyd Album, the Prosch Seattle Views Album, and the Prosch Washington Views Album contain other photographs of the Seattle Fire in digital format.
Detailed Description of the Collection
-
Series 1: June 6, 1889: The Fire
-
Description: Beginning of the fire, looking south from rooftop near Second Street and Union StreetSmith, D.T (photographer)
2 different copies of the same image. Neither are originals. 1a includes the writing on the mount: "An early view of the fire, while yet confined to the block in which it originated, from Pike Street." 1b is a copy made by Asahel Curtis.
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/1, Item 1a-b -
Views south on Front Street, from Spring Street
-
Description: Frye's Opera House on fire as seen from the streetDates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/2, Item 2
-
Description: Frye's Opera House catching fire, with Minneapolis Art Studio on the right and a large crowd of people gathering in the streetWilliam F. Boyd (photographer)
This photograph was copied many times over the years by various photographers who cropped it in different ways and often put their own names on it. This version is the uncropped original image.
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/3, Item 3 -
Description: Frye's Opera House catching fire, with Minneapolis Art Studio on the right and a large crowd of people gathering in the street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/4, Item 4
-
-
Views south on Front Street, from Madison Street
-
Description: Beginning of the fire, showing firefighters battling the blaze, at the southwest corner of Front and Madison
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/5, Item 5 -
Description: Beginning of the fire, from a rooftop near Madison Street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/6, Item 6 -
Description: Beginning of the fire, from a rooftop near Madison Street, with large crowd of people in the street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/7, Item 7
-
-
Description: Goods piled on the dock near the Seattle, Lakeshore & Eastern Railway Depot as smoke from the fire fills the backgroundSmith, D.T (photographer)
2 different copies of the same image. 8b has writing on front reading: "S.L. and E. Depot, the Burning of Seattle from the Docks."
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/8, Item 8a-b
-
-
Series 2: Ruins after the fire
-
Ruins of the Occidental Hotel
-
Description: At Front Street and Yesler Way, near Pioneer Square
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: June 7, 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/9, Item 9 -
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/10, Item 10
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/11, Item 11
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/12-13, Item 12-13
-
Description: Ruins of the hotel
There are four photographs on one board. 14b is listed following item 17 and 14b-c are listed following item 35.
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/14, Item 14a -
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/15, Item 15
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/16, Item 16
-
-
Ruins of the Merchants National Bank
-
Description: Ruins of the bank at Front Street and Cherry Street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/17, Item 17 -
Description: Looking southwest toward Front Street showing ruins of the bank
There are four photographs on one board. 14a is listed following item 13 and 14b-c are listed following item 35.
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/14, Item 14d -
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/18, Item 18
-
Description: People standing along Front Street, in front of the ruins if the bankSmith, D.T (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/19, Item 19
-
Description: Ruins on Front Street, looking west on Second Street from Cherry Street, with Merchants National Bank on the leftBoyd, William F. (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/20, Item 20
-
-
Ruins of Frye's Opera House
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/21, Item 21
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/22, Item 22
-
Description: Ruins with fire fighters and a man on a horse, at the northeast corner of Front Street and Marion StreetDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/23, Item 23
-
Description: Ruins of the Opera HouseDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/24, Item 24
-
-
Ruins of the Dearborn Building
-
Description: Ruins south of Yesler Way, with Dearborn Building in the distanceJudkins, David R. (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/25, Item 25
-
-
Ruins of the Northwest Cracker Factory
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/26, Item 26
-
Description: Two safes and two men in front of ruins of the Cracker FactorySmith, D.T (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/27, Item 27
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/28, Item 28
-
-
Ruins along Front Street and waterfront
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/29, Item 29
-
Description: Front Street looking west from between Columbia and Cherry StreetBoyd, William F. (photographer)
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/30, Item 30 -
Description: Photographers with equipment in front of the Safe Deposit Building at 701 Second AvenueDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/31, Item 31
-
Description: Looking south on Front Street from Columbia Street, showing a trolley
Copied (probably by Asahel Curtis) from an original photograph.
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/32, Item 32 -
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/33, Item 33
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/34, Item 34
-
-
Ruins along Yesler Way
-
Description: Looking east from Yesler Wharf on Elliott BayBoyd, William F. (photographer)
2 copies of the same image. 35b is a slightly cropped version of 35a. Mount of 35a reads: "From the bay, after the fire."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/35, Item 35a-b -
Description: Looking south across Yesler Way from near James Street
There are four photographs on one board. The 14d is listed following item 17 and 14a follows item 13.
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/14, Item 14b -
Description: Looking east on Yesler Way with ruins of the Post-Intelligencer and Yesler-Leary Buildings on the leftDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/14, Item 14c
-
Description: Ruins on Yesler WayDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/36, Item 36
-
-
Ruins along Commercial Street
-
Description: Looking north on Commercial Street at the ruins of the Yesler-Leary BuildingBoyd and Braas (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/37, Item 37
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/38, Item 38
-
Description: Looking north on Commercial StreetDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/39, Item 39
-
-
Other ruins
-
Description: Ruins in front of the Boston Block
On the southwest corner of Second and Columbia Street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/40, Item 40 -
Description: People inspecting ruins along Cherry Street
The backs of both photos have advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/41-42, Item 41-42 -
Description: People and the ruins of buildingsDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/43, Item 43
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/44, Item 44a-44b
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 1/45, Item 45
-
-
-
Series 3: Temporary Structures and Rebuilding
-
Along Yesler Way
-
Description: Looking west towards waterfront, showing tents along Yesler WayMcClaire, M.S (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/1, Item 46
-
Description: Looking past Yesler Way, southwest toward Elliott Bay showing tents with businessesBoyd and Braas (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/2, Item 47
-
Description: Looking south showing tents along Yesler Way and construction of the Standard Theatre and other buildingsBoyd and Braas (photographer)
2 slightly different copies of the same image. 8b is a cropped image of 8a. Writing has been added to the front of 8b, which reads: "Rebuilding after the fire, looking south from Second St."
Dates: August 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/3, Item 48a-b -
Description: Looking southeast past triangular block at James Street, showing tents along Yesler WayJudkins, David R. (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/4, Item 49
-
Description: Looking past James Street, showing tents along Second Street and Yesler Way
The backs of both photos have advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/5-6, Item 50-51
-
-
Along Commercial Street
-
Description: Looking north on Commercial Street, showing a small crowd and a guard with safesSmith, D.T (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/7, Item 52
-
Description: Looking south on Commercial Street past Dexter Horton Bank, showing a member of the Washington National Guard and 5 men
2 copies of the same image, cropped slightly differently. The mount of 53a has caption that reads: "Old Commercial St--now 1st Ave South--the big fire"
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/8, Item 53a-b
-
-
Near Front Street and Waterfront
-
Description: Lumber and ruins along Front Street
The backs of both photos have advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/9-10, Item 54-55 -
Description: Looking east on Cherry Street from Front Street
2 copies of the same image. Photo 56b is a copy made by the photographer McManus, who copied many images of the Seattle fire taken by other photographers and added his own inscription to them. Photo 56b has writing on the front that reads: "Looking up Cherry St. from First, Seattle Wash July 1889, ©McManus 1912." It also has text on the back with the title "June 6, 1889-June 6, 1919 Vision Plus Spirit."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/11, Item 56a-b -
Description: Waterfront with reconstruction along Front Street
The backs of both photos have advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/12-13, Item 57-58 -
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/14, Item 59
-
Description: Looking east from Front Street and James Street, showing tents along Second Street and Henry Yesler's mansion on Third Street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/15, Item 60 -
Description: Ruins and a horse cart on Front Street, from Columbia Street to Yesler WayBoyd and Braas (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/16, Item 61
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/17, Item 62
-
-
Tacoma Relief Bureau
-
Description: Large line of people in front of the Tacoma Relief Bureau tent near Third Street and Union Street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/18, Item 63
-
-
The Boston Block
-
Description: Looking northeast from Commercial Street and Jackson Street showing the Boston Block and tents
This is a modern copy of a photograph that Asahel Curtis copied. The original photographer is unknown. Curtis copied many images of the fire.
Dates: 1890Container: Box/Folder 2/19, Item 64 -
Description: Looking north on Second Avenue showing the Boston Block and the Stetson-Post Block
2 copies of the same image, cropped slightly differently.
Dates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/20, Item 65a-b
-
-
The Washington National Guard
-
Description: Members of the Guard in front of the old Armory BuildingSmith, D.T., and Bart (photographer)Dates: June 17, 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/21, Item 66
-
Description: Two guards posed as though arresting a looter in the ruins, at Front Street looking northeastSmith, D.T (photographer)Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/22, Item 67
-
Description: Members of the Guard and other people in the Bureau of Found Goods at the Denny Residence at Third Street and Union StreetCurtis, Asahel (photographer)
This is a modern copy of a photograph that Asahel Curtis copied. The original photographer is unknown. Curtis copied many images of the fire.
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/23, Item 68 -
Description: Looking east from wharf showing two members of the Washington National GuardCurtis, Asahel (photographer)
This is a modern copy of a photograph that Asahel Curtis copied. The original photographer is unknown. Curtis copied many images of the fire and included them in his collection.
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/24, Item 69 -
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/25, Item 70
-
Description: Looking north on Commercial Street showing a member of the Washington National Guard and two menDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/26, Item 71
-
-
Tents and temporary housing for businesses and general rebuilding
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/27, Item 72
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/28, Item 73
-
Dates: June 7, 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/29, Item 74a
-
Description: Post Intelligencer office on Columbia street after the fireDates: June 6, 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/29, Item 74b
-
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/30, Item 75
-
Description: Group of people in front of the tent housing the Southern Restaurant
Copied from an original photograph.
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/31, Item 76 -
Description: Doctors James Eagleson and Clarence Smith in a tent which served as their temporary office.Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/32, Item 77
-
Description: Interior of a mercantile business in a tentDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/33, Item 78
-
Description: Businesses housed in tents and street traffic
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/34, Item 79 -
Description: Tents and street traffic
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/35, Item 80 -
Description: Workers excavatingDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/36, Item 81
-
Description: People and tents along a street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/37, Item 82 -
Description: People and barrels along a streetDates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/38, Item 83
-
Description: People and lumber along a street
The back of the photo has advertising for businesses that were in the fire. The caption reads "A Few of the Survivors and Where They May Be Found."
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/39, Item 84 -
Dates: circa 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/39, Item 85a-b
-
Description: Temporary business buildings on 3rd Ave. near James St., with Yesler residence in background
Written on verso: Third looking south from James, 1889, after the fire?
Dates: 1889Container: Box/Folder 2/39, Item 86
-
-
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Fires--Washington (State)--Seattle--Photographs
- Great Fire, Seattle, Wash., 1889--Photographs
- Temporary Buildings--Washington (State)--Seattle--1880-1890--Photographs
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
Geographical Names
- Seattle (Wash.)--History--Photographs
- Seattle (Wash.)--History--Sources
Other Creators
-
Personal Names
- Boyd, William F., 1848- (photographer)
- Judkins, David R (photographer)
- Smith, David T. (Photographer) (photographer)
