Seattle Parks

The Seattle area is blessed with natural beauty. The Board of Park Commissioners was established in 1887 to oversee development of the Seattle park system. according to the Seattle.Gov page on park history. There is an AMAZING resource on Seattle park history compiled by Donald N. Sherwood known as the Sherwood Park History Files.

Seattle Park Postcards show some of this beauty.

Leschi Park

"4. Listening to the Band, Leschi Park, Seattle."


"A corner of Leschi Park, showing the Tennis Courts and Winding Boulevard, Lake Washington in the background. Seattle U. S. A." "A typical winter day in Seattle where the average winter temperature is 40 F. This photograph was taken March 3, 1914"

Japanese Tea Garden

"Japanese Tea Garden - University of Washington Arboretum" "The Japanese Tea Garden located in the University of Washington arboretum Seattle, Washington, encompassing 4 acres is the largest of its kind outside Japan. This authentic garden includes hand carved granite lanterns, moon viewing stand and a traditional stone face washing basin."

"University of Washington Seattle, Washington. One of the most colorful tourist attractions in Seattle is the Japanese Tea Garden located in the beautiful Arboretum - a moment for reflection."

Kinnear Park

"In Kinnear Park, Seattle, Washington"

"Rustic Pavilion in Kinnear Park Seattle, Washington"

Madrona Park

"26. Madrona Park, Seattle"

Mt. Baker Park

"Japanese Pagoda Lantern in Mt. Baker Park, Seattle, Washington - A Gift from Kojiro Matsukatu of Kobe, Japan"

Seward Park

"Seward Park, Seattle. Blossom time in Seward Park, Seattle, Washington where Japanese cherry trees bloom in gorgeous profusion about a picturesque shrine."

"Seward Park - Seattle, Wash. One of the fine city parks. This shows round flower bed and the Japanese Flowering Peach in bloom."

Volunteer Park

"1744 - Volunteer Park, Seattle, Washington"

"Volunteer Park Gardens and Seattle Art Museum." Ektachrome by J. Boyd Ellis.

"Conservatory - Volunteer Park. Seattle, Wash. The outdoor formal gardens together with the tropical flowers found in the beauty spot afford a wide range of floral display throughout the year" C-33 Ektachrome by F. W. Huhn

"Volunteer Park. One of Seattle's many beauty spots. The Seattle Art Museum may be seen just beyond the water storage reservoir. Lake Washington in the distance."

Pacific Science Center and Arches

I give a lot of face-time to the Space Needle.  I LOVE the Space Needle.  But on this, the 51st anniversary of the opening of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, I'd like to give a shout-out to the Pacific Science Center and especially the arches.

About December 1961 - Photo used with permission: Courtesy of Seattle P-I Collection, MOHAI (CM)

Did you know the Pacific Science Center was called United States Science Pavilion, or Federal Science Pavilion during the World's Fair? The Pavilion and its arches were designed by the same architect that designed the former World Trade Center "Twin Towers".  Read more about Minoru Yamasaki here on HistoryLink. According to the Pacific Science Center website, the arches will be lit green for Earth Day today and tomorrow. They are certainly beautiful in their native white or lit with a variety of colors for special occasions and fully deserve to be featured in numerous postcards.


"Pacific Science Center - Seattle Center America's Newest Playground - Fountains, pools and graceful arches create a charming setting for the Pacific Science Center - five handsome buildings housing the greatest collection of scientific exhibits ever assembled for public viewing. The Science Center is a prime attraction at Seattle Center located on the 1962 Seattle World's Fair site."



"Pacific Science Center. The magnificent 109-ft. "Space Gothic" arches at the entrance to Pacific Science Center are dwarfed only by the 600 ft. Space needle which towers in the background. Both are outstanding attractions at America's newest playground, Seattle Center, formerly the site of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair." C13086a - Color photo by Max R. Jensen.


"Pacific Science Center. Seattle Center. A constant supply of displays and ideas are presented at this facility the year 'round. No trip to Seattle would be complete without a visit to this outstanding attraction."


"Pacific Science Center, formerly the U. S. Science Pavilion, was a major exhibit at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. Dramatic architecture and fairyland lighting create an outstanding setting for a world famous collection of scientific exhibits. The Space Needle towers over all." C27899 Color Photo by Max R. Jensen


"Pacific Science Center was a major exhibit at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair as the U.S. Science Pavilion and now is a prime attraction at Seattle Center. Soaring Gothic arches, fountains and fairyland lighting create a beautiful setting for the Center's world-famous collection of scientific exhibits. Seattle's Space Needle towers over all." C13555a - Color photo by Mike Roberts.


"Pacific Science Center. Located in the new Seattle Civic Center, this beautiful structure was permanently constructed for the Century "21" World's Fair held in 1962. This is to be retained and kept up to date as a science center for the entire northwest." C-628 Ektachrome by Clifford B. Ellis.


"Federal Science Pavilion Seattle, Washington." P49501 by Morley Studios


"Seattle Center" "Pacific Science Center - acclaimed as one of America's most beautiful buildings, created to house the greatest collection of scientific exhibits ever assembled. Noted architect Minoru Yamasaki designed five pavilions around a beautiful series of pools and fountains, shown illuminated at night. Pacific Science Center is one of many attractions at America's newest playground, Seattle Center." C13556a - Color by Mike Roberts

University of Washington

My parents are both graduates of the University of Washington.  My husband and I and as of last year our son also graduated from there. Three generations of Huskies.

This weekend marks their 151st birthday.  From Wikipedia

UW opened officially on November 4, 1861, as the Territorial University of Washington. The following year, the legislature passed articles formally incorporating the University and establishing a Board of Regents. The school struggled initially, closing three times: in 1863 for lack of students, and again in 1867 and 1876 due to shortage of funds. . . .

 . . . The University relocated from downtown to the new campus in 1895, moving into the newly built Denny Hall. The regents tried and failed to sell the old campus, and eventually settled on leasing the area. The University still owns what is now called the Metropolitan Tract. In the heart of the city, it is among the most valuable pieces of real estate in Seattle and generates millions of US$ in revenue annually. . . .

. . . Organizers of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition eyed the still largely undeveloped campus as a prime setting for their world's fair. They came to an agreement with the Board of Regents that allowed them to use the campus grounds for the exposition. In exchange, the University would be able to take advantage of the development of the campus for the fair after its conclusion. This included a detailed site plan and several buildings. The plan for the A-Y-P Exposition prepared by John Charles Olmsted was later incorporated into the overall campus master plan and permanently affected the layout of the campus.

Not surprisingly, I have some old postcards that I would like to share in tribute to this special occasion.


"604 - University of Washington Campus Seattle, Washington - Library and Physics Hall, with Vista of Mt. Rainier. Just ten years after the city of Seattle was founded in 1861, the people of the territory of Washington started the University of Washington. From that day, now more than 75 years ago, the University has progressed to where it now boasts one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. With an enrollment of 12,000 students, it ranks among the highest educational institutions in the country, and produces world famous athletic teams. Genuine Curteich-Chicago "C. T. Photocrom" Post card. C. P. Johnston Co. Seattle, Washington" Postcard mailed June 1952



"Library, University of Washington, Seattle. Natural Color K Card from Kodachrome. A Mike Roberts Color Production, Berkeley 2, Calif. Published by C. P. Johnston Co., Seattle. C3742"


"A section of the University of Washington campus at Seattle. The campus covers 582 acres, all beautifully landscaped. The building to the right is the Library and to the left Savery Hall. Ektachrome by Max. R. Jensen. Natural Color K Card from Kodachrome. a Mike Roberts Color Production. Berkeley 2, Calif. Published by C. P. Johnston Co., Seattle C5699"


"University of Washington Campus, Seattle, Wash. This view looking across Frosh Pond shows Johnson Hall Administration Bldg., Parrington Hall, Library and Physics Hall. C-409 Ektachrome by J. Boyd Ellis. Pub. by J. Boyd Ellis, Arlington, Washington 3978"


"University of Washington. This aerial view of the lower portion of the campus shows the Athletic Pavilion and Stadium. Union Bay and Lake Washington are beyond. Ektachrome by Clifford B. Ellis"

Seattle World's Fair Closed 50 Years Ago

The Seattle World's Fair closed fifty years ago tonight. There were festivities to celebrate at the Center today.  Bartell Drugs partnered and elevator rides to the top of the Space Needle were rolled back to 1962 prices and only $1.00 (the 2012 price is $19).

I wanted to share a few more of the World's Fair and early Space Needle postcards I've collected this year:

Seattle World's Fair. Seattle World's Fair Information Booth and Space Needle. Foyer Des Renseignements de la Exposition Du Monde A Seattle et Aiguille De L'Espace. Casilla De Informacion de la Exposicion Del Mundo de Seattle y el Aguja Del Expacio. Century 21 Exposition. Seattle Washington April 21, October 21, 1962. Color photo by Max R. Jensen Natural Color by Mike Roberts Berkeley 2, Calif. Published by C. P. Johnston C., Seattle, Washington"


"Space Needle Seattle, U. S. A. The awe-inspiring Space Needle framed by Gothic Arches. A new landmark for the future enjoyment of all who visit Seattle. P48723. Plastichrome by Colourpicture Publishers, Inc., Boston 30, Mass. USA. Color by Morley Studios. Distributed only by Smith-Western Co., Inc., Tacoma-Portland"


"Seattle World's Fair. The Eye of the Needle. L'oeil de l'aiguille. El ojo del aguja Published by C. P. Johnston Co., Seattle, Washington. Color Photo by Max R. Jensen. Natural color by Mike Roberts Berkeley 2, Calif. Century 21 Exposition Inc."


"Space Needle Seattle, USA. P49456 Plastichrome by Colourpicture Publishers, Inc. Boston 30, Mass. USA. Color by Morley Studios. Distributed only by Smith-Western Co., Inc., Tacoma-Portland"


"Space Needle, Seattle, USA. Color by Morley Studios S-45087-2. Distributed Only by Smith-Western Co., Tacoma-Portland"


"Federal Science Pavilion Seattle, Washington. P49501. Plastichrome by ColorPicture Publishers, Inc. Boston 30, Mass. USA. Color by Morley Studios" I only recall this being called The Pacific Science Center.


"Seattle World's Fair Beautifully illuminated Space Needle beyond the U. S. Science Pavilion. Belle illumination de l'aiguille de l'espace, au dela du Pavilion Americain de Science. La Aguja del Espacio, bellamente illuminada, mas alla del Pabellon de la Ciencia de los Estados Unidos. Color photo by Morley Studios Official Photographer, Seattle World's Fair. Seattle Washington April 21 - October 21, 1962 Century 21 Exposition, Inc. Published by C. P. Johnston Co. Seattle, Washington. Natural Color by Mike Roberts Berkeley 2, Calif."


"Space Age. Seattle World's Fair. Satellite and Space Needle. Satellite et aiguille de l'espace. El Satelite y la aguja del espacio. Color photo by Mike Roberts. Seattle, Washington April 21- October 21, 1962 Century 21 Exposition Inc. Natural Color By Mike Roberts Berkeley 2, Calif. C13123 WF-36"


Some of my earlier World's Fair posts:
"Seattle World's Fair and my Grandparents"
"Seattle World's Fair Postcards" 
"Fabulous Fair in Seattle"

Lake Washington Floating Bridge

The Lake Washington Floating Bridge was dedicated 72 years ago today according to a History Link article - there was lots of celebrating the largest floating structure of its time which cut an hour off the commute time to Seattle.  There was even a surf boarding exhibition (??).

My memories of this bridge include "The Bulge" which was the portion of the bridge that opened for boaters.  This bridge had reversible lanes for high volume traffic times and if you chose the reversible lane you had to negotiate a counter-clockwise swerve directly facing barrier-free on-coming traffic.  It was terrifying.  Unfortunately, none of my postcards give a good glimpse of the bulge which was removed in 1981.  These views are from the Seattle side facing east toward Mercer Island. Officially the bridge is now named "Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge."


"Union Oil company's Natural color Scenes of the West. Lake Washington Bridge, Seattle, is a tribute to the ingenuity of American Engineers. Except for the entrances the bridge is full-floating, being supported by pontoons. A section can be moved to accommodate navigation." postcard mailed 1948


"The World's First Cement Floating Bridge"


"The Lake Washington Floating Bridge, the world's longest pontoon bridge, is the start of U. S. Highway 10 to the East. It takes one from downtown Seattle across Lake Washington toward Snoqualmie Pass. Ektachrome by Max R. Jensen"


"Lake Washington Floating Bridge, Seattle, Wash. This world famous structure carries U. S. Highway 10 across the lake and over the Cascade Mountains by way of Snoqualmie Pass. C-494 Ektachrome by Josef Scaylea"


"The Space Needle reigns over the city of Seattle with the business district in the foreground and Queen Anne Hill in the background. Lower view shows Lake Washington floating bridge. C13014. Color by Mike Roberts Berkeley, Calif, 94710"

Seattle World's Fair postcards

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Seattle World's Fair opening. The Space Needle's saucer was been temporarily painted original "Galaxy Gold" (that would be "orange" to us regular folk) earlier this week in honor of this grand occasion.

I'm growing my World's Fair postcard collection and wanted to share.








"The Space Needle Seattle, Washington. It rises to the height of 600 feet and is topped by a restaurant which revolves 360 degrees every hour. About 260 persons can be served. An observation deck and snack service is also atop the Needle for those who wish to feast mostly on the tremendous scenic panorama. C-719 Ektachrome by Clifford B. Ellis"


"Two symbols of modern times. The sleek Monorail, first of its kind in America, swiftly whisks visitors to the Seattle World's Fair grounds and back to beautiful downtown Seattle. Like a sentinel watching, stands the 600 foot Space Needle.  Color photo by Max R. Jensen"





I would be thrilled if you shared links with me of blogs or uploaded photos or postcards of the Seattle World's Fair.

Here are a few I have come across

astro launch 1962 Seattle World's Fair

azzurrolou 1962 Century 21 Exposition Seattle World's Fair

OrangeSpaceNeedle

Seattle Municipal Archives Century 21 & Seattle Center

Smith Family Slide Scans - Reel 2 - Seattle World's Fair June, 1962

What Makes the Pie Shops Tick 1962 Seattle World's Fair

Videos

Mister Here (From Way Out There) - 1962 Seattle World's Fair

Pike Family - Seattle World's Fair 1962

Seattle World's Fair 1962 - "Century 21 Calling"