Meet Me In Seattle

"♪ ♫ ♩ ♬Meet Me In Seattle ♪ ♫ ♩ ♬" "Seattle Washington. A new landmark, The Space Needle, dominates this view with Seattle in the background and Mt. Rainier 60 miles in the distance standing guardian over all."
 
I'm growing quite a collection of Seattle Postcards.  I'm particularly fond of anything related to the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.
I have several of this postcard view.  But the musical inscription led me to look for the song.
It's awesomely awful. So I love it.
The mp3 file has been uploaded here (which was blogged here)

I was compelled to geek out the lyrics to this peppy tune:

"Meet Me In Seattle" Joy and the Boys - Seafair Records

Meet me in Seattle at the fair

If you want to meet me I’ll be there

I will be your guy

You will be my doll

We will have a ball

Remember

If you wanna hug me hug me there

If you wanna kiss me kiss me there

I’ll be waiting

to start that celebrating.

Meet me in Seattle

That’s where I’ll be at; I’ll meet you 
in Seattle at the fair.

Doodoodoodoo

Paris at the exposition

The item of the hour

that took the prize

and raised the eyes - the Eiffel tower

Chicago of the 30s had Billy Rose’s plan

The Aquacade,

Promenade

and Sally 
and her fan

Now it’s in Seattle

and honey you can bet

Meet me here

I promise dear

Ya aint seen nothing yet! Yeah!

Dressed up in my finery

Up in that space age dinery

Meet me in Seattle

That’s where I’ll be at; I’ll meet you 
in Seattle at the fair

If you fail me I’ll be blue

Wanna ride that monorail with you

Meet me in Seattle

That’s where I’ll be at; I’ll meet you 
in Seattle at the fair!

Any other interpretations of the lyrics welcome!

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Joseph E. Standley established Ye Olde Curiosity shop in Seattle in 1899.  What began as a hobby as a child turned into a business that has lasted well over 100 years.  The Shop has moved several times but has always been on the central waterfront.  It is still run by J. E. Standley's family. And while I would highly recommend visiting the actual store to appreciate the experience, you can also make on-line purchases. See more about their history on the Shop's website.

I have a few postcards (of course!) and hope to continue to grow my collection.

"Interior of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, Seattle, U. S. A. Located in the Colman dock. Most Unique Shop in the World. J. E. Standly, PROP'R. Established 1899"


"VISIT YE OLDE CURIOSITY SHOP EST'D 1899. 1-Whale Jaw Bones 1 ton each, 21 1/2 feet, largest in U. S. 2-Skull of Alaska Buffalo, largest in the world. 3-Giant Clam Shell. weighs 161 pounds. From Equator. 4-Ivory Tusk of Alaska Elephant (mammoth). 5-Head of Arctic Walrus with ivory tusks 6-Shell, 855 pounds, fired from U. S. Fort Worden. 7-Navajo Rugs, from Navajo Indians. 8-Indian Totem Poles. 9-Saw of Saw Fish. 10-Indian Cooking Basket. 11-Old Ship Lanterns, brass. 12-Hat worn by Chief Seattle. 13 - Alaska Snail, petrified, 67 pounds. 14-Chilcat Blanket from Alaska. GROUND FLOOR AT COLMAN DOCK ENTRANCE, SEATTLE"

I posted this one on the Facebook pages of Vintage King County and  Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.  The Shop posted this about the items on this 1920s postcard:

This picture is likely from the 1920's. Yes, we do still have most of the things shown in the photograph. I will list them in order. We have about 3/4 of one of the whale jaw bones. One was lost from being out in the weather too long and about a fourth of the other was cut off by someone in the middle of the night (!) when it was chained to the outside of the building that housed the shop when we were on pier 51. The ivory tusk of an Alaskan elephant (mastodon) is on display near the front of the shop (inside). We actually have two. We have several giant clam shells on display. There are many Native American totem poles in our collection (some older and some newer) and we have many for sale also. We have always bought directly from the local artists and some from Alaska and British Columbia as well. We have more than one saw fish saws. We have many Native American baskets in our collection but not sure if this exact one is on display. We purchased many weavings from Chief Sealth's daughter, Princess Angeline, which were for sale at the time and we have kept some examples. We do have a hat that Chief Sealth (Seattle) wore. In case you didn't know Seattle was named after Chief Sealth. The Alaska 67 pound fossil snail is on display in the outside window on the north side of the shop along with many other things from our museum collection. Lastly we do still have a Chilkat blanket on display.

The back of this postcard did not have space for writing, just space for an address and a stamp on the right, on the left side reads:
"VISITORS IN SEATTLE SHOULD SEE: The Pike Place Market; Zoological Gardens; The Smith Tower, 42 stories, Day and Night View; Anderson's Bout Tour of Harbor through U. S. Ship Canal to Lake Union into Lake Washington; Mt. Rainier; Snoqualmie Falls, 100 feet higher than Niagara; Big Trees in Schmitz Park; Sea Bathing at Alki Beach; View of Harbor from Colman Dock Rotunds; Battleships and great docks; U. S. Navy Yard at Bremerton, 1 hour boat ride; Municipal Frozen Fish Aquarium in Spokane St. Wharf; Tropical Conservatories and Art Museum in Volunteer Park; State Museum and Art Gallery on University Campus. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Alaska Bureau will give you free literature, maps and information about sight seeing.
VISIT THE WORLD FAMOUS YE OLDE CURIOSITY SHOP and see the Russia Brass Ikons, Samovars; Carvings on 4 grains of rice; Shrunken Human Head size of a lemon from Ecuador; the Lord's Prayer on a pin head; Fleas in dresses; a duckbill Plattypus; a devil fish, wolf fish, musk ox skull, camel bells, old ship lanterns; Narwhal tusk, Aztec pottery; ships in bottles, old guns; India mask and real hand-carved Indian Totem Poles, one to forty feet tall. Big variety of antique brass and bronze, Fossil Ivory jewelry from Alaska Eskimos. Odd rings and beads; rare novelties, Indian Baskets, Bracelets and rings, daggers and thousands of other curiosities from every land and see.
Everybody welcome to Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
Est'd 1899 by J. E. Standley
BEATS THE DICKENS
At Foot of Marion Stret
The Ground Floor Entrance to Colman Dock
Look for the Whale Jaw Bones 21 1/2 Ft. Tall"


"Interior of the world famous Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, Ferry Dock Pier 52, Seattle 4, Washington U. S. A., on Seattle's historic Waterfront. In the foreground is 'Sylvester' the mummy and Cigar Store Indian. Most unique shop in the world, 'Beats the Dickens'. Established 1899" Ektachrome by J. Boyd Ellis. 
According to HistoryLink essay about Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, Sylvester was acquired in 1955 - I think this postcard photo might have been taken about this time


"World Famous Ye Olde Curiosity Shop - 601 Alaskan Way - Pier 51, Seattle 4, Washington (Established 1899 on the waterfront.) Interior view showing Thunderbird House Front, Easter Island Carving, Korean Grave Figure, Cobalt Blue Foo Dog, Sylvester the Mummy (background), and Cigar Store Indian foreground."
This store is on Pier 51 (the above was on Pier 52) and I don't know which location was earlier but since Sylvester is further back in the store, I'm supposing it's a little later.  The Zone number between the City and State indicates it pre-dates the zip code which came in to effect in 1963.

"Seattle Ferry Terminal and Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on the Seattle Waterfront" "Seattle Waterfront, Seattle, Washington, U. S. A. Modern touch to colorful Seattle waterfront is provided by the new $3,000,000 SEATTLE FERRY TERMINAL. The world-famous YE OLDE CURIOSITY SHOP is at left. Waterfront visitors are afforded unlimited sightseeing opportunities from piers which extend far out into Elliot Bay. Fireboats and ferries provide interesting maritime activity in Seattle harbor."

Guessing the date mid to late 1960s (it's after the Seattle World's Fair ended - the barrel poles in front were originally at the Ford Pavilion at the Fair).

Fun place to see; fun place to shop!

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

Seattle Alweg Monorail

Happy 51st birthday Seattle Monorail!

From Seattle Monorail

"The Monorail opened to the public on March 24, 1962 nearly one month before the start of the World’s Fair. At a cost of $3.5 million, the trains carried more than eight million guests during the six months of the fair, easily paying for the cost of construction. The full initial capitol cost of the system was recovered and a profit was realized by ALWEG before the end of the fair."

Here are some Monorail postcards in my collection:


"Downtown Monorail Terminal in Seattle's Westlake mall. The first high-speed Monorail system in the U.S.A. The sleek vehicle of the future whisks visitors from downtown Seattle to the World's Fair grounds - over a mile away - in 96 seconds and is being eyed by other metropolitan cities of the country for the solution of their mass transportation problems." Photo by Max R. Jensen.



"Alweg Monorail. Two symbols of modern times. The sleek Alweg Monorail, first of its kind in America, whisking visitors between beautiful downtown Seattle and Seattle Center, America's newest playground, and the 600-ft Space Needle another unique attraction at the Center, towering in the background like a sentinel." C13296a - Color photo by Morley Studios


"Seattle, Washington. The Monorail, (transportation of the future), Space Needle, Federal Science Building and Seattle's new Civic Center."


"Seattle's Monorail. One of the two trains making the 1 1/4 mile - 95 second run between the downtown station on Westlake Mall and the exposition grounds." C-612 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 C13073

Some Then and Now video:
The first minute of the "Century 21 Calling" documentary



Seattle Monorail's video for their 50th birthday celebration last year

Peter Hawley

If you're "in" to mid-century advertising, you probably have seen many of Peter Hawley's illustrations. Jantzen, American Greeting Cards, movie poster art, Bell Telephone and more.

I think he must have been a very private person.  I can't find many biographical details but enjoyed some tidbits about him on "Today's Inspiration" Pete Hawley: No doubt, the envy of his peers! and Pete Hawley's Fabulous 50's and Pete Hawley: Betsy Bell Ushers In the 60's.
I found a simple gravestone on Find-A-Grave (and was disappointed he's not included in their "Famous Grave Search").  The Social Security Death index indicates he was born July 13, 1916 and died 17 years ago today on February 15, 1996.  So I'd like to remember him today by sharing some of his Betsy Bell illustrations.


January 20, 1958 Life Magazine



May 19, 1961 Life Magazine


June 23, 1961 Life Magazine


September 8, 1961 Life Magazine


April 20, 1962 Life Magazine


June 15, 1962 Life Magazine (also found July 4, 1960 and June 9, 1961 Life Magazines but I wanted to embed the one that mentioned the Seattle World's Fair!)



August 3, 1962 Life Magazine


September 21, 1962 Life Magazine


March 8, 1963 Life Magazine


June 14, 1963 Life Magazine


September 6, 1963 Life Magazine

I've previously posted his Jantzen ads here (May 9, 1955 Life Magazine, May 23, 1955 Life Magazine, and June 20, 1955 Life Magazine)

Check out this extensive Pete Hawley collection on flickr

Seattle World's Fair for Christmas

Two treats in my stocking.



Santa knows me. 

Dark chocolate with a retro image of the Space Needle?!  Can there be anything more perfect for me?

And . . . I had mentioned that we didn't need any more ornaments in my stocking since we had too many to fit on our tree anyway.  I think Santa mumbled something like, "Well, there was one I couldn't resist . . ."  Well, I'm quite pleased he couldn't resist - a commemorative Seattle World's Fair 1962 ornament! 

If you got a stocking this year, I hope it had smiles inside, too.

Space Needle Postcard Messages

I've collected numerous old Washington state postcards this year.  Some are postally used. Some were never used. My favorites involve Seattle and often the Seattle Center where the Space Needle lives.  I collect postcards because as you probably know - I like old photos!  I've shared many of the images from these postcards the last few months.

However, I'm also finding I am entertained by the short little messages written on some.  I consider them longer versions of Tweets but shorter versions of the old-fashioned letter.  I think most senders don't consider postcards a private way to communicate (like Tweets!).  Occasionally I feel like reading postcards purchased on e-Bay is a little like eaves-dropping; the sender probably didn't have an inkling that a stranger half a century later would read them.  And not only read them but share these quaint correspondences featuring the Space Needle.

Ruth (and Al) write a sweet note to Mrs. Alwin Ginter in Connecticut July 1968,

"Went up in this the other day. Then took Inside Passage boat trip. The scenery was beautiful, mountains right down to the water. Resting up for trip home now."

the card front:


I can just imagine Mrs. Ginter upon receiving this in New England, quickly telephoning up their mutual neighbor whom I am pretending is named Mildred and relaying the lovely time their dear friend is having in the remote, newly settled, Pacific Northwest.

Grandma visiting the World's Fair reports behaving like a child July 1962 (her postcard is even postmarked from the Space Needle) to her family in Hawaii,

"Dear Brandeberrys, Arrived Friday 4 PM so rushed to the fair like any kid. Stood in line over an hour to get on the Needle. Beautiful country."

From Seattle Postcards

the card front:


These last two have the same postcard photo:

December 1966, Daddio writes Hugh in Virginia,

"Your ever-loving pappy is going to have dinner atop the Needle tonite. I hear it is almost as good as McDonnels.  Be good & I'll bring you a popsicle." 

I don't know if he is referring to McDonald's but that's what I'm imagining so that gave me a chuckle considering the price comparison between the two restaurants.


But this one is my very favorite of this group - I think it's also 1966 and sent to Mr. McCormick in Illinois.

"'Der Feuhreur' forced me to up to the top of this idiotic nonsensical senseless Rube Goldberg monstrocity before supper yesterday. No wonder I had horrible nightmares all night. They take you up & down in an elevator that goes up & down in a glass tube. Phoey! In Portland today Wed. Met Fr. Schulze of Gordon Tech HS 1 hr ago. We leave for Frisco Thurs. PM. Now at Hilton Portland Hotel."

What a hoot! I hope she was able to forgive "Der Feuhreur's" coercion and enjoy the rest of their West Coast vacation.

I think I have to learn how to write clever postcards in case any of mine happen to be read half a century later.

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"