Over a century ago: Seattle's General Strike began and the city ground to a halt

"The Seattle General Strike was a joint effort by several local unions, including the IWW. 65,000 workers walked out of work from February 6, 1919 to February 11, 1919, in a protest against World War I wage controls. 39 Wobblies were arrested. Although the strikers succeeded in nationally publicizing their grievances, the strike was ultimately called off by senior union leaders." -UW Special Collections.
Courtesy UW Special Collections

"During the Seattle General Strike in 1919, union members refused to report to their jobs. Businesses and stores were closed, and streetcars didn't run. Union members met the city's basic and emergency needs, however. They set up food lines, delivered milk to babies, and brought drugs to hospitals. They also maintained the city's electrical power and kept ambulances running." -MOHAI. Courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.10698.2.
MOHAI

"The Seattle General Strike was a work stoppage by more than 65,000 workers in Seattle from February 6-11, 1919. The strike began in shipyards when workers were refused pay increases after two years of World War I wage controls. Most of the city's 110 local unions, including members of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), joined the walkout in solidarity with the shipyard workers. Although the strike was non-violent and union members continued to meet the city's basic and emergency needs, government officials, the press, and much of the public viewed the strike as a radical attempt to subvert U. S. institutions. This image of workers was taken at the Skinner & Eddy Corporation shipyard located between Dearborn Street and Connecticut Street (now Royal Brougham Way). Skinner & Eddy employed about 13,500 people and is notable for completing more ships for the U.S. war effort during World War I than any other American shipyard." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1347.3. — "The Seattle General Strike was a work stoppage by more than 65,000 workers in Seattle from February 6-11, 1919. The strike began in shipyards when workers were refused pay increases after two years of World War I wage controls. Most of the city's 110 local unions, including members of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), joined the walkout in solidarity with the shipyard workers. Although the strike was non-violent and union members continued to meet the city's basic and emergency needs, government officials, the press, and much of the public viewed the strike as a radical attempt to subvert U. S. institutions.

This image of workers was taken at the Skinner & Eddy Corporation shipyard located between Dearborn Street and Connecticut Street (now Royal Brougham Way). Skinner & Eddy employed about 13,500 people and is notable for completing more ships for the U.S. war effort during World War I than any other American shipyard." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1347.3.
MOHAI

"One of the few crowd scene photographs from the strike. The location is Seventh Avenue and Union, one block from the Labor Temple strike headquarters, but even closer to the offices of the Star. This photo may show strikers, but it is more likely that people were awaiting the first newspaper to be published during the strike late on day 2. (Friedheim, R., & Gregory, James N. (2018). The Seattle general strike (Centennial ed.). Seattle: University of Washington Press.) On verso of image: Probably Seattle General Strike, Feb. 7, 1919. Looking west on Pike Street, Seattle, from Ninth." -UW Special Collections. — "One of the few crowd scene photographs from the strike. The location is Seventh Avenue and Union, one block from the Labor Temple strike headquarters, but even closer to the offices of the Star. This photo may show strikers, but it is more likely that people were awaiting the first newspaper to be published during the strike late on day 2. (Friedheim, R., & Gregory, James N. (2018). The Seattle general strike (Centennial ed.). Seattle: University of Washington Press.)

On verso of image: Probably Seattle General Strike, Feb. 7, 1919. Looking west on Pike Street, Seattle, from Ninth." -UW Special Collections.
Courtesy UW Special Collections

"In 1919, Seattle shipyard workers went on strike for higher wages. Other labor unions stopped work too, thus starting the nation's first general strike. Many people feared the strike would lead to violence. Seattle's mayor and chief of police deputized groups of soldiers and sailors to help keep the peace. Most of the strikers stayed home, however, and the city stayed calm. In this photo, a group of deputies receives guns from city personnel." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1348. — "In 1919, Seattle shipyard workers went on strike for higher wages. Other labor unions stopped work too, thus starting the nation's first general strike. Many people feared the strike would lead to violence. Seattle's mayor and chief of police deputized groups of soldiers and sailors to help keep the peace. Most of the strikers stayed home, however, and the city stayed calm.

In this photo, a group of deputies receives guns from city personnel." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1348.
MOHAI

"Ole Hanson (1874-1940) was a man who packed multiple lives into one. He's best known in Washington for his role, as Seattle's mayor, in ending the city's General Strike of 1919, but he's also well known for founding the city of San Clemente, California, six years later. Though opportunistic and erratic, Hanson was a shrewd politician and realtor who left fascinating stories in his wake. This portrait of Mr. Hanson was likely taken around his term as Mayor, from 1918-1919, as he moved with his family to California in 1921." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1760.2. — "Ole Hanson (1874-1940) was a man who packed multiple lives into one. He's best known in Washington for his role, as Seattle's mayor, in ending the city's General Strike of 1919, but he's also well known for founding the city of San Clemente, California, six years later. Though opportunistic and erratic, Hanson was a shrewd politician and realtor who left fascinating stories in his wake.

This portrait of Mr. Hanson was likely taken around his term as Mayor, from 1918-1919, as he moved with his family to California in 1921." -MOHAI. Photo courtesy MOHAI, PEMCO Webster and Stevens Collection, image number 1983.10.1760.2.
MOHAI

The Seattle General Strike of 1919, which the city’s mayor attempted to break up with the help of the army and deputized University of Washington students. The Seattle General Strike lasted five-days and involved more than 65,000 workers. Seattle Mayor Hanson had federal troops available and stationed 950 sailors and marines across the city by Feb. 7. He added 600 men to the police force and hired 2,400 special deputies -- students from the University of Washington, for the most part. Strikers called his bluff. But, in the end, workers trickled back to work until finally the General Strike Committee voted to end the general strike on Feb. 11. Get more information and images from the strike days from the University of Washington page dedicated to it. — The Seattle General Strike of 1919, which the city’s mayor attempted to break up with the help of the army and deputized University of Washington students.

The Seattle General Strike lasted five-days and involved more than 65,000 workers. Seattle Mayor Hanson had federal troops available and stationed 950 sailors and marines across the city by Feb. 7. He added 600 men to the police force and hired 2,400 special deputies -- students from the University of Washington, for the most part.

Strikers called his bluff. But, in the end, workers trickled back to work until finally the General Strike Committee voted to end the general strike on Feb. 11.

Get more information and images from the strike days from the University of Washington page dedicated to it.

General strikes, which call for workers across the board to stop work in protest, are not common in the U.S. But Seattle made history over a century ago Thursday with a strike that is widely credited as one of the first city-wide labor actions in the country.

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In fact, it was headline news around the world: Tens of thousands of workers in all occupations stopped working. And the situation would drag on for five more days.

It was the climax of the shipyard strike that had been brewing in Seattle and Tacoma. On Jan. 21, 1919, 35,000 Seattle union members, along with 14,000 in Tacoma, walked off the job. According to HistoryLink, "the strike was aimed as much at the federal government's Emergency Fleet Corporation, which coordinated wartime shipbuilding, as at the private shipyard owners themselves," who were still enjoying a post-war boom.

The shipyard strike triggered the reaction of Seattle's Central Labor Council of the American Federation of Labor, who began polling other local labor groups about the possibility of a general strike. One after another voted in favor, and though some opposition began to mount, the stage was set.

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At 10 a.m. on Feb. 6, 1919, the city came to an eerily quiet halt. Or, as the Post-Intelligencer front page put it at the time: "Today is raised the issue between American democracy and the organized forces of revolt, insurrection and rebellion."

Take a journey with us through the Seattle's history with a look at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's historic front pages.
SeattlePI

Here's the first edition of The Seattle Gazette, which is considered the debut issue of what was to become The Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Dec. 10, 1863. Stories of the front page included a poem about friendship in old age, Civil War news and a harrowing story from Naples, Italy, in which a mason was kidnapped to carve a hole out of a wall, where a young woman was forced into a coffin that was then inserted into the hole and walled off by the mason.
University of Washington archives

The one-year anniversary paper of The Great Fire ran June 6, 1890. It contained an image of its June 7, 1889 edition detailing The Great Fire within a frame of new text that recounted the effects of the fire.The P-I was the only daily publication in Seattle to report the details of the fire the morning after it destroyed more than two dozen city blocks.Read more about the P-I's error - and subsequent correction - about the fire as reporters pieced together details of its origin. — The one-year anniversary paper of The Great Fire ran June 6, 1890. It contained an image of its June 7, 1889 edition detailing The Great Fire within a frame of new text that recounted the effects of the fire.

The P-I was the only daily publication in Seattle to report the details of the fire the morning after it destroyed more than two dozen city blocks.

Read more about the P-I's error - and subsequent correction - about the fire as reporters pieced together details of its origin.
MOHAI archives

In 1963, the P-I printed commemorative issues from the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush, during which gold-seekers funneled through Seattle to Alaska to strike it rich. The P-I announced the discovery of gold July 17, 1897 when reporter Beriah Brown, Jr. chartered a tugboat to intercept a steamer that was bringing gold back from the Klondike. He interviewed miners on deck for an hour and rushed back to Seattle in time to break the news, according to HistoryLink.org.
MOHAI archives

The P-I itself informed Gov. Ernest Lister of the Armistice. Lister issued a telephonic statement from Olympia that said, in part: "The passing of the dark shadow of war from an anguished world fills every heart with a feeling of thankfulness. ... Historians, with the advantage of better perspective, may set down the part played by each nation, but for the present it is sufficient for us to contemplate that we have won together and that we must begin the work of reconstruction together. This is the greatest day the world has ever seen." — The P-I itself informed Gov. Ernest Lister of the Armistice.

Lister issued a telephonic statement from Olympia that said, in part: "The passing of the dark shadow of war from an anguished world fills every heart with a feeling of thankfulness. ... Historians, with the advantage of better perspective, may set down the part played by each nation, but for the present it is sufficient for us to contemplate that we have won together and that we must begin the work of reconstruction together. This is the greatest day the world has ever seen."

MOHAI archives

The P-I warned readers of the Seattle General Strike the day before it started on Feb. 5, 1919.It grew out of an organized shipyard strike that occurred in January and included 35,000 union shipyard workers. Additional unions voted in favor of a greater strike that led to 65,000 walking off the job in February and grinding the city to a halt for five days. Says HistoryLink.org: "Initially, the strike demonstrated the power of union solidarity, but it soon fizzled. For labor, the Seattle General Strike was a glorious folly that led to government crackdowns and to the distrust of the public and the press for a decade to come." — The P-I warned readers of the Seattle General Strike the day before it started on Feb. 5, 1919.

It grew out of an organized shipyard strike that occurred in January and included 35,000 union shipyard workers. Additional unions voted in favor of a greater strike that led to 65,000 walking off the job in February and grinding the city to a halt for five days.

Says HistoryLink.org: "Initially, the strike demonstrated the power of union solidarity, but it soon fizzled. For labor, the Seattle General Strike was a glorious folly that led to government crackdowns and to the distrust of the public and the press for a decade to come."
MOHAI archives

Here's the schedule for the first day of the World's Fair, April 21, 2062. Gates opened to the public at 11 a.m. and President John F. Kennedy was scheduled to deliver a telephonic opening message at 11:57 a.m. Other events included two water-ski shows at Memorial Stadium and an opening night concert at the Opera House with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, with Igor Stravinsky - famous for "Rite of Spring," for starters - serving as guest conductor. — Here's the schedule for the first day of the World's Fair, April 21, 2062. Gates opened to the public at 11 a.m. and President John F. Kennedy was scheduled to deliver a telephonic opening message at 11:57 a.m.

Other events included two water-ski shows at Memorial Stadium and an opening night concert at the Opera House with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, with Igor Stravinsky - famous for "Rite of Spring," for starters - serving as guest conductor.
University of Washington archives

The P-I joined the rest of the world on Sept. 12, 2001 in attempting to make sense of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. the day before. Its lead: "In the most deadly terrorist onslaught ever waged in the United States, knife-wielding hijackers crashed two airliners into the World Trade Center yesterday, toppling its twin 110-story towers. The deadly calamity was witnessed on televisions across the world as another plane slammed into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed outside Pittsburgh." — The P-I joined the rest of the world on Sept. 12, 2001 in attempting to make sense of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. the day before.

Its lead: "In the most deadly terrorist onslaught ever waged in the United States, knife-wielding hijackers crashed two airliners into the World Trade Center yesterday, toppling its twin 110-story towers. The deadly calamity was witnessed on televisions across the world as another plane slammed into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed outside Pittsburgh."
Daniel DeMay/SeattlePI

That mood of uncertainty about whether the city was falling to some sort of revolution spread, if haphazardly thanks to the relatively unclear motives of the strike beyond supporting the shipyard workers: Rumors flew that strikers had bombed the city's dam or that the mayor had been assassinated; HistoryLink notes that some 40,000 non-union workers "idled either because their employer saw no use in opening or because they depended on streetcars to get to work. Some Seattleites barricaded themselves at home in fright, and a few of the wealthy departed the city on extended vacations."

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In reality, the strike was orderly; key services would stay in place, like schools and lights (thanks to volunteers), and unions set up food stations to serve members and the general public alike.

Though the mayor added 600 police to the force and 2,400 "special deputies" from the University of Washington fraternities, for trouble, and army troops came in from Fort Lewis, no one rioted, and Hanson's deadline of imposing martial law (something he didn't have the power to do) came and went with no problem.

In what's considered the greatest sports moment at the Kingdome, Ken Griffey Jr. smiles after scoring the winning run against the New York Yankees in the 1995 American League Division Series, Oct. 8, 1995. (Robin Layton/Seattlepi.com file)P-I File

Feb. 5: 700,000 rally in Seattle for Super Bowl victory Seattle had never seen anything like it. More than 700,000 people braved sub-freezing temperatures and swarmed downtown Seattle for the Seahawks' victory parade, having destroyed the Broncos 43-8 for their first-ever Super Bowl championship. Marshawn Lynch stole the show by throwing Skittles, chugging Fireball liquor and banging a drum from the hood of a Ride the Ducks vehicle. Photo: Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com — **Feb. 5: 700,000 rally in Seattle for Super Bowl victory**

Seattle had never seen anything like it. More than 700,000 people braved sub-freezing temperatures and swarmed downtown Seattle for the Seahawks' victory parade, having destroyed the Broncos 43-8 for their first-ever Super Bowl championship. Marshawn Lynch stole the show by throwing Skittles, chugging Fireball liquor and banging a drum from the hood of a Ride the Ducks vehicle.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com
Joshua Trujillo/seattlepi.com

Kingdome implosion, 2000 The Kingdome opened March 27, 1976 and immediately became the Northwest's premier sports venue. More than 58,000 fans watched the Seattle Sounders and New York Cosmos play in the arena's first pro game April 9, 1976, when soccer legend Pele scored two goals in the Cosmos' 3-1 victory. In October, 1986, Steve Largent of the Seattle Seahawks broke a National Football League record with a reception that gave him at least one catch in 128 consecutive games. The Kingdome became dust March 26, 2000. Two new stadiums continue the story of professional sports in Seattle. — **Kingdome implosion, 2000**

The Kingdome opened March 27, 1976 and immediately became the Northwest's premier sports venue. More than 58,000 fans watched the Seattle Sounders and New York Cosmos play in the arena's first pro game April 9, 1976, when soccer legend Pele scored two goals in the Cosmos' 3-1 victory. In October, 1986, Steve Largent of the Seattle Seahawks broke a National Football League record with a reception that gave him at least one catch in 128 consecutive games. The Kingdome became dust March 26, 2000. Two new stadiums continue the story of professional sports in Seattle.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

1917: Metropolitans win Stanley Cup Seattle won its first major national championship nearly 100 years ago, when the Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association became the first American pro-hockey team to win the Stanley Cup. The Mets returned to the Stanley Cup finals in 1919 (that team is pictured above), but a flu epidemic halted the tournament. In 1920, the Mets returned again but lost the Stanley Cup finals to the Ottawa Senators. — **1917: Metropolitans win Stanley Cup**

Seattle won its first major national championship nearly 100 years ago, when the Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association became the first American pro-hockey team to win the Stanley Cup. The Mets returned to the Stanley Cup finals in 1919 (that team is pictured above), but a flu epidemic halted the tournament. In 1920, the Mets returned again but lost the Stanley Cup finals to the Ottawa Senators.
File photo/Seattle P-I archives

2018: Seattle Storm wins the WNBA Championship Seattle Storm players (from left) Natasha Howard. Jordin Canada, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Sue Bird wave at fans from the trolley during a parade to celebrate the Storm winning the 2018 WNBA basketball championship, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Seattle. This was the team's third title after wins in 2004 and 2010, making them Seattle's most dominant sports team. — **2018: Seattle Storm wins the WNBA Championship**

Seattle Storm players (from left) Natasha Howard. Jordin Canada, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Sue Bird wave at fans from the trolley during a parade to celebrate the Storm winning the 2018 WNBA basketball championship, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Seattle. This was the team's third title after wins in 2004 and 2010, making them Seattle's most dominant sports team. GENNA MARTIN/SEATTLEPI.COM

In May 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh made the first solo nonstop flight between New York and Paris in his plane the "Spirit of St. Louis." Lindbergh immediately became an international celebrity and was greeted with parades and gifts everywhere he went. He visited Seattle on September 13 and 14, 1927, where excited citizens held a parade and presented him with a monogrammed gold ring. After flying into Sand Point, the yacht, "Alarwee," took him to the University Stadium where he delivered an address promoting aviation and airports. In addition to a Second Avenue parade, 30,000 schoolchildren met him in Volunteer Park. In this September 1927 photo, Lindbergh is in an automobile with Seattle's first female mayor Bertha Landes en route to some of the festivities arranged for his visit.Staff Photographer/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

1970 Anti-Vietnam War Protest Thousands of protestors and police blocked Interstate 5 on May 5, 1970, while making their way from the University of Washington to the downtown Seattle federal courthouse. About 6,000 UW students joined demonstrations across the country in an anti-war protest responding to National Guard soldiers shooting and killing four student protesters at Kent State University. Photo by Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer Paul Thomas. — **1970 Anti-Vietnam War Protest**

Thousands of protestors and police blocked Interstate 5 on May 5, 1970, while making their way from the University of Washington to the downtown Seattle federal courthouse.

About 6,000 UW students joined demonstrations across the country in an anti-war protest responding to National Guard soldiers shooting and killing four student protesters at Kent State University.

Photo by Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer Paul Thomas.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer photo, preserved by the Museum of History and Industry

Civil rights march, Seattle, 1965 Protestors' signs: Equality Now! We Protest Injustice NAACP. Discrimination Hurts Seattle. We Shall Overcome. Let My People Vote NAACP. In June, 1965, Robert L. Reece, a 40-year-old black, was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer after a confrontation at a Central District restaurant. The killing was ruled an "excusable homicide." This event became a flash point during a year that was already rife with civil rights turmoil and prompted African American community leaders to call for increased accountability from the Seattle police department and instate "Freedom Patrols," teams of two citizens who would follow cops on beat patrol to observe their actions.Staff Photographer/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Seattle activist Dorli Rainey, 84, reacts after being hit with pepper spray during an Occupy Seattle protest on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Westlake Park. Protesters gathered in the intersection of 5th Avenue and Pine Street after marching from their camp at Seattle Central Community College in support of Occupy Wall Street. Many refused to move from the intersection after being ordered by police. Police then began spraying pepper spray into the gathered crowd hitting dozens of people. A pregnant woman was taken from the mele in an ambulance after being struck with spray.
JOSHUA TRUJILLO

WWI ends Returning soldiers parading up Second Avenue, March 12, 1919. Although the armistice for World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, it took months before soldiers returned to Seattle. The 63rd Coast Artillery was the first local group to arrive. Crowds filled the sidewalks on March 12, 1919 as the soldiers marched up Second Avenue. The city celebrated throughout the night with parties, a street carnival, and fireworks. Here, members of the 63rd Coast Artillery parade up Second Avenue, past the Arcade Hotel and Rhodes Department Store. They left by train the following day for Tacoma and Fort Lewis. — **WWI ends**
Returning soldiers parading up Second Avenue, March 12, 1919. Although the armistice for World War I was signed on November 11, 1918, it took months before soldiers returned to Seattle. The 63rd Coast Artillery was the first local group to arrive. Crowds filled the sidewalks on March 12, 1919 as the soldiers marched up Second Avenue. The city celebrated throughout the night with parties, a street carnival, and fireworks. Here, members of the 63rd Coast Artillery parade up Second Avenue, past the Arcade Hotel and Rhodes Department Store. They left by train the following day for Tacoma and Fort Lewis.Staff Photographer/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Seattle Seven, 1970 In February 1970, members of the Chicago Seven were sentenced on contempt charges stemming from riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention. Demonstrations took place in numerous cities. The Seattle Liberation Front (SLF) called for protests in downtown Seattle. On February 17, over 2000 demonstrators carried on running battles with the police, breaking windows in the U.S. Courthouse and downtown businesses. Seventy-five people were arrested; eight were indicted for conspiracy to cause damage to federal property. The highly politicized trial of seven of these, who became known as the Seattle Seven, resulted in a mistrial. While they served time for contempt of court, the conviction was later thrown out. During the legal proceedings, it became clear that the violence had been precipitated by FBI agents who had infiltrated the SLF. This image shows Jeff Dowd (1949-), one of the Seattle seven, accompanied by Federal agents as he is brought to the Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle for his arraignment in connection with the February riots. Years later, Dowd was the inspiration for the character of "The Dude" in the Coen brothers film "The Big Lebowski." — **The Seattle Seven, 1970**

In February 1970, members of the Chicago Seven were sentenced on contempt charges stemming from riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention. Demonstrations took place in numerous cities. The Seattle Liberation Front (SLF) called for protests in downtown Seattle. On February 17, over 2000 demonstrators carried on running battles with the police, breaking windows in the U.S. Courthouse and downtown businesses. Seventy-five people were arrested; eight were indicted for conspiracy to cause damage to federal property. The highly politicized trial of seven of these, who became known as the Seattle Seven, resulted in a mistrial. While they served time for contempt of court, the conviction was later thrown out. During the legal proceedings, it became clear that the violence had been precipitated by FBI agents who had infiltrated the SLF. This image shows Jeff Dowd (1949-), one of the Seattle seven, accompanied by Federal agents as he is brought to the Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle for his arraignment in connection with the February riots. Years later, Dowd was the inspiration for the character of "The Dude" in the Coen brothers film "The Big Lebowski."Tom Brownell/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

In February 1970, members of the Chicago Seven were sentenced on contempt charges stemming from riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention. Demonstrations took place in numerous cities. The Seattle Liberation Front (SLF) called for protests in downtown Seattle. On February 17, over 2000 demonstrators carried on running battles with the police, breaking windows in the U.S. Courthouse and downtown businesses. Seventy-five people were arrested; eight were indicted for conspiracy to cause damage to federal property. The highly politicized trial of seven of these, who became known as the Seattle Seven, resulted in a mistrial. While they served time for contempt of court, the conviction was later thrown out. During the legal proceedings, it became clear that the violence had been precipitated by FBI agents who had infiltrated the SLF. Here, police and patrons examine broken glass outside the Hotel Stevens on First Avenue, across from the Federal Office Building.Tom Brownell/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

A crowd dispersal device explodes during an anti-capitalist and anti-police brutality march in Seattle. Police described the march as a "riot" after marchers there objects at officers, broke windows and police responded to the rowdiness with pepper spray, crowd dispersal grenades and pepper balls. A march earlier in the day for immigrant and worker rights was peaceful. Photographed on May 1, 2015.JOSHUA TRUJILLO/SEATTLEPI.COM

Japanese Americans are sent to internment camps, 1942 This picture was taken in 1942 after Japanese Americans were taken to internment camps, as ordered in February of that year by President Franklin Roosevelt. The following month a P-I photographer followed 225 people were left Bainbridge Island for internment camps. A few of these images have never been published, and since 1976 the P-I negatives have been carefully preserved at the Museum of History and Industry. — **Japanese Americans are sent to internment camps, 1942**

This picture was taken in 1942 after Japanese Americans were taken to internment camps, as ordered in February of that year by President Franklin Roosevelt. The following month a P-I photographer followed 225 people were left Bainbridge Island for internment camps. A few of these images have never been published, and since 1976 the P-I negatives have been carefully preserved at the Museum of History and Industry.MOHAI/seattlepi.com file/ -

Civilian Conservation Corps, 1937 On April 13, 1937, eighty men reported to the Armory in Seattle on the first day of the spring enrollment for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The program, created by the federal government in 1933 to relieve unemployment during the Great Depression, hired young men to work on conservation projects in remote areas of the United States. In March 1937, there were thirty-two CCC camps in Seattle's district and 2,002 camps nationwide. In this photo, new CCC recruits wave as their truck leaves Seattle for a CCC camp where they will spend the next six months to two years. In 1937, CCC members strung telephone lines, built roads and fire lookout towers, assisted in fighting fires and worked on a variety of other projects. The men also took classes at the camps for high school credit. — **Civilian Conservation Corps, 1937**

On April 13, 1937, eighty men reported to the Armory in Seattle on the first day of the spring enrollment for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The program, created by the federal government in 1933 to relieve unemployment during the Great Depression, hired young men to work on conservation projects in remote areas of the United States. In March 1937, there were thirty-two CCC camps in Seattle's district and 2,002 camps nationwide. In this photo, new CCC recruits wave as their truck leaves Seattle for a CCC camp where they will spend the next six months to two years. In 1937, CCC members strung telephone lines, built roads and fire lookout towers, assisted in fighting fires and worked on a variety of other projects. The men also took classes at the camps for high school credit.Staff Photographer/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Garfield High School Civil Rights sit-in, 1968 Aaron Dixon with his mother at courthouse, April 5, 1968. In March of 1968 two black students, cousins Charles Oliver and Trolice Flavors, where suspended from Seattle's Franklin High School after an altercation with a Caucasian student, who was not reprimanded. Franklin's outraged black students, with the help of UW Black Student Union (BSU) activists Carl Miller, Aaron Dixon and Larry Gossett, planned a peaceful demonstration at the school to make their point that racial discrimination would no longer be tolerated within the Seattle Public school system. The March 29 sit-in lasted several hours, and ended peacefully when school officials, mediators, and students arranged a meeting for the following Monday to discuss the demands and the issue of racial discrimination in Seattle schools. At that hearing, however, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Forbes Bottomly implied that charges would be pressed against the UW BSU leaders for their role in the protest. On April 4, Carl Miller, Aaron Dixon, Larry and Richard Gossett, and Trolice Flavors were arrested for their participation in the Franklin High School sit-in. In June, Miller, Dixon, and Larry Gossett were found guilty of unlawful assembly and sentenced to 6 months in prison. The verdict created anger and frustration in Seattle's black community, resulting in riots in some Seattle areas. The men were freed on bail raised by the newly formed Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party and other donors, and the case was dropped after prosecutors failed to pursue the retrial ordered by an appeals court in 1971. The Franklin sit-in was the first demonstration for the UW BSU, and an critical early fight for justice and equal opportunity in the Seattle area. It inspired the formation of the Seattle chapter of the... — **Garfield High School Civil Rights sit-in, 1968**
Aaron Dixon with his mother at courthouse, April 5, 1968. In March of 1968 two black students, cousins Charles Oliver and Trolice Flavors, where suspended from Seattle's Franklin High School after an altercation with a Caucasian student, who was not reprimanded. Franklin's outraged black students, with the help of UW Black Student Union (BSU) activists Carl Miller, Aaron Dixon and Larry Gossett, planned a peaceful demonstration at the school to make their point that racial discrimination would no longer be tolerated within the Seattle Public school system. The March 29 sit-in lasted several hours, and ended peacefully when school officials, mediators, and students arranged a meeting for the following Monday to discuss the demands and the issue of racial discrimination in Seattle schools. At that hearing, however, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Forbes Bottomly implied that charges would be pressed against the UW BSU leaders for their role in the protest. On April 4, Carl Miller, Aaron Dixon, Larry and Richard Gossett, and Trolice Flavors were arrested for their participation in the Franklin High School sit-in. In June, Miller, Dixon, and Larry Gossett were found guilty of unlawful assembly and sentenced to 6 months in prison. The verdict created anger and frustration in Seattle's black community, resulting in riots in some Seattle areas. The men were freed on bail raised by the newly formed Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party and other donors, and the case was dropped after prosecutors failed to pursue the retrial ordered by an appeals court in 1971. The Franklin sit-in was the first demonstration for the UW BSU, and an critical early fight for justice and equal opportunity in the Seattle area. It inspired the formation of the Seattle chapter of the...Dave Potts/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

WTO Protests, 1999 Protests by thousands of people against the World Trade Organization's ministerial conference in late November and early December of 1999 brought police out in force; hundreds were arrested, and clouds of tear gas floated in front of businesses as delegates and officials attending the conference fought to gain access to their own meetings. — **WTO Protests, 1999**

Protests by thousands of people against the World Trade Organization's ministerial conference in late November and early December of 1999 brought police out in force; hundreds were arrested, and clouds of tear gas floated in front of businesses as delegates and officials attending the conference fought to gain access to their own meetings.Paul Joseph Brown, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Gay Marriage Legalized, 2012 Partners Kara Haney, left, and her partner of 8 years Kate Wertin, right, embrace in the Lobby Bar in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood as the Washington State Senate passes a bill that would legalize gay marriage in Washington State on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Dozens gathered at the bar to watch the debate via TV on the senate floor. (Photo by Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com) — **Gay Marriage Legalized, 2012**

Partners Kara Haney, left, and her partner of 8 years Kate Wertin, right, embrace in the Lobby Bar in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood as the Washington State Senate passes a bill that would legalize gay marriage in Washington State on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Dozens gathered at the bar to watch the debate via TV on the senate floor. (Photo by Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com)JOSHUA TRUJILLO/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Muslim ban protests at SeaTac Airport, 2017 Seattle city councilwoman and socialist activist Kshama Sawant raises a fist over the crowd, as more than 1,000 people gather at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Saturday, January 28, 2017 to protest President Trump's immigration ban. President Trump signed an executive order Friday that bars citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days. (Genna Martin, seattlepi.com) — **Muslim ban protests at SeaTac Airport, 2017**

Seattle city councilwoman and socialist activist Kshama Sawant raises a fist over the crowd, as more than 1,000 people gather at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Saturday, January 28, 2017 to protest President Trump's immigration ban. President Trump signed an executive order Friday that bars citizens from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days. (Genna Martin, seattlepi.com)
GENNA MARTIN/SEATTLEPI

Woman Marries Warehouse, 2012 In a "peak Seattle" move, Babylonia Aivaz stands in front of a large "I Do" banner during her marriage to the warehouse in the background at 10th Ave and Union St. on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. About 30 people attended Aivaz's wedding, which she says is a gay marriage because the building is a woman. Aivaz, who was among the Occupy Seattle protesters who wanted to reclaim it as community space, is using the wedding to protest the demolition of the 107-year-old building. An apartment building will be built in its place. Photo: LINDSEY WASSON / SEATTLEPI.COM — **Woman Marries Warehouse, 2012**

In a "peak Seattle" move, Babylonia Aivaz stands in front of a large "I Do" banner during her marriage to the warehouse in the background at 10th Ave and Union St. on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. About 30 people attended Aivaz's wedding, which she says is a gay marriage because the building is a woman. Aivaz, who was among the Occupy Seattle protesters who wanted to reclaim it as community space, is using the wedding to protest the demolition of the 107-year-old building. An apartment building will be built in its place. Photo: LINDSEY WASSON / SEATTLEPI.COM

Barclay Girls dancing at Port of Embarkation, Seattle, November 14, 1951. Seattle's Port of Embarkation, or Pier 36, was used by the U. S. military to welcome home thousands of WWII and Korean War veterans in the 1940s and 1950s. The Welcome Lane program was organized by local volunteers and officials to celebrate the return of soldiers, and spectators lined the streets to glimpse the soldiers while bands played. A local troupe from the Barclay Dance Studio became famous in early 1950s when they started putting on shows for troops returning from the Korean War. In this image four of the "Barclay Girls," dancers wear kilts and Highland bonnets as they dance the "Hop-Scotch Polka" to welcome home 1,558 soldiers on the Navy transport General Hugh J. Gaffey.Stuart B. Hertz/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Accidents and Disasters: Great Seattle Fire, 1889 On June 6, 1889, a fire started from an spilled glue pot in a carpentry shop in a downtown Seattle building and quickly spread. Due to a woeful water system, coupled with a city constructed mainly with wood, the Great Fire destroyed Seattle's entire business district, 29 square blocks including the railroad terminals and nearly all of the city's wharves. Here a crowd helplessly watches the approaching flames during the beginning hours of the fire. — **Accidents and** **Disasters: Great Seattle Fire, 1889**
On June 6, 1889, a fire started from an spilled glue pot in a carpentry shop in a downtown Seattle building and quickly spread. Due to a woeful water system, coupled with a city constructed mainly with wood, the Great Fire destroyed Seattle's entire business district, 29 square blocks including the railroad terminals and nearly all of the city's wharves. Here a crowd helplessly watches the approaching flames during the beginning hours of the fire.P-I File

Accidents and Disasters: Earthquake, 1949 Shortly before noon on Wednesday, April 13, 1949, an earthquake rocked the area from British Columbia to Oregon and caused extensive damage. Seven people died and at least 64 were injured in the heaviest shock ever recorded in the region. In Seattle, downtown streets and buildings were jammed with people but no deaths occurred. As soon as the ground began to shake, photographer Ken Harris headed out the door for Pioneer Square, where he predicted damage would be extensive. His front page photo shows the bricks that cascaded from the cornice of the Seattle Hotel at First and Yesler Way, damaging at least five automobiles. At least a half a dozen buildings in the Pioneer Square area had damage to cornices or walls. — **Accidents and** **Disasters: Earthquake, 1949**

Shortly before noon on Wednesday, April 13, 1949, an earthquake rocked the area from British Columbia to Oregon and caused extensive damage. Seven people died and at least 64 were injured in the heaviest shock ever recorded in the region. In Seattle, downtown streets and buildings were jammed with people but no deaths occurred. As soon as the ground began to shake, photographer Ken Harris headed out the door for Pioneer Square, where he predicted damage would be extensive. His front page photo shows the bricks that cascaded from the cornice of the Seattle Hotel at First and Yesler Way, damaging at least five automobiles. At least a half a dozen buildings in the Pioneer Square area had damage to cornices or walls.Ken Harris/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Accidents and Disasters: Plane crash into Lake Union, 2002 A Seattle Fire Department diver jumps into Elliott Bay to check out a crashed Boeing 307 Stratoliner airplane that crash landed just off Harbor Avenue (near Salty's Restaurant) in West Seattle Thursday afternoon, March, 28, 2002. Four person were rescued by the Coast Guard after they climbed on top of the plane. Divers checked the integrity of the plane before attaching a rope to the rear landing gear so a Seattle Police Department boat could pull the plane to shore. Photo by Grant M. Haller 3/28/2002 — **Accidents and Disasters: Plane crash into Lake Union, 2002**
A Seattle Fire Department diver jumps into Elliott Bay to check out a crashed Boeing 307 Stratoliner airplane that crash landed just off Harbor Avenue (near Salty's Restaurant) in West Seattle Thursday afternoon, March, 28, 2002. Four person were rescued by the Coast Guard after they climbed on top of the plane. Divers checked the integrity of the plane before attaching a rope to the rear landing gear so a Seattle Police Department boat could pull the plane to shore. Photo by Grant M. Haller 3/28/2002GRANT M. HALLER/GRANT HALLER, SEATTLEPI.COM

Nuns on vacation, 1960 A truly iconic SeattlePI photograph from Aug. 21, 1960 taken as a group of nuns from the Order of Saint Benedict enjoyed their summer vacation at the beach in Grayland. Here Sisters Ruth (left) and Agnes play in the surf; partly hidden is Sister Rita. After a weeklong break they returned "refreshed and strengthened" to their routine duties of teaching school in the Seattle and Tacoma area. — **Nuns on vacation, 1960**

A truly iconic SeattlePI photograph from Aug. 21, 1960 taken as a group of nuns from the Order of Saint Benedict enjoyed their summer vacation at the beach in Grayland. Here Sisters Ruth (left) and Agnes play in the surf; partly hidden is Sister Rita. After a weeklong break they returned "refreshed and strengthened" to their routine duties of teaching school in the Seattle and Tacoma area.
Courtesy MOHAI

Elvis at the World's Fair, 1962 Elvis Presley visited Seattle to make his 11th motion picture, "It Happened at the World's Fair." Colonel Tom Parker (second from right) accompanied him. At the Westlake Monorail station, Elvis posed with Governor Albert Rosellini (left) on September 5, 1962. The ham was reportedly from Presley's Tennessee farm. Other individuals in the photo are Ted Richmond (second from left), the producer of the movie and Norman Taurog (right), the director. — **Elvis at the World's Fair, 1962**

Elvis Presley visited Seattle to make his 11th motion picture, "It Happened at the World's Fair." Colonel Tom Parker (second from right) accompanied him. At the Westlake Monorail station, Elvis posed with Governor Albert Rosellini (left) on September 5, 1962. The ham was reportedly from Presley's Tennessee farm. Other individuals in the photo are Ted Richmond (second from left), the producer of the movie and Norman Taurog (right), the director.
Seattle P-I/MOHAI

Comicon Costumes, 2015 From left, Stephanie Galver as Wonder Woman, Amber Hague as Mystique, and Anna Harris as a cheetah eat lunch during day one of Emerald City Comicon at the Washington State Convention Center on Friday, March 27, 2015. The three day convention is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Pacific Northwest. The convention features cosplay, comic books, celebrities and more. — **Comicon Costumes, 2015**

From left, Stephanie Galver as Wonder Woman, Amber Hague as Mystique, and Anna Harris as a cheetah eat lunch during day one of Emerald City Comicon at the Washington State Convention Center on Friday, March 27, 2015. The three day convention is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Pacific Northwest. The convention features cosplay, comic books, celebrities and more.JOSHUA TRUJILLO/SEATTLEPI.COM

Space Needle is built for the World's Fair, 1961 The 1961 photo caption read: The first two of six supporting columns for the World's Fair Space Needle are shown being connected to the needle's center core, 100 feet from the base. The 50-ton legs are 90 feet long and are connected to the core by 30-foot crossbars. The Space Needle will rise 600 feet and will feature a revolving restaurant at the top. — **Space Needle is built for the World's Fair, 1961**
The 1961 photo caption read: The first two of six supporting columns for the World's Fair Space Needle are shown being connected to the needle's center core, 100 feet from the base. The 50-ton legs are 90 feet long and are connected to the core by 30-foot crossbars. The Space Needle will rise 600 feet and will feature a revolving restaurant at the top.P-I File

Space Needle turns orange at 40, 2002 George Links of O'Mega Graphics (Ballard) battles winds of up to 30 mph to paint the top of the Space Needle on March 27, 2002. In honor of the landmark's 40th anniversary celebration, the pagoda roof of the landmark is being painted the original Galaxy Gold, the primary color from the original "Century 21"-themed paint scheme. The contrast between the tower's goldish-orange roof and Astronaut White legs made it one the most photographed attractions at the 1962 World's Fair. At the end of April, the roof will be restored to its white color. (P-I photo by Dan DeLong) — **Space Needle turns orange at 40, 2002**

George Links of O'Mega Graphics (Ballard) battles winds of up to 30 mph to paint the top of the Space Needle on March 27, 2002. In honor of the landmark's 40th anniversary celebration, the pagoda roof of the landmark is being painted the original Galaxy Gold, the primary color from the original "Century 21"-themed paint scheme. The contrast between the tower's goldish-orange roof and Astronaut White legs made it one the most photographed attractions at the 1962 World's Fair. At the end of April, the roof will be restored to its white color. (P-I photo by Dan DeLong)P-I File

Boeing 707 takes its first flight, 1954 Test pilots, in circle at right, are surrounded by reporters, photographers and well-wishers after completion of the epochal flight at Seattle's Boeing Field, 1954. The huge, sleek 707 jet transport, which made a successful 1-hour and 24-minute test flight forms the backdrop for the thong. The 707 was Boeing's first commercial jet airliner. — **Boeing 707 takes its first flight, 1954**

Test pilots, in circle at right, are surrounded by reporters, photographers and well-wishers after completion of the epochal flight at Seattle's Boeing Field, 1954. The huge, sleek 707 jet transport, which made a successful 1-hour and 24-minute test flight forms the backdrop for the thong. The 707 was Boeing's first commercial jet airliner.
P-I FILES 1954/SEATTLEPI.COM

Interstate 5 constructed This aerial view shows the construction of the Tacoma-Seattle-Everett Freeway that was to become Interstate 5 (I-5) . Construction of the Tacoma-Seattle-Everett freeway, which opened to traffic in December 1962, took up 6,600 parcels of land, 4,500 of them in Seattle. In 1958-59, the Washington State Highway Department paid homeowners fair market value for their homes, then auctioned the buildings for either removal or salvage . The 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act kicked off the Interstate construction program. Completed in the 1960s, Interstate 5 (I-5), of which the Tacoma-Seattle-Everett Freeway forms a part, is the only Interstate highway running from Canada to Mexico. — **Interstate 5 constructed**

This aerial view shows the construction of the Tacoma-Seattle-Everett Freeway that was to become Interstate 5 (I-5) . Construction of the Tacoma-Seattle-Everett freeway, which opened to traffic in December 1962, took up 6,600 parcels of land, 4,500 of them in Seattle. In 1958-59, the Washington State Highway Department paid homeowners fair market value for their homes, then auctioned the buildings for either removal or salvage . The 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act kicked off the Interstate construction program. Completed in the 1960s, Interstate 5 (I-5), of which the Tacoma-Seattle-Everett Freeway forms a part, is the only Interstate highway running from Canada to Mexico.PI

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And so, slowly the strikers returned to work given that there was no easy resolution in sight. First a few of the streetcars returned to operation on February 8, and slowly the city began returning to work.

Soon only the shipyard workers were still striking, and -- though they'd only been looking for fair wages -- were painted as some sort of "Bolshevik rule" that had been thwarted.