Collections Corner: Threading Through the Heat

“And so a number of soldiers are laying in wait for you in various places around the castle grounds. I will get them out of the way at least. Then you can sweep in and terrify us all with your sewing kit my lord.”

― Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales

Domestic Science (sewing) class at Lake Forest Park School, 1944
SHM Archives Photo 949

A common phrase is the "pen is mightier than the sword." However we can all attest the equal power of the thread and needle. 

Methods of textile production are found all across the globe from weaving to sewing. Figures like Arachne, Chih Nü, and Neith are powerful figures in world mythology that represent the power of joining threads to create textiles. 

Follow the needle forward to the 19th century and we have the creation of the Singer Corporation in 1851 that resulted in the popular treadle sewing machine.

Singer Sewing Machine, 1889-1891
SHM Permanent Collection

From SHM's collection we have our very own Singer Sewing Machine! Thanks to some dedicated research by our collection volunteer, Cindy Hadden, the machine is determined to be an VS2 (Vibrating Shuttle) mode manufactured between 1889-1891 in Elizabethport, New Jersey. 

Intricate Victorian designs swirl around both the machine and stand to additionally place the machine within this timeframe.

Despite the design being an visual indicator, the actual first clue to dating this sewing machine lies within the serial number, which can tell us information from both year and location of manufacture. Interestingly to note how this sewing machine made its way here!

--Robby Grillo, Collections Manager

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Collections Corner: Support your local libraries

Shoreline Public Library Support Drive, 1960.
SHM Archives Photo 1757

Lend an ear and support your local libraries!

If you haven't checked out this month's Museum Newsletter, there's some unfortunate happenings going on in the museum and library fields. Read more to find out, and that is where this month's Collections Corner will talk about.

It is valuable to discuss the importance libraries have in promoting accessibility within our community. Akin to the museum, our local libraries hold a plethora of knowledge and ways to transmit stories we all know and love, or to learn something new!

Hillwood Elementary Library Headphones, 1930.
SHM Permanent Collection 1978-068-001

From the museum's collection, we have a set of six headphones in their original case from Hillwood Elementary Library. This set dates to the 1930s and was used by both the school and library to transmit audio to students through the audio jack on the case, similar to a musical instrument amp! 

This was a way for students to quietly listen to audio material, or for those who had difficulty reading to still enjoy stories. Illustrating this level of accessibility is a crucial area for the importance of libraries, a way to transfer information to everyone regardless of reading level! 

Students at Sunset Elementary Library, 1970.
SHM Archives Photo 1717

If you look closely at the bottom right archival photo, you can see students wearing headphones very similar to these!

So say a big thank you and support our local libraries!

Robby Grillo, Collections Manager

Shoreline Historical Museum

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Collections Corner: Scouts, and Brownies & Campfire Girls oh my!

By Robby Grillo, Collections Manager

Shoreline Historical Museum

We've talked about special companions in our Collections Corner, from trunks on wheels to teddy bears. 

Scout Troop 304 Staff. SHM Permanent Collection 1997-003-005

Now it's time to feature a common companion that accompanies many of us on outdoor excursions, the hiking staff! 

Scouts at Richmond Beach, 1920. SHM Archives, Photo 1652

Whether fashioned from a sapling or forged in resin, inlaid with a compass or puncture points at the bottom, the hiking staff was not only a companion but a reflection of the wielder as well.

For the various scouting groups that dutifully have served communities for almost 120 years, the staff has been a constant and special presence alongside Boy Scouts, Brownies, and Campfire Girls alike. 

Lake Forest Park Brownie Troop 381, 1952. SHM Archives, Photo 1867

Pictured above is a Boy Scout Staff with intricate carvings and wood-burning. 

The staff dates to 1962 and belonged to Shoreline's very own Boy Scout Troop 304! 

"Omache" represents Camp Omache that was a camp location of the Chief Seattle Council in Washington for the Boy Scouts. 

Campfire Girls at Echo Lake. 1922. SHM Archives, Photo 1717

Troop 304 would have been represented in the Aurora District which includes present day Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and North Seattle.

[Ed. note: Does anyone recognize themselves in the Brownie photo?]

Read previous Collections Corner articles here

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Museums keep Edwin T. Pratt's memory alive

“True integration is achieved only when see each other as equals and peers.”
—Edwin T. Pratt, 1969

By Robby Grillo, Collections Manager

Shoreline Historical Museum

An important understanding of the word "community" and why we use it can only truly be seen as in the words of Mr. Edwin T. Pratt, and his tireless fight for achieving true equality within our community.

Directly following the City of Shoreline's Official Proclamation designating January 30th as the Edwin T. Pratt Day of Remembrance, this month's Collections Corner shares a a very important aspect of SHM's Collection.

Mr. Pratt served as the Executive Director of the Seattle Urban League and was the forefront leader of the Civil Rights Movement in Seattle until his tragic assassination in Shoreline on Sunday, January 26th, 1969.

This occurred nine months after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Within a year, our nation lost two well-loved and respected champions of Civil Rights.

"A 'New Thrust': Last Speech of Edwin Pratt" Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Tuesday January 28th, 1969 pg. 1. SHM Archives

Shortly after his death, many newspapers came out eulogizing Mr. Pratt and his legacy. One of those articles from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer featured "A New Thrust," the last speech he gave the day before his death to the newly elected officers of the Urban League.

The original newspaper article pictured above resides within the SHM Archives. Additionally, the newspaper includes the testimony account from Mr. Pratt's wife, Bettye and the naming of Jerome Page as the Urban League's new Executive Director.

Keeping Mr. Pratt's memory alive as a bastion of hope and resilience within our community is not done by just one museum. 

QR code for
Black Heritage Society

An extensive digitization effort by the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and Archivist Ken Winnick created the Edwin T. Pratt Legacy Collection currently housed at the Black Heritage Society.

This collection includes photos, journal entrees and awards that were kept by Mr. Pratt's daughter, Miriam.

Our work is never done when it comes to championing equality and friendship within our community. 

Only together can we hope to achieve this.

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Museum Collections Corner: Freddy & Nell

Front view of Freddy Bear & Nell Plush Toy.
SHM Permanent Collections Object: 2024-02-01

Shoreline Historical Museum Collections Corner: Freddy & Nell

“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.”
—Winnie the Pooh, 1926

These are words that many know from a lovable teddy bear who left a special mark on all of us. In addition to popular teddy bears like Winnie the Pooh and Paddington, Seattle had its very own teddy bear too! 

This local friend was a very exciting part of the holiday season and many a child found joy upon opening a present to find their new plush buddy.

Christmas decorations at Frederick & Nelson, Seattle, 1943
Photo courtesy of Museum of History & Industry

Right in downtown Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889, Frederick & Nelson's department store opened their doors in 1891. Selling all manner of things from furniture to high-end clothing, Frederick & Nelson's rapidly grew throughout the 20th century and became a landmark Seattle company until their closure in 1992.

However, the memory of this beloved department store lives in this month's Collections Corner! 

Dating to the 1980s, this adorable plush of Freddy Bear & Baby Nell brought countless children joy throughout the holiday season. Freddy & Nell were well-loved representatives of the company and were frequently featured in production and marketing at the height of Frederick & Nelson's popularity. 

According to the bear's original story, Freddy & Nell went into winter hibernation in 1890 and "overslept" until 1987!

Front view of Freddy's Favorite Christmas Storybook.
SHM Permanent Collections Object: 2024-02

The bears usually came with a two-page pamphlet describing their story, yet SHM has a special accompaniment in the form of a Freddy's Favorite Christmas Storybook. 

This book features full-color pages weaving the tale of Freddy Bear's first time working at the department store for the busy holiday season! Additionally, the book includes a interactable piano with an index of popular holiday songs for children to play along with. A memorable and lovely way to spend the holiday season!

--Robby Grillo (he/him) Collections Manager | Shoreline Historical Museum

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Collections Corner at the Shoreline Historical Museum: Squeaky Clean Ironstone Ware

Top down view of the Ironstone Soap Dish. SHM Permanent Collections Object: 1980-030-042.

Nothing beats a nice moment to relax in the bath after a long day, and folks all through history were no different! In addition to the lavish perfumes of the Victorian (1837-1901) and Edwardian (1901-1919) eras, personal hygiene was a sign of respectability and high social standing.

A core aspect of bathing was the trusty bar of soap, and many soaps indulged in a comfy home such as this example from SHM's Collection.

Bottom view of Ironstone Soap Dish, note the unique Twin Lions Coat of Arms Makers Mark. SHM Permanent Collections Object: 1980-030-042.

This soap dish is crafted Ironstone Ware, a high grade cream-colored material refined from porcelain. On the bottom you can see the Maker's Mark, which indicates the creator to be Anchor Pottery. 

1900 picture: Anchor Pottery, 1900 Industrial Trenton. Photo Courtesy of Industrial Trenton and Vicinity. George A. Wolf Publishers, Wilmington, Delaware. 1900

Based in Trenton, New Jersey from 1884-1926, this pottery owned fourteen kilns (four biscuit, five gloss and five decorating) and employed two hundred fifty hands. Chiefly unique is the Twin Lion Coat of Arms, an adaptation of the British Arms. This mark was endemic to the early pieces of the Anchor Company established by James E. Norris in 1894.

This dates our soap dish to around the late 19th century, placing it between both the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Despite the Anchor Pottery's area of service being the Northeast United States, it is quite interesting to wonder how this remarkably unique artifact made its way to Shoreline!

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Collections Corner: Blanche Hillmann's Companion

Blanche Hillman's camelback trunk is now part of the museum's collection
Photo courtesy SHM

At the start of August 2024, the Shoreline Historical Museum received a special donation of an 1896 travel trunk. 

This important companion accompanied Richmond Beach Pioneer, Blanche E. Hillmann on her 1915 journey from Minneapolis, MN to present day Shoreline, WA.

The interior of the trunk was beautifully decorated
Photo courtesy SHM

The trunk was crafted in the German style Camelback form, known for its highly detailed wood carving, art printing and metalworking. The hardy storage unit had a curved top design that prevented other furniture from being stacked on top of it. This kept the contents of the trunk safe and allowed for multiple areas of storage. Perfect for the long journey from Minneapolis to Shoreline!

Blanche Hillmann was an elementary school teacher in Shoreline
Photo courtesy SHM

The trunk would have contained many of Hillmann's personal belongings, including clothes, housewares and teaching supplies as she made her journey across the Northwest to eventually reach Shoreline. 

She would spend her career teaching 2nd grade and German language at Richmond Beach Elementary School, which was open from 1891-1971.

The Shoreline Historical Museum is located at 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

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