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Seattle Municipal Archives Finding Aids

Consumer Protection Photographs -- Weights and Measures

 Series
Identifier: 2705-03

Content Description

The Weights and Measures Division was established in 1911 in the Department of Public Utilities. The division included a chief inspector, two assistant inspectors, and a bookkeeper/stenographer. The inspectors were responsible for checking loads of firewood, weighing coal deliveries, testing taximeters, inspecting oil pumps, and verifying the net contents of packaged goods. Similar functions are now performed by the Consumer Protection unit of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services. Spanning 6 decades (1910-1960s), this collection of photographs shows the activities listed above. The 180+ digitized image records showcase an assortment of early to mid-century vehicles including taxis, sight-seeing cars and busses, ambulances, and tow trucks. Early photos show lumber wagons from several well-known companies carrying firewood, inspectors in the field, and various types of confiscated scales and other equipment.

Dates

  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1911-1981,

Full Extent

.5 cubic feet

Partial Extent

189 digital image files

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Six decades of images showing the activities of the Weights and Measures Division.

Associated Digital Objects

Title
Guide to the Consumer Protection Photographs -- Weights and Measures
Author
Julie B. Irick
Date
2020
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
EAD Location
http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv348235

Repository Details

Part of the Seattle Municipal Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 94728
600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 3
Seattle 98124-4728 USA US