Engineering Department Motion Picture Film

Series — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 2613-09

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

Moving images created by the City of Seattleâs Engineering Deprtmant. Primarily documenting various engineering and public works projects between the 1920s - 1990s. Content includes raw footage, outtakes and B-roll, as well as final productions of documentaries, public service announcements, training videos, special reports, community and departmental celebrations (such as ground breaking ceremonies, grand openings, and awards presentations) and a few films that could be classified as home movies. Transportation planning and construction are heavily featured, including various bridge, freeway, traffic control and street projects in Seattle. Specific projects of note are the Ross and Diablo Dams, the Tolt River Watershed, the first and second Denny Regrades, Fremont Bridge, University Bridge, Ballard Bridge, the Alaskan Seawall, the Alaskan Way Viaduct, and the West Seattle Bridge. Film and videotape formats include 16mm, Super 16mm, VHS, SVHS, Betacam SP, Digital Betacam and DVD. Select objects are available in Digital Collections.

Dates

Creation: 1909-1999

Historical Note

The Engineering Department (SED) maintained the City's streets and bridges, designed and oversaw construction of public works projects, provided traffic and transportation planning, and operated the sewer and solid waste utility. The position of City Surveyor was created in 1873 to survey the City, establish boundaries and street grades, and administer condemnation processes. This position was renamed City Engineer in 1890. In 1931 the Engineering Department absorbed part of the Department of Public Utilities and in 1936 it assumed the responsibilities of the Department of Streets and Sewers and the Traffic Department. In 1997, the water, solid waste, drainage, and wastewater utilities from the Engineering and Water departments were merged with the Engineering Services Division of SED and the Customer Service Call Center and Construction Engineering Sections of City Light to form Seattle Public Utilities. The traffic and transportation functions of the Engineering Department were consolidated in the Seattle Transportation Department.