| Summary: | Transcribed from postcard: "Seattle Golden Potlatch. July 15 to 20. The Indian's Potlatch is a big fun fest, a gathering of Tilikums (friends) from the four corners of the country; Big Pow Wow; Blow Out; where gifts are made. Seattle's Potlatch portrays the weird ancient legends of the natives of the Northland, a big free feast of fun. Hundreds of huge totem poles in Parade; Tribes of Bear, Raven, Wolf, Eagle and Seal trying to out-do eachother in their fun making stunts. Beautifully decorated Autos; Airships; Parades; Aquatic Sports. The Potlatch Bug is everywhere in evidence and his smiling countenance will never be forgotten." Recipient: "Milton Dinger, Vicksburg, Mich." Message: "Dear DaddyO! This is the prettiest bug I could find. So I take great pleasure in sending it to U. I am going home with Gladys W. tonight after celebrating first. Love to you + Mama, Lora." Description of the Golden Potlatch festival: "The success of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition encouraged local boosters to plan another ambitious event to showcase the city. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Advertising Club and the Press Club decided to create a civic celebration loosely modeled on the Northwest coastal Indian tribes' potlatch, a ceremony of friendship and sharing. Seattle held its first Potlatch in 1911, but the Golden Potlatch of 1912 was a far greater festival, meant to attract visitors from far and near.The summer carnival was both a cynical exploitation and a madcap spectacle. The Potlatch shamelessly looted the heritage of Pacific Northwest Indian people. The Golden Potlatch began with the arrival of the 'Hyas Tyee' -- or Big Chief -- in his great war canoe, visiting the city from his home in the far north. The Tillikums of Elttaes (Seattle spelled backward) paraded the streets in white suits, their hats draped in battery-powered lights, gladhanding any visitors who came their way. Bright-eyed members of the Press and Ad clubs, as well as the Chamber, slathered themselves in greasepaint, donned Chilkat blankets ...
|
|---|