Native Americans in Golden Potlatch Parade, ca. July 1911

• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: Edward H. Mitchell (San Francisco, Calif.) 1911
• Subjects: Potlatch > Washington (State) > Seattle; Festivals > Washington (State) > Seattle; Parades > Washington (State) > Seattle; Indians of North America > Washington (State) > Seattle; Men; Women; Horses; Streets > Washington (State) > Seattle; Buildings > Washington (State) > Seattle; Office buildings > Washington (State) > Seattle; Central business districts > Washington (State) > Seattle; Seattle. Potlatch; Canada; Dunvegan; Elliott; Elliott Bay; Indian; Pacific; Tyee; Yukon; Alaska
• Online Access: http://cdm16118.contentdm.oclc.org/u?/p16118coll3,1681

Recipient: "Mr. William D. McRae, Dunvegan Ontario Canada." Message: "5518 17th Ave. N.E. Seattle, Wn. Dear William, Glad to get your card: but was shocked at the picture. You know me better than to suppose I would do such things. I'd run a mile first. Have been sick in bed: just getting up today. Hope you are all well. Where did [illegible] go to? Do you have to lick Duncan N. often these days? Am still piping out here. Hope to get a letter when you have time to write me. [Illegible] ever yours. Ed G. Cox." 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 and pretended to be 'tyees' and 'shamans.' But the Golden Potlatch volunteers also offered a week of entertainment free to anyone in the city. Every day there was a different parade downtown -- of the fraternal orders, the labor unions, the soldiers and sailors, or Seattle's children. Daredevils flew 'hydroplanes' over Elliott Bay, and warships from the U.S. Pacific ...