The Arctic Club building in Seattle was built in 1916. It's now a Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. I worked on the 2nd floor for Northwestern Title Company from 1984 to 1990 when the building was owned by the City of Seattle.
It's a beautiful old building and I love the Northern Lights Dome Room. This huge room has a leaded-glass domed ceiling complete with Rococo motifs. The light is filtered through the domes colored glass and makes for a wonderful atmosphere. As a hotel, it's was beautifully restored in 2008 with great attention and detail to its original glory.
The Arctic Club was a fraternal organization originally formed in 1908 by those who returned to Seattle after striking it rich in Alaska in the Klondike Gold Rush. Note the terra cotta walrus heads along the third story facade.
The Arctic Building The Arctic Club Seattle
I was rummaging through some old books at The Beatty Book Store back in 1986. I absolutely loved this place and really enjoyed talking to the owners, Barbara Beatty McGovern and her husband Tom. One day I totally scored and came upon this... The Arctic Club 50th Anniversary, published in 1958.
This hardbound book with a golden cover is full of wonderful old photos of club events back in the day. It includes a list of patrons, past club officers, and a personal shout out to Sophie Tucker who loved the club and was ordained the official 'Sweetheart of the Arctic Club'. It also has a complete 1958 membership roster and I recognize many of the old Seattle names.
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