Frederick & Nelson was a major department store in Seattle. It began as a used-furniture business in 1890, founded by Donald E. Frederick. Frederick was joined by James Mecham and Nels B. Nelson. The first store was on Front Street, later called 1st Avenue. The business grew after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, as the city rebuilt. Nelson, a Swedish immigrant, brought new investment. After Mecham left due to health reasons, the company became Frederick & Nelson.
In the early years, the store focused on furniture. It acquired the Queen City Furniture Company in 1891. Later, it absorbed the Pacific Carpet Company and merged with Silas Munro’s New England Furniture Company. From 1896 to 1900, the business operated as Frederick, Nelson & Munro. The Klondike Gold Rush increased demand for furniture and household goods, helping the business grow.
By 1900, Frederick & Nelson sold housewares, china, and drapery. The company added new departments based on customer demand. Munro was eventually bought out, and the business returned to the Frederick & Nelson name. The store was known for its interactions with Seattle’s indigenous community. Princess Angeline, daughter of Chief Seattle, was a frequent visitor and sometimes traded for goods…