The Seal-Skin Obsession: Why Seattle Ladies Wear More Fur Than Any Other City

"There are more seal-skin sacks worn in this city than in any other of the same size in the United States," said a well-known railroad man who had traveled extensively. It was evident that he knew what he was talking about, and the reporter began to take mental notes as the number of sealskin sacks that flitted past his vision in the next two hours, gracefully draped on comely forms, convinced him that the railroad man was right.

In order to learn something of seal skins in particular and of the fur-bearing animals in Washington Territory in general, a leading Seattle furrier was interviewed.

"Is it a fact, sir, that the ladies of Seattle are more addicted to the sealskin-sack habit than their sisters in other and less favored cities?"

"It is my opinion," replied the furrier, "that the sealskin is more universally worn in this city than in any other in this great broad Union. That is, in proportion to the population."

"To what cause do you attribute the great favor which is shown this rather expensive garment?"

"In the first place, it is suited to the requirements of this climate during about one-third of the year; secondly because it is the most becoming garment a lady can wear; and thirdly, because they can be purchased, let me tell you in strict confidence, cheaper here than elsewhere. Wealth is more evenly distributed here, and more ladies can afford to buy these garments than in other places."

"Why are they sold cheaper than in other cities?"

"For the very simple reason that we can purchase the raw seal-skins cheaper in Seattle than anywhere else in the United States. The skins are sent to London, where they are tanned and dyed. That is the only place in the world where this work can be properly done. The finished furs are returned to us from London. The skins, by the time they arrive back, cost us about $30 apiece."

"How much does it take to make an ordinary lady's sack?"

"Four will make an average-sized long sack. Then there are the buttons, lining, trimming, and cost of manufacturing. This makes the long sacks cost the customer from $150 to $200. Short sacks can be purchased for from $100 to $150. These prices, to the best of my knowledge and belief, cannot be matched elsewhere."

The furrier went on to detail the vast trade in wild animals across the territory: white trappers and Indians supplying pelts in winter; seal skins from Alaska via trading schooners; black bear hides for sleigh robes; sea otter pelts for collar trimming; silver gray foxes from the Cascades; beavers along the rivers; lynx hides from Eastern Washington; wolves near Gray's Harbor; raccoons, wildcats, muskrats, minks, martens, badgers, and wolverines. He noted that while many animals were abundant, only those with commercial value like the sealskin sack dominated the city's fashionable streets.