A Memorable Enterprise: The AYPE and the City of Seattle

After the AYPE

Exposition and Mt. Rainier

The AYPE closed on October 15, 1909. Most City departments considered it a success from their perspective; the Seattle Public Library was perhaps the exception. The library noted that the unusually small increase in circulation for 1909 over 1908 was probably due to "the fact that many of the library patrons were busy attending the AYP Exposition." The reference department did note in its 1909 Annual Report, however, that the Seattle Authors' collection proved "one of the main drawing cards to the Library during the Exposition."

Some departments were left with much to do and many decisions to make after the fair closed. Over five miles of new street railway track was laid in preparation for the Exposition and ridership experienced a huge increase. A decrease in ridership following the fair was noted by the Superintendent of Public Utilities: "It is doubtful if any established business has felt more keenly the reaction following the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition of 1909 more than has that of urban transportation." The Seattle Electric Company had a thirty per cent loss in business in August 1910 compared to the same month in 1909.

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