James D. Lowman (1856-1947) and Clarence Hanford (1857-1920) were business and civic leaders in early Seattle, each with ties to Seattle's pioneer settlers. In 1882, they joined forces to found Lowman & Hanford Stationery and Printing Company. The firm advertised as booksellers, stationers, printers, and binders, but also sold typewriters, sewing machines, pianos, and organs. After losing their original building on Front Street (now First Avenue) between Cherry and James Streets in the Great Fire of 1889, the partners reopened the business on the first two floors of their new building at 616 First Avenue, becoming key contributers in rebuilding Seattle. They expanded into selling photographic equipment and other supplies to people leaving for the gold fields. A four-story building was completed in 1892 at the same location, with three more upper floors added around 1902. Immediately next door, the 10-story Lowman Building at 107 Cherry Street was completed in 1906. In the 1930s the firm was located at 1515 Second Avenue. The company existed in one form or another until the 1960s.

This photograph shows the composing room in the Lowman & Hanford Printing and Binding building (now the Washington Park Building) on Washington Street, along Railroad Avenue (now Alaskan Way).

Handwritten on mount: Composing Room.
Handwritten on verso: Lowman & Hanford
Photographer's Reference Number: 43528