James D. Lowman (1856-1947) and Clarence Hanford (1857-1920) were business and civic leaders in early Seattle, each with ties to Seattle's founders. 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 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. The four-story building was completed in 1892, 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 about the 1960s.

This photograph of the exterior of the original building on Front Street (now First) between Cherry and James was taken in 1888. Posing on the boardwalk in front of the shop are 11 men. The man on the far left has been identified as Mr. Alexander, an employee of Lowman & Hanford Stationery and Printing Company.