In 1909, Seattle Day Nursery was formed by Reverend Mark Matthews and a committee of 12 women at the First Presbyterian Church. It was a day care operation for children whose mothers worked during the day. In a time when most women didn't work if their husbands could support them, it was considered an honor to serve others who had to function as both homemaker and breadwinner. In 1911, the Seattle Day Nursery incorporated as a non-sectarian organization, moved out of the Sunday School building into a former residence on Broadway.

In this photo a young boy sits on a rocking horse outside the building. This photo is part of a collection from McBride and Anderson photographers. Born in 1863, Ella McBride began working in the photography field in 1909 when she managed the Edward Curtis Studio. She opened her own studio in 1917 with Wayne Albee. Albee moved to San Diego in 1925, and McBride continued to operate a studio in various Seattle locations. In 1932 she partnered with Richard Anderson; they continued to work together until she retired in 1954 due to her failing eyesight. She died in 1965 at the age of 102. Taken before the McBride-Anderson partnership began; it is not known which partner was the photographer.

Handwritten on sleeve: Seattle Day Nursery
Photographer's Reference Number: 6595F