Ollie H. Ryther became known as Mother Ryther in the 1880s after taking motherless children into her own home. Later, she founded several homes for orphans and children whose parents were unable to take care of them. The Ryther organization continues today as Ryther and specializes in providing therapeutic services to young people who are struggling emotionally and behaviorally.

This photo of children from the Ryther Home at a playground 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: Ryther Home
Photographer's Reference Number: 6560C