The Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company was formed from several smaller companies in 1896. The Union Pacific Railroad bought a majority stake in the company in 1898 and built its Beaux-Arts style main depot, the Oregon-Washington Station, in Seattle in 1910 and 1911. The station's name was later changed to Union Station. Passenger rail service continued at the station until 1971. After many years of sitting idle, Union Station was extensively renovated and as of 2018 serves as the headquarters of Sound Transit.

This photo of the Traveler's Aid desk at the station 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: O&W Depot - Traveler's Aid
Photographer's Reference Number: 6601A

Caption information source: http://pcad.lib.washington.edu/building/6248