An Episcopal minister, Dr. Herbert H. Gowen served in the department of Oriental Studies at the University of Washington (UW) teaching from 1909 until 1944. A voracious reader who was reputed to have read a book a day, he taught the history and literature of China, Japan, India, and the Near East along with the Sanskrit, Arabic, and Hebrew languages and history of religion. Built in 1932, Gowen Hall in the Liberal Arts Quadrangle on the UW campus was dedicated in 1977 to the memory of Dr. Gowen and his contributions.

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 around the time the McBride-Anderson partnership began; it is not known which partner was the photographer.

Handwritten on sleeve: Rev. H.H. Gowen - UW Professor Episcopal Minister 1932.
Photographer's Reference Number: 13613

Caption information source: University of Washington, Campus Tour website.