Professor Edmond S. Meany was one of the University of Washington's most notable faculty members. Meany began teaching history in 1897, when the history department was first established, and he taught until his death in 1935. During his busy lifetime, Meany also served as a legislator, journalist, author, and president of The Mountaineers. People on campus referred to him as "The Grand Old Man."

This portrait of Meany 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 of this image.

Handwritten on sleeve: Meany.
Photographer's Reference Number: 11895A