Ollie Ryther, more commonly known as ‘Mother Ryther, ’ started taking in children in 1883 when her neighbors died, leaving behind four orphaned children. From that point on, she accepted every orphaned child that crossed her path, eventually establishing a board of directors and staff of matrons to help her. She became known for her skill and unorthodox methods for getting what she needed for her children and made sure all children went to school, preparing them for employment in adulthood. After years in rental homes, the Seattle community finally built her a large brick home in 1920. In 1954 as orphan homes became unpopular, the home changed its name to the Ryther Child Center, moved to a new campus in northeast Seattle, and changed its mission to the care of disturbed children. The original home in Wallingford is now a residential and program center for United Cerebral Palsy.

Photographer: Seattle Post-Intelligencer Staff Photographer

Image Date: 1956

Image Number: 1986.5.11440.4

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