Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Bowman Studio

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

1. Bowman Studio Marker

Inscription. This imaginative building was built to resemble a castle, complete with crenellations on the parapet. It was built in 1905 by W.S. Bowman, a turn-of-the century photographer, for use as his studio along with retail and residential space. This stone structure replaced a wooden frame building that Bowman had used for a studio previously. After the "Castle" was built, Bowman worked out of the first floor. From 1905 to 2005 the main floor housed a photography studio. The last photographer retired in 2005. Two osteopathic doctors, Gilbert Holt and Orel Hutchins, operated the Riverside Maternity Hospital in the building from 1941 to 1965. The hospital was managed by Phoebe Dykstra. The parapet bears the inscription "W.S. Bowman." Walter Bowman was born in Umatilla County on 8 February 1865. In 1887, be became a photographer under the tutelage of T.C. Ward. In 1890 Bowman bought out Ward and commenced operating his own gallery. In 1896, he married Elizabeth M. Carrol. W.S. Bowman died in 1938. His first cousin, Oliver Purl Bowman, built the Bowman Hotel at the South end of Main Street in 1905 as well. In 1974, the Holt Estate

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sold the building for $25,000 to Robert P. McKenzie, local optometrist.

Erected by City of Pendleton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is February 8, 1865.

Location. 45° 40.436′ N, 118° 47.289′ W. Marker is in Pendleton, Oregon, in Umatilla County. It is on South Main Street near Southeast Byers Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 South Main Street, Pendleton OR 97801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Oregon.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Donald C. Requa (a few steps from this marker); Carnegie Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First Christian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chief Clarence T. Burke

Bowman Studio and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

2. Bowman Studio and Marker

The marker is at the right edge of the building.

(about 300 feet away); Jackson Sundown (about 300 feet away); Club Cigar Saloon (about 300 feet away); Judd Block (about 500 feet away); DeSpain Block (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pendleton.

Bowman Studio image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017

3. Bowman Studio

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,787 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 24, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.