1910 Portrait of Senator Frank J. Gardner in Politics

This glass negative features Senator Frank J. Gardner, an influential figure in early 20th-century American politics. Captured in 1910 by the Bain News Service, the image vividly represents a time when the United States was undergoing significant social and political changes. Gardner, a member of the Democratic Party, served as a U.S. Senator from the state of New Jersey from 1908 until 1915, a period marked by debates over progressive reforms, industrialization, and labor rights.

Gardners tenure aligned with pivotal events in American history, including the womens suffrage movement and the push for antitrust legislation. His work in the Senate contributed to shaping policies that would affect everyday Americans, particularly in the realms of commerce and labor. The photographic technique of glass negatives was a popular format during this era, providing detailed representations that captured both the likeness and the essence of public figures like Gardner. This image serves as a visual reminder of the political landscape and the leaders who helped to mold it at the dawn of the modern age.