1917 City Hall Delegates: A Historic Gathering

This historical photograph captures Mayor John Mitchel standing with a group of prominent delegates on the steps of City Hall in New York City in 1917. Among the figures are notable leaders like Governor Manning from South Carolina and Senator Fletcher from Florida, as well as international representatives, including Cuban Minister Dr. de Cespedes and Siamese Minister Karavongsi. Additionally, Dr. Porras, the Minister from Panama, is present, highlighting the diverse representation at the event. This gathering took place during the Southern Commercial Congress Convention, which aimed to foster trade and commerce among the southern states.

Taken by a Bain News Service photographer, this image is dated October 21, 1917, and was published by The New York Times, marking an important moment in the United States engagement with southern states and international partners. The convention underscored the growing interconnectedness of the American economy with regional and global markets during a period of significant change, including the impacts of World War I. The presence of various state and foreign officials illustrated the importance of collaboration in advancing commercial interests, a theme that resonates strongly in today’s globalized economy.