1917 Portrait of a World War I Era Soldier

This photograph captures B.L. Worden, taken on December 20, 1917, during a notable period in American history marked by World War I. Worden’s identity and role during this time reflect the changing dynamics of American society as it grappled with the implications of the war. The image, part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, showcases the work of the Bain News Service, which was known for its extensive documentation of significant events and personalities of the era.

In the context of 1917, the United States was deepening its involvement in World War I, having entered the conflict in April of that year. This photo serves as a snapshot of a moment in time when many Americans were adjusting to new realities of wartime life, from military service to roles in industries supporting the war effort. The preservation of such images highlights the importance of photographic history in understanding the personal stories behind the larger historical narrative.