1920s Police Glee Club with Alma Clayburgh

This historical photograph features Alma Clayburgh alongside members of the Police Glee Club, taken between 1920 and 1925. During this period, Glee Clubs were popular across many communities in the United States, serving as a way for various groups, including police organizations, to engage with the public through music. These clubs often performed at community events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection among officers and citizens alike.

Alma Clayburgh’s involvement signifies a growing trend of women participating in traditionally male-dominated public organizations during these years. The early 20th century was marked by increasing social change and the fight for women’s rights, leading to greater inclusion in various aspects of public life, including music and performance. This photograph not only captures a snapshot of a musical gathering but also highlights the evolving role of women in community and law enforcement contexts.

The photograph itself is a glass negative, a common medium of the time, reflecting the technological advancements in photography during the early 1900s. The clarity and detail possible with glass negatives were crucial for documenting the activities and events of the day, providing us with valuable insights into the social fabric of early 20th-century America. This image thus serves as a visual testament to a unique blend of community, culture, and the changing dynamics of gender roles in that era.