Elegant Portrait of a Trailblazing Senators Wife

This historical photograph features Mrs. Key Pittman, captured by the Bain News Service between 1910 and 1915. Key Pittman, born in 1872, was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Nevada. He was a key figure in the Senate during pivotal moments, including the fight for women’s suffrage and the establishment of National Parks. The period in which this photograph was taken was marked by significant social and political changes in the United States, particularly as the nation moved closer to granting women the right to vote in 1920.

The Bain News Service, known for its widespread coverage of U.S. political figures and events, expertly documented public figures like Mrs. Pittman, who was often at the center of social and political gatherings of her time. This glass negative offers a glimpse into the life of an influential family, as Mrs. Pittmans image reflects the societal roles women played in the early 20th century—supporting their husbands and participating in the broader conversation about women’s rights. Her presence in this historical record underscores the intersection of personal and political life in an era of transformation in America.