Historic 1913 Princeton Taft & Hibben Building Photo

This glass negative, captured by the Bain News Service on October 22, 1913, provides a clear glimpse into early twentieth-century architecture with its depiction of the Taft & Hibben building in Princeton, New Jersey. Originally established as a bookstore and stationery store, Taft & Hibben played a vital role in the community, known for its rich collection of academic texts and its proximity to Princeton University. The image shows the structure during a time when such businesses were essential hubs for students and scholars, reflecting the academic spirit of the era.

As part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, this photograph is a valuable piece of history that documents the architectural characteristics typical of that period. The buildings design, with its blend of classical and modern elements, exemplifies the transition in architectural styles that marked the early 1900s. This visual record not only highlights the aesthetic qualities of the time but also serves as an important reference for historians studying the evolution of commercial buildings and public spaces in American towns. By examining such photographs, we gain insight into the everyday lives of those who lived and worked in these environments over a century ago.