Historic 1915 Portrait of Jacob Kline and N.C. Downs

This photograph, taken in 1915 by a Bain News Service photographer, features Jacob Kline, who is also known as Jacob Klein, alongside N. C. Downs. The image captures a moment in time from the early 20th century, showcasing Kline’s connection to local entrepreneurship or influential figures of that era. The photograph is part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, which is known for documenting significant people and events in American history through striking imagery.

The Bain News Service was pivotal in the early days of photojournalism, providing a visual archive that captured the essence of American life. This particular glass negative serves as an early example of photographic techniques from that period, revealing not just the subjects in the frame but also the meticulous craftsmanship behind glass plate photography. This method, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, allowed photographers to create high-quality images that could be reproduced in prints, making them widely accessible for news publications and documentation.

Kline’s association with N. C. Downs may point to a professional relationship or partnership in business or community endeavors, reflecting the social and economic interactions of the time. Photographs like this are crucial for understanding the individuals who shaped local and national landscapes, providing a window into their lives and the historical context in which they operated.