Historic Urban Scene of Upshur, 1915-1920 Era

The photograph titled On UPSHUR, dating from between 1915 and 1920, captures a snapshot of life during a transformative era in American history. This period saw the country on the brink of significant change, as industrialization was rapidly altering the social and economic landscape. The image, part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, exemplifies the early 20th-century approach to news and documentation by the Bain News Service, which aimed to provide a visual record of contemporary events and everyday life.

Taken around the time of World War I, the photograph reflects the technological advancements in photography, particularly the use of glass negatives, which were a standard method for capturing detailed images during this time. Such photographs played a crucial role in journalism, as they provided a powerful visual narrative that could communicate stories and moments to the public. Understanding this context not only sheds light on the practices of early 20th-century media but also highlights how photography served as a tool for historical documentation, shaping public perception and memory.

While we cant see the specifics of the image itself, its existence is a testament to the eras innovations and the Bain News Services commitment to documenting life as it was lived. This photograph, like many from this period, offers a window into a time when photography began to influence public discourse and memory, making it an important artifact in understanding the evolution of news and visual culture.