Portrait of Wallace Morgan, U.S. Congressman, 1913

On May 5, 1913, Wallace Morgan sat for a portrait captured by the Bain News Service. Morgan was a prominent figure of his time, serving as a member of Congress from 1903 to 1913, representing the state of Pennsylvania. His leadership and legislative contributions were significant during a period marked by rapid industrial growth and political change in the United States. The image, preserved as a glass negative, provides a glimpse into the professional attire and demeanor typical of early 20th-century American politicians, reflecting the formal expectations of public officials at the time.

The Bain News Service was known for its extensive documentation of notable figures and events, contributing to the visual history of the early 1900s. Photographers would often use glass negatives to capture high-quality images that could be reproduced for newspapers and other media outlets. This method allowed for sharp detail and clarity, which was crucial for public figures like Morgan, who needed to maintain a strong presence in an era when visual representation was becoming increasingly important in politics. The context of his career offers insight into the evolving nature of governance and public engagement during a transformative time in U.S. history.