Sophie I. Loeb: Advocate for Social Reform 1915-1920

This glass negative photograph features Sophie I. Loeb, a prominent figure in early 20th-century American social reform. Taken by the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920, the image reflects a time when women were increasingly stepping into public life and advocating for social change. Loeb was a passionate advocate for child welfare and womens rights, using her platform to push for progressive legislation and reforms.

Sophie I. Loeb is particularly recognized for her role in securing funding for the establishment of the New York State Department of Welfare, and she was instrumental in promoting initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of working-class families. This photograph not only captures her likeness but also marks an era of activism that significantly shaped modern social policies in the United States. The techniques used in early 20th-century photography, such as glass negatives, played a crucial role in documenting the lives and contributions of individuals like Loeb, preserving their legacy for future generations.