Vintage 1917: E.H. Hutton in Economic Transition

This photograph captures E.H. F. Hutton in July 1917, a moment in the midst of significant economic shifts in the United States. During this time, particularly in New York, the price of Grade B milk experienced a notable increase, climbing to eleven cents in early July. According to The New York Times, consumers were feeling the pinch of rising food prices, which reflected wider trends in the economy as World War I was impacting various sectors.

As the summer progressed, the price of Grade B milk rose further, hitting fourteen cents by September 1917. This pattern illustrates the challenges faced by families during a period of inflation and demand for essential goods. Hutton’s image serves as a snapshot of an individual living through a pivotal time in American history, when everyday commodities became emblematic of broader economic forces and social changes.