1914 Portrait of Bob Dibble: A Glimpse into History

This historical photograph from 1914 features Bob Dibble, captured by the Bain News Service, a prominent photography and news agency of the time. The Bain News Service was known for its commitment to documenting key figures and events during a period of significant social and cultural change in the United States. This glass negative is a testament to the early 20th-century practice of photography, particularly in how images were created and stored for news dissemination.

Bob Dibble was active in an era marked by transformation, with World War I looming just around the corner and the progressive movement making strides in various societal issues. The image, measuring around 5 x 7 inches, encapsulates the essence of its time, revealing not only the subject but also offering a glimpse into the methods of historical documentation. Glass negatives, despite their fragility, were popular for their ability to capture fine detail and were often used in the production of prints for newspapers and magazines, providing an invaluable window into the lives of individuals like Dibble.

This photograph helps to underline the importance of visual media in shaping public perception and preserving history. The work of the Bain News Service contributes significantly to our understanding of early American photography and the figures of that era. Through images like this one, we can appreciate the intersection of art, technology, and historical record-keeping in the early 1900s.