1917 Funeral Service: A Moment of Mourning and Remembrance

This photograph captures a funeral service for an individual named Botta, dated October 3, 1917. Taken by a Bain News Service photographer, the image serves as a documentary snapshot of mourning practices in early 20th-century America. Funerals during this period often involved elaborate arrangements, reflecting the social customs and rituals of the time. The scene likely features mourners dressed in formal attire, gathered to pay their respects, a testament to the importance of community and family during such solemn occasions.

This image provides a glimpse into an era when glass plate negatives were commonly used to document significant events. These negatives were crucial for preserving visual history, as they provided clarity and detail before the advent of modern photography. The photograph serves as an archive of societal norms surrounding death and commemoration, offering insight into the ways people expressed grief and solidarity in their communities. By studying images like this, we can better understand the cultural practices and values of the time.