1917 Portrait of Edouardina L. Lavoie in Era of Change

This photograph captures Edouardina L. Lavoie, taken on April 26, 1917, by the Bain News Service. Lavoie was part of a unique historical context, marked by significant societal changes and the approach of World War I in the United States. The early 20th century was a period of rapid transformation, particularly for women, as they began to take on more public roles in society, influenced by movements advocating for suffrage and labor rights.

The image is recorded as a glass negative, a common photographic medium of the time that allowed for high levels of detail and durability. Glass negatives were prevalent until the development of more modern film photography later in the century. This particular photograph presents a snapshot of a moment in history, reflecting both the individual and the broader cultural shifts occurring during that era as women increasingly asserted their presence in public life. The work of the Bain News Service played a significant role in documenting people and events at the time, contributing to the visual narrative of American history.