1917 Somber Moments: Botta Funeral Service

This historical photograph captures the Botta Funeral, taken on October 3, 1917, by a photographer from the Bain News Service. The image serves as a poignant record of a funeral service, reflecting the customs and practices of mourning in early 20th-century America. During this period, funerals were typically elaborate affairs, often held in homes or churches, with mourners dressed in formal attire to honor the deceased.

The Botta Funeral exemplifies the societal norms around death and remembrance in 1917, a time when the United States was in the throes of World War I. Communities often came together to support grieving families, and close family ties were particularly emphasized during such events. This particular image, categorized under glass negatives, showcases the techniques and technology of early 20th-century photography, allowing us to glimpse the past in a way that enriches our understanding of the eras social customs and daily life.