1920s Portrait of a Notable American Figure

This photograph features Sam Franko, captured between 1920 and 1925 by the Bain News Service. Sam Franko was a prominent figure during a time marked by significant social and economic changes in America. The early 1920s was a period of recovery following World War I, characterized by industrial growth and cultural shifts, including the rise of jazz music and the emergence of the modern consumer society.

The Bain News Service, known for documenting influential people, provided a window into the everyday lives and events of the time. This image, as a glass negative, represents the technological advancements in photography, allowing for high-quality images that would later influence graphic media. Each glass negative is a snapshot of history, capturing not only individual stories but also reflecting broader trends and societal shifts in the United States during the early twentieth century.