1920s Portrait of a Pioneer in American Change

This photograph features Wm. C. Phillips, taken between 1920 and 1925, during a transformative period in American history. Phillips was a prominent figure, and his work contributed to the dynamic changes of the early 20th century, an era marked by industrial growth and cultural shifts. The glass negative process used in this photograph was typical of the time, allowing for crisp detail and an extensive range of tones, capturing the essence of its subjects with remarkable clarity.

Wm. C. Phillipss image, produced by the Bain News Service, is a result of the early tabloid journalism that sought to document and disseminate news through striking visuals. The early 1920s were significant in many ways, as they followed the aftermath of World War I and the onset of the Jazz Age. The growing influence of photography in media engaged the public and shaped perceptions of personalities and events, making images like this an essential part of understanding our social history.