1925 Portrait of an Iconic American Figure

W.J. Cannon, captured on July 21, 1925, in a photograph taken by a staff photographer from the Bain News Service, represents a slice of American history from the early 20th century. The Bain News Service was notable for documenting prominent figures and events, making it an essential source of visual history from that period. This photograph, preserved as a glass negative, showcases Cannon during a time when the nation was experiencing significant social and economic changes, including the aftermath of World War I and the beginnings of the Roaring Twenties.

While the photograph doesn’t specify Cannon’s exact role, he was known for his involvement in various business and political circles. The 1920s was a transformative era in the United States, characterized by rapid urbanization, the rise of consumer culture, and advancements in technology. Images like this one help us understand not just the individuals who shaped the time but also the broader societal changes they influenced. This photograph serves as a reminder of the dynamic history that unfolded during a pivotal decade in American life.