Early 20th Century Industrial Innovator Portrait

The photograph features Wm. P. Burr, a figure from the early 20th century, captured between 1915 and 1920 by a photographer from Bain News Service. Burr was known for his involvement in various business ventures and public service. During this period, the United States was undergoing significant changes, with industrialization and urbanization reshaping society. Photographs like this one provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals who played roles in these transformations.

Taken with a glass plate negative, a common photography method of the era, this image exemplifies the technical advancements in early photography. Glass negatives were favored for their sharp detail and clarity, making them a key medium for documenting historical figures and events. This photograph not only preserves Burrs likeness but also reflects a time when photography was emerging as a powerful means of communication, capturing the essence of an evolving society.