Early 20th Century Legal Pioneer Portrait, 1910s

This glass negative photograph from the Bain News Service, taken between 1910 and 1915, features C. M. Fickert, an influential figure in the early 20th century. Known for his work as a lawyer and politician in San Francisco, Fickert played a significant role in local governance during a period marked by social and political change. His career included serving as the City Attorney and later as the District Attorney, where he was known for his reformist approach to prosecuting issues like corruption and public morality.

The image captures a moment in a transitional time for American cities, reflecting the burgeoning role of photography in journalism and public life. The early 1900s were characterized by a growing interest in visual documentation, and the Bain News Service was at the forefront of this movement, providing images that illustrated important events and figures. The use of glass negatives like this one allowed for high-quality reproduction and has become a valuable resource for historians studying this era.

Fickert’s leadership and legal work were pivotal as San Francisco navigated various challenges, including economic shifts and societal reforms. This photograph serves as a visual reminder of that time, offering a glimpse not just of a man, but of the dynamic changes occurring in urban America. Your understanding of this moment in history deepens when you consider the context in which Fickert operated, amidst the complexities of governance and civic responsibility.