Early 20th Century Yard Worker in Action

This glass negative, produced by the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920, captures a yard man engaged in his daily work, reflecting the labor dynamics of the early 20th century. During this period, many individuals in urban areas relied on yard workers for landscaping, maintenance, and other outdoor tasks. The image serves as a window into the past, showcasing not just the individual but also the broader context of domestic life and labor practices of the time.

The Bain News Service was known for documenting a wide range of subjects, providing a visual record of everyday life in America. This photograph exemplifies the common yet vital roles that contributed to household management, highlighting a moment that many would have experienced, but few would have recorded. It stands as a reminder of the skilled labor that helped shape residential spaces in early 20th-century America.