Elegant Portrait of Mrs. John Astor, c. 1910-1915

This photograph features Mrs. John Astor, taken by a Bain News Service photographer between 1910 and 1915. The Astors were one of Americas wealthiest families, with John Jacob Astor I being a prominent fur trader and investor in the early 19th century. By the early 20th century, the family was well-known for their extensive real estate holdings and social status, commonly associated with the elite of New York society.

In the years leading up to World War I, Mrs. John Astor, whose full name was Ava Lowle Willing before her marriage, was recognized for her influence in social circles. She was involved in philanthropic efforts, reflecting the eras blending of high society with civic responsibility. The Bain News Service documented numerous figures like her, capturing a moment in time that presents a visual history of the individuals shaping modern American society. This glass negative represents a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who were prominent during a transformative period in the nation’s history.