Elegant Portrait of Mrs. Sam Willetts, 1918

This photograph features Mrs. Sam Willetts, taken on June 28, 1918, by the Bain News Service, a noted photography and news agency active in the early 20th century. The image captures a significant point in time during World War I, when many women took on new roles in society, often stepping into the workforce in ways previously unimagined. This period was marked by womens contributions to the war effort, both at home and abroad, as they filled jobs left vacant by men who had gone to fight.

Captured with a glass negative technique, this photo exemplifies the methods used in early 1900s photography, which emphasized clarity and detail. The Bain News Service was known for its wide-ranging documentation of everyday life and significant events, providing a visual history that helps us understand the social shifts of the time. Mrs. Willetts stands as a representation of countless women who experienced changes in their roles during the war, embodying the transformation of society in a critical era. This photograph doesnt just show her likeness; it captures a moment when women were redefining their presence in the public sphere.