Gathering of Five Women from the 1910s

This fascinating photograph captures five women—Marjorie Ross, Gladys Lumbers, Irene Doolittle, Gladys Curry, and Helen Clark—likely taken between 1915 and 1920. The image was produced by Bain News Service, a prominent photography studio known for documenting everyday life and significant events in early 20th-century America. These women represent a time period when women were increasingly stepping into roles beyond traditional domestic spheres, a change that laid groundwork for the women’s rights movement that would gain momentum in the following decades.

The early 1900s marked a transformative era in the United States, as women began advocating for suffrage and greater societal involvement. As the nation grappled with issues of equality and independence, each of these women, likely influenced by the progressive ideals of their time, contributed to this change. While the details of their individual lives may not be fully documented, their presence in this photograph signifies a collective moment of emerging female empowerment, reflecting a society in transition. Through such images, we gain insight into the everyday lives and aspirations of women who helped shape the future.