Graceful Portrait of Mrs. Ernest Dunkels, Early 20th Century

This photograph features Mrs. Ernest Dunkels, captured by the Bain News Service, a prominent photojournalistic service in the early 20th century. While the exact date of the photograph isn’t specified, the Bain News Service was known for documenting significant public figures and events from approximately the 1890s to the 1920s. The glass negative format used for this image was a common practice during that era, allowing for sharp detail and clarity, ensuring that important moments were well-preserved for future generations.

At the time this photo was taken, Mrs. Dunkels prominence was likely tied to her connection to her husband, Ernest Dunkels, who, in his own right, may have been involved in notable business or social activities. The early 1900s was a period marked by social shifts, including womens increasing visibility in public life. This image stands as a testament to the era when photography began to serve not just artistic purposes but also as a means of documentation and historical record. As we look at the photograph today, we gain a glimpse into the lives of those who played roles—large or small—in shaping society during this transformative period.