Historic 1909 D.C. Meeting: Tillman & Buck Portrait

This photograph captures B.B. Tillman, Jr. and G. Buck in Washington, D.C. in 1909, a moment in time that reflects early 20th-century American life and politics. B.B. Tillman, Jr. was known for his involvement in various business and civic ventures, part of the broader trend during this period where individuals were increasingly engaged in public life. Washington, D.C. was not just the nation’s capital; it was also a bustling hub of political activity and social change during this era, especially as the country approached the Progressive Era.

The image was produced by the Bain News Service, a prominent early news photography outlet that utilized glass negatives, a common photographic technique at the time. Glass negatives allowed for detailed imaging, which was essential for capturing the personalities and styles of the era. Such photographs serve as invaluable historical records, offering a window into the past and allowing us to examine the lives of individuals who shaped the nation’s trajectory in the early 1900s.