Historic Portrait of a 1910s Southern Journalist

This photograph features Clark Howell, a prominent journalist and politician from Georgia, captured between 1910 and 1915 by the Bain News Service. Howell was the editor of the Atlanta Constitution and played a crucial role in the progressive movement in the South during this period. His influence extended beyond journalism; he was also involved in political matters, serving in the U.S. Senate and contributing to discussions on race relations and economic reform. Howell’s work at the Constitution helped shift public opinion and shape the political landscape of the South in the early 20th century.

The image itself is a part of the glass negative format, a photographic technology that was widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This method enabled sharp and detailed prints, making it an ideal choice for news photography of the time. The image captures a moment in an era marked by significant social and political upheaval, including the Progressive Era reforms and the ongoing struggles for civil rights. Howell’s contributions to journalism and politics provide a window into the complexities of this transformative time in American history, highlighting the role of media in shaping public discourse and policy.