Historic Portrait of a 1920s Democratic Leader

This glass photographic negative from the Bain News Service, captured between 1915 and 1920, features W.W. Marsh, who held the position of Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee. During this time, the Democratic Party was navigating the political landscape of a nation grappling with significant change. The image underscores the critical roles individuals played within the party as they sought to address issues like labor rights and women’s suffrage, both of which were prominent topics of the era.

W.W. Marshs involvement with the Democratic National Committee places him at the heart of early twentieth-century American politics. This period was marked by the challenges of World War I and the shifting sentiments within the country regarding democracy and governance. The photographic practices utilized by the Bain News Service, especially glass negatives, were integral to documenting political figures and events, providing a rare glimpse into Americas past political landscape.