Historic Portrait of Labor Leader Gustav Bauch, 1914

This glass negative photograph captures Gustav Bauch, a notable figure from the early twentieth century, taken on February 28, 1914. At the time, Bauch was a prominent labor leader affiliated with the United Hebrew Trades, an organization of Jewish labor unions. His work during this era contributed to the improvement of labor conditions and advocated for workers rights, particularly among immigrant communities in the United States. The image serves as a visual point of reference to understand the people behind the labor movements of the time.

Created by the Bain News Service, a key player in early 20th-century journalism, this photograph reflects the technological advancements in photography, specifically the use of glass negatives. This method, popular in that era, allowed for high-quality images that provided sharp detail and clarity, playing a significant role in the documentation of social and political figures. Such photographs not only highlight the individuals involved but also offer a glimpse into the broader socio-economic landscape of early 20th-century America, when labor movements were gaining momentum as workers sought fair wages and better working conditions.