Historic Portrait of Notable 1913 Business Tycoons

The photograph titled Clarence Mackay -- J.W. Gerard, taken by the Bain News Service in 1913, captures two prominent figures of early 20th-century America. Clarence Mackay was a notable businessman known for his leadership in the telecommunications and railroads sectors. As the head of the Postal Telegraph and Cable Company, he played a significant role in developing communication technologies that helped shape modern America. His partner, J.W. Gerard, was also influential in business circles. This image reflects the eras intersection of industrial progress and personal legacy.

The Bain News Service was instrumental in documenting influential personalities during this period, providing a window into the lives of those who helped define American industry. The image, a glass negative, serves as a crucial artifact from a time when photographic technology was evolving rapidly. It illustrates not just the individuals but also the social fabric of an era marked by expansion and innovation. The work done by Mackay and Gerard contributed to the foundations of telecommunications, which continue to impact our lives today.