Influential NYC Commissioner: Circa 1915 Portrait

This historical photograph captures Arthur Woods, a notable figure from the early 20th century, taken between 1915 and 1920. Woods was a prominent politician and served as a New York City Commissioner of Parks, contributing significantly to the development of urban parks and public spaces during a transformative period in American history. His role came at a time when cities were grappling with the challenges of industrialization and population growth, making the preservation of green spaces increasingly important.

The image itself is a glass negative, a method of photography that was common during that era. Glass negatives offered high-quality images and were widely used by the Bain News Service, known for documenting many key figures and events of the time. By focusing on subjects such as Woods, the Bain News Service played a crucial part in creating a visual record of American society and its leaders, helping future generations understand the dynamics of civic leadership and urban development in the early 20th century. This photograph serves as a window into a pivotal moment in history, highlighting the contributions of individuals like Arthur Woods in shaping the urban landscapes we experience today.