Influential Tammany Hall Leader Circa 1910

This historical photograph features Robt F. Wagner, captured between 1910 and 1915. Wagner was an influential figure in early 20th-century American politics, serving as a prominent Tammany Hall leader in New York City. A member of the Democratic Party, he played a crucial role in the political landscape of New York during his tenure. The image, taken by the Bain News Service, reflects a time when the political realm was dominated by powerful machines and charismatic leaders, paving the way for social and political changes in the United States.

Wagners leadership during this period was marked by numerous progressive initiatives. He was involved in efforts to improve labor conditions, advocate for workers rights, and push for urban reforms. His image, preserved in this glass negative, serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of politics and society during a transformative era in American history. The time frame of the photograph—right before the onset of World War I and during the Progressive Era—highlights a pivotal moment when local leaders like Wagner were influencing national policies that would shape the future.