Joyful St. Patricks Day Celebration, 1916

The photograph titled Going to St. Patricks, taken by the Bain News Service on August 20, 1916, captures a moment linked to St. Patricks celebrations, a vibrant part of early 20th-century American culture. During this era, St. Patricks Day had already become a popular celebration, especially among Irish-Americans, serving as a way to honor their heritage and foster community ties. The image offers a glimpse into how these festivities were woven into the fabric of daily life, reflecting societal norms and the pride associated with Irish identity.

This particular photograph is significant not only for its subject but also as a part of a broader movement in photography at the time. Glass negatives, like this one, were commonly used by photographers for their clarity and detail. The Bain News Service was known for its extensive coverage of newsworthy events, making such images invaluable for understanding the historical context of the period. Going to St. Patricks stands as a visual document of how people engaged with tradition and cultural practices, grounding history in the everyday experiences of individuals.