Mrs. Harriman: A Snapshot of Womens Progress, 1917

This photograph features Mrs. O. Harriman, taken in 1917, during a time when the role of women in society was evolving. As the wife of prominent businessman E.H. Harriman, Mrs. Harriman had significant social standing and was part of elite circles. The early 20th century was marked by political and social change, including the suffrage movement, which sought to secure women’s right to vote. Photographs like this one capture not only individuals but also a shifting cultural landscape.

Captured by the Bain News Service, a leading provider of news photography at the time, this glass negative serves as a window into an era defined by its contrasts. The Harrimans were known for their wealth and influence in American business and politics, and Mrs. Harrimans image reflects the fashion and societal norms of the day. This period was marked by rapid changes, and people like Mrs. Harriman played a role in shaping the conversation around womens rights and responsibilities. The context of the photograph provides insight into the evolving identity of women in early 20th-century America.