Mrs. Herb Harriman: Vintage 1910s Glass Negative Portrait

This historical photograph features Mrs. Herb Harriman, captured between 1915 and 1920 by a photographer from the Bain News Service. The image is a glass negative, a common photographic medium of the time that allowed for clear and detailed images. Mrs. Harrimans presence in this photo highlights a particular era characterized by significant social changes, including the increasing visibility of women in public life and their growing roles in both social and political spheres.

Herb Harriman was a prominent figure, notably connected to the Harriman railroad family. The Harrimans were influential in shaping Americas transportation system, and their legacy includes contributions to both business and philanthropic endeavors. This photograph reflects a time when the Harriman family was deeply involved in various public and civic activities, a period when the concept of social responsibility among affluent families was gaining traction. The photo serves as a moment frozen in time, providing insight into the lives of the elite middle-class women who played a role in shaping the social fabric of the early 20th century.

The Bain News Service was known for documenting significant figures and events of the time, providing a visual record that helps us understand the dynamics of society in the post-World War I era. As you view this photograph, consider the context in which it was taken—a period of transformation in American culture, marked by womens suffrage and the continuing industrial progress that defined the early 1900s.