Mrs. Laidland Advocating for Womens Rights, 1910s

This photograph captures Mrs. L. Laidland during a public speaking engagement between 1910 and 1915, a key period when women were increasingly taking to the stage to advocate for social change and suffrage. As a representative of womens rights activism, Mrs. Laidland stands as a figure among many who contributed to the dialogue around womens roles in society at that time. The image showcases the burgeoning movement where women like her challenged societal norms, advocating for equality in a post-19th Amendment landscape.

The picture, produced by the Bain News Service using glass negative techniques, reflects the eras journalistic practices. These negatives were a popular method of capturing images for newsprint, emphasizing clarity and detail. By examining this photograph, we see not only a moment in time but also a glimpse into the early 20th century when public discourse, particularly around womens issues, was evolving rapidly. This image serves as a visual record of those pivotal years and the voices that helped shape America’s future.