President Wilsons Family Summer Retreat, 1913

This photograph features President Woodrow Wilson enjoying time with his wife, Ellen Axson Wilson, and their daughter, Margaret, at their summer residence, typically identified as a site in Washington, D.C., around 1913. The casual snapshot captures a moment of family life during Wilsons presidency, a time when the United States was navigating significant changes domestically and internationally. Wilson, who took office in 1913, was focused on progressive reforms that aimed to address issues like labor rights and womens suffrage.

The image reflects the early 20th-century style of photography, created by the Bain News Service, a prominent publisher known for its documentation of newsworthy events and figures. The use of glass negatives was common in this era, allowing for fine detail and clarity in capturing pivotal moments in history. This particular photograph provides a glimpse into the personal life of a leading political figure while showcasing the domestic spaces that were important to family dynamics during a transformative period in American history.