Trailblazing Journalist Ida Tarbell, 1915

Ida Tarbell was a groundbreaking journalist and a leading figure in the muckraking movement of the early 20th century. Born on November 5, 1857, she is best known for her investigative reporting on the Standard Oil Company, which played a crucial role in exposing monopolistic practices and igniting public discourse about corporate ethics. Her series, “The History of the Standard Oil Company,” published in 1904, is considered one of the most significant works of investigative journalism in American history, leading to the eventual breakup of the company in 1911.

The photograph, published by the Bain News Service on January 19, 1915, captures Tarbell at a time when her influence was at its peak. By this date, she had established herself not only as a fierce advocate for reform but also as a respected author, lecturer, and historian. The later date on the negative, October 6, 1924, suggests that Tarbells prominence continued well into the 1920s, illustrating her lasting impact on journalism and public policy. Her work not only highlighted corporate wrongdoing but also paved the way for future generations of journalists to pursue truth and accountability in powerful institutions.