Vintage 1919: Stars of Stage at Polo Grounds, NYC

This historical photograph captures Alice Baldwin and Daniel Frohman at the Polo Grounds in New York, taken in 1919 by the Bain News Service. The Polo Grounds was a significant sports venue, primarily known as the home of the New York Giants baseball team, but it also hosted numerous other events, including football games and boxing matches. Its location and capacity made it a focal point for both sports and entertainment in early 20th-century America.

Alice Baldwin, a notable actress of her time, and Daniel Frohman, a prominent theater producer, represented a vibrant era in the performing arts. Frohman was known for his influential role in the development of American theater and for founding the influential theatrical production company that brought many significant plays and performers to the forefront. Their presence at the Polo Grounds signifies the interplay between sports and entertainment, showing how figures from different realms often crossed paths in public life during this dynamic period in American history.

The photograph itself, originating from glass negatives preserved by the Bain News Service, also highlights the early practices of news and photography in documenting significant cultural moments. Such images serve as vital records of the social landscape of the time, preserving the identities of figures who shaped American arts and sports. The earlier title corrections made by the Society for American Baseball Research reaffirm the importance of accuracy in historical documentation, ensuring these contributions to culture and entertainment are recognized.