William Howard Taft: A Moment in Time, 1916

This photograph features William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, taken on November 4, 1916, by a photographer from the Bain News Service. At the time, Taft was no longer in office, having served from 1909 to 1913, but he remained an influential figure in American politics and law, later becoming Chief Justice of the United States. This image captures a moment in Tafts life after his presidency, during a period when he was vocal about issues such as tariff reform and the League of Nations.

The photograph is a glass negative, a common medium for capturing images in that era, and it reflects the evolving technology of photography during the early 20th century. Tafts presidency was marked by significant events, including the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment, which allowed for a federal income tax. This specific photograph highlights a key figure who played a crucial role in shaping early 20th-century American policy and governance.