Portret van Thomas W. Bicknell before 1870

This photographic print from 1870 depicts Thomas W. Bicknell, editor of "An Historical Address and Poem, Delivered at the Centennial Celebration of the Incorporation of the Town of Barrington." In post-Civil War America, historical societies flourished, dedicated to preserving local narratives. This book, commemorating Barrington's centennial, exemplifies that trend, a time when communities sought to solidify their identities. The inclusion of Bicknell's portrait elevates the editor to a figure of historical significance himself. To understand this image more fully, scholars might explore town records, census data, and publications from the Providence Press Company. Research into Bicknell's life and his involvement in local historical societies would shed further light on the cultural context of this portrait. By delving into such resources, we uncover the values and aspirations of a community striving to define itself in a rapidly changing nation.