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Overexposed

What happened to privacy when Americans gained easy access to cameras in the Gilded Age?

The portrait of Elizabeth Peck ended up in one of these dubious ads, published in newspapers across the country alongside what appeared to be her unqualified praise: “After years of constant use of your Pure Malt Whiskey, both by myself and as given to patients in my capacity as nurse, I have no hesitation in recommending it.” Duffy’s lies were numerous. Kodak’s record-setting yearly ad spending — $750,000 by the end of the 19th century (roughly $28 million in today’s dollars) — and the rapture of a technology that scratched a timeless itch facilitated the onset of a new kind of mass exposure. Not long after asserting that no right to privacy exists in common law, and while campaigning to be the Democratic nominee for president, Chief Justice Parker told the Associated Press: “I reserve the right to put my hand in my pockets and assume comfortable attitudes without being everlastingly afraid that I shall be snapped by some fellow with a camera.” Abigail Roberson publicly took him to task over his hypocrisy, writing “I take this opportunity to remind you that you have no such right.” She was correct then, and she still would be today.

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