Meeting Rabbi Shmuel Salant in 1909.

I don't think this is a particularly obscure source, but perhaps some have not seen it. In 1909 Pearson's Magazine (v.22.5) carried an heavily illustrated, extensive article about Palestine called The Turks, The Christians and the Holy Sepulchre (pp. 581-605) by James Creelman. Since the lead into the article was designed so nicely, I reproduce it:



Creelman met with 95-year old Rabbi Shmuel Salant and wrote of his impressions. He also photographed him in what he claimed was the only portrait he ever sat for, which I doubt. As you will notice, Creelman had a flair for the dramatic. Still, it's clear that he was impressed and this is conveyed. His vivid description figuratively and literally add color to a time which is, at best, only accessible to us in black and white. Did you know that R. Salant donated money to relief for Christian massacre victims? You do now.