Unbelievable Photos Reveal a Bizarre Side of History
December 26, 2023
Bar Patrons Toast the end of Prohibition. December 1933
The years of Prohibition in America were a time of great upheaval and uncertainty, as the government sought to crack down on the sale and consumption of alcohol. But for many Americans, the end of Prohibition represented a long-awaited moment of relief and celebration. After years of living in a world where the simple act of enjoying a drink was a criminal offense, people around the country were finally able to let loose and enjoy themselves once more. For many, the end of Prohibition marked the beginning of a new era, one in which they could once again savor the simple pleasures of life without fear of retribution. From the speakeasies of New York to the back alleys of Chicago, Americans celebrated with abandon, raising a glass to a brighter and more free future. Though the road ahead would be far from easy, the end of Prohibition represented a vital step forward in the ongoing struggle for liberty and justice in America.
YPF Gas Station, 1950
Now this is a shot from when gas stations really were pieces of art. When you pulled into a gas station in the 1950s you weren’t just filling up your tank, you were getting full service with a smile.
A service technician would pop your hood, check your oil, wash your windows, and make sure that you had enough gas to get from point A to point B. Those were the days…
On top of the immaculate service, service stations were once places that were designed to look modern and spiffy, a far cry from today’s hum drum gas stations that are a dime a dozen. Take us back…
A bike-riding Bill Gates
It's difficult to fathom that the man who would go on to revolutionize the world of technology was once just an ordinary kid with a passion for bike riding. Bill Gates grew up in a privileged household, with access to the best education money could buy. It was during his teenage years that his prodigious talent for programming began to emerge, with Gates creating scheduling programs and software for his private school even before he turned thirteen.
After enrolling at Harvard University, Gates' entrepreneurial spirit led him to drop out and launch his own company, laying the foundation for a future that would change the course of human history. Through his groundbreaking innovations and tireless dedication to advancing the possibilities of technology, Gates has left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring generations of aspiring tech entrepreneurs to follow in his footsteps. This image of a young Bill Gates on his bicycle serves as a reminder of the incredible potential of a single individual to shape the course of the world around them.
Fidel Castro on a visit to New York
So, this is pretty wild. Before he was public enemy numero uno, Fidel Castro was the toast of the town when he visited New York City in 1959. Four months after he took charge of Cuba by leading a guerrilla army into the heart of Havana he went on a victory lap to the Big Apple.
While in town, Castro hired a public relations firm to make sure that he became a darling in the press. He ate hot dogs and met the animals at the Bronx Zoo, and he even met up with a group of school children who wore fake Castro beards. America was smitten.
In less than a year the tide turned on Castro and President Eisenhower had placed blanket sections of the island while developing a plan to overthrow the Cuban leader. But for a while, Castro was a rock star...
Louis and Lucille Armstrong at the Sphinx, January 28, 1961
Louis Armstrong was a true musical legend, known around the world for his unparalleled talent and infectious charisma. In the course of his incredible career, he traveled to all corners of the globe, delighting audiences with his unforgettable performances and leaving a lasting impact on the world of music. One of his most memorable experiences came in Egypt, where he had the opportunity to visit the Great Sphinx of Giza with his beloved wife, Lucille.
It was here that he had the chance to meet Kamal el-Mallakh, one of the world's most renowned archaeologists, and learn about his incredible discoveries in the region. But for Armstrong, the true highlight of the day came when he stopped off at an orphanage to play for the children of Cairo, bringing joy and happiness to those who needed it most. It was a fitting end to a grueling State Department tour, and a reminder of the incredible power of music to connect people and uplift the human spirit.
A group photograph of Japanese officers taken by Felice Beato, Japan late 1860s ⚔️
This shot of Japanese officers looks incredibly grand in gorgeous color, but the thing that really brings it all out is the composition. Felice Beato was one of the first photographers to travel to East Asia and capture shots of men and women going about their every day lives.
With these officers Beato corralled them into a kind of class photo setting, allowing each of them to show their indolence while providing the through line of their heritage. It’s a really cool way of presenting the rest of the world with such a grand display of elegance.
Beato’s photographs gave the western world a peek into a place that they’d only heard about, and his work formed the basis of how we think about the Japanese to this day.
Babe Ruth after enlisting in the National Guard, 1924
It’s crazy to see such a famous person in such a different context than we’re used to noticing them. Babe Ruth is more often than not pictured in his pinstripes… not the olive colors of the military.
Even as a member of the military Ruth spent most of his time on the baseball diamond. In 1924 he led the Yankees into a dog fight with the Senators, where the team lost by two games.
A year later he fell ill with a mysterious ailment that saw him passing out in hotel rooms across the country. It’s believed that his diet was the root cause of the illness, but the world will never really know.
The Beatles during the photo shoot for Abbey Road, 1969
For legions of fans around the world, Abbey Road remains a timeless classic, a masterpiece of songwriting and musicianship that endures to this day. Released on September 26, 1969, it was the last studio album to feature all four members of "The Beatles" working together in the same room. Despite popular belief that their final album was Let it Be, much of the material on that record was actually recorded before the sessions for Abbey Road began. In many ways, Abbey Road represented a high point for the band, showcasing their unparalleled chemistry and creativity in songs like "Come Together," "Something," and the iconic medley that closed out the record. Though the band would ultimately dissolve the following year, Abbey Road stands as a testament to the enduring power of their music and the impact it has had on generations of listeners around the world.
A mother helps her child off the trolley on a Broadway in New York City, July, 1913
In the early decades of the 20th century, New York City was a bustling and chaotic metropolis, teeming with life and energy at every turn. For many women living in the city during this period, the challenge of navigating its crowded streets was a constant source of stress and frustration.
Without the modern conveniences that we take for granted today, such as strollers and child seats, women were often forced to carry their children with them as they made their way around town, struggling to keep them safe amidst the crush of people and vehicles. But despite these challenges, these women persevered, relying on their own strength and resilience to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Through their tireless efforts, they helped to shape the future of one of the greatest cities in the world, leaving a lasting legacy of determination and courage that continues to inspire us all.
The grand duchesses of Russia
Finally in glorious color, the grand duchesses of Russia were born into a massive amount of wealth… although they were kept shrouded in secrecy by their father Tsar Nicholas II. These alluring sisters - Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia - have long held a place in the minds of historians.
Very little is known about the four Romanov sisters even though they feel incredibly familiar. Their white lace dresses, their beautiful hair, they each have the air of royalty about them even in this photograph.
Born into a kingdom with little regard for women - only men could ensure the survival of a dynasty - the Romanov sisters entertained one another and were educated to speak Russian French, and English. They were kind, intelligent, and devoted to one another.
Wartime Selfie, 1940s
Selfies from the early 20th century are endlessly fascinating, and this colorized version of a photo taking during World War II is especially cool. Thanks to the gorgeous color job performed on this photo it looks like we’re scrolling through a Facebook feed today.
People have always loved to take photos of their loved ones and themselves, but in the early days of photography it wasn’t as easy to put those two things together as it is today.
Nowadays people can use their phone to point and click, but in the 1940s a photographer had to innately understand lighting and focus without any help or digital trickery.
Navajo riders in Arizona, 1904
This shot of Navajo riders in 1904 feels meditative in a way. It’s like we’re on the plains of the southwest watching distant riders moving across the horizon, thanks to the colorization of this photo it’s as if we’ve stepped through a wormhole into another era… that’s only something that photography can do.
Where do you think these guys are going? Are they just out for an afternoon ride or are they on the hunt? It’s a mystery that’s going to sit with us for a while. Maybe the point is that we don’t need to know, you know?
Colorized photos like this are contemplative and beautiful, if only we could go back and give these fellows a wave.
Black man drinking at ‘Colored’ water cooler in streetcar terminal, Oklahoma City, Oklahom ca July, 1939
The Jim Crow era of the American South remains one of the most shameful and painful chapters in the nation's history. Born out of a deep-seated fear and hatred of African Americans, the era saw the establishment of a brutal system of segregation and discrimination that denied basic rights and freedoms to millions of people of color.
Under Jim Crow, black Americans were forced to live in separate and inferior facilities, denied access to education, employment, and other essential services, and subjected to horrific acts of violence and intimidation. Despite these overwhelming challenges, however, African Americans refused to be broken, fighting tirelessly for their rights and freedoms through nonviolent resistance and other forms of civil disobedience. Through their bravery and perseverance, they paved the way for a brighter and more just future, reminding us all of the power of hope and determination in the face of oppression and adversity.
Woman in a rowboat on Lake Louise c.1910
Isn’t it amazing to see this woman rowing across Lake Louise in Albert, Canada in full color as well as full dress? If we were going rowing today it’s likely that we’d in any state of undress, and even the most modest of people wouldn’t be wearing a petticoat and long sleeves…
Even though this outfit seems like a bit much for our taste it was the fashion of the day so we shouldn’t judge too harshly.
That being said, imagine hitting some choppy water and going overboard in that outfit. The weight on the fabric alone is enough to weigh you down to the bottom. Hopefully this lovely lass didn’t have to deal with any of that.
Bean Picker, 1941
In the 1940s many farms were still a family affair, with everyone chipping in to make sure that the crops were sewed and planted. When it came time to picking children were often the family members tasked with gathering the goods of the season.
This kind of labor might be looked down on by some parents today, but at the time it was what needed to happen to make sure many families stayed afloat.
Planting and picking crops taught children the value of hard work and it showed them that they were just as responsible for the success of their family’s business as anyone else.
The parking lot of a Holiday Inn in 1959
This definitely brings back memories. Long before the days of boutique hotels and monolithic buildings that dot the urban landscape, if you wanted to stay somewhere on a road trip you pulled into a motel like this and called it a night.
Take a look at the classic cars, all that red brick, it’s like stepping into a time machine and coming out in one of the coolest eras in American history.
The heyday of roadside motels has come and gone, but in the 1950s and early ‘60s it was in full swing. These places had all you needed. A clean bed, some breakfast in the morning, and maybe even a TV. Ah, the good life.
Soviets charging Leningrad (1943)
During World War II the city of Leningrad was besieged by the German military. They stared civilians, with thousands of them losing their lives from hunger and hypothermia. This prolonged military blockade lasted for more than 800 days, ending with the Red Army pushing German forces from the southern outskirts of the city.
Russian forces fought hand and foot to create a space where they could enter the city and regain control of their homeland inch by inch. It wasn't a pretty fight... but it rarely is.
Even though the Soviets were eventually successful in regaining the city, the cost of the lives lost was insurmountable. Many of the civilian diaries discovered after the Soviets brought relief to their city were used in the Nuremberg trials as a way to show the evil that the Nazis did even outside of their concentration camps.
American soldier inside a church somewhere in Europe, 1945
During World War II one of the biggest concerns - aside from taking down the Axis powers and freeing the people in concentration camps - was what to do with all of the priceless art spread throughout Europe.
Members of the Axis were inclined to either steal the art or destroy it, which posed a major threat to the art lovers of the world. The Allied powers were unsure of how to go forward with the art of Europe. Many museums did their best to hide their art, but churches and monasteries had a harder time with taking their things to hiding.
Seeing this soldier take in the breathtaking majesty of this priceless art is an amazing portal into life during World War II, and thanks to the colorization it feels like we’re really there.
Colorized photo of Eleanor Roosevelt, age 14. From a school photo in 1898
Wow, this is an entirely new way of seeing one of the most well known First Ladies in history. All of the color photographs that we’ve seen of her are from her time in office, but this shot of her as a young woman is absolutely stunning in all of its colorful glory.
Born in New York City, Eleanor wasn’t long for the city. She spent most of her teens at Allenswood Academy, a school for girls in England. While at the academy she excelled in her studies, and by the time she returned to the city she was already serving as a volunteer teacher for impoverished immigrant children at Manhattan’s Rivington Street Settlement House.
It’s clear that she had her eyes on making the world a better place, and it’s amazing and inspiring to know that she started so young.
Finnish civilians enter a bomb shelter in Helsinki as air-raid sirens start, with Soviet bombers inbound, 30 November 1939.
During World War II, the capital of Finland was subject to near constant bombings by the Soviet Army. The campaigns lasted from 1939 to 1944, something that turned the rumble of a bomb and the following destruction into a strangely normal way of life.
The people of Helsinki were ready for the bombing campaigns, many of the high rise buildings in the city were outfitted with bomb shelters, and all buildings were required to have an appointed civil protection supervisor.
The further insure the safety of their citizens, Helsinki moved its children’s hospital out of the city, and the Finnish Red Cross building was an entirely underground building.
Actress Betty White, born January 17, 1922. Betty has the longest television of any entertainer, spanning over 80 years
The First Lady of television, Betty White, has been performing since the days of radio, providing her comic stylings and impeccable timing to anyone who would have her. However, it’s her role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show that made audiences realize that she was a talent that wasn’t going away.
White’s legendary time in the business isn’t just do to her longevity, but her professionalism as well. According to costar Gavin MacLeod White could get a script on Thursday night and perform the whole thing with a word perfect accuracy on Friday.
Even though the business has myriad ups and downs her positive attitude has kept her going for the long run.
John F. Kennedy campaigning in the hills of West Virginia, 1960
One of the biggest issues facing John F. Kennedy during his 1960 Presidential primary campaign was overcoming religious bigotry. He was the first person of Catholic persuasion to make a real bid for the biggest office in the world and that freaked people out.
While campaigning in West Virginia Kennedy had to face this distrust of his religious beliefs head on. He went all out and did his best to shine a light on the plight of rural people, something that endeared Kennedy to the state.
Four weeks after campaigning at large and small events, Kennedy swept the state and started making his way towards the presidency.
Salvador Dalí, making paintings for the unfinished cartoon film "Destino" (1945), which Salvador Dalí and Walt Disney jointly conceived
Imagine a world where Salvidor Dalí, the surrealist madman, created a short film for Disney. That almost happened in 1945 when Dalí was tapped to create the short for Disney. He wrote the script and helped storyboard the film, but Walt Disney Pictures was in dire financial woes following World War II.
Disney spent the war creating propaganda for the U.S. military at cost and not making a dime… they didn’t have the cash to produce a surrealist cartoon that wasn’t going to make any money. The short was scrapped in 1946, with little more than 17 seconds of footage produced.
The short was actually completed 58 years later after Roy E. Disney unearthed the remaining footage from the project.
Frederick Douglass. Social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman, 1865
As a national leader of the abolitionist movement, Frederick Douglas was known far and wide as a man with a purpose. One of the greatest speakers of all time, Douglass had a hard time convincing northerners that he had once been a slave. The unfortunate truth was that Douglass was born into slavery and didn’t escape until he was 20 years old.
His early life on a plantation instilled within him deep importance of freedom, and the need to treat everyone, no matter their race, with the utmost respect. He even discussed his ideology with slave holders, much to the chagrin of other abolitionists. Douglass explained his position, saying, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong."
Okotsou Watari, 17 years old, hairdresser of the officers of the Taïcoun embassy in Paris, born in Yedo Japan.
It’s crazy to think that even the Japanese military has their own hairdressers but it totally makes sense. Aside from every military in the world requiring their soldiers to be ship shape they want them to look good and clean - in order to do that you’ve got to have someone who knows how to take care of your hair.
Not only does Okotsou Watari look like he means business, but his whole ensemble is totally together - which is exactly what you want out of your personal military barber.
The wildest part of this gorgeous colorized photo is that Watari’s outfit comes with a honking sword. Imagine getting your hair cut by this guy, you’d better like your hair cut… or else.
A farewell photo of English soldiers on the train before being sent to the front in September, 1939
The smiling faces of these young men belies the horrible predicament that they’ve been put in. Following Hitler’s invasion of Poland on September 3, 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany and sent their troops to the front for what turned out to be more than five years of growing turmoil.
However, at the onset of the war things didn’t seem like they were going to be as bad as they were. British forces were ordered not to harm German citizens, and their first act was to drop 13 tons of anit-Nazi propaganda leaflets over Germany.
A day later the British began bombing German ships, and the war effort was started in earnest.
Toronto resident, Jose Morrel Granatstein, age 3 years, in regulation service uniform. Supporting the war effort on the home front, 1914
Everyone supports the war effort in their own way, and for three year old Jose Morrel Granatstein that means dressing up in his own official uniform and keeping a very Churchillian expression plastered on his face.
During World War II the people at home did everything they could to support the boys overseas, even if they were just being vaguely patriotic, the sentiment meant everything the soldiers fighting it out on the Front.
For Granatstein, his support may have been for a parent or loved one who definitely got a kick out of seeing this toddler dressed up and ready to go.
FDR as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, 1913
Long before he was President of the United States, FDR served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In this position he played a key role in World War I and helped to implement life saving policies in the military.
Weirdly enough, the Roosevelt clan was tailor made for this position. Author Edward J. Renehan, Jr. notes that at least five members of the Roosevelt family served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy: Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Theodore Douglas Robinson (the son of Corinne Roosevelt), and Henry Latrobe Roosevelt.
These kinds of jobs serve as stepping stones to higher office, and the Roosevelts have always moved up the political food chain with ease, still, it’s odd to see so many of them taking on this role.
James Dean, November 23, 1954. Photograph by Maurice Terrel,
Even though he only appeared in a handful of movies in his too short career, everyone knows and loves James Dean. Whether it was hound dog face in Giant that won you over, or his screen splitting role in Rebel Without a Cause, something he did touched you, it grabbed you by the soul and never let go.
Dean is still the actor that we judge most of our screen stars against. He’s effortlessly cool, and his tousled hair has long been the kind of thing that young men try to emulate while pretending that they haven’t spent days working on their look.
He may have passed away in 1955, but his legend continues. We can always watch Dean and be transported back to a time when cool was cool and there were no bones about it.
Seven ladies having a bit of fun getting their photo taken dressed as men in Lagergrens photographic studio in Visby, Gotland, Sweden 1890s
Now this is just straight up adorable. IS there anything better than seeing a group of friends get together and goof off? It’s clear that this group of gals were a tight knit collective, and we’d be willing to bet that this was a normal occurrence for them.
Even if they weren’t consistently dressing up in different costumes they definitely hung out with each other and had a grand old time. We’re picturing picnics, game nights, and lots of laughs.
No matter the era or the technology, friendship is the one thing that doesn’t change. Remember to reach out to a friend today, even if it's just to say hello.
A 20-year-old Stephen Hawking, 1962
Long before he was confined to a wheelchair and had to use a machine to speak for him, Stephen Hawking was one of the brightest members of the scientific community. By 1962 the 20 year old Hawking was already specializing in physics at University College Oxford, and a year later he was starting research in cosmology and general relativity at the University of Cambridge.
This photo was taken one year before Hawking received a diagnosis for an "incurable disease,” which was later to be known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a rare progressive disease that effects movement and speech.
Hawking didn’t let this diagnosis stop his work. He continued his research into singularities and relativity even as his body turned against him. He should serve as a joyful reminder to anyone who feels like life is just too much.
A soldier dances with his best girl
These two lovers, lost in thought and hoping that tomorrow never comes is how we tend to think about soldiers on leave during World War 2. Not only were many of the men like the one pictured going straight into battle, but they were leaving their homes for the first time… many of them never knew if or when they would return.
It was important for these men to get in as much time with their loved ones as possible before shipping out, who knew when they would be seeing each other again?
On the rare occasion that soldiers came back to the states for a brief period of time, they often took part in dances and get togethers just to make sure they had some time away from the boys.
A Swedish boy and his fox, 1950's
Okay, this kid definitely knows how cool he is. Wouldn’t you be mugging for the camera if you were able to have a pet fox? After all, foxes aren’t the easiest animals to domesticate. You have start them young and make sure that you stay on their training, lest their wild side break out.
To perfectly domesticate an animal like a fox you have to spend years breeding them into a more submissive animal, which isn’t just something you can do, you have to know a little something about genetics.
Still, it looks like this kid has things all figured out. Or maybe he was just lucky.
Salvador Dali stands on the deck of the S.S. Normandie as it docks in New York City, December 7, 1936
Even though Salvador Dali was one of the most wacky surrealist painters of his generation, the guy knew how to cut a cool looking figure. This shot of the artist on the deck of the S.S. Normandie shows him in all of his dandified splendor.
Dalí may have called Europe home, but he loved to travel to New York to experience the city that never sleeps. According to his patroness Caresse Crosby, Dalí preferred to sleep in a cabin near the machine rooms on his transatlantic boat rides to the big apple. When asked why he slept in such a noisy part of the ship he simply responded, “I am next to the engine, so that I’ll get there quicker.”
A young boy playing the banjo with his best friend, 1920
Is there anything better than the friendship between a boy and his dog? No two companions are better suited to one another than a friendly canine and a boy with nothing but time on his hands… and a banjo in this case.
This kid truly has it made. Not only does he have a ton of space to run and play with his buddy, but he looks like he’s turning into quite the hand with the banjo.
Everyone had their own best doggo pal, whether you lived-in the country or the city. Those four legged besties who ran with us through thick and thin.
Tsar Nicholas II stopping for a photo with his eldest daughter Olga while walking through the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens for their hundredth anniversary, 1912
This photo of Nicholas II isn’t just fascinating because we get a chance to see him with one of his four daughters - a photographic rarity - it’s also intriguing because he’s walking through the oldest botanical garden in Europe.
Located in Crimea, it was founded in 1812 and named after the settlement Nikita by Russian botanist Christian Steven. The gardens have been expanded over the years, and by 1912 it was home to 11 square kilometres and 50,000 species of plants, trees, saplings, and seeds.
Today it plays hosts to tourists from all over the world, but none of them are as elegant as the Romanov family.
American soldiers gazing at the Eiffel Tower with French flag restored after liberating Paris, Aug 1944
The liberation of Paris came after city of lights was nearly destroyed by the Nazis following an order by Hitler to demolish all of its landmarks and leave a smoldering crater in the ground.
Nazis occupied Paris for four years, and throughout that time the entire city was basically shut down as the area was held in the iron grasp of the German military. However, when the 2nd Armored Division made its way into Paris in the summer of 1944 it was pretty much game over.
While the German military put up a strong fight on August 22, by the morning of the 24th the Allied forces crossed the Seine and reached the Hótel de Ville in the heart of Paris - by then the German military had all but melted away.
Soldier in a trench at the Battle of the Somme, 1916
World War I is famous for trench warfare, one of the most dangerous and harrowing forms of battle thats’ ever existed. The Battle of the Somme raged from July to November 1916, an incredibly long time for a non-stop street fight between the British and the Germans.
As one of the nastiest and most expensive battles of World War I, it saw British forces suffering more than 57,000 casualties, 19,000 of those soldiers passing away on the first day of the fight.
No one got out of this battle unscathed, and by the time the last bullet was fired almost one million soldiers on both sides of the battle breathed their final breath and almost three million soldiers had taken part in the fight.
A Young Cotton Picker In The American South Photographed By Lewis W Hine, Circa 1910
In the early days of the 20th century families had to pull together and do whatever they could to take care of their crops, and one of the most important crops in the United States was cotton - not only was it in clothing, but cotton can be found in the clothing and automotive industries.
More often than not the youngest members of the family were tasked with picking the cotton crop, their hands were small enough to grab the tiniest pieces of cotton, even though they had to wake up at the crack of dawn to get to work before it the sun was directly overhead.
American Civil War Camp, 1860's
This shot from the Civil War is like looking into the past. While the black and white version of this shot is definitely a fascinating look, it’s nothing like peering nearly 200 years into the past in stunning color.
The men in this photo are unidentified, but the original photo was taken by famed Lincoln photographer Mathew Brady, and it’s believed that the soldiers are a part of the New York 7th Regiment.
It looks like these guys are taking part in some rare down time. Throughout the Civil War soldiers were constantly on the move and in the middle of battles, so any time that they could get to just hang out must have been much appreciated.
Crown Prince Olav who just returned home to Norway driving through the streets of Oslo, 13 May 1945. Sitting in the front passenger seat is Norwegian resistance fighter Max Manus
It’s tough being royalty. Not only do you have the weight of the kingdom on your shoulders, but in times of war you have to show your solidarity and get out there on the battlefield with your people… it’s just the right thing to do.
In 1939, Crown Prince Olav was appointed an admiral of the Royal Norwegian Navy and a general of the Norwegian Army, fending off the German military alongside his father. During the war he served as a civilian and military advisor.
When Axis powers finally overtook Norway, the Prince escaped to England where he rallied Norway's underground resistance movement.
Family walking between taxicabs in front of the Ufa-Palast movie theater. Berlin, 1929
This is absolutely stunning. Who knew that Berlin was so beautiful in the 1920s. Following the end of World War I there was a brief period of peace throughout Europe, leading to what’s seen now as a kind of paradise… too bad it didn’t last.
The colorization in this photo shows what could have been had the world remained at peace. What’s better than a father and mother escorting their child on a night on the town? It’s photos like these show no matter where you are in the world family values will always be important.
From the pink on the trees to the bright pastels that line the German streets, this really is a look back in time.
General Dwight Eisenhower sharing a lighter moment with four US Army soldiers in Tunisia, 18 March 1943
Even in war there has to be some levity. The constant fighting, the bombs, the loss of friends, and the possibility that you may never see your loved ones again makes the long nights and the hard battles even harder to fight. In those dark times you need to find a sense of humor and hold onto it tight.
It’s cool to see General Eisenhower having a laugh with his men. We often think of military leaders as stern lecturers ready to dole out punishment, but it’s clear that Eisenhower was just one of the guys, albeit one of the guys who was also in charge of major military operations.
What could they have been laughing about? A private joke? Or did something in the moment tickle their funny bones. We’ll never know.
Helen Hay, c.1890
The daughter of a Secretary of State, Helen Hay was a one of a kind gal who followed her bliss wherever it took her. A well known poet and author, Hay’s work was most often featured in Harper’s Magazine, and one of her poems was even featured in the opera Antony and Cleopatra.
A collector of art and an avid horse racer, Hay’s life was like something out of The Great Gatsby, which is why this photo is so fascinating. The colorization of this photo makes her look like someone you would see today on Instagram. It’s genuinely fascinating just how much a little bit of color can change your entire perspective.
If only she knew that this photo would live on forever…
Italian partisans receiving medals from the British 8th army commander, 1945
During World War II the Italian military worked as a part of the Axis to bring fascism to the rest of the world, but the people of Italy weren’t hot on this idea so they formed their own resistance movements that worked with Allied troops to rid their country of the specter of fascism.
Known as partisans, these resistance fighters took part in the Italian Liberation War, a civil war that led to the modern Italian Republic. Rather than fight straight forward battles, these resistance fighters used chaos and confusion to their advantage.
Even though many of the resistance fighters received praise from the Allied fighters, the partisans didn’t stop fighting until well after World War II ended in the rest of the world - with some battles going on until 1949.
Julia Williams Wadsworth, ex-slave, 1937.
This photo shows in total color the long way that an ex-slave like Julia Williams Wadsworth traveled by the early 20th century. Elderly African-Americans in the 1930s had survived a myriad of abuse and pain, they deserved any kind of life they wanted.
Even though the world was in the Great Depression by the 1930s, survivors of the Civil War had been through so much in their lives that it must have been a breeze to get through this era of total loss in the country. Maybe it wasn’t a breeze, but it was something they’d experienced before.
We hope that Wadsworth lived a wonderful life, that she was able to live in peace.
Passing the Time, 1935
There’s nothing like kicking back with the boys and talking about good times. This colorized photo gives us an insight into life in the 1930s… what it looked like, how it felt, we can almost smell the air.
From the look of this photo it’s as if these guys are all getting used to the idea of having a camera on them, it’s a far cry from today when everyone’s so used to having a cell phone pointed at them. These really were better times.
What do you think this group is talking about? It could be anything… from the big fish to the dreaded politics. Whatever the case it looks engrossing.
Wax bullet duel outside of Carnegie Hall in New York, 1909
So this is definitely one way to pass the time, although we don’t recommend it. Before people had the internet, TV, or a myriad of distractions, they had to make their own fun. One extremely painful way of doing that is by loading up a pair of dueling pistols with wax bullets and pelting one another.
This dangerous and ouch filled past time began in Paris before making its way to New York, where the “bloodless duel” became the thing to do at the Carnegie Sword and Pistol Club and the New York Athletic Club.
Even though the practitioners of this “sport” wore leather protective cloaks and face masks there was still an element of real danger involved. One man had a wax bullet pass through his hand.
Teenage Meet-Up on Main Street, Caldwell Idaho, summer 1941
This is the kind of thing that we just don’t see anymore, teens meeting up in broad daylight to hang out and have fun. There are no phones, no social media, just a few kids having a good time and being themselves.
Back in the good old days this was what kids got up to, meeting up on the street corner or at the soda shoppe before going off to the local swimming hole. These kids may not know it but they’re in the halcyon days of America, when all they had to worry about was what was for dinner and if they could get a game of stick ball going.
Without the need to show off online or be someone else, teens in the 1940s could just have fun without the worries of the world creeping in.
Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham
In this charming photograph, a young Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham can be seen enjoying a leisurely game of volleyball on a sunny day in the summer of 1975. It's a rare glimpse of a more carefree time for the future political power couple, before the weight of the world would come to rest on their shoulders. After meeting at Yale in 1971, the two fell in love and were married in October of 1975, embarking on a journey that would eventually take them to the pinnacle of American politics. But in this moment, all of that lay in the future, with the pair focused only on enjoying the simple pleasures of life and the company of one another. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love and the transformative potential of a single moment to shape the course of our lives, and the world around us.
Post Officers Stunt on Their New "Autopeds". Washington D.C., 1917
In the early days of the 20th century, the world was changing at a breakneck pace, with new innovations and technologies emerging on a near-daily basis. Among the most fascinating of these early inventions was the autopeds, a type of scooter that was first manufactured in New York in 1915. With a top speed of 25 mph and an astonishing fuel efficiency of 125 mpg, these humble vehicles quickly found favor with post officers across the country, who relied on them to speedily deliver mail and packages to their intended destinations.
Costing just $100 each, the autopeds were an affordable and accessible form of transportation that represented a major step forward in the evolution of American mobility. Today, these early scooters are beloved by collectors and enthusiasts alike, serving as a reminder of a bygone era when innovation and possibility seemed limitless.
Joe Lincoln of Accord, champion decoy maker of New England, 1926
For many, the art of carving duck decoys represents a true pinnacle of human creativity and ingenuity. Developed in the early days of American history, this humble art form arose as a way for hunters to attract ducks and other waterfowl to their traps and nets. But over time, the art of carving these decoys became something much more, a true celebration of the beauty and grace of these magnificent creatures. Through careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of the natural world, master carvers were able to create decoys that were so lifelike, they could fool even the most wary of birds. Today, the art of carving duck decoys remains alive and well, with artists around the world continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with this remarkable medium. Through their work, they pay homage to the beauty and power of the natural world, and remind us of the timeless appeal of handmade craftsmanship in a world increasingly dominated by mass-produced goods.
Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia, sling cart used in removing captured artillery during the American Civil War, ca 1865
In the midst of the brutal and devastating American Civil War, the ingenuity and resourcefulness of soldiers and inventors alike were put to the test. Among the most remarkable inventions to emerge from this period were the sling carts, simple yet ingenious devices designed to transport heavy objects over long distances. With a skeletal frame and large-diameter wheels, these carts were able to suspend the object being transported above the ground, using ropes or chains that hung below the level of the axle.
This made it possible to move incredibly heavy objects over rugged terrain with relative ease, even in the midst of battlefields and other inhospitable environments. While their use was primarily focused on moving artillery and other war-related objects, the legacy of the sling cart lives on today, serving as a testament to the incredible ingenuity and perseverance of the men and women who fought and died in one of the most tumultuous periods of American history.
Children Lick A Giant Block Of Ice, New York City, July 6, 1912
In the early decades of the 20th century, the delivery of large blocks of ice to people living in the city was a true innovation, one that changed the way people lived and worked in profound ways. In an era when ice was harvested from ponds and lakes, stored in ice houses, and transported to cities by horse-drawn carts, the ability to bring this essential commodity directly to people's doors was nothing short of revolutionary. Thanks to the ingenuity and hard work of countless ice deliverymen, families were able to keep their food fresh and their drinks cold, while businesses of all kinds were able to keep their products chilled and preserved. It was a time of incredible change and transformation, as the marvels of modern technology began to reshape the world around us, bringing new opportunities and challenges in equal measure. Though the delivery of ice may seem like a small thing today, it was a crucial step forward in the ongoing evolution of our society, one that paved the way for countless other innovations and advancements in the years to come.