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About once every 3 to 5 years I like to grab a couple bombers of my favorite IPA, knock the dust off the old family album, and settle in for a nice long stroll down memory lane.
While the general outline of the journey always remains the same ("yep, I sure did think Ricky Martin turtlenecks were the pinnacle of high fashion" or "hmm, bleach blonde frosted hair tips haven't made it back around? That's shocking"), there's no telling what features of my family's photo chronicled past I'll appreciate the most.
This time through I found myself reveling with the most awe at pictures of my dad who, apparently, was a one-man '80s monument constructed to honor the perm, short shorts, and some odd form of iconic dad-coolness that I'm 100% certain I'll never achieve.
I was so moved by his photos, in fact, and by the certainty that there is a whole generation of dad photos of equal quality sitting unappreciated in family albums across the world, that I created the @oldschooldads Instagram account as a place where the most classic of these photos could be readily and permanently appreciated, as they (and the world) deserve.
So far the reception has been warm (10.7k followers in approximately 3 months), and there has been no shortage of amazing dad submissions, with each new dad seemingly raising the bar to insurmountable heights.
The series that follows presents some of the great old school dad submissions so far.
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#1
Chase Banta 7 years ago
Just for the record, this is the dad photo (my dad) that gave me the idea!
Mazer 3 years ago
Honey that man is your Father and your Dad and is clearly all in. You chose well
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Susann Campbell 7 years ago
Yeah this is wonderful but picking them up by their ears is the best of all.
Desi Platias 7 years ago
eeehhaaa!I'll just pick up these 2 lil'dawgone critters by their shins!!!!!!!!!!!
The photos of my dad were taken in 1988, when he was 27 years old. Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash in April of 2020, just shy of his 59th birthday. He was just as happy, healthy, handsome, and vigorous at 59 as he was at 27. We miss him, but we remember him happily.
My dad was a hell of a man. He loved well, he listened intently, and he gave generously. He did it freely, without expectation of anything in return. He was loved, admired, and respected by men, women, and children alike.
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#2
Chicago Kitty 7 years ago
I'm dating myself but as soon as I saw this this jingle popped into my head: "Who wears short shorts? With Nair you can wear short shorts!"
#3
There are too many great memories from my childhood with my dad to pick just one: rides through the countryside on the back of his Harley; rides through hillsides on the back of his horse; his voice as he sang me Stewball by Mason Profit; the list goes on forever. Now that he is gone, though, my favorite memory is of him telling me often that he loved me, I hear those words whenever I need them now, and I can't thank him enough for it.
I myself have a son too. He's named Lou, and he'll be 3 years old on Sunday. He is incredible.
#4
Rachel Rosky 7 years ago
Dads: giving mom's mini-heart attacks doing child acrobatics since the dawn of time
StormsTempest 3 years ago
That looks like my late grandfather... He once tied my mom and their siblings to a tree in a hurricane so they could understand how dangerous is was without getting knocked over- I never met him, he died before I was born, but he sounds like he was really cool. Love ya gramps :)
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
Not wanting to be rude or a killjoy... but isn't it possible for hurricanes to uproot trees? And.... what did your Mom and her siblings say about it? Wasn't it scary af?
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Hot Babushka 3 years ago
My grandpa used to do that with me! there was also a Russian song we sang while doing it that roughly translates to "The soviet circus can do wonders..." dang so much memories
Marilyn leger 3 years ago
I have a picture holding his daughter like this — they both got a kick out of it!
#5
Deutschland Mädchen 3 years ago
Gremlins: the sequel. After the baby Devil feeds the Gremlins after midnight, Aladdin and Robin team up to stop them
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Chelsea Aaron 3 years ago
Ooo! I had a friend in kindergarten that had that Gizmo costume. I thought it looked so real and I was so jealous!! 🤣
I think we may be losing something sacred because we don't print the physical pictures anymore. The reason I started this project was because I physically dusted off our old pile of photos and found the masterpieces. In a world where we take thousands of pictures a year but print only a few of them, I worry the future may lose these modern dad gems. That being said, I have every reason to believe modern dads are as rad as dads from the '80s and '90s, so their memories will age well.
#6
Desi Platias 7 years ago
Ahhh the god ol' days when you could altogether sport a mustache,hold your glass of scotch while on a floaty in the pool!
#7
#8
Chicago Kitty 7 years ago
Pinnacle? But in the case of mullets pentacle probably works too.
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Vicky Z 3 years ago
I think it goes back to 60's but it was a huge trend in the 80's! 80's have a lot to apologize for😏
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#9
Martin Kaine 3 years ago
You can tell by the way he uses his walk, he's a woman's man and no time to talk....
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#10
#11
Chicago Kitty 7 years ago
Bedroom eyes and a sweet pornstache! I bet he was a real lady charmer-seriously.
Stephanie A Mutti 3 years ago
I'm a 50y/o lesbian and I'm still like "MEEEOOOWWW"
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Nelson Sturdivant 7 years ago
Picture taken right before he says, "Alright, alright, alright."
Lee Macro 3 years ago
He has a nickname for his penis.....it's called The Octogon. But he also nicknames his testes. The left one is James Westfall and the right one is Dr Kenneth Noisewater. If you ladies play your cards right, you just might get to met the whole gang
DDmaybeandor 3 years ago
Oh! Great Odin’s Raven, I bet you thought no one else would get you. You’re right BTW about the resemblance. Bark twice if you’re in Milwaukee.
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#12
Erika Jones 7 years ago
Am I the only one who immediately pictured those hats filled with guacamole?
Ramirez rachael 3 years ago
Thank goodness that camera is huge and covering his balls that were probably dangling out for some fresh air in that squat!
#13
J Robertson 3 years ago
If you made the picture a little less grainy it could have easily been taken today with a 70's filter.
#15
Agnes Jekyll 7 years ago
70's dad: smoke: check drink: check polyester pants: check belt askew: check zipper not entirely zipped: check ignoring child desperately in need of affection: check
#17
Bob Belcher 3 years ago
Food was a lot different back then than today and many jobs still involved a lot of labor. No computers or processed foods.
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#18
BusLady 7 years ago
Don't forget the Coppertone. For a deep dark tan. Worked for the dog, but not the guy.
diane a 7 years ago
Ambrer Solaire was worse the bergamot oil turned you bright orange
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Linda Ellis 3 years ago
Secretly gay, marries his long time lover in his 60s and adopts a Chinese baby.
#19
Nadja Lambacher 7 years ago
I am not sure if I should be more concerned about the snake or the outfit.
Deutschland Mädchen 3 years ago
Yeah what's up with the no pants thing? You'd think you'd want SOMETHING between you and that snake, even if it was just a thin bit of fabric
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Kallen Kneeland 3 years ago
I was a teen in the '70s. I don't remember dads wearing all these micro-shorts. Must have blocked it to protect my psyche!
#20
DDmaybeandor 3 years ago
I’ll take that style. He seems like he could do some things that need doing.
#21
Mo Flores 3 years ago
😂 😂 In reality, it is likely they were the WORST dads lol
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HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
My dad was in his 60's in the 70's. I wanted to see Jethro Tull when I came to visit, so asked him to pick-up a couple of tickets for me. He had to buy them in a head shop. He called to tell me he got the tickets, but the shop sold strange things and smelled funny. I miss you Daddy.
#22
Chicago Kitty 7 years ago
Before everyone freaked out about a little dirt- here son chew on this stick with me.
Tami 3 years ago
It's weird because it's a fact that farm kids, who are exposed to a lot of dirt and animal germs, are generally healthier than kids kept away from that stuff.
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#23
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
I just can't deal with the tucked in shirts.
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Dillon Hughes 3 years ago
Ha my only comment on these, these are dads I wish I had and the dad I hope I will be! (I'm trying...)
Steve Ramaekers 3 years ago
The decorated bonnets on the wall :) takes me back along with the pants. My husband wore these pants for way too many yrs
Bettie-Jean Neal 3 years ago
Lord, my first husband lived in those types of pants. Must have had at least 17 pairs.
#25
Julie 3 years ago
Those were "cool cans" Pepsi, from 1990. I think there were 4 different designs. With the design he is holding you could position 3 cans to spell out "SEX"... scandalous.
#27
V Martinez 3 years ago
This could totally be my uncle! Same beer, pose, style, everything! Lol! Love you Uncle Larry!
#28
Jessica Temple 7 years ago
OH DAD!!! get your hand off Jessica's boob, she's a married woman after all!!
April Stephens 3 years ago
I agree with Oopsydaisy. What he has taught his young son in posing for this photo is not funny.
#29
Printerman 3 years ago
Mine wasn't allowed to wear his ring to work, so he only wore it on weekends.
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#30
Roxy Eastland 3 years ago
There are still tribes where it is normal for men to use their nipples to calm the baby if mother is away. Why do you think men have nipples? What was used before dummies were invented?
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Cecilia 3 years ago
Fun fact! It's actually possible for men to lactate based on my limited youtube research. I might be wrong.
As we reflect on the past through cherished photographs, we are reminded of the timeless humor and joy found in everyday moments.
Take, for example, the witty playfulness woven into stories and jokes, much like an exploration into entertaining puns about hair. Such humor brings laughter and a fresh perspective, just as old-school dad photos retrieve forgotten memories.
#31
#32
Spock's Socks 3 years ago
That is an attractive guy. Bonus points for the yummy Tom Selleck beside him.
#33
Rachel Rosky 7 years ago
Men use to be a lot less worried about their junk showing back in the day
Chase Banta 7 years ago
I can't decide if the world is further ahead or falling behind when I look at this photo!
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#34
#35
Chase Banta 7 years ago
The one and only! His daughter gave me permission to use the photo!
Load More Replies... Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
I used to work for TSA, and happened to be working the checkpoint when he came through. He is such a really, really nice guy!
#36
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#38
Rachel Rosky 7 years ago
Um, I'm 100% serious when I ask if thats a penis attached to those glasses.
Chicago Kitty 7 years ago
Yes, yes it is...I saw a pair these once at a bachelorette party.
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Jessica Temple 7 years ago
Oh my gosh.... I see only one thing on that boys nose and it's inappropriate lol
#39
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#41
#42
Cactuar Jon 7 years ago
Strategic placement of tree branch to ensure dad's modesty remains intact.
Lisa Samuelson 3 years ago
Ok, so in the '70's it's basically just short shorts or cut off denim shorts!!
Desi Platias 7 years ago
actually my father used to sport a fashionable 70's bearbreasted look too!
#43
Chicago Kitty 7 years ago
Karen used the leftover upholstery fabric to make Marv a swingin' new outfit.
#44
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
"WHAT DO YO MEAN, MONTY PYTHON'S 'HOLY GRAIL' WASNT THE BEST MOVE EVER MADE?!!!
Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
Obviously, this is Dad before marriage and kids...at least I hope it is.
BusLady 7 years ago
"Kids, this is what happens when you drink a whole 12 pack on your own."
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Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
Balls in the corner pocket. You may do with that phrase what you will...
#46
Mazer 3 years ago
HA, I was headed towards Tony Orlando, but you nailed it
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Jessica Temple 7 years ago
I'm telling myself they're just sitting on there for a picture. Otherwise that little wee one on the end is a goner the second they take off.
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#49
#50
Jessica Temple 7 years ago
I had a teddy ruxpin and he was literally my BEST friend from 3-7 lol He told such great stories.
fire bug 3 years ago
I remember putting Motley Crue in it. That was a show.
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#51
#52
Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
The paneling. The guns. Dad's DA. 1950s. Definitely late 1950s, maybe '60, '61 at a stretch.
#53
karen snyder 7 years ago
Thank God for the liners in men's bathing-suits. Without them, every child born before 1990 would have associated swimming with s*****m.
Load More Replies... Rachel Rosky 7 years ago
You know, dads use to do a lot more things shirtless back in the day, why'd that stop?
#54
Rebeca Lozada 7 years ago
Those shoes tho... * Searches for 70 's shoes * ( DAMN THOSE PEEPS HAD STYLE ) The glasses are nice 2
#55
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
Bohemian rhapsody was written about as pizza man who showed up late. Here's freddy in the aftermath...
#56
#57
#58
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
"LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKEZ THE SAME PLACE TWICE ", he used to say.... God I miss him...
Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
In summer. On a metal jungle gym (or is it jungle jim?). If those are tan lines...Ouch!
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Patti Bulldog 3 years ago
Men who take care of their kids aren't babysitting. Would you call a woman taking care of her kids babysitting? No, they're parenting,
#60
#61
Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
OK, let me see if I have this right. Business in front and on top. Party in back and on bottom. Right?
Jessica Temple 7 years ago
This would be my hubby, never will wear dress pants and lives in jeans.
#62
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
If kiefer Sutherland and Elvis had a son in a nearby trailer park.... Next to a McDonald's...
#63
Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
I remember seeing the Michael Keaton Batman movie at a 10am matinee they added to accommodate all the people who wanted to see it---and I still had to stand in line!
#64
diane a 7 years ago
Coming home from the Spanish holiday vs leaving for it
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#65
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
Wife: "dont wear the guitar belt buckle it'll be redundant!" Me: What's "redundant mean??"...?
Boards Of Panada 3 years ago
Third Proclaimer Brother (supposedly only theoretical but now here’s proof!).
#66
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#69
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#71
Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
His wife gave it to him, and all he had to do was wear it for ONE picture. Look at his face...
BusLady 7 years ago
Maybe the kids gave it to him. "I love my kids. I love my kids..."
Load More Replies... Bryan perkins 7 years ago
"Our action figures are so life like you'll actually comment on "what a nice family you must have!"".
#72
Jessica Temple 7 years ago
My dad looks exactly like Hulk Hogan, so maybe this is him!! Cool picture.
#73
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
Oh, what shall we do with a drunken sailor? Let's put him at the helmet of an Exxon tanker! Rip March 24 1989...
#74
#76
#77
Tiny Dancer 7 years ago
"Just let the baby varnish the chair next to the heat lamp. What could possibly go wrong?"
WilvanderHeijden 3 years ago
Nothing. These were the times where kids would climb on ladders, fall off, break an arm and put it down to experience.
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#79
#81
Jessica Temple 7 years ago
Her outfit is great, looks a little darker, damp in the nether regions
#82
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
Ted kaczynski, thinking to himself; I'm gonna blow some s**t up"....
#83
#84
Binxyminxem 7 years ago
Lol it looks like the watermelon has a smiley face like the dad! Yaaay 😊
Jessica Temple 7 years ago
I love how he's holding up the watermelon like a Christmas gift for the picture. lol
#85
#86
Kathy Baylis 7 years ago
Jeez, let the man have his morning coffee in his scivvies if he wants to!
#87
#88
Binxyminxem 7 years ago
I imagine the mum taking this pic telling the kids to "get your daaaad! Get him!!! Hehe" and the dad going "nooo don't take a picture, save me!" And she's laughing while the kids are like yaaay group hug 😁
#89
Bryan perkins 7 years ago
Llamas aren't allowed to drink on boats without a personal flotation device. It's the law.
#90
diane a 7 years ago
did he really have to bring back the face fungus guy wearing it??
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What do you think ?
Desi Platias 7 years ago
To conclude,the 70,s or so was basically about the blow dried hair, the mexican mo',the bushier the better beard and last but not least the fabulous high waisted cut- off denim shorts!Yeaahh!
Hannah Edwards 3 years ago
I really enjoyed looking at these and really nice to celebrate dads!
Desi Platias 7 years ago
To conclude,the 70,s or so was basically about the blow dried hair, the mexican mo',the bushier the better beard and last but not least the fabulous high waisted cut- off denim shorts!Yeaahh!
Hannah Edwards 3 years ago
I really enjoyed looking at these and really nice to celebrate dads!
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