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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.

More info: Instagram | Facebook

#1

Old School Dads

oldschooldads Report

Chase Banta
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just for the record, this is the dad photo (my dad) that gave me the idea!

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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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    #3

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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    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

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dads: giving mom's mini-heart attacks doing child acrobatics since the dawn of time

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    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

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trying his best not to spill that precious drink

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    #8

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Matching mullets is the pentacle of good parenting

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    #9

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    K. LNU
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone else hear the Bee Gees singing in the background?

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    #11

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bedroom eyes and a sweet pornstache! I bet he was a real lady charmer-seriously.

    Stephanie A Mutti
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a 50y/o lesbian and I'm still like "MEEEOOOWWW"

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    Gonzalo Terán
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep. That´s Paul Rudd. Damn, that guy never ages.

    diane a
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he looks he has wandered on to Life of Brian set

    Nelson Sturdivant
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Picture taken right before he says, "Alright, alright, alright."

    Lee Macro
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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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    Elisabeth Krois
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Kind of boyfiend who increases my moms bloospresure

    BusLady
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember those Puka shells.

    Jeje Nata
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The photographer: Sh*t, you are a dude!

    Tami
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still love the feathered style! It really shows off the glory of a young man's thick, shiny hair.

    Helen Davies
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why don't we do it in the dirt ... Haha ... Couple of beers, might have says yes!

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Daaaaaamnnnnn <<< what I just said aloud.

    CHAOS.
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i want this hair so bad

    Odette Boisvert
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he looks a lot like the guy from Tiger King (the other guy)!!!

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    #12

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Erika Jones
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only one who immediately pictured those hats filled with guacamole?

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    #13

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Dawn Mule
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    cover the beard part and see the photo looks like a teen girl to me

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    #15

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Agnes Jekyll
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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

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    #19

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    #20

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Kathy Baylis
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hard physical work and cigarettes. How did he do it?

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    #22

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Before everyone freaked out about a little dirt- here son chew on this stick with me.

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    #24

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This must have been pre-socks-with-shoes dads

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    #25

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Milk and Pepsi, a dad's store run for sure

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    #26

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    K. LNU
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey! It's the heart symbol... before Taylor Swift did it. lol

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    #27

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Flashback... damn! Those chairs would BURN when they were in the sun!

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    #28

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Jessica Temple
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OH DAD!!! get your hand off Jessica's boob, she's a married woman after all!!

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    #29

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Kathy Baylis
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Finally! A 70s Dad wearing a wedding ring!

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    #30

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    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.

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    #33

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Men use to be a lot less worried about their junk showing back in the day

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    #36

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit all in one pic

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    #38

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rachel Rosky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Um, I'm 100% serious when I ask if thats a penis attached to those glasses.

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    #39

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Mazer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He’s got swagger, he’s got style, just enough without overdoing it

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    #41

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he's about to tell us a great story.

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    #42

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    #43

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Karen used the leftover upholstery fabric to make Marv a swingin' new outfit.

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    #44

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    diane a
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the beer box on his head - the whisky in one hand - the beer can in the other, the alcohol supplies in the background, the f*g packet on the table and the hysterical friend - this was a man on a mission

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    #45

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    BusLady
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Were dads always drinking in those days? Even at kid's sporting events?

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    #46

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    K. LNU
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

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    #47

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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    #48

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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    #50

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Jessica Temple
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a teddy ruxpin and he was literally my BEST friend from 3-7 lol He told such great stories.

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    #51

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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    #53

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Chase Banta
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank God Dad didn't catch a smaller fish.

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    #54

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rebeca Lozada
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those shoes tho... * Searches for 70 's shoes * ( DAMN THOSE PEEPS HAD STYLE ) The glasses are nice 2

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    #59

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Patti Bulldog
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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,

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    #61

    Old School Dads

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    Kathy Baylis
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OK, let me see if I have this right. Business in front and on top. Party in back and on bottom. Right?

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    #62

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Jessica Temple
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hold my smoke baby I gotta dig into my happy meal

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    #63

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    BusLady
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The younger kid's not happy. "That used to be my stroller."

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    #64

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    BusLady
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #65

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Bryan perkins
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wife: "dont wear the guitar belt buckle it'll be redundant!" Me: What's "redundant mean??"...?

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    #68

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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    #71

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Kathy Baylis
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His wife gave it to him, and all he had to do was wear it for ONE picture. Look at his face...

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    #72

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Jessica Temple
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dad looks exactly like Hulk Hogan, so maybe this is him!! Cool picture.

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    #73

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Mazer
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cheech and Chong doobie but a Captain & Tennille Captains hat, weird times

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    #75

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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    #78

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    BusLady
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Son, it's a space monster, with googly red eyes.

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    #83

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    diane a
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Doberman is just waiting for the accident to happen

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    #84

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Bryan perkins
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On a scale of grape to watermelon, how high are you?

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    #85

    Old School Dads

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    Mazer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look dressed for something they are reluctant to do

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    #86

    Old School Dads

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    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are so many tiny pairs of shorts in this list- Yikes!

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    #87

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Kath Leen
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    im gonna smoke while reading a book..oh wait, i'm sleepy

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    #89

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Bryan perkins
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Llamas aren't allowed to drink on boats without a personal flotation device. It's the law.

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    #90

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    BusLady
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My friend went to Hawaii, and brought me back this shirt.

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    #94

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    #95

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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    #98

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet this dad got real protective in a couple of years. :)

    #100

    Old School Dads

    oldschooldads Report

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