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40 Important Historical Photos That Might Change Your Perspective On Things, As Shared By This Facebook Page (New Pics)
Every glimpse of the past that we see is a chance for our imaginations to take off on a wild time-warp journey. The beautiful vintage photos of the past gathered by this amazing Facebook page also promise to take you on a journey across time and space.
Indeed, the photos featured by this account come from all around the world. Each photo tells a story of when, where, and who. We are invited to daydream (or, you know, research) about the lives of people in the photos, whether they’re hard-working peasants in a rice paddy, roguish children playing in a street, or businesspeople showing off their new-fangled horseless carriages.
We can be glad that modern technology is helping us preserve and spread these photos. Many old paper or silver plate photos are in danger of irreversible deterioration, and countless more are already lost. These few remaining glimpses of the past are to be treasured and shared, so scroll onwards, brave time traveler. Let us know which ones are your favorites in the comments and share these old vintage photos far and wide!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Neighborhood Kids Sharing A Laugh In Nebraska, 1910
David H 2 years ago
People forget places like Nebraska were less racially divided than the coastal and deep south states at the time. In fact Nebraska was one of the few states that never had interracial marriage banned. Midwest and Western farming states and communities were a very different place than the rest of the US at the time.
Douglas Tucker 2 years ago
Grew up in the Sf bay Area during the 50s along with Koji (Japanese-Amer.), Forrest (Chinese-Amer) Bobby (Italian -Amer.), Malcolm (Afro-Amer), and many others. We as kids never thought in terms of race or color while out playing or going to school, BUT some of our parents and elders surely did. Shaping in us life long prejudices, concerns, and beliefs that we still try to overcome to this day.
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
I love this photograph! There is a real sense of childhood joy.
Jazmine Reynolds 2 years ago
But why is this entire thread about race of it doesn't matter?
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#2
Three Women Who Completed Their Education And Graduated As Physicians In Philadelphia, 1885
Marco Richter 2 years ago
Context from the Huffington post: "The first women’s medical college in the world, the WMCP was a magnet for ambitious ladies of all stripes. The three in the photograph -- from left to right, Anandibai Joshi, Keiko Okami, and Sabat Islambouli -- eventually became among the first licensed female doctors in their respective countries: India, Japan and Syria."
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
Boredpanda can't even be bothered to research titles and names off their own pages now!
Amour Doctrina 2 years ago
Thank you Marco for telling us about, "The first women’s medical college in the world, the WMCP" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448257/
#3
Dapper Young Man All Dressed Up To Have His Photo Made, 1905
James Howell 2 years ago
I have seen this photo before. If memory serves me right, he passed away when he was young. Probably the influenza epidemic..... Precious little man....
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#4
Portrait Of A Very Handsome Young Man, 1904
Lisa Sanders 2 years ago
I hate to call a boy pretty, but he has the cutest face. It would be hard to say no to little man.
The history of photography begins with very tangible chemical processes, far from the powerful digital sensors and endless reproduction we enjoy today. The first photo that has survived to this day was taken in 1826 or 1827 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. In his heliograph, the view from a window in his home was reproduced in low fidelity using a process involving bitumen (a component of asphalt) and lavender oil.
#5
These Progressive High School Girls Learn The Finer Points Of Auto Mechanics In 1927
Fish On The Table 2 years ago
One of them looks exactly like my best friend! I showed her this picture and she was like "me from another life!"
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Sonja 2 years ago
There's one thing that people tend to forget: gender stereotypes were only a thing for the rich. The workers class did what had to be fone and those who where there and capable did it. No one cared if a workers woman did mens work. No one ever even talked about it. Those who were exploited always were exploited without any regards for their health or gender. And during wars women did all jobs simply because no one else could have done it when the young and capable men where send to kill each other. Gender stereotypes only apply when it's convenient for men. Now and forever and always before.
Cateyez2317 2 years ago
Not only can they work on cars but they do it in heals. Definitely bad a*s.
Divided We Fall 2 years ago
IDK if they'd necessarily be "progressive" Just normal hardworking young ladies. In those days most weren't afraid of hard work. You worked or you died.
#6
Three Young Ladies Posing With A Friend, 1930
#7
A Young Woman Posing For A Studio Portrait, Kentucky, 1890-1910
JuniorCJ82 2 years ago
Geez, I know they had to sit still for a long time back then but 20 years?
#8
Madame Decourcelle The First Female Taxi Driver In Paris, France, 1909
scag$y 2 years ago
I challenge you to look at that horn without making the noise in your head. Or out loud.
The first photo approximating modern life-like quality standards was invented by Louis Daguerre. He named the daguerreotype process after himself, so we must be grateful that better and less egotistically named processes were discovered later. Although daguerreotypes required longer exposure times of up to several minutes, this was a vast improvement over the 8-ish hours used for Niépce’s heliograph.
#9
Apache Woman And Child. Fort Apache, Arizona, 1898
Plebbit 2 years ago
What's up with the background? I've seen this before but never noticed it's a curtain?
Nonesuch 2 years ago
Looks like a photography studio. Background scenes are interchangeable. Just roll down the scene you want subject to pose in front of. Potted plant is a give away too
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#10
Shy Young Woman Smiling For The Camera 143 Years Ago
Nicky Linssen 2 years ago
Not to be a downer, love the photo. But doesn't it take a very long time to capture a photo that long ago? It's not a quick snap of her being shy. She must have been posing like this and kept still for like half a min?
#11
Louis & Lola, Titanic Survivors
A P 2 years ago
You're right!! Just like a cabbage patch doll! how adorable
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Bryn 2 years ago
Can we stop mis-naming them? These aren't their names! https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2012/04/18/150799600/louis-and-lump-tiny-tots-saved-at-sea
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Wow, these sweet little ones certainly have a fascinating story that starts with kidnapping and ends with them being saved from drowning on the Titanic and reunited with their mother: https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2012/04/18/150799600/louis-and-lump-tiny-tots-saved-at-sea
Greenmantle 2 years ago
Let's hope they were young enough to not remember all the trauma they experienced
Bryn 2 years ago
Their mother wasn't on the ship. They were kidnapped by their father: https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2012/04/18/150799600/louis-and-lump-tiny-tots-saved-at-sea
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Joshua David 2 years ago
Heart breaking. I hope they had amazing lives and did everything they ever wanted to do.
Kelsie Marx 2 years ago
If little Lola is the little one, she has the cutest little Cabbage Patch face. I just want to kiss those cheeks🥰!
Cultural attitudes towards photography also changed as the technology improved. With the long exposure times of early processes, photographs could be thought of much like still-life or portrait paintings. Families or dignitaries would dress up to sit for a portrait, or artists would select beautiful landscapes or scenes to photograph. As film exposure times shortened and film became easier to acquire and process, photographers were able to start experimenting more boldly and to start capturing dynamic shots.
#12
A Promising Young Photographer, 1880s
Regina Machamer 2 years ago
Idk what's cuter.. the fancy little suit he's wearing or the fact that he's photographing a cat lol
Greenmantle 2 years ago
Could only imagine the luck in having the cat stay still for the minutes it took to take a picture back then
#13
4 Generations, 1 Picture, 1905
Miss Frankfurter 2 years ago
I have pictures of 4 generations, twice. When I was about 8 months old, great grandma, nana, dad and me. Again when I was 11. Precious to me.
Sven Grammersdorf 2 years ago
I have a couple pictures of my son, me, my dad, and my grandpa, but that's all because my grandpa died when my son was 2 :(
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Upstaged75 2 years ago
The bowtie/necktie on the oldest woman makes it look like the next one down is wearing a gigantic bow on her head. :)
Doug Israel 2 years ago
The oldest no doubt remembers the Civil War. The youngest is around 120 years old.
Sara Wilson 2 years ago
When u r popping out kids at 16-18, it's not hard to have that many generations together
#14
Young Couple In Love, 1920s
#15
A Father With His 4 Daughters, 1904
Clint Herring 2 years ago
Yes, that's a little boy, his coat is designed in the same fashion and dark color as the father's coat, while the girl's coats and clothing are bright and colorful
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago (edited)
Smiling in photographs did not become more commonplace until the late 1920s and early 1930s. Historians attribute this to a number of factors including the longer time it look for exposure and even poorer dental hygiene: https://time.com/4568032/smile-serious-old-photos/
Load More Replies... Regina Machamer 2 years ago
What a cute family photo. The baby carriage is pretty cool. And that sled looks badass.
The photographs in this collection come from a wide range of different historical photographic processes, but of course, the most fascinating aspect of each is the subject matter. In most, the people depicted are no longer with us, and if their memories don’t live on with their progeny, these may be the only signs of their existence that we have left. We invite you to spend some time with these photos and try to imagine what the moments they captured might have looked, sounded, felt, and even smelled like so many years ago.
#16
Edwardian Woman With Her Friend, 1905
Philly Bobcat 2 years ago
Can we bring back dresses like that??? Remeber when hanging on a corner in a suit and tie? When 50's and 60's rock bands played in suits! I would LOVE to have my wife and I go out with her dresses like that and me in an Edwardian suit!
Daphne Evans 2 years ago
I love the Edwardian! Look under my name on FB you will see Edwardian at its best from a cancer event I created for my foundation. Even the hotel was Edwardian. All the guests wore the Edwardian dress and the cancer patients along with professional models walked down the grand staircase dressed as well. I've been through cancer 3x and am in the hospital now. But I forget when you talk Edwardian!
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Daphne Evans 2 years ago
(England) Victorian era is said to have continued from 1837 to 1901 and lasted the reign of Queen Victoria whereas Edwardian era started in 1901 with his ascension to the throne and lasted till 1910.
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Gandalf the Pink 2 years ago
I believe she used what's called "hair rats", it's cushions made of bundles of hair that you used to wrap your hair around to make it look bigger and poofier.
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Cateyez2317 2 years ago
How did they get the dogs to stay still that long? It's hard enough now.
#17
A Beautiful Couple From The 1940s
Jessica Cifelli 2 years ago
Hard to believe that just 20 years before this photo there would be almost no skin showing
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
Closer to 30 years, the 1920s were the start of the athletics movements and the adoption of clothing more suited to active pursuits. We can thank Jantzen swimwear for the switch from "bathing suits" to actual "SWIM suits", made from lightweight wool and tightly knit to hold their shape when wet so the wearer could actually swim!
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#18
In The 1940s, Men Dressed In Shorts And Cowboy Boots Served Up To Women At A Drive Through In Texas
Tee Rat 2 years ago
I was going to order a meatball sub until this comment.
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Bryoney Blakley 2 years ago (edited)
We should bring this back... Edited to also say: I'll have what she's having...🤣
#19
Woman And Horse By Félix Thiollier, 1899
Alyssa Brown 2 years ago
I've seen this so many times on this site but every time I am struck by it
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
I love this photo of the sassy boy leading his mistress on a merry chase in the snow.
#20
Elk River And His Wife, Montana, 1890
Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
I doubt her name is Montana because it's Spanish for 'mountain'. Well, it's the Anglicized Spanish word anyway.
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WhatISaidWas 2 years ago
"Photograph of Elk River and his wife, Fort Keogh, Montana, 1890. Northern Tsitsistas/Suhtai (Cheyenne). Maker: Christian Barthelmess. George Bird Grinnell Collection. Autry Museum of the American West."
GadgetGirl 2 years ago
She has a stunning face, she must have been exceptionally beautiful when she was young. Like, even more so.
#21
Butterfly Boy, New York City, 1949
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Gorgeous capture! I wish I could know more about the lives and stories of the people in these photos.
Philly Bobcat 2 years ago (edited)
Handsome young fella! Hope he grew up to be famous and successful!
Rebecca Phillips-Partridge 2 years ago
I love this kid..... Just being a kid, in his element, owning the block, in his day .... I could just eat him up with how pure and adorable he is
#22
Mother And Daughter Watch A Tall Ship Navigate The Thames In London, 1880
SkekVi 2 years ago
we might again soon! sailships don't go any slower than modern deisel and are cheaper and better for the environment so the past few years has seen an uptick in modern sailships for more than recreation or sport use!
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#23
Mother With Her Daughter, 1880
Ms Merete 2 years ago
May be Mother and Son - this is how little boys used to be dressed until they were old enough for breeches
Stephen Wild 2 years ago
I can't obviously be certain but my guess is that this was a daughter based on her hair and some of the clothing details... in this era, if the child was a boy, there would usually be some clue in the picture... for instance, quite often he would be posed with a toy normally associated with male children...
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Joseph Grimmett 2 years ago
Why are people arguing over the gender of the child, does it really matter? It's a beautiful picture of a mother with her child, can't we leave it at that, or is it really necessary to have an argument just for arguments sake.
Emmalene Aubrey 2 years ago
Apparently back then it didn't, but now... Society has taken a dark turn.
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pocwaddler 2 years ago
We have a picture of my dad, born 1909, in a dress when he was about two years old. Very common in those days.
Anasha Lentz 2 years ago
My dad and his brother were dressed this way when they were young....
#24
Having A Little Fun On The Beach In 1940
Tricia Burcell 2 years ago
I guess this trick is as old as cameras! I bet somewhere there is a pic of someone in the early 1800’s doing this too.
Amberlie Mikelsen 2 years ago
Forced perspective; a common film tactic sadly unused in this digital age (unless it happens to be some dumb tourist pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa)
#25
Barefoot Kids At A Mobile Book Cart In The Appalachian Mountains
Upstaged75 2 years ago
When I was that age it was the Bookmobile, which was an old school bus they lined with shelves. We used to get so excited when it came through town and we could check out books. Even better was when we got a local library right in town. (We did have access to a library, it was just in the next town over) It was awesome to be able to get books any time, but I still miss the thrill of that Bookmobile. :)
Nonesuch 2 years ago
I remember the excitement of visiting the Bookmobile. I read all the Bobbsey Twin books and of course of Laura Ingall Wilder books
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Nothankyou 2 years ago
I wonder if it was at the Eleanor Roosevelt time with her dedication to mobile libraries.
Ash Conner 2 years ago
People never complain that kids were barefooted back in the day. In the 1980s when I was barefooted there was comments there.
Regina Machamer 2 years ago
Mobile book cart?? Like an ice cream truck for books?! Can we make this a thing again? Dude I'm about to start a library-on-wheels business..
Valdemar 2 years ago
I loved the bookmobile when I was a kid, the local library was 12 miles away and there was no bus to it from my neighborhood and still isn't 40 years later. The library smell in a bookmobile is different and unique, it's a combination of old and new paper, binding glue, and printing ink for text and photos with the added scent of the wood and vinyl rubber floor mats and carpet. I would pick up 5 books and read science fiction and fantasy and horror, others were art such as photography.
#26
Pulling Out A Splinter In 1910
Yeet_girl360 2 years ago
I had a splinter yesterday. I was coming back from our swimming pond and my shoe slipped while correcting this huge float on my back and I got it right in my big toe.
#27
1926 Easter Celebration With Some Very Happy Children!
Angie Falzarano 2 years ago (edited)
Did the bunnies eat the happy children because all I see are children who look like they are about to murder you for taking the picture. So yeah run!
#28
Happy New Year 1907
GadgetGirl 2 years ago
1 has no idea what they're doing, 9 is worried she's not doing it right, 0 is hoping this launches her movie star career, and 7 is only there because Mom said so, but would like to go home now.
#29
Two Friends Strolling In A Cool Stream On A Warm Day, 1910
#30
A 'Man In The Moon' Hair-Beard Combo, 1895
DarkGlassSphere 2 years ago
It's also looks like his head is swallowed by the bird, and he is staring out of its beak
Marylyn Tippeconnic 2 years ago
I think it was a style but maybe for a very brief time. I've seen a number of photos like this from the same era but I haven't seen a ton of photos like this.
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Brina 2 years ago
I think its a zit, unless they covered it with make-up and its not "old" at all.
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Nonesuch 2 years ago
Where you been Adhortator? Haven't seen a comment from you in awhile?
Load More Replies... #31
A Family From Wisconsin, Late 1800s
Bruised Panda 2 years ago
This looks like a death picture to me the mother looks posed and stiff!!
Melissa 2 years ago
Perhaps because this is a hunting tool and it doesn't have the capacity to mow down dozens of innocent people at a time? Use your brain.
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#32
A Stylish Woman Walking Her Dog At The Bois De Boulogne In Paris, 1910
Patty Panda 2 years ago
This old photograph then became today's modern distracted boyfriend meme 😁
XenoMurph 2 years ago
Can't see the donkey in the picture. But he's definitely checking out her...
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Ash Conner 2 years ago
The dogs are looking at each other as the guy is staring at the lady and the lady walks by and don't even glance a stare. This lady is a queen LOL
#33
Young Ladies In Norway, 1890s
Elwood Schwartz (it/that) 2 years ago
Doing Norway seems a bit extreme. Perhaps just a visit.
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2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
Well, someone obviously forgot their lunchbox and the bus driver was nice enough to go back for it!
Gandalf the Pink 2 years ago
That's an old clinker-built rowboat, a boat building tradition that goes back to the vikings
#34
Portrait Of A Young Boy, Claude Clark, Sitting On A Rocking Horse, 1902
Amour Doctrina 2 years ago
It seems this 'Young Prince' is in many different poses throughout this thread.
Rebecca Phillips-Partridge 2 years ago
"honey, stop playing while mommy takes the picture..." Back in the day, a picture took a little while to take and make.... Kid was like, " com'on mom... I just want to ride."
#35
The High Jump At Olympics Games In London, 1908
Andrew Clouse 2 years ago
What we see high jumpers do today (going over the bar head first and back to the ground) is called the Fosbury Flop, after D**k Fosbury. He won the 1969 Gold with the technique. Before that, like in this picture, people would just jump normal over the bar. Might be why it's so low.
Andrew Clouse 2 years ago
Lol, censored his name. Full name might have been Richard Fosbury.
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Huddo's sister 2 years ago
My pop used to do well with high jump. Not this early though, 1940s? He was known to be able to jump over then walk back under the bar because he was so short!
Panda-riffic 2 years ago
Good grief! She would have been able to jump much higher if she jumped with both legs together and held onto her knickers!
#36
A Mom Asks Not To Kiss Her Baby To Avoid Catching A Bug, 1939
Kathryn Mas 2 years ago (edited)
Clearly you lack any historical perspective, being patronizing suits you.
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Gardener of Weeden 2 years ago
I am an old woman. I can not resist saying hi, with the finger wiggle wave. Would never touch, nor even get close (I like 6' rule). I do the same for dogs. Lol
Nonesuch 2 years ago
Me too. I treat moms and babies with the respect I wanted for my wee ones
Load More Replies... Agnes Jekyll 2 years ago
Doctors promoted smoking--thought it was good for health. My grandmother started smoking during her pregnancies because the doctor advised it.
Load More Replies... Joseph Grimmett 2 years ago
For those people commenting about the cigarette, doctors would tell patients that smoking was good for people. They didn't know about the negative health effects of cigarettes until the 1960s. And even then people didn't start to care about the negative effects until the late 1980s.
funkybluegirl 2 years ago
I love her cigarette, right next to the 'protected' child. We are living in a different world. lol
#37
Mistletoe Salesmen, Paris, 1928
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago (edited)
I wonder how many young ladies wanted to give the wares a test with these handsome salesmen.
Joseph Blavesciunas 2 years ago
I had a cousin that sold mistletoe, we could only find small bunches in trees. That is wild!
Christina Hagerman 2 years ago
Could be why that parasite is so hard to get rid of. (Mistletoe is a plant parasite)
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
It looks like they sold much more than the simple sprig they sell now-a-days; maybe a whole clump about 6inches / 15 centimeter around?
#38
A Drunken Man In Top Hat And Tails Clings To A Lamp-Post, London, 1934
Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
Reminds me of the observation that certain people use statistics the same way a drunk uses a lamp post - for support rather than illumination
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Diesels Gran 2 years ago
Maybe not drunk, just worn out! He’s been walking round the block for 3 hours trying to find his home!
CorgiBuns 2 years ago
Damn it, I sang that I didn't read it. Take my angry upvote
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#39
A One Room School House, 1923
Brent Amador 1 year ago
Back then kids were allowed to be disciplined. Ruler across the knuckles comes to mind
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D'oh Rae is Me 2 years ago
My dad went to a 1 room school in the 50s and 60s. Very rural area.
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
My grandad taught in one room schools during that time. Sometimes had up to 55 students at once! One of the first schools was washed out by floods and he had to use another building and take on students from multiple areas.
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LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
They were often rapped over the knuckles with a ruler or had humiliating punishment (the dunce cap) if they were "behaving poorly"
Load More Replies... Anasha Lentz 2 years ago
I would have HATED every second of it! Looks like at least six students had no book....
#40
The Noonans, A Family Of 15 Living In 1920s. Lawrence, Massachusetts
Vermonta 2 years ago
He must have been wealthy to afford to put shoes on all those kids. Still, no excuse for a vagina to be a clown car
Martin Kaine 2 years ago
As Groucho Marx once allegedly said: “I love my cigar too, but I take it out of my mouth every once in a while.”
karen Young 2 years ago
Thank for every one who worked in science who made this not a given for women today.
Alicia M 2 years ago
I feel sorry for the oldest kids. They were most definitely caregivers for their younger siblings and forced to take on far more responsibility than they should have to.
ClaudiaK 2 years ago
Mothers body musty be we wrecked. Thank god for birth control and safe, medical abortion.
#41
Cyclist From Estonia, On A Self-Made Bicycle, 1912
#42
A Beautiful Couple From 163 Years Ago!
#43
These Two Photographs Are Separated By 66 Years
Nothankyou 2 years ago
Nat, pictures are real . But you have your opinion, based on what? I don't know.
gotham-panda 2 years ago
Nathaniel is well known around BP for jokes and sarcasm. He's not serious.
Load More Replies... #44
New York City At Night, 1935
#45
Mother And Son, Ireland, 1890
Nancy Doughty 2 years ago
I wonder what that piece of paper is he's holding. Tried to magnify :/
Wilf 2 years ago
https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000333924. It's a poem "Lines on the Scenery Round St. Bridget's Well in the Co. Clare". Apparently he was a ballard singer.
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#46
A Young Shopper Climbs On To The Sandbags To Get A Closer Look At The Toys In A Shop Window In The West End Of London, December 1939
Sue From Michigan 2 years ago
I think Germany was bombing London and they probably are sandbags.
Load More Replies... #47
Teenage Sisters Gertrude And Ursula Falke. Germany, 1906
ƒιѕн 2 years ago
Gertrude (L) 16 years old, Ursula (R) 11 years old. They both lived into the 1980's.
Agnes Jekyll 2 years ago
I feel like Klimt made their clothes? All I can remember is a famous photographer took this photo....and a distant Klimt glimmer
Load More Replies... #48
A Victorian Home Being Moved Via Horse Power In San Francisco, 1908
#49
Young Cotton Mill Girls, Mississippi, 1913
Alicia M 2 years ago
Republicans in the USA want this again. Laws lowering the ages children are legally allowed to work, while increasing the number of hours they are allowed to work, have already been passed in six states. Republicans in America do not care about your kids because their kids are not going to be impacted. It's always someone else they are hurting.
Tracie Ess 2 years ago
I just read an article that said Iowa did just that!
Load More Replies... Barry Patterson 2 years ago
Ah, the good old days. Here in the U.S. we are lowering the child labor age to 14 ;(
Nothankyou 2 years ago
Mostly all people specially immigrants were extremely poor those days and any source of income besides prostitution was welcomed by the whole family.
#50
Snowball Fight On The School Yard, Sweden, 1901
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Kids are still allowed to throw snow at each other. It hasn't been outlawed. We certainly used to do it when I was a kid in the 70's/80's. Although I assume they get much more snow in Sweden than we ever did in Virginia. :)
Load More Replies... #51
A Cable Worker During The Construction Of The Empire State Building
Babsevs 2 years ago
Nope .....the jobs people would do for money back in the day, bloody terrifying
karen Young 2 years ago
Stomach flip. Nope. Cant even look at a 100 year old picture on a 6 inch phone and not freak out more than u would think...
#52
Depression-Era Children In 1939
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
My brain is wondering the relative cost of a bicycle in those days, as opposed to shoes, clothes....food...(the bike looks new)
#53
Henry Ford Drives His First Automobile, 1896
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
So he was left-handed? Also, the brake is on the left. Anything documented on how difficult it was to steer with the handle?
Burnt Bagel 2 years ago
What an incredibly important historical picture if you really think about it!
#54
Summer Refreshment For City Dwellers, 1925
#55
Young Clock Maker At His Desk, 1860s
#56
Palm Beach, 1905
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I always think about that when I see old pics! I'm sweaty in the clothes I wear today. I probably would have just melted back then. :)
Load More Replies... Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
Look at all that skin that the man on the left was able to bare, while the women.... : ( I guess to be fair the man on the right is in a full suit with a hat....
#57
A Car Accident In Boston, 1927
scag$y 2 years ago
'Yes officer, he shot down here doing at least 12mph! Could have killed someone. A very slow someone, but nonetheless.'
Wilf 2 years ago
Have actually driven a model T? They basically have two easily maintainable speeds- about 20mph and then in top gear about something approaching 40.It's a genuinely terrifying contraption.
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#58
Christmas Dinner, 1936. Dinner Consisted Of Potatoes, Cabbage And Pie
Fuzzy bunny feet 2 years ago
This is how my grandmother's childhood was in the Appalachian mountains. She ended up owning her own very successful business and was able to give back to her community. She was an amazing woman.
More! 2 years ago
Imagine the backchat and tantrums if todays kids weren’t presented with a feast on the day. A lot of it goes uneaten, but it’s expected so as parents we oblige
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
These little ones had not choice. They likely lived in extreme poverty
Load More Replies... #59
Young Victorian Couple On A Tricycle, 1880s
Fat Harry 2 years ago
You're technically correct. The best kind of correct.
Load More Replies... #60
This Is How People Was Having Some Fun In 1940!
Phoenix 2 years ago
Yep, my dad used to strap an old car hood behind the 3 wheeler and tow us around.
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#61
Suited Up For A Mid Day Stroll, 1915
Gandalf the Pink 2 years ago
Maybe classiness didn't evolve but comfort sure did<3
Load More Replies... #62
Man Standing On Lap Of Colossal Figure Of Ramses, 1856
Burnt Bagel 2 years ago
Ramesses II, commonly known as Ramesses the Great, was an Egyptian pharaoh. He was the third ruler of the Nineteenth Dynasty.
#63
Young, Well-Dressed, Victorian Girl In 1902
Chewie Baron 2 years ago
Edwardian. 1902 King Edward VII was on the throne. Victoria died in at the start of 1901.
Seabeast 2 years ago
Studio photographers often kept nice clothing on hand for poorer clients to wear when getting a formal portrait done. They'd keep props like bicycles and books as well for people to pose with.
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
True, but she's wearing a ring and bracelet and appears very comfortable in her clothing. I'd hazard a guess that these are all her own.
Load More Replies... #64
Playing Auto Polo In Canada, 1919
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Hah hah, I can see how this sport may not have caught on. It does look fun as all hell though.
#65
Miami Beach, 1940s
Seabeast 2 years ago
It's vintage. The women in this picture are late 90s to 100 years old if they're still alive at all.
Load More Replies... #66
Empire State Building Construction Workers In The 1930s
#67
A Woman Kisses A British Soldier Returning From Ww2
Alan Morgan 2 years ago
Men appear to be wearing putters which is WW1, not WW2. Also that carriage is not British so photo probably taken in France.
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
Okay, I found the original and its source: "Konigstein, Germany September 23, 1929.A British Tommie bestows a last kiss upon his Rhineland sweetheart as his detachment leaves for England as they evacuate Germany." So, not returning from war, heading towards it.
Michelle Reynolds 2 years ago
I think he is departing, not returning-his uniform, shoes, hat etc all look pretty good for returning from war!
#68
4 Generations In 1 Picture, 1880s
Seabeast 2 years ago
If you start producing children at a young enough age and encourage your offspring to do the same, it's not hard to have great-grandchildren. I once knew a guy who was a great-grandfather at age 67.
#69
A Stylish Young Gentleman On A Winter Stroll, 1900
#70
Two Female Passengers Eating A Meal In A Dining Car. England, 1905
Seabeast 2 years ago
A railway carriage set aside for meals... aka a dining car.
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#71
American Couple In Their One-Room Cabin 1900
#72
A 19th-Century Family At Their Sod House On The Plains Showing Off Their Goods In The Yard
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
I would really like a better look at their Goods displayed by the house. All were likely a source of pride.
#73
A New Year’s Party In The Edwardian Era
#74
Children Carrying Holly And Mistle Toe, 1915
Debby Keir 2 years ago
Mistle Toe? Missile Toe *Why is it called a missile toe? The Enduring Romance of Mistletoe, a Parasite Named After ... The English word for the plant is derived from a defunct Anglo-Saxon dialect. Apparently, having noticed that mistletoe often sprouts from bird droppings on tree branches, the words for dung—“mistel”—and twig—“tan”— were conjoined, and the mashup “misteltan” evolved over time into “mistletoe.”
#75
Portrait Of Eighteen Girls And Boys At Sunday School
Lyone Fein 2 years ago
Some are smiling. But like most black people in America, most of these children have a lot to feel anxious about.
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#76
A Group Of Kids Gathered Together, Massachusetts, 1904
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
Is that boy jumping or falling...!! AAAIEEH! Kids are so brave, no fear!
WhatISaidWas 2 years ago
doubt this gang had to be gathered......1) group of neighborhood kids that ran together and b) all kids scramble at the sight of a camera, especially back then
#77
Beautiful Victorian Woman, 1900
Annie Bieber 2 years ago
Gorgeous isn't it? Can you imagine wearing dresses that required six plus Yards of fabric, in addition to multiple layers of petticoats and woven stockings, all hand washed, ironed...in the summer? And lest we forget, deodorant wasn't invented until 1888, folks used perfumes instead...Lordamercy.
Load More Replies... Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
Does anyone know the story about the chain attached to whatever the lady is wearing, on another chain, around her neck? The chain tucked into her waistband makes me think it is a watch, or did only men wear them that way? And then, why the object in the middle?(or it That the 'keeper'?)
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I would say it was a watch. I have a fob watch that I though was my pop's, but my dad said it look like a woman's one as it was smaller. Looks like it would be worn on a chain. I think women would otherwise have a smaller one pinned to their clothes?
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#78
Portrait Of A California Gold Miner With Pick And Shovel, 1850
Giulia Fortunati 2 years ago
He's his great-great-great-ecc- great-grandfather!
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Michael Largey 2 years ago
The technical quality of the photography seems much too advanced for 1850.
#79
A British Soldier Whispers Into The Ear Of A Loved One As He Leaves For The Front, 1939
#80
Unpacking The Head Of The Statue Of Liberty, 1885
Alicia M 2 years ago
I was going to say the same thing. I've always thought she resembled Elvis. The eyes and the mouth mostly.
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2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
This wasn't during the unpacking, the French sent parts of the statue to the States so they could be displayed to drum up donations.
#81
Kentucky Family Undertaking Spinning Activities On The Porch Of Their Appalachian Mountain Home
Lyone Fein 2 years ago
In addition to spinning, which the woman standing at the right is doing, the woman with the child on her lap is using a different machine. It's purpose is to take bunches of wool or cotton and to shape them into long tubular pieces that are wound loosely on a spindle (this full spindle is then given to the standing woman who spins them together into one long continuous thread). In addition, it appears that the boy seated in front may be separating seeds from fiber, so that the fiber can be given to the seated woman.......Hence several spinning activities.
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#82
A Man On The Porch Of His Cabin, Eagle Creek, Murray, Idaho, 1889
#83
A Bankrupt Investor Tries To Sell His Luxury Roadster For $100 Following The 1929 Stock Market Crash
Rostit . 2 years ago (edited)
dude isnt trying to make money. He is trying to eat. That said, why not be a taxi in a roadster.
Load More Replies... LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Uff, this photo is heartbreaking. So many people lost their livelihoods in the 1929 stock-market crash. They went from having money to losing everything in a day. The crash led to the Great Depression in Europe.
#84
Lincoln Visits A Civil War Camp In Maryland, 1862
#85
Family Having A Picnic By The Side Of The Road With A Model T Ford In The Background, 1918
Michael Largey 2 years ago (edited)
You see as many vests and ties at picnics these days as you do Modet-Ts.
#86
A Bus Conductress At Work On The Top Deck Of An Open Top Bus In The Snow During World War L
Marco Richter 2 years ago
If World War Z was about zombies, World War L is Leprechauns?
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#87
Young Woman Removing Her Loaf Of Bread From The Oven, 1909
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
This looks like it is somehow staged, like against a photo backdrop. Otherwise, I'm thinking that bread(or the door)would be burning the heck out of her hand...
#88
School Children Playing In Their Iowa Classroom, 1892
Julie Gutierrez 2 years ago
The poem on the blackboard behind the children on the right side is from Swinton's Second Reader published in 1882. "Work where you work, play where you play; that is the way to be cheerful and gay; All that you do, do with your mind; Things done by halves are never done right." True even today.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I always wanted to wear my hair like those girls - with ringlet curls and a big bow. I had several books with characters who looked like that and I was obsessed with it. Sadly I grew up in the 80's and sported a bad perm with feathered layers and massive bangs. :) I guarantee no one will ever look at pics of me during that time and covet my hair. LOL!
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I actually went through a phase in my teens (2000s) where I curled my hair like that! Didn't have that sort of bow though.
Load More Replies... #89
Nikola Tesla In 1879 At Age 23
#90
Teenagers And Their Car In The 1950's
Nancy Doughty 2 years ago
"She's my little deuce coupe You don't know what I got" - Thanks, Beach Boys
#91
Taking The Neighborhood Kids To School, 1904
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
I wonder if they are actually all siblings? I didn't think there would be a dedicated carriage like that for a neighbourhood then, but maybe it depends where they lived? I know in Australia, my grandad, when he still had older brothers at school they might have a horse and gig to go to school, but otherwise it couldn't be spared from the farm for the day. He was lucky sometimes to have railway workers on the hand pedal cart stop as he walked past and give him a lift part way. Otherwise it was 'shank's pony' (walking) all the way.
#92
Happiness Can Come From Just Being Together, 1930
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Smiling was not common in photography until around the late 1920s and early 1930s. Times were hard as well especially if this was taken in the United States during the Great Depression and Dust bowl.
Load More Replies... #93
People Posing In Front Of A Big Tree In Stanley Park, Vancouver, 1904
Upstaged75 2 years ago
People didn't smile for photos back then. It was a thing.
Load More Replies... #94
A Pair Of Glasses Designed For Reading In Bed, 1936
#95
A Woman On The Frozen Mississippi River At St. Louis, Missouri, 1905
Lyone Fein 2 years ago
It's really windy and so much colder up there on the bridge if you have to walk across. On such a cold day, if you have to walk it is shorter and warmer to choose the lower route.
Load More Replies... #96
“World’s Largest Log Cabin”. Portland, Oregon, 1938. Built In 1905, Burned Down In 1964
Phoenix 2 years ago
It was being used as a timber museum and after closing up for the night the fire started from some "bad vintage-1905 electrical wiring".
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Phoenix 2 years ago
The sad part is, we don't even have trees that large anymore. They've all been cut down and the replanted trees haven't had enough time to grow.
Gandalf the Pink 2 years ago
That's not true, there are plenty of trees this big left, especially in the northwest like Oregon. They have just sadly decreased in numbers, and are now in national forests with a lot of protections.
Load More Replies... #97
Dodge City, 1872
gerard julien 2 years ago
" guns. pistols. ammunition " let's get out of Dodge ! emoji-645a...50b019.png 
#98
The Oldest Known Documented Wheelie, 1936
#99
A Small Family In Front Of Their Home
#100
Two Boys Going Fishing, Texas, 1925
#101
Two Children With A Snowman Greeting The New Year 1911
#102
Workers Taking A Break On The St. Johns Bridge, Portland, 1931
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
Oregon. It's a gorgeous bridge and a favorite of local photographers.
Load More Replies... Yeet_girl360 2 years ago
And I won't even look down on a 5 yard ladder cause i'm scared of heights!
#103
Portrait Of An Unknown Chap With Long Beard. Taken In The 1890s!
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
I think his descendant lives in my town. He cycles around all day and hands out sunflowers at random.
Vermonta 2 years ago
that's the equivalent of excessively long fingernails. too long and back then hygiene was iffy
Gandalf the Pink 2 years ago
It looks well kept and brushed, and there are all sorts of oils and waxes for long beards that keep them fresh. I would know, I am Gandalf you see
Load More Replies... #104
Founder Of Cadillac And His 1906 Cadillac Model "M" Touring, 1906
#105
Some Lumberjacks, 1880
Vermonta 2 years ago
Usually belgians, clydesdales. If even just 2 are trained together they can pull up to 32,000 pounds
Load More Replies... #106
Two Men Demonstrate A Pipe Called The “Double Ender” In New York, 1949
Slondal 2 years ago
If you don't know. ... don't Google 'double ender' a work.
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LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
I will not make any inappropriate comments...I will not make any inappropriate comments...I will not make any inappropriate comments....
#107
Very Stylish Woman From 1918
#108
A Family From Minnesota Showing Off Their New Car, 1900s
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Not necessarily. It probably cost them $3 back then. And that's a pretty small house for all those people.
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#110
Children Sled Down A Snow-Covered Path In Central Park, 1901
Upstaged75 2 years ago
They probably don't do anything to keep you warm! :)
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#112
Ice Being Delivered In The London Smog, 1919
#113
One-Room Schoolhouse, Wisconsin, 1904
#114
Ford Model T Next To The Sphinx, 1914
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
Not necessarily. Many men were stationed in Egypt with various British military units, a Model T was exceedingly inexpensive compared to other cars (even in far-flung parts of the globe), and having a manservant or hiring a guide was within the means of many at that time.
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Photographer William Leftwich At Work
#116
Purchasing A Christmas Tree, 1933
#117
Stagecoaches And Freight Wagons On The Road To Cripple Creek, Colorado, 1890s
#118
Sculpting Of A Statue Of Liberty Model In Paris, 1882
Upstaged75 2 years ago
Anyone else think that looks like a hand holding a phone while taking a selfie? :)
#119
Portrait Of Three Sisters, Martha, Elizabeth And Delie, 1850
#120
High School Football Players Practice In Chicago, 1902
CaptainDinosaur 2 years ago
That's back when there was an even chance you'd get killed and just drug off onto the sidelines until after the game.
#121
A Family Getting Ready To Cruise In Their 1903 Cadillac Model A Tonneau
Debby Keir 2 years ago
Invented 1882 - and if not fitted, car was light enough to push. Looks like it's been placed there purely for the picture.
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#122
Car Camping In The 1920s
Annie Bieber 2 years ago
My Great Grandmother was the first woman to drive across the US in 1914 in a convoy of cars. Woman broke a lot of glass ceilings, she was also a schoolteacher in Guatemala and Alaska.
#123
Mail Delivery In 1914
#124
Titanic At The Docks Of Southampton, 1912
Gandalf the Pink 2 years ago
Did you know Titanic had a coal fire that started days before it sailed over the Atlantic? And continued for several days into the journey? There was discussions if they should cancel the trip but they decided to try to limit the fire and go on anyways, since it would be bad business for the company, White Star Line if they cancelled. It's debated whether this helped to weaken the hull or not. It was arguably also the same mindset to not make a bad name for White Star Line that caused the rushed decisions that led to the iceberg incident, since they were very determined to make the journey in time despite the known risks. It's always the money.
Tim Douglass 2 years ago
The Oceanliner Designs youtube channel has a very interesting discussion on this.
Load More Replies... Anne Jones 2 years ago
Such a sad thing to happen. I can’t imagine the terror the victims must have felt in the pitch dark freezing water. 😥
Captain Kyra 2 years ago
You can read the second officers remarks, he survived. His story is fascinating he was trapped underwater then freed by explosions. He saved lives at Dunkirk.
Load More Replies... Captain Kyra 2 years ago
I stayed up late a few nights ago reading about the honeymooning couples aboard.
#125
First Delivery Of Coca-Cola To Knoxville, 1919
#126
Skating At The Ice Carnival On Sunset Lake, 1922
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
The young man looks so much bigger than the lady, and I don't just mean in height. [And the lady just looks normal, not small or anything to me]
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago (edited)
I believe they are both women. Edited to add: Yes, this was taken at a Vassar College winter carnival, which was only attended by students of the all-girls school.
Load More Replies... #127
A Public Bath In New York, 1895
Annie Bieber 2 years ago
Both. The good old days, a simpler time, and simply odiferous.
Load More Replies... #128
Gold Diggers Climb Chilkoot Pass In Alaska, 1898
#129
Unidentified Lass Swimming, Taken In 1897
#130
Traveling Medicine Salesman In Oklahoma, 1895
#131
Decorating Your Car For Christmas, 1930
#132
2 Young Girls Playing Music
#133
Cowboys And Hands Camping In The Dakota Badlands, 1870s
#134
Portrait Of A Little Girl, Half-Kneeling, Seated, Facing Front, Wearing Mittens, 1842-1855
#135
Inside A Bar At The Table Bluff Hotel And Saloon. Humboldt County, California, 1889
#136
Construction Men On A Suspended Iron Section, 200 Feet Above Ground, 1907
#137
Mine Workers Coming Out Of The Mine Shaft. Virginia City, Nevada, 1867-1888
Boris’ Mom 2 years ago
This is such a far cry from the mines with small tighter caves , rough timbers, and rickety mine cars.... this looks to be So modern and sturdy structure.
#138
Thomas Edison In Newark Laboratory, 1870
#140
Some Of The Young Workers From A Cotton Mill In Mississippi, 1910s
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Can I just say that I love your personal profile name.
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What do you think ?
Strawberry 2 years ago
We need more BP articles like this and less dumb articles recycled from Reddit
Strawberry Pizza 2 years ago
Dear that one guy (I think his handle was Klopec) who kept on asking/complaining why nobody was smiling, in those times (mostly Edwardian and Victorian) photographs were seen as serious things not to be smiling for, because they were essentially portraits that would be passed down to future generations, and you had to look smart - the same as you would if you were getting an actual portrait painted. Hope that helps :)
Zephyr343 2 years ago
And what pictures do you think Bored Panda is going to show in 100 years from life in the 90's and 2000's? The pictures are amazing but it makes me kind of sad knowing most, if not all, of these incredible people are no longer with us. I wonder where their lives took them after this one snapshot in time?
Strawberry 2 years ago
We need more BP articles like this and less dumb articles recycled from Reddit
Strawberry Pizza 2 years ago
Dear that one guy (I think his handle was Klopec) who kept on asking/complaining why nobody was smiling, in those times (mostly Edwardian and Victorian) photographs were seen as serious things not to be smiling for, because they were essentially portraits that would be passed down to future generations, and you had to look smart - the same as you would if you were getting an actual portrait painted. Hope that helps :)
Zephyr343 2 years ago
And what pictures do you think Bored Panda is going to show in 100 years from life in the 90's and 2000's? The pictures are amazing but it makes me kind of sad knowing most, if not all, of these incredible people are no longer with us. I wonder where their lives took them after this one snapshot in time?
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