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Today's Top 5
Marja, Akbar, Stella May: 1938
Submitted by Dave on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 6:14am.
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November 1938. "Fortune teller's cubicle, state fair. Donaldsonville, Louisiana." 35mm negative by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. View full size.
Then & Now Cost
Submitted by CheeseHead on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 11:43am.
Adjusted for inflation, 10 cents in 1938 would be equivalent to $1.65 in 2012. There’s a joint in my Wisconsin burg currently offering psychic readings for $10 — quite an increase compared to the 1938 charge for a similar service, even considering inflation.
The Talker Has a Speaker
Submitted by PatQ on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 3:05am.
A snappy suitcase-style PA speaker hanging on the left side of the booth, with tweed racing stripes.
Palm Joint
Submitted by Manidoogiizhig on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 11:22pm.
As an ex-carny -- the ticket booth has raised floor piece which the talker, not barker, stands on, normally there is no seat. The term "barker" was coined by a novelist in the 1930's. Carnival folk never used the word barker, the word is talker. Carnival concessions were referred to as "joints." Fortune telling concessions were called "palm joints" and usually not part of the traveling carnival but at fairs, came on as independents.
Hands on
Submitted by JimsShip on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 3:04am.
I like how the patron is staring at her hand wondering what her future may hold.
"I see a thousand eyes seeing you as you are right now"
Registered!
Submitted by Robin on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 7:21pm.
Well, they ARE registered, so it MUST be on the level, right? Only an idiot would have their palms, psyches, crystals etc., read by anyone who was UNregistered.
My question is, on which registries do they appear? I'm thinking police blotters throughout the US and Canada.
Barker
Submitted by Railroader on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 6:38pm.
From what I can see of the barker's "build", it appears that he may be a little person - in those days called a midget. He is standing on a shelf, I guess.
And a Magician, Too!
Submitted by bryharms on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 1:31pm.
The barker appears to be standing, yet he has NO FEET!
Stella May!
Submitted by TheGeezer on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 11:17am.
What a hoot!
Scientific palmistry.
Were those the days?
Free Parking
Submitted by Al_O on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 10:04am.
Looks like Marja flew in on her broom and parked it in her cubicle.
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Today's Top 5