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Three Women: 1940
... enigmatic scene -- Iowa noir. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. Snapped ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/24/2009 - 5:05am -

Iowa, 1940. "Untitled." A rather enigmatic scene -- Iowa noir. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. SnappedCandid photography was just one reason the 35mm rangefinder became an important tool. It changed the way we saw things. Small, silent and perfect for this application. WaitingOne wonders what these ladies are waiting for, maybe to have a prescription filled? Whatever, they appear to be totally oblivious to the camera and are maintaining a rather stony silence. GreyhoundInteresting old popcorn machine next to the door. Bus station? At the bus stationTicket in hand? Phone booth against the wall? Popcorn machine near the window? Dressed for a fashionable arrival in St. Louis? If only...I wish I could see the background a bit better, because this almost looks like the train station in Osceola, Iowa. Still in use as the Amtrak station for the California Zephyr. 1000 Yard StareI recognize that look. We women perfected it many, many generations ago. (The Gallery, John Vachon)
Terminal Warehouse: 1939
... Minneapolis, Minnesota." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. Deere & ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/14/2019 - 3:00pm -

September 1939. "Trucks loading at terminal warehouse. Minneapolis, Minnesota." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. Deere & Webber Co.Next door to the Ferrin Transfer Co. we see the Deere & Webber company, which was a "branch house" of the John Deere company that we know today. Webber was a grandson of John Deere. Parking rampOblique aerial view - the parking ramp toward the lower right is in the location of the Ferrin Transfer building. Truck IDL-R: Stewart, Diamond T, Chevrolet. Another Stewart truck is shown here. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, John Vachon, Minneapolis-St. Paul)
Grand Grocery: 1942
... View full size. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon. Alternate version shows a different view. 12 Ounces? It's ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/11/2007 - 9:45pm -

1942. Grand Grocery in Lincoln, Nebraska. View full size. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon. Alternate version shows a different view. 12 Ounces?It's amazing how much we as a society have come to consume--both in terms of foodstuffs and material goods. I don't think you could purchase only 12 ounces of a soft drink today even if you wanted to. It's the behemoth 44 ouncer or nothing!! TatersInflation sucks!! Potatoes, 4 cents a pound?? [Something tells me that potatoes today are probably even cheaper, adjusted for inflation. Class? - Dave] TatersPotatoes at 4 cents a pound in 1942 would cost about 50 cents a pound in 2007 according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota. They have a neat calculator that lets one compare prices back to 1913. The link below will take you to the site. http://www.minneapolisfed.org/research/data/us/calc/index.cfm [Thanks. So how much do potatoes cost now? - Dave] Why the potatoes?Ok first of all, why are the potatoes the only thing in discussion? Also, why is there a picture of a lady under the sign that says quality meat, how old are rice crispies, and does it say weiner over the red cross on the door? ANSWERS: 1. That's the Old Dutch Cleanser lady, the Dutch Cleanser people having supplied the signs (probably for free). 2. Rice Krispies: Wikipedia says 1928. 3. It says Weiners on the glass for the same reason it says Oranges and Grapefruit on the glass. - Dave OhOh,...thankyou. Pepsi-ColaPepsi-Cola hits the spot! 12 full ounces, that's a lot! Twice as much for a nickel, too! Pepsi-cola is the drink for you! Pepsi ColaThe Pepsi jingle - "twice as much for a nickel too" - was a bit of a double edged sword for them. It stated that the drink was a bargain but also indicated that it was cheaper to make - presumably by using corn syrup rather than real sugar which of course doesn't give the same taste. The cost issue tended to appeal to people on the lower economic side. In Quebec it wasn't uncommon for French-Canadians to refer to themselves as "Pepsis" or for that term to have been used as a derogative by Anglophones. Pepsi JingleInterestingly, don't the lyrics imply that the competition (Coca Cola?) only sold 6 ounces for the same price? [Yes. - Dave] Potatoes now cost about .99Potatoes now cost about 99 cents a pound for Idaho baking potatoes, though it depends on the store and the season. 25 cents a poundA local store here in Joplin, Missouri has Russet potatoes $4.99 for a 20-pound bag. Translated, 25 cents a pound. InflationMy taters are 59 cents a pound at the grocery store today. On sale they would run about 39 cents. So for 1942 = 3¢ a pound. Not bad! OrangesThis is the type of place my grandparents went to all the time. Amidst the oranges, what are those redder things? I'm hoping/assuming those aren't rotten oranges, but I don't think rotten oranges turn red, but green to black. I can't figure those out. [Maybe this is why they're a penny apiece. Eww. - Dave] CopenhagenNote the Copenhagen sign under the left window. That's the same logo they still use. Yech!Maybe i'll have an apple instead... Mary?i do believe i see the face of the Virgin in those oranges. either that or a man with a machinegun. Blood OrangesThose could have been blood oranges that had the peelings removed. They are common and we have them here in California. They are delicious. Re: Blood OrangesOn the NewspaperArchive site I found some ads for these penny-apiece oranges in the Lincoln newspapers from 1942. They were described as "commodity surplus" and as "juice oranges - very thin skins." Basically they seem to have been giving them away as part of a program run by the Surplus Marketing Administration. Oranges Aren't some of them just wrapped in red tissue paper? 7UpAlong with Pepsi, there is also the 7Up sign below it. The name was chosen as a way to indicate more for the money, the pitch being that you got an extra ounce(7 instead of 6) compared to Coke for your 5c. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Stores & Markets)
Character Study: 1941
... Man watching subway construction." 35mm negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. 400 Block ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/01/2015 - 1:40pm -

July 1941. "Chicago, Illinois. Man watching subway construction." 35mm negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. 400 Block of South State StreetThe man in the picture is standing on the west side of State Street, between Van Buren and Congress Streets. In the background you can see the old State & Van Buren L Station, with the blurry white facade of the former Goldblatt's (or earlier, Rothschild's) department store beyond it. Today the gentleman would be standing directly in front of the main entrance of the Harold Washington Library, the Chicago Public Library's main branch. The subway line under construction here was opened in 1943. Paul's grandfather?"He's very clean!" The subjectOf every Norman Rockwell painting was this guy. Paul's Grandfather??I thought the same thing LOL. Here he is with John From the opposite side of The LoopThat State & Van Buren L station can be seen at the vanishing point of this 1907 Shorpy photo. The 1907 photo was taken looking south from the State & Lake station. (The Gallery, Chicago, John Vachon, Railroads)
Look Gives You Lemons: 1957
... building; on streets of Little Rock." From photos by John Vachon for the Look magazine assignment "Members of the Mob." View full size. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/22/2014 - 1:48pm -

October 1957. "The Lemon family of Little Rock, Arkansas -- father Fred, mother Edith, daughters Virginia and Rosemary, and son Gary -- at home; in front of state capitol building; on streets of Little Rock." From photos by John Vachon for the Look magazine assignment "Members of the Mob." View full size. The things you can findon the Interweb. I can locate only one obit for a Fred Lemon in Arkansas later than 1935, and this one seems to match up. Wife's name is right, and the cemetery is outside Little Rock. 1957? Little Rock?I assume this pictoral in Look had something to do with the events at Central High School. Were the sour Lemons possibly on the wrong side of history? Mr. LemonI get the feeling that Mr. Lemon runs a very tight ship! About this photoI'd like more information about this photo. Was father Fred here one of the "Members of the Mob"? [The article "Members of the Mob" appeared in the "National Scene" section of the November 12, 1957 issue of LOOK, along with the article "The Real Little Rock Story," by Fletcher Knebel. -tterrace] The SonLater went in to the small roadside motel business. He's very Hitchcocky. September 5, 1957Beatcomber - I'm sure you are correct. It was a terrible time. My own mother was in that mob. (John Vachon, LOOK, TV)
Michigan Avenue: 1942
... Michigan Avenue." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. Conrad Hilton ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/20/2021 - 10:52am -

February 1942. "Chicago, Illinois. Michigan Avenue." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. Conrad Hilton Hotel on the leftThis view of South Michigan Avenue is taken from just south of Balbo Drive (formerly known as 7th Street) looking north. The hotel now called the Hilton Chicago, originally called the Stevens Hotel, is shown at the far left. For my generation of Chicagoans, it will always be known as the Conrad Hilton, especially for its role in the riots during the Democratic National Convention in 1968. Just across the street to the right is the Blackstone Hotel. This hotel has its own notoriety in American political history: it was the location of the original "smoke-filled room" at the Republican Convention of 1920, where Warren G. Harding was chosen to run for President. With very few exceptions, all the buildings shown in this photo are still standing. Where I saw a man and he danced with his wifeMichael R is correct. Even the glass fronted building on the next block appears to have the original stone façade behind it. Well I'm glad I read thisI thought this was the Drake Hotel but yup, Hilton. Wrigley Building?The tower at the far end seems to be the Wrigley Building - South Tower 400 N Michigan Ave located on the Magnificent Mile. This year it had his hundredth aniversary as it had been completed in April 1921. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chicago, John Vachon)
Hill of Beans: 1940
... Smith, FSA borrower, canning string beans." Photo by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Good ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/02/2021 - 12:52pm -

September 1940. Saint Mary's County, Maryland. "Mrs. Eugene Smith, FSA borrower, canning string beans." Photo by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Good design does not need to changeI've got a stainless steel slicer/shredder virtually identical to the one hanging above the stove I bought recently - without the wooden handle. Made in China, of course. That poor old stoveMrs. Smith's stove has seen so many years of work, the oven door is baling wired on. Look at the lower right, a cobble of wire and whatnot to keep it snugged in place. The oven is tired, but --Mrs. Smith does appear to have a new canning pot, so there's that. The smellI haven't messed with string beans in over 40 years but I know exactly what this kitchen smells like. The aroma stayed on your fingers for days. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Kitchens etc.)
East Dubuque: 1940
... for the train to Minneapolis." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon. View full size. Wow ... This nearly an Edward Hopper ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/11/2007 - 9:35pm -

April 1940. East Dubuque, Illinois. "Waiting for the train to Minneapolis." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon. View full size. Wow ...This nearly an Edward Hopper painting. I was thinking the same thingThe light is fantastic, isn't it? Wow! There's a story there.Wow! There's a story there. There's a story alright..."C'mon train, come on. Get me away from this creep!" Movie StillHaven't seen this one before. Nice cinematic look to it. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Railroads)
Michigan Avenue: 1941
... "Stop light, Michigan Avenue." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. N. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/15/2011 - 6:38am -

Chicago, July 1941. "Stop light, Michigan Avenue." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. N. MichiganThis looks like North Michigan at the foot of the "Magnificent Mile," perhaps. The barely-seen white stone structure at the top of the photo looks like the Water Tower, sole survivor of the Great Fire of 1877. Water Tower PlaceThere's not many places were Michigan Avenue jogs to right as shown above. And the building in the background is one that is particularly famous: the Water Tower. So this appears to be the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Superior Street (currently one-way, heading east). None of the buildings other than the Water Tower still stand. The most shocking for me is seeing all those nice grass sidewalk lawns in the midst of an area that is now very densely urban. BustlingWhat are you all talking about? I count 15 people not in cars. Now that's crowded! Taxi questionI've noticed in the pictures of New York cabs and now Chicago had peculiar cutaway fenders as well as open rear roofs. What's up? [The low-maintenance fenders and landaulet roof were design features of the Checker Model A. - Dave] So PeacefulLooking at this photo you would never believe Europe & Asia were in the middle of a war. Hanging a leftI find it interesting that the Left Turn Only lane has traffic turning before the actual light stanchion. Would it be safe to assume the street that traffic was turning onto was a one-way street? If not, it might wreak havoc if the oncoming traffic was making a right turn on red. Sunday morningWhere IS everybody? Train of ThoughtLooks like somebody's model train layout. And they did a really good job with all the period correct cars and billboards. It just doesn't look real -- perhaps more because of the aerial angle than anything else. "Gasolene"For a slimmer carbon footprint. FrozenWhat an interesting affect; this photo looks like it was taken of a diorama of some sort. There is a feeling that one could just reach down and rearrange those model cars at will. Makes one feel like Rod Serling! I think it is accentuated by the perceived lack of people; there are only seven visible. Gasolene?I've seen it spelled this way in the Caribbean, but never here in the US. Was this an accepted spelling at the time, or something Cities Service did to distinguish itself from the rest of the crowd? Kist againStar-kist yesterday (Air Race) and Sunkist today. Is there a theme starting here? ChangesI found it on Streetview, luckily. Everything is different except the ornate little building in back. VestigesAbout the only thing left in this picture today is the old Chicago Water Tower, the masonry building the bottom of which is partially visible at the top of the photo. That upper street is East Chicago Avenue. This is not my Michigan AvenueJudging by the clock on the Sunkist sign, it's 3:05 p.m. And for the lack of people, I'm guessing that North Michigan Avenue was not the hot shopping area. South State Street had Carson's and Field's with their large stores. Watch out -- no traffic lanes. That gas station is long gone, too bad, it's a nice looking building. Walgreen's is now on the the east side of Michigan. And that's the famous Water Tower, cut off at the top of the image. Late Model and UpscaleIt seems that the majority of the cars are late model and upscale. Michigan & SuperiorThis view is taken from the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Superior Street, looking north toward Chicago Avenue, where Michigan bends to the right. In the upper right hand corner you can see a sliver of the famous Chicago Water Tower (W. W. Boyington, architect, built 1869), the best known survivor of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Needless to say, other than the Water Tower itself, every single building in this picture has been demolished. East Superior StreetThe intersection below is Superior Street and Michigan Avenue, and the street to the north is Chicago Avenue. You can see the base of the Old Water Tower at the top of the image. Miracle MileMarvelous image. Very likely we're looking north on Michigan, with Chicago Avenue intersecting near the top. What appears to be the base of the Chicago Water Tower is at the top, where Michigan kinks just a click to the NE. Charmette's Restaurant was located on the SW corner of Michigan and Chicago for many years. Spent many hours there in the late 50s, often in the company of a pretty girl from Navy Pier. Were we able to peek west on Chicago about three blocks, we would no doubt see men dancing with their wives. Needs some careful weathering.As a diorama-maker myself, I'd say one thing that makes this scene feel less-than-realistic is the near-uniform grayness of the streets (especially for longtime Shorpy fans who are used to seeing road apples and horse urine in many of the older photos). This looks like brand-new pavement. If I were crafting this one, I'd definitely add oil stains, more tire tracks, maybe a pothole or two, and more manhole covers. While I was at it, I'd do something about the turf; it definitely looks fake. By the way, I love this picture. It'll be my desktop wallpaper for a while. The best photoof a real photo imitating a model builders skill, and can this be the cleanest street in the world? Double-decker busI doubt there are many cities in the US still using double-decker buses on regular commuter routes. I know of only a few in California. Some cities have them for tourist use including NYC and Las Vegas. I think they might be a better option than the long accordian buses that take up so much street space. AfterthoughtI'd bet the reason for the odd and decidedly unsafe configuration of the left turn lane is a desire to avoid relocating the pre-existing traffic signal fixture. This is a workaround that would certainly not meet today's engineering standards, but reflects the evolving practice of the day. I've seen the "gasolene" spelling from the turn of the century to the '20s, but never this late. At some point, I think there might have been a desire for a spelling consistent with kerosene. Totally changedI lived two blocks west of here for 17 years starting in the late '70s, and still didn't recognize the location until I saw the old water tower. The lots with Sunkist signs and gas station had a series of small one-story buildings when I lived there, including a McDonald's and later a Banana Republic. For years there was also Evan's furs in the center of that block, a four-story building. At Huron and Michigan (the intersection behind the photographer, not seen here) we had a Woolworth's! Complete with Luncheonette counter the length of the store. At Chicago Ave and Michigan, we had Wag's, the coffee shop of Walgreen's. My co-workers and I used to have lunch at Wag's when we worked at the Playboy (Palmolive) building. Michigan Ave wasn't much of a shopping street until the late 1970s, when Water Tower Place went up. Just offices, hotels, apartments, and a few very upscale shops like furriers and jewelers (and Woolworth's!) The ad agencies were in this area. There were some great dive bars on Ontario, including the Inkwell, where all the Playboy people went after work. More PeopleI got to this one a few days late but my old eyes (with a magnifier app) pick out 20 folks on the sidewalks here. Clockwise from lower left: 2 at lower left 2 behind a car at the front door of the Gasolene station 7 strolling in front of Walgreen's 1 at the curb infront of Walgreen's, talking to someone in the car parked there 2 on the bench at the corner, facing the cross street 2 on the far side of the cross street 1 crossing at the crosswalk 3 on the opposite side of Michigan Ave (hard to distinguish but I see 3 shadows on the pavement). Please correct me if I'm mistaken, or if you find even more. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chicago, Gas Stations, John Vachon)
Kiewel Beer: 1940
... "Grand Forks, North Dakota." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. A ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/16/2011 - 11:45am -

October 1940. "Grand Forks, North Dakota." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. A different use for grainInstead of selling beer, that location is home to a bakery. The Dotty Dunn hat store was at 17 N. 3rd Street. It, the bar and the dry cleaners are all gone, even the cut rate store to the left. The only building that survives is the one to the extreme right. Which appears to have a barber shop. BTW, Dotty Dunn Hats was a chain store operation. View Larger Map BarrenOnce again, like the Chicago photo, few people and an angle chosen that makes it seem that you're looking down on a detailed area of a really cool O-gauge layout. Perhaps that's what Vachon was trying to capture. Bull City Boy has a great question, what is that automobile? A totally different look from the others. I haven't clue alas, [Lincoln Zephyr?] but now I gotta find out. What is it? Anywhere, U.S.A.Nostalgic picture which is so similar to the small town in which I grew up but on the East Coast. Our businesses on Main Street (with the same kind of diagonal parking before meters) were Carroll Cut Rate, Adam's Hats,Gene's Bar featuring Rheingold beer, Pete's Barber Shop and Bashura's Shoe Repair. I used to love the fumes in the shoemakers and cleaners, both now deemed very lethal, i.e. shoe polish, glues, leather-tanning chemicals and carbon tetrachloride. We also had a Hart's Five and Dime and a First National grocery. Kind of neat to think that whether you grew up in the East or Midwest, the small town Main Streets were so similar. Brew NotesAs a side note, Kiewel's Beer was brewed in Little Falls, Minnesota, while Heileman's Old Style (hanging sign over the tavern door) was brewed in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Interior HingesSo, is no one going to identify the autos, especially the fourth from the left? P.S. I've been away for five weeks. Glad to be back and I'll be catching up with Shorpy as best I can. Inflation$1.98 in 1940 would be about $32 today. Not a bad price for a man's hat. Cars ID'dFrom left, 1940 Chevy with deluxe rear center guard. 1937-38 Chrysler 1937 Nash 1939 Chrysler? 1940 Oldsmobile Comments welcome. The vehicle 4th from the left is a 1939 Ford Deluxe 2 door sedan. Better later than never. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, John Vachon)
Dick's Wrecking: 1942
... West Virginia." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. Heaven, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/18/2021 - 12:09am -

January 1942. "Wrecking yard in Clarksburg, West Virginia." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. Heaven, I'm In Heaven!The song that hot rodders will be singing when they first set eyes on this place. Oh to be there today!I'd give my left steering knuckle to have access to those parts today. Turn Them On Their SideAnd clean them like a fish. You don't see that style of dismantling much today. Not very old?Noting that most of these cars don't seem very old, most of them seem to be from the mid 30s which would put them at 5-6-7 years old? I don't see a Model T anywhere, and the last Model T's produced would be 15 years old. My current vehicle is 13 years old and going strong. Soon to be goneThe needs of the war will soon see almost all of these vehicles, and tens of thousands like them, scrapped and melted down. Hang onIt will be a very short time before the car boyz give us the lowdown on all the the models and years. Can you pick out the oldest and newest before they do. Organized EnterpriseI think Dick has spent time and effort to keep the property neat and reasonably presentable. The cars lined up in rows with aisles between makes removing parts much easier. Removing and replacing the used up hulks likewise. The buildings are clean, painted and neatly lettered. We're probably only seeing a portion of this yard, the inventory of which will soon go to feed the insatiable appetite of the open hearths. Worth a visit ?The yard has been cleared but hasn't been built over, perhaps a visit with a metal-detector could get you some goodies ? No tin lizziesWhadayoumean no parts for my Model T? I want in, too!The vintage steel on this lot would probably bring at least high six figures in today's market. I'm drooling at the rat rod potential. But since it's the beginning of '42, I see a lot of Sherman tanks and Liberty ships in the making here. Think TwiceIt was probably not yet evident in January of 1942 just how hard it would be to get a car for the next several years. If only folks had known that old '33 or '36 model would become valuable they wouldn't have been so quick to junk it. I think this is the location. Compared to todayMost of those cars seem to be from between mid 1920s to mid 1930s. This photo being 1942 makes the age of the scrapped cars only relatively not that old. Today we see cars on the road of 7-20 year old that don't look ready for the wrecker. The good news? It’s yours!The bad news? You have to get every part and fitting and subassembly on line, bar-coded, ready to sell and ship ... and yesterday would have been a lot better than next week. Why are you just standing there? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, John Vachon)
Cattleman's Bar: 1938
... in stockyards district. South Omaha, Nebraska." Photo by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Cobbs ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/02/2017 - 9:22am -

November 1938. "Saloon in stockyards district. South Omaha, Nebraska." Photo by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Cobbs CreekClick to enlarge. Second floor ladiesNot saying this is necessarily true of the Cattleman's Bar, but the second floor was frequently the domain of ladies of the evening, partly because it was less likely for the customers to skedaddle out a window without paying for the entertainment. I used to volunteer at the Mining and Railroad Museum in Helper, Utah, which was situated next door to a notorious bar with second-floor clientele. The brothel remained open until 1977 or so, when one of the patrons went back north to Salt Lake City and blabbed. The state promptly shut it down. Re: Cobbs CreekThose are definitely some of my late mother's drinks on that thermometer! And if you get luckyThere are rooms upstairs. P.S. The cattle have their own hangout down the street a piece. Semi tough looking jointMight have to know how to use a set of knuckles there after midnight. Love that thermometer though. vehicle IDs1930 Plymouth coupe and 1926/1927 Ford truck. Up the creek with a thermometerThe first thing that caught my eye was that sign with "Cobbs Creek" at the bottom. It is on the white beam between the door and large window. With the liquor bottle at the top, it was an easy Google to add whiskey to Cobbs Creek. Sure enough, it is a Cobbs Creek blended whisky sign with a Drink-O-Meter whiskey thermometer of suggested cocktails ("Bell Ringer" at the top). I don't see a needed apostrophe on Cobbs, but after a glass of Cobbs Creek whiskey, who cares? How appropriateAccording to Ancestry.com: "Vachon Name Meaning --French: from a diminutive of vache (from Latin vacca ‘cow’), an occupational name for a cowherd. " Slake your thirst elsewhereA 1940 telephone directory has Cattleman's Bar at 4939 S. 26th St and Breeders Supply Co. #2 at 2517 O St. Looks like both were demolished for an overpass. What's in a nameYou don't need/want an apostrophe after Cobbs when it's your last name -- ie LIKE mine. Yes, there are lots of people with the last name of COBBS. (The Gallery, DPC, Eateries & Bars, John Vachon, Omaha)
Eagle Fruit Store: 1942
... Lincoln, Nebraska. 1942. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon. View full size. Rode hard, put away wet The car on the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/07/2011 - 4:01pm -

Eagle Fruit Store and Capital Hotel at 10th and P, Lincoln, Nebraska. 1942. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon. View full size. Rode hard, put away wetThe car on the right is a 1938 Studebaker -- the headlights are the "datestamp" -- looks like it's been a tough four years. i sure enjoyed this site. myi sure enjoyed this site. my daughter sent it to me. i am 73 so i really like looking at it. sami Eagle Fruit StoreWhat is the intersection? What is there now? It would be interesting to see a "then and now" contrast. [The intersection seems to be 10th and P. In the back you can see the Hotel Capital, which is still there, at the top left of the satellite photo below. - Dave] 10th & PBoomer's Printing Company is currently at 10th & P Street. Bottom left corner of the satellite aerial. The hotel was probably "Hotel Capitol" and not "Capital" since Lincoln is the capitol (ol ending) city of Nebraska. The hotel has been renovated and is now condominiums. Wish I could see the front of the old coffee shop, too! [Lincoln is the capital (ending in -al) of Nebraska. Capitol (ending in -ol) is the big building in the capital city where all the lawmakers meet. The hotel is the Capital (below). - Dave] +68This is indeed the corner of 10th and P Streets looking east. As noted by Lincolnite, Boomer's Printing now occupies the corner where the Eagle Fruit Store was in 1942. The earlier building was razed and replaced by a Trailways bus station which was subsequently replaced by Boomer's. This is the same view from the same perspective taken on March 23, 2010. It's difficult to see, but the Capital Hotel building is still visible as is the square white ornamentation on its corner which can be seen just above the green overhang in the 1942 view (it's obscured by trees in the 2010 shot). (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, John Vachon, Stores & Markets)
Chill Out: 1940
... Draper, South Dakota." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Looks like ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/17/2019 - 10:27am -

November 1940. "Shoveling snow. Draper, South Dakota." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Looks like the Siege of StalingradBut that's still two years in the future. Oh, my aching back!Clearing snow with a short-handled shovel is a surefire way to throw your back out. I never thought I'd say thisI hope that's mold on his face and not snow! Any bets --The next plow that comes through will throw that snow right back on the sidewalk. Still there (2019) Sign of the timesI had forgotten that stop signs used to be yellow, not red. But I have not forgotten the blizzards out in open country - it's the wind, the constant wind. November, 1940And still clearing the snow from last May. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Small Towns)
Fargo Forum: 1940
... corner in Fargo, North Dakota." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. I take ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/04/2012 - 8:19pm -

October 1940. "Street corner in Fargo, North Dakota." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. I take offense!As someone with a "defective collecting gene" (I only have 3), I'll bet my hydrants can beat up your teaspoons or postcards. By the way, if you have one of these plugs just lying around the house let me know. 3 friends and I will come by and pick it up. They make great paperweights or bookmarks! Spot-on, PerpsterAccording to the website of the Dickinson, North Dakota History Center, "As early as 1900, a process was discovered in Germany for extracting oil and water from raw coal and compacting the leftover char into large pellets [briquettes] for a more efficient fuel." Lehigh, North Dakota, was the home of the Lehigh Briquetting Company, which produced lignite coal briquettes. And, maybe they did "suit without soot." Here is a photo of the Lehigh plant from the collection of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Forum Fargonum MCMXXVIWell, it came to mind for no good reason. This was and is the city's newspaper building, the new one constructed in 1926, and still the home of the Forum Communications Company. Here is a wider shot. Still thereUnder new management, and Google's Street View doesn't show us quite the same angle, but both the building and the plaque are still present: View Larger Map AnotherPiece of Photgraphic Art from John Vachon. What a wonderful shot; carefully composed and clean. A delight to the eye. Lehigh BriquI'm guessing "Lehigh Briquettes - They Suit Witout Soot" Danger....danger!I keep waiting for Dr Smith and young Will Robinson to appear. On the lighter side, would you believe there are fire hydrant collectors out there? Years ago I stumbled over a website where you could post pictures of your hydrant collection. Talk about the defective collecting gene! [One man's trash is another man's... Well, you know.] In Splunge's link, it almost looks like the same hydrant. Defective collecting genesBeing a collector of just about everything (NOT a hoarder), I have managed to corner the market on bowling balls and bags, washboards and wooden shoes. Unfortunately I cannot find one other person on the planet who desires such things and my garage is at maximum capacity, so I have had to quit. I am grateful that I did not get into fire hydrant collecting and didn't even know there was any interest in it so we do learn something new every day on Shorpy. Canine approvalThis photo has been recommended by the canine (doggie) members of my household as having historic value. I see facesAnd I thought photographing inanimate objects with 'faces' this was a recent internet phenomenon. (The Gallery, John Vachon)
Vincennes: 1941
... Indiana. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. The Old Cathedral This is ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/23/2008 - 12:36pm -

July 1941. The Old Cathedral in Vincennes, Indiana. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. The Old CathedralThis is Joe Manning. The Old Cathedral still stands. See all about this church and parish here. That's Vincennes, INDIANAThe Old Cathedral was recently restored (at great expense) and looks fabulous! My wife and I would have been married in that church had it not been getting its previous painting in January of 1971. Vincennes, IndianaSo, why not change the capture Dave? The link proves it is Indiana, isn't it? Alex, the "state freak" (so not: "steak frites (french fries)" lol [The caption has been changed. Thanks to everyone who helps keep Shorpy accurate. -Ken] Vincennes 35 chevyWhat are the odds the car is a 1935 Chevrolet Master 5 window coupe they are a rare car today because the body was wrapped around a wood frame and the wood rotted away and the car was junked. Here's mine, made into a hotrod. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, John Vachon, Small Towns)
Just Us Girls: 1940
... in what looks like New Orleans. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon. View full size. Jazz Hipster Girl in glasses: "It's called ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/26/2011 - 1:00pm -

1940. No caption for these tots, on a roll of pictures taken in what looks like New Orleans. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon. View full size. Jazz HipsterGirl in glasses: "It's called Bebop. You've probably never heard of it." Precious and AdorableEach of these little girls (and one boy) possess individual traits that are endearing in their own uniqueness but they seem so serious for carefree kids under 5 yrs. of age. Only the smallest one in the back row, left side, seems about to break into a smile. Wonder if their photographer or caregiver threatened them to behave. Little "Harriet Potter" was way ahead of her time, a real trendsetter. Girl in GlassesSeems to have a case of the Owlies. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Kids, New Orleans)
Watchers: 1938
... go by." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the FSA. Local Knowledge Being an architect in Cincinnati, I ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/16/2016 - 6:27pm -

October 1938. Cincinnati, Ohio. "Watching the sesquicentennial parade go by." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the FSA. Local KnowledgeBeing an architect in Cincinnati, I have some info on the buildings in the picture: The farthest in the background is the Carew Tower (still standing, started in 1928, completed in 1931), which was designed by the same architects as the Empire State Building, built by the same contractor, and also served as the prototype for the ESB. The people are lined up north-south, facing south on Walnut Street. The parade is most likely on Fifth Street, which the people are facing. The building the people are lined up against is the Potter Stewart United States Courthouse (still standing, completed 1939?). I don't know the building on the left, which had been demolished prior to my moving to town. There was a classic movie palace called the Albee Theater (demolished) between the mystery building and the Carew Tower which is not visible. BTW - Carew Tower is not the first structure in Cincinnati that served as a prototype for an important New York structure. The Brooklyn Bridge (1883) was built after John A. Roebling designed and built a suspension bridge first in Cincinnati in 1866 (still in use). Hope this is useful. (The Gallery, Cincinnati Photos, John Vachon)
The Old Ball Game: 1942
... Michigan. "Kids at ballgame, Briggs Stadium." Photo by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. Outcomes I ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/08/2011 - 1:37pm -

August 1942. Detroit, Michigan. "Kids at ballgame, Briggs Stadium." Photo by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. OutcomesI want to track down every one of those kids to hear their stories, indulge their memories or learn of their fate. How many died in Korea, maybe Vietnam? Which of them became rich? Went to jail? Lived simple, hard-working lives? SuspenseWe should add to the list of culture-paradigm-shift moments the one at which it became no longer cool for kids of this age to be seen wearing suspenders. Much less a tie and vest at a ballgame. The one in the center is doing that kind of whistling thing I was never able to. Out of place for 1942The kid in the upper right looks to be wearing a screened printed t-shirt. It looks out of place for this time period. Today all the kids would be wearing t-shirts. The shirt appears to read Ecorse. Which I assume represents Ecorse Michigan. I can see Tterrace in the front row in the middle. Or do I need new glasses? Call me a duckThe kid in the middle attempting that whistling thing also looks like the first in history to be publicly displaying the Oregon "O." He's almost got it. (The Gallery, Detroit Photos, John Vachon, Kids, Sports)
Once Bitten: 1942
... injections." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. Interesting ... this to your mother, right kids?". (The Gallery, Dogs, John Vachon, Kids, Medicine) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/21/2021 - 2:46pm -

February 1942. Chafee, Missouri. "Father and children waiting to see the doctor. The little girl was bitten by a dog and is to receive anti-hydrophobia injections." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. Interesting ComparisonThe father and brother are wearing winter wear but the poor dog bite victim has only a light dress on. I feel for her. I was bitten by a stray dog as a kid and underwent the painful rabies shots. Hope things turned out OK for her. So much to see. Let's start on the left: - Blinds which seem to be made from wood and most likely an organic fabric (no metal / plastic and more plastic). - A very ornate radiator. Hot water central heating, I would wager. - An ashtray! And not just an ashtray, but a high capacity ashtray with its own stand. I wonder whether it has one of those spinning self sealing lids? I do remember those. - What seem to be linoleum tiles on the floor. - The girl is wearing shoes with soles that look like they have been cobbled on, rather than just being glued. And, the killer app, kids looking into actual books. And not even graphic novels. PAINFUL SHOTS NECESSARY?Why not bring the dog in to be tested to see if the shots are necessary? [Because the dog got away? - Dave] Norman approves!The photographer has out Rockwelled Rockwell. Ow I wonder if those are the injections through the bellybutton? If they are ... poor kid! Poor little girlI feel sorry for that child. Also, why is she is short sleeves and a short dress when her father and brother are more bundled up? There's her coat!Lying across the arm of the bench behind her Pa. QTDad seems to me saying, "Look, there's no need to mention this to your mother, right kids?". (The Gallery, Dogs, John Vachon, Kids, Medicine)
Mike and Buff: 1952
... United Nations of decorative influences here. Photo by John Vachon for the Look magazine article "Italian clothes get the American ... to understand the el cheapo cardboard chess set. (John Vachon, LOOK, TV) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/09/2013 - 10:28am -

New York, 1952. "Television personality Mike Wallace wearing Italian sportswear and casual shoes. Includes Wallace with wife Buff at home." A veritable United Nations of decorative influences here. Photo by John Vachon for the Look magazine article "Italian clothes get the American treatment." View full size. Fake Chess GameNo way the pawn on g4 could have legally gotten there! Advantage MikeIf she has already made her move, her queen is toast. Also, it looks like Mr. Wallace has given her an opportunity to do some damage on his side of the board. Fashionable Mr. WallaceLook at that shirt! Very avant garde. And looks like Mr. Wallace is also wearing espadrilles. Pretty fashion forward for 1952. Back of the handEither he's worried she has a fever or she's about to make a devastating move. A man for several seasonsAh, the redoubtable Mr. Wallace: actor, game show host and panelist, reporter, anchor, commentator ... and man, could he sell him some margarine! Luckiest Pawn In The WorldInteresting how other comments draw attention to seemingly routine photo details. I would never have thought to study the chess game, with all 32 pieces still on the board. Yep, one lucky pawn. CheapskateConsidering the fine quality of furniture and clothing, it's difficult to understand the el cheapo cardboard chess set. (John Vachon, LOOK, TV)
Trunk Stop: 1941
... latest thing in houses. Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/05/2021 - 11:47am -

August 1941. "Residential section. Hibbing, Minnesota." The latest thing in houses. Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. unBauhausedThe good people of Hibbing seem not to have liked this newfangled architecture of the Bauhaus movement. The house has been so modified to almost completely eliminate the Walter Gropius look of the original. The Bob Dylan house is a little less modified, but the stucco and the added decorative elements work towards the same effect. Sterile structure sneers at stereotypical streetmatesNot exactly a vision of harmonious (as distinct from homogenous) development. Famous sonBob Dylan was born just three months earlier in Duluth but grew up in Hibbing. The similarity of his family home to this one is startling. The Climatic ImperativeI wonder why they evetually added a hipped roof eventually. Maybe something to do with 54 inches of average annual snowfall in Minesota? 116 inches of precipitation? Naah, surely not. A flat roofin Minnesota is just a disaster ready to happen. Still there!The house at the corner still exists at 1129 Minnesota Street along the old (Trunk) Highway 169. The smokestacks in the background are part of the Hibbing Public Utilities Commission steam plant. Flat Roof?Where was the Architect from, Arizona? The flat roof had to be a real issue with all the snow. I'll bet it was a leaker. No surprise that a pitched roof was added at a later date. Today's occupantsI wonder if the current residents have any idea of how hip their house use to be? Flat roofFrom ngbarnett's "Still There!" photo, it looks like a sloped roof was added. I was wondering how well a large flat roof in Minnesota weather worked out. A Hard RainLike Bob Dylan sang "a hard rain's gonna fall" on that roof and cause big problems!" Anyone else?Does anyone else find the original mid-century modern style of 1129 Minnesota Street more appealing than its present façade? [I would say it's more Moderne than Modern. - Dave] Please ForwardWhat, no one on that trunk highway in 1941 could point southeast and utter the words, "Los Angeles is that-a-way"? A neighborhood filled with those homes, and that lawn, would look perfect in several southern California municipalities. In Hibbing, less so. Am I the only oneWho expects that one of these days on these beautiful, or at least interesting, old houses' pictures that we will have a Shorpyite say "Hey, that's MY home!" (and it not be TTerrance because he uploaded a photo of his old home!) One of these days, someone's going to have their home on Shorpy.... Or maybe we just all need to start a "Geo-Shorpy-Caching" club, to visit some of these interesting places! "Trunk Stop"In the street sign, notice the spelling error. [No typo. It's a Trunk Highway. - Dave] Two words --"Snow load" Sorry for this late hit --the scant brick detail on the chimney is an astute accent; too, the minimal detail on the Dylan house renders the same. A Pox on Flat Roof Doubters!1109 Minnesota, visible in the original photo with a flat roof, still has a flat roof. Another one in the area is at the intersection of Minnesota and 9th. Put on the wrong "trunk" trackYou really put me on the wrong track Dave, with your caption. Being a foreigner, I am not familiar with the term "trunk road," so I really looked for the meaning of a "trunk stop"! By the way, in the Netherlands the stop-sign was first introduced in 1941 by ... our German occupiers, in 1951 we changed over to a "European" version, only in 1979 we also got as we called it the "American" style sign: Flat roofsThere are certainly many businesses that have flat roofs- most of them in fact, so why should it be such a problem for a house? (The Gallery, John Vachon)
Baby Madonna: 1941
... Lacs County, Minnesota." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Old flag ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/02/2020 - 12:25pm -

July 1941. "Children of FSA borrower. Mille Lacs County, Minnesota." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Old flag by 1941That flag looks to have the 45 star pattern. That flag was current between 1896 when Utah joined the Union and and 1908 when Oklahoma became a state. The cigar box with Charles Denby's picture dates to around 1902. The owner of the H Fendrich Cigar Company, named a line of cigars after Charles Harvey Denby, a Union Army veteran and Minister to China (1885-1898). Fascinating PhotographThat looks like a 45-star flag, which was adopted in 1896. Beautiful ChildrenThis family’s meager possessions tell so much about them. I’m 67 years old and have heard the many stories of my parents growing-up with very little. Seeing these images of how life was back then for many, helps me to understand my parent’s generation that much more. Thanks for posting this image. Eclectic artCharles Denby cigar box, a woman in a state of (gasp!) semi-undress, and Jesus. Charles Denby CigarsCharles Denby was a Civil War veteran and longtime resident of Evansville Indiana. And so he was honored by the Fendrich Cigar Company (of Evansville) with his own brand. "DiMag Hits"The flag may be old, but the sports page on the top of the dresser was timely indeed. By the time Vachon visited Mille Lacs County in the middle of July 1941, Joe DiMaggio's 56 game streak of hitting safely in consecutive games (between May 15 and July 16) was at its peak. That DiMag hit in a game was itself worthy of the top headline, until Ken Keltner's glove twice robbed him on July 17, ending it. The RockerIn another 50 years or so, that mission rocker would be worth a couple hundred dollars. And I think I spy part of a matching settee. But the style was very much out of favor in 1941. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Kids)
Cinco de Boyo: 1942
... in front of the pool halls this year." Acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. The boy on ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/18/2021 - 4:52pm -

February 1942. "Roscoe, South Dakota. Younger boys are standing in front of the pool halls this year." Acetate negative by John Vachon for the Office of War Information. View full size. The boy on the righthas the obligatory "4 buckler" winter boots and probably needed them in South Dakota in February. In a few years ...Hard to tell ages, but some might be otherwise occupied by 1945. Ya Got Trouble!"Trouble, oh we got trouble Right here in River City! With a capital "T" That rhymes with "P" And that stands for Pool That stands for pool. We've surely got trouble! Right here in River City Right here! Gotta figure out a way To keep the young ones moral after school!" Meredith Willson, The Music Man (1957) Catching some raysLots of wool clothing and boots here. Is that a "Stormy Kromer" hat on the guy on the left? I am guessing this photo was taken later in the day about this time of year. [Like the caption says, it's February. - Dave] GaloshesHere I am at age two in Toronto with my father in 1948. I am wearing a pair of metal buckle winter boots, also known as galoshes. They were designed to wear over regular shoes, so they are quite large. There is just a bit of ice visible here in suburban Mimico, right on Lake Ontario. If there was a sleet storm the buckles would freeze shut until you could get to a warm place. All that wool.I have a strong childhood memory of the smell of wool coats and mittens drying on the radiator in the winter. Proof of time travelTime travel is real. Don't believe me? Just ask our "bookend" boys: Justin Bieber and Napoléon Bonaparte. Troop: 8-ball side pocketIt's ironic, at least to modern eyes, that a pool hall advertising liquor, beer, and tobacco in its window also has a sign promoting the Boy Scouts. I think these five young men are a scout troop. I wonder if their scoutmaster owns the pool hall? A Familiar ThemeOnce Upon A Time In America Liquor Beer Tobacco Boy Scouts Red Ball Boots 4 buckle arctics.A staple of mine walking to and from grade school in the winters. By high school I was to suave and cool to wear them. As the war years progressed those boots may or may not have been salvaged for the war effort. Man or Mannequin?Is that a human being peering out through the window? [Yes. - Dave] (The Gallery, John Vachon, Kids, Small Towns)
All in the Farmily: 1940
... County, Illinois." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the FSA. View full size. Easter time! Looks like Easter ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/11/2019 - 10:32am -

May 1940. "Farm Security Administration tenant purchase borrower and family. Crawford County, Illinois." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the FSA. View full size. Easter time!Looks like Easter presents and baskets! Dads looking at buying some chickens! Plus a drawing of Thanksgiving dinner by Carl. Thanks for these insightful pictures of our past. [For the record, Easter in 1940 fell on March 24. - Dave] Après EasterNew overalls for Dad and boys, and Mom has stockings. Nice foot powered organ. I played one like it in 1962. Quite a lifeAmazing wall art! Poultry Keeper magazine! A rug that just won't quit! Wonderful. Bought the FarmFSA tenant-purchase was a program by which farm renters and sharecroppers (who as such were extremely disadvantaged) could apply for Federal loans with which to buy the farms in question at 3% interest over a 40-year term. While it was a popular and effective program, the sad part was that Congress appropriated only enough funds to accommodate about one out of every 100 families who applied. All In The Family: 1940This is Joe Manning. I wrote a story about this family 11 years ago. Left to right, we see Carl, Charles, Paul and Minnie Patton. I interviewed Charles, then 77 years old. See the story here: https://morningsonmaplestreet.com/2014/11/26/crawford-county-family-page... Last minute photoThe two boys must have been playing in the yard while Mr. Vachon set up his camera. Otherwise mom would have sent them to the water pail first to wash their feet. At least to me the recently used condition of the boys feet does not quite fit the overall setting. A rug that won't quitLike my family they probably called it a rug but it's linoleum. Hey, You Two—Get A Room!Mom and dad may be beat, but they are very nearly playing a little footsie, here, even with the FSA photog clicking away. It's kind of romantic. Linoleum Rugs"A rug that just won't quit!" appears to be linoleum with a fancy design. These were popular during the 1920s and 30s, and were used in other rooms of the house besides the kitchen. There is quite an interesting history with photos that you can read here. Joe ManningI love your website!! Will you be updating it with any new stories? Joe Manning website Thank you MMiller. I have over 300 stories on my website regarding the Lewis Hine child labor photos and the FSA photos. I continue to add new ones from time to time. I also have a lot of articles about other subjects. www.MorningsOnMapleStreet.com (The Gallery, Agriculture, John Vachon, Kids)
Knotty and Nice: 1940
... County, Missouri." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. No, Pa! ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/16/2019 - 7:24pm -

November 1940. "Agricultural day laborer, wife and daughter in new home built by the FSA. Delmo labor homes project, New Madrid County, Missouri." Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. No, Pa!"I said I wasn't gonna smile, and I meant it!" If looks could killthen a double homicide might be imminent. Looks like a relationI've got a ton of family in that area and that gentleman would fit right in. If I didn't know better, I might believe you if you said he was my great grandpa. Bottom lineWhen as a child I produced a petulant pout, my parents and sister would sing-song: "We're going to town on Jenny's lip ..." Shiplap!Joanna Gaines would be pleased. You'd be pouting, too... if your parents let a stranger photograph you when your hair is still rolled in rags! Why not wait until your curls are set free? Daughter isn't happy butMomma is a danged good housekeeper. Everything in that room; clothes, tablecloth, bed linen, is spotless. Even the lamp has been polished. (The Gallery, Agriculture, John Vachon, Rural America)
Store Greeter: 1938
... store. Roseland, Virginia." Medium-format negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. Roseland ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/07/2012 - 2:37pm -

April 1938. "Boy on porch of general store. Roseland, Virginia." Medium-format negative by John Vachon for the Resettlement Administration. View full size. Roseland washed away ~30 years later...I doubt this building survived the 27 inches of rain and mudslides that Hurricane Camille brought there in August of 1969. When tobacco and soda ruledIn almost all of these mid-20th century shots, the lure to get people to stop seems to have been cigs and cold drinks, both of which are slowly being banned from today's society. How does sugarless gum and water sound? Antiquesis the sign that will lure today's travelers. Everything here qualifies. Good night, John-BoyIt could easily be Ike Godsey's general store on "The Waltons" with the prewar era of the photo and the location just down the road from Charlottesville. Things To ComeLet him enjoy that smoke, in a few years he will be in a shooting war. AnomalyIt must be a chilly Spring, for this lad is wearing shoes! (The Gallery, John Vachon, Stores & Markets)
Local Heroes: 1940
... players. Minot, North Dakota." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Wonder if ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/14/2012 - 5:00am -

October 1940. "Football players. Minot, North Dakota." 35mm nitrate negative by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Wonder if it was a Friday night?Did a bit of poking around this morning on Google Earth, and I think this might be the same spot on Main Street. No Spoiled JocksI'm guessing that in 1940 they were not provided with rides to and from the games but one would think the guy on the right would have taken his helmet off at least to walk down Main Street. Or perhaps they were in a parade or downtown pep rally. Vertical HoldPrecursor to the early 1960s Denver Broncos vertical-striped socks. Yikes. The Three MagiI would guess this photo was taken on the afternoon of October 18, 1940, before the Minot High Magicians lost 28-6 to the Bismarck Demons. Minot High had designated Oct. 18 as "Loyalty Day," involving Homecoming-like events. Going into the game, the Maroon-and-Gold Magicians (or "Magi" for short) were tied with Bismarck atop their division of the East-West Conference. With the possible exception of the next week's game against Williston, this was the only home game for the Magicians in October 1940. (They were only one of four football teams playing in Minot then. The others were the Minot Model High Beaver Kits, the St. Leo Lions, and a college team, the Minot Beavers. It is possible that these were players from one of those teams, but even in black-and white that sure looks like maroon and gold.) So UncoolIn the late 1950s Baltimore, walking around town, or even your own 'hood, in your football togs, was seriously frowned upon by your peers. The guy on the right goes the extra mile, even wearing his hat. Sheesh. [Ever wear a football hat yourself? Just wondering. - Dave] Before GPS"I thought you said the stadium was over here!" VarietyWe've seen a few of Vachon's photos [155. - Dave]; he had an interesting choice of subjects. The high, diorama like shots, then interesting signage and people. Nothing specific, like he looked up and there these three were, just trudging along. Spontaneous reaction shot. Same with the shot of the two kids coming home from school down that snow covered road. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Sports)
Oklahoma: 1942
... in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon. View full size. Mid-Continent Oil If my research is ... (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Industry & Public Works, John Vachon, WW2) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/30/2012 - 3:28pm -

October 1942. Employees at the Mid-Continent oil refinery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon. View full size. Mid-Continent OilIf my research is accurate, Mid-Continent Oil later merged with Sunray Oil Co., which itself merged with Sun Oil, now known as Sunoco. The Tulsa refinery is still operational according to the Wikipedia article on Sunoco. Trivia: Sunray operated the DX chain of gas stations. In S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders, Sodapop Curtis worked at a DX station in Tulsa. IdentityI think I recognize the person on the far right in the red shirt as being T.P. (Theo) Higdon, my wife's uncle. He worked for the refinery for many years and during this time period. He died in Tulsa, OK in 1998 at the age of 86. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Industry & Public Works, John Vachon, WW2)
This Won't Hurt a Bit: 1943
... Texas. View full size. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. She's being so BRAVE! ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/10/2012 - 4:15pm -

April 1943. Dr. Schreiber gives a typhoid inoculation at a rural school in San Augustine County, Texas. View full size. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon for the Farm Security Administration. She's being so BRAVE!Her red hair and tanned arms are so cute, and she's being so brave. When I roll my sleeve up (when I'm lucky and it's not the other end they want!), I go completely pale and can't look. (One time they made me spit out my gum while donating blood in our school's annual blood drive because they thought I was about to faint...how embarrassing...) ColorI don't know anything about cameras but the colors are so real, these two look like they are going to move. What a pretty little girl and this man was born to be a doctor. What a great shot. What he has seenit's 1943 and he has obviously seen a lot in a rural Texas county....he looks so very serene and calm.... Would love to have someone like that for my Dr.....oops...primary care physician. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, John Vachon, Kids, Medicine)
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