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Sennett Girls: 1919
"Mack Sennett girls in costume" circa 1919. Sennett, an early producer of silent films, was known as the King of Comedy for ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/29/2012 - 8:49pm -

"Mack Sennett girls in costume" circa 1919. Sennett, an early producer of silent films, was known as the King of Comedy for his slapstick reels. View full size. National Photo Company Collection. ObservationsThe one in the lower left-hand corner apparently was having a little trouble holding still. The girl in the upper left-hand corner is the only one looking directly into the camera. The girls in the bottom row all have ambiguous gazes. I also find it interesting that there apparently was a time when black wasn't the standard color of tires. Looks like we seen 2 of these girls beforeThe girl in the middle on the bottom row and the girl on the right of the top row can be seen in another shot on Shorpy. https://www.shorpy.com/node/764 Hey, yeah. You're right...They're even in the same costumes! If it's a publicity shot from the same movie (Why Beaches Are Popular), then some (or all?) of these other ladies might be: • Phyllis Haver • Myrtle Lind • Harriet Hammond • Marie Prevost • Louise Fazenda (The Gallery, Movies, Natl Photo, Pretty Girls)
Cheesecake in Drapery: c 1918
... Actress Edith Roberts poses for a publicity shot for Mack Sennett Productions. Roberts got her start as a child actor on the vaudeville ... 
 
Posted by Ken - 08/07/2007 - 3:22am -

Actress Edith Roberts poses for a publicity shot for Mack Sennett Productions. Roberts got her start as a child actor on the vaudeville circuit. Later she starred in a number of silent films. Her filmography lists 154 titles. View full size. Please, some decorumI come here for nostalgic looks back at the past, not smut like this! Honestly, children might look at this. I hope you're proud of yourself, Mr. Smutmonger. It's interesting to seeIt's interesting to see these early photos and understand how the techniques have changed over the years. Look at that pose - talk about awkward. While, yes, our modern bikini models often strike some pretzel-like poses, the pose above is just strange and doesn't make for a very flattering photo when viewed through our modern lens. The hathas got to go It's Trueher sister was actress Leona Roberts (1) who was in Of Mice and Men with Burgess Meredith (2) who was in Rocky with Sylvester Stallone (3) who was in Rambo with Richard Crenna (4) who was in the Flamingo Kid with Matt Damon (5)who was in Wild Thing with Kevin Bacon (6) Mack Sennett...mostly made slapstick comedies. I doubt he was trying flatter her. He was trying to make her look amusing. ScandalousY'ever wonder where all these old clothes are now? They gotta be somewhere. Jiffy poprump. Could they have deflated her rear for the pic? Grandma at the beachI doubt if either of my grandmothers went to the beach, but I feel sorry for them if they had to dress like this. (Pretty Girls)
Bathing Beauties: 1919
Washington, D.C., circa 1919. "Sennett girls." Producer Mack Sennett's comedy reels featured a bevy of "bathing beauties," among them ... Washington is looking forward to the arrival of the famous Mack Sennett girls, who are due to reach this city in the near future, and who ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/02/2016 - 8:44pm -

Washington, D.C., circa 1919. "Sennett girls." Producer Mack Sennett's comedy reels featured a bevy of "bathing beauties," among them Marvel Rea, seen here in the harlequin costume. National Photo Company. View full size. That's the kinda stuffthat'll get the neighbors talking! haha Wicked witch of the westor a chaperon at the left of the frame. Maybe both ??!! Racy stuff for 1919Some of these swimsuits are pushing the envelope of propriety for the year my grandmother married. Hollywood is still pushing the envelope ninety-two years later. Will you look at that!Mommmmmm. Grandma is showing some nip again. Lucky FellowThe dude with the boss set of wheels is taking them home to try them out. Wowser!The lady holding was quite a looker with obvious assets. Separate and UnequalHmmmm. Looks like the beauty holding the paddle needs a slight frontal adjustment to level things out. Obviously sport bras had not yet been invented. Hubba HubbaI'd like to be on a slow boat to China with the one holding the oar. 1919 CheesecakeThe gal with the pillow on her head can't believe the size of the uh, oar. Decorative doll The gal on the hood makes a great looking ornament! Something to Await Washington Post, Oct 19, 1919 Something to Await All of Washington is looking forward to the arrival of the famous Mack Sennett girls, who are due to reach this city in the near future, and who are to appear every day on the stage at one of the local theaters in conjunction with the much-heralded feature photoproduction "Yankee Doodle in Berlin." This is Mack Sennett's greatest film, and is six parts, featuring Charlie Murray, Ben Turpin, Ford Sterling, Chester Conklin and Marie Provost. It will be a gala week all in all, and many novel entertainments have been planned for the benefit of the Sennett beauties. There is confusion gone riot out in California at the Mack Sennett comedy studio. When Mr. Sennett made it known that he would permit several of the bathing beauties to journey East and appear in person with "Yankee Doodle in Berlin" the whole studio went wild. Every girl wants to come. Mr. Sennett has to do business and has to make a certain number of films a year. If he were to assent to the demands of the bathing beauties and let whoever wanted to go make the trip, he might as well shut up shop during the engagement. But one thing is sure — whoever does come will be class. Slower BoatsAnyone that uses the phrase "Hubba Hubba" would find the slow boat to China not slow enough. Well builtConsidering that there are 1000 pounds of bathing beauties on that same side, I'm quite impressed that the car shows no effect other than the top of the tires being ever so slightly closer to the fenders. If you put 1000 lbs. on the left side of my Buick it would likely collapse. Marvel Luciel Reahas to be in my top ten list of interesting names. I couldn't find much about her on the Internet. I read where she survived being kidnapped in 1936 and committed suicide in 1937. Besides the Wikipedia article, does anyone have any other websites that have additional information about her? [Click on her name in the photo caption, then scroll down. - Dave] Wowser! The sweet young thing holding the oar could paddle my canoe anytime. Hood Ornaments of the Human KindThere seems to be an widespread early 20th century tradition of posing people on cars. Not next to cars, or posed as if driving cars (which was also done) but standing on the running boards and sitting on hoods, fenders, and other places people were not meant to sit. I don't get it. Can you imagine mom and the kiddies all posing on the hood of a Toyota Camry? How about just junior and his seven friends on the Escalade? So here is another photo with seven people physically on a car. What the heck is that about? [It is a mystery, isn't it. - Dave] I wonderWOW, I can't believe no one has mentioned Charlie Chaplin. I wonder if he'd met any of them just a few years earlier in his time with Sennett. Come to think of it, maybe they were too old for him, even then. Barrymore to come? The girl holding the oar (I wish we knew more of these girls' names) always reminds me of Drew Barrymore; the face, the attitude and the (original) bust line! It is sure obvious, looking at the evolution of beach attire from the photos of bathing beauties from the first quarter of the 20th century, that Hollywood always had a great deal of influence. I don't think Hollywood can push the envelope much further, though, as far as how much skin to show, unless they start covering something up. Far rightI love the last one on the right, all in white. I'd have wanted to be her. MysteryCorvette, what Corvette? Modern women could learn from themThese gals are smokin'. Modern women could take lessons on how to be a beautiful curvaceous babe from them. Mr. Peabody fire up the time machine! (The Gallery, D.C., Movies, Natl Photo, Pretty Girls)
Mack's Girls: 1919
Washington, D.C., 1919. "Mack Sennett girls." Producer Mack Sennett's comedy reels featured a bevy of "bathing beauties," among them ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/27/2012 - 12:20pm -

Washington, D.C., 1919. "Mack Sennett girls." Producer Mack Sennett's comedy reels featured a bevy of "bathing beauties," among them Marvel Rea, seen here in the harlequin costume. More on these ladies here. | View full size. I'll pass on the girlsin favour of that slick automobile, what a beauty. The car in the photolooks like an Apperson Anniversary Tourster, made in Kokomo, Indiana. Apperson was in business from 1901 to 1926. I like the second one from the rightBut that car is pretty darn sexy too. Is there a clue on the center cap of the wheel? [Too blurry to make out. - tterrace] 1919-Racy Girl!Wow! The girl second from the right looks downright racy for 1919. She looks just like any modern girl of today. 3rd from the leftAre we sure that's a Girl? Never stare!Just a glance at the second girl from the left. I believe that qualifies as cleavage in 1919. Nothing against the 1920's, but----the makeup, hair and outfits of the day (big bows in your hair and rolled socks and/or nylons with heels?!) do these women NO favors (i.e. the fact that the girl 2nd from the right actually looks GOOD is the amazing fact here) What, pray tell...is that mini-shovel for and/or doing in this picture? [I'd say it's a petite sand shovel (suitable for Young Ladies), a photo prop in keeping with the typical Sennett bathing beauty seaside-frolicking motif. In most other National Photo Sennett shots, they have an oar. - tterrace] Is she the chaperone?The woman on the left looks pretty old. She could be the mother of some of the other ones. Well BuiltThis is back in the day when you could sit on an open car door with no concern. The shade of things to comeIn about 25 years, some of these gals will have a full time gig doing cabaret at a little joint called the Kit Kat Klub in Berlin. Character shoes Amazing how these have changed so little; below, from a current catalog. Typically worn by the chorus, the dancers, and anyone without specific costume requirements in a musical. And these are showgirls--the makeup is supposed to be exaggerated, not much subtlety in the limelight. The rolled stockings have interesting symbolism: still wearing stockings, but pulled down so you can "gasp" see bare leg skin! (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Movies, Natl Photo, Pretty Girls)
Marvel Rea: 1919
"Mack Sennett Girl," circa 1919. Actress Marvel Rea, one of film producer Mack Sennett's well-rounded "bathing girls," in somewhat moldy National Photo ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/05/2009 - 4:09am -

"Mack Sennett Girl," circa 1919. Actress Marvel Rea, one of film producer Mack Sennett's well-rounded "bathing girls," in somewhat moldy National Photo glass negative. From a series of pictures using cars and tires as props. View full size. Bathing BeautyThey were called Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties. Several famous actresses got their start with Mack. I don't know which I like better......the name "Marvel" or those wickedly cool shoes! Marvel Mystery GirlSo what ever happened to Marvel? I only find the films she was in and a short blurb about her being kidnapped and assaulted in L.A. near her home. Any further details about this lovely lady? More MarvelRegarding Marvel's alleged 1903 birth date, we might take that with a grain of salt. It seems to have been calculated from the age given for her at the time of the 1936 assault trial. Age-fudging was pretty common for movie stars back then. (Although at least one news account did call her the "baby star" of silent films.) It would be nice to know what eventually became of her.                         Marvel's lifeHer page in Internet Movie Database lists 27 films, all between 1917 and 1921, and most with "come hither" titles (such as "Why Beaches are Popular"). Her marriage to Henry Page Wells in 1918 was eventful, according to the divorce petition she filed in 1922, which accused him of standing her on her head two weeks after the wedding, spending his salary on narcotics, and certain acts of impulsiveness and violence. Fast forward to September 1936, when the newspapers reported that the "33-year old blue-eyed blonde" was kidnapped by three youths in a red truck in south Los Angeles, subjected to a "night of terror" in a eucalyptus grove where she was "repeatedly mistreated," then released in Compton. Three suspects were quickly caught, then convicted by a jury that November and sent to San Quentin in January 1937. After that event, her name disappears from the papers. Marvel in the CensusA Marvel Rea appears in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 censuses, which all show her living in Los Angeles. In 1910, she is 9 years old and living with grandparents David and Mary, daughter Grace Conlin and daughter-in-law Nellie Rea. David's occupation is at City Hall and Marvel is listed as being born in Nebraska. There are four children in the house - Gay, Lramas (maybe Thomas?), Marvel and Clyde. In the 1920 census, she is still in Los Angeles living with her parents at age 19, and listed as married. Parents are John and Nellie. John works as a building contractor. Siblings are Eva, Clyde and Thomas, plus two lodgers. Eva and Marvel's occupations are given as "actress, film industry" and Thomas's is "photographer, film industry." In 1930 Marvel is still in Los Angeles, living in in a house valued at $3,000, which she owns. Listed as widowed and born in Nebraska and living with mother Mae (also listed as widowed) and brother Clyde (age 22), who works as a plasterer. She is listed as unemployed. They are not listed as having a radio set. The address is 134 West 117th Street, Los Angeles. [Fascinating, thank you. So is her mother Nellie or Mae? [The answer: Nellie Mae.] If she was 9 in 1910 that means she was born in 1900 or 1901. - Dave] Marvel's MomThe 1920 census has a Nellie. The 1930 has Mae. They are about the same age but are listed with different birthplaces. Could one be a stepmother? Or a mistake by the census taker? Or maybe her name was Nellie Mae. In 1920 Nellie is the wife of John Rea, so we don't know for sure she is Marvel's mother. In the 1910 census Nellie Rea is listed as the householders' daughter-in-law. Where John is we don't know. I'm on a roll!Here's a biography of what appears to be Marvel's brother Thomas Rea: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0713775/bio The bio was written by Kevin Scott Rea. Might be able to find out about Marvel from him. Nellie May ReaI found Thomas's draft registration card from WWI. His occupation is listed as "film industry" and next of kin is Nellie May Rea -- so Marvel's mom went by the name Nellie May (Mae). Runnin' Wild!Marvel Rea appears to have had a complicated life after she left Sennett. The lurid news details of her divorce and the later abduction reminded me of an antique saying used in my family to describe a girl who had Been Around: "She's seen more lighthouses than I've seen streetlamps!" Go Clyde!If Clyde died in 1943, it would be quite a trick for him to have had a daughter in 1949. Pretty sad though. Lots of early deaths there -- and pretty close together too. 1937According to a family tree I found Marvel died in 1937 and is buried in California. I have contacted the author to try and get more information. Marvel Luciel Rea 1901-1937Pacific Crest Cemetery, Redondo Beach, California Eva Gay Rea 1895-1936 Clyde D.W. Rea 1907-1943 Marvel Luciel Rea 1901-1937 There is also an infant Mary Rea, 1949-1950, perhaps Clyde's daughter? California was not kind to this Midwestern family. [Thank you, Anonymous Tipster! (How could Mary be Clyde's daughter if he died in 1943?) In any case now I'm really curious as to what happened to Marvel. I can think of all kinds of sad scenarios relating to that assault. - Dave] 134 West 117thI wonder if her house is still there. I had a look and perhaps it still is. Thanks so much all for supplying information on Marvel she certainly did not have a happy life which is very sad indeed. Up too lateObviously up too late. Tom Rea lived until 1956. Or it could be another relative. Marvel Rea Wilkinson, 1901-1937This is a great site, and I'm glad to see that other people remember Marvel Rea! I've done a bit of research on her over the last few years, along with other Mack Sennett alumni, for my upcoming book "Mack Sennett's Fun Factory" (for McFarland), and I can provide a few more details about Marvel. She was born on November 9, 1901 in Ainsworth, Nebraska, and came to California with her family by 1910. A couple of years ago I looked up her death certificate, which is under her last married name (no mention of Rea). In August 1936, just a few weeks before the unfortunate events involving her being assaulted, she became engaged to an Edwin J. Wilkinson. Apparently they did marry, though I don't have the date. However, sadly, Marvel L. Wilkinson died on June 17, 1937, at age 35 in Los Angeles. The cause of death on her death certificate is suicide by poison (ingestion of ant paste). Its hard to fathom what torment she must have gone through to lead to that end. Her death certificate lists her occupation as actress, and that her last work in that profession was for the Fox Film Company in 1932. In 1939, the three men convicted of Marvel's assault were released from San Quentin because of technicalities regarding their trial. Brent Walker New Shorpy addict here...The almost exact same bathing suit was seen here https://www.shorpy.com/node/4470 a couple of months before, but no one deemed it worthy of comment. Perhaps it isn't? Both are 1919 bathing beauties, but while Miss Rea is identified as a Sennett girl, the other is one of Sidney Lust's chorus girls. Is the similarity just a coincidence? Great Aunt MarvelHeard lots of stories about Marvel from my aunts and grandmother. She was one of Mack's bathing beauties and a mermaid. One of her marriages was not listed. Wells was a banker. The missing husband was a very famous world class violinist. Do recall his name but she traveled with him on tour. The Wilkinson listed as her last husband Eddie was the brother of Dorothy Wilkinson. Who was married to her brother Tom. Marvel and Clyde where both drinking together at her time of death. Made a suicide pact together. She carried it out. He passed out. She had a trail of bad marriages. She thought she had nothing to live for. She could not have kids. She had a miscarriage while filming with a real Gorilla in a cage. She could not get pregnant after that. Researching Marvel ReaI'm researching her life and death for an upcoming book of mine. If anyone has new info or a way I could contact living relatives, please let me know at my email: olivethomasproject@aol.com (The Gallery, Natl Photo, Pretty Girls, Swimming)
The Empress: 1922
... Ninth Street N.W." Next door to the Empress Theater, where Mack Sennett's "Crossroads of New York" is playing. National Photo Company ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 9:37pm -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Hahn's shoe store, 414 Ninth Street N.W." Next door to the Empress Theater, where Mack Sennett's "Crossroads of New York" is playing. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Why don't we decorate things anymore?Note the scrollwork on the bracket of the truck roof (!) on the left; and the beautiful details on Herbert's. Art for art's sake, it's called. WirelessThis shows a great close up view of how Washington's streetcars were powered without overhead wires. Between the tracks is a slot between two metal pieces. The cars picked up power with a "plow" that ran through the slot to a power source below the street. This is particularly relevant now since the City Council wants to bring back streetcars but allow overhead wires to power them. Current law still prohibits all overhead wiring in specified areas of D.C. to protect the views. Hong Kong [what??]Note the doorway between the Empress and the shoe store, topped by the elaborate pagoda-style entry. The door leads upstairs to the Hong Kong something-or-another, according to the folded awnings in the windows. A restaurant, most likely. Maybe a dry cleaners, or custom-made clothing. Or perhaps an opium den, or oriental massage. Nawwww. [Your "Hong Kong" is reflected signage across the street. Oops. Now I see it. - Dave] OverdueMay I just add an overdue "Thank You!" to Stanton Square. Always adding interesting info and answering questions. A very appreciated mainstay at Shorpy. At The Movies - Crossroads of New YorkThe Empress is playing "Crossroads of New York" and "The Fire Chief" starring Dan Mason. The latter is a two reeler comedy an entry in a series starring Dan Mason as Pops Tuttle, released in 1922. Mason was 65 years of age (born 1857) and cranked out about 11 of these in 1922-23. In the next few years he would take supporting roles in feature comedies and in dramas. His last role was an uncredited role in the now lost sound film "The Awakening" which was nominated for an Oscar in 1928. Mason died in July 1929. "Crossroads of New York" is in most ways the more interesting film. Legendary comedy producer Mack Sennett, who introduced Charlie Chaplin, Mabel Normand, Roscoe Arbuckle, Buster Keaton and a host of others to the public, decided to make "Crossroads of New York" as his first dramatic feature. When it debuted (under the name "Heart's Balm") it was met with howls of laughter. Not one to let something go, Sennett had it rewritten and rereleased as a comedy. It failed as a comedy too. It starredGeorge O'Hara (whose career died with Silents), Noah Beery, whose career as a character actor made an easy transition to sound, Ethel Grey Terry, and Australian comedian Billy Bevan. Hong Kong LowThe cute pagoda marks the street entrance to Hong Kong Low, a Chinese and American Restaurant located on the second and third floor. It opened at this location in 1917. Try their Delicious Chop Suey after the theater. Arthur Stanton (no relation) let the fun get out of hand one Autumn evening in 1924: Washington Post, Oct 6, 1924 Man Fractures Arm In Three-Story Fall Arthur Stanton, 21 years old, 41 T street northwest, fell three stories to the street from the Hong Kong Low Chinese restaurant on Ninth street northwest, last night, and suffered only a broken arm, police say. Headquarters detectives were called and after investigation said Stanton had been drinking. A friend of Stanton's said he had been pushed from the window by a Chinese. Police say he wandered too close to the window and fell out. Spiffy ShoesIt looks like the ghost has just left the shoeshine parlor. Something New Every Day DepartmentUntil this Shorpy post came along, I labored under the delusion that it was Max Sennett who made the early movies. Great entertainmentNot at the Empress but two doors down. Come see Herbert's incredible contorting delivery man, Zeke "Crazy Legs" Monroe. Penn-CeraA product of Consumers Brewing Company of Philadelphia. Completely forgotten, up till now. Hot times at the EmpressIn the first year of its operation, the Empress (at 416 9th St., N.W.) suffered a fire in the operator's booth when a film machine burst into flames, as reported by the Washington Herald of May 12, 1910 and reprinted in Headley. With a full house unaware of the danger, employees subdued the flames with fire extinguishers. The Post reported, "The audience was dismissed, the admission fees were returned, and everybody left thinking the machinery had broken down." Remodeled in 1915 (with a redesigned external entrance to the booth, for safety), the Empress was in operation until about 1945. [There was also a lightning strike in 1912, and a fire in 1924. The proprietor, Marcus Notes, died in 1951. Below: March 20, 1910. - Dave] Go ahead, break my heartThe famous Gayety Burlesque house was in the same block, although the Empress was long gone when I first checked out "the strip" as a kid from the back seat of my parents' 1956 Ford Fairlane. The whole block was full of cheesy sex joints then, only blocks away from not only the National Archives, but also DC's central family shopping corridor, home to Lansburgh's, Kann's, The Hecht Company, Woodward & Lothrop, Jelleff's, Garfinckel's and dozens of specialty stores where you found goods ranging from lowbrow to the most elegant. I miss all that. A lot. I knew Bill Hahn in the late 1970s, when he was quite a senior gentleman. He must have worked in this family shop when a youth. He was a most charitable and generous person. Zoom in on the architectural details of the building on the left. Wow. (The Gallery, D.C., Movies, Stores & Markets)
Queens of Comedy: 1919
... Washington is looking forward to the arrival of the famous Mack Sennett girls, who are due to reach this city in the near future, and who are ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/30/2020 - 12:09pm -

        All of Washington is looking forward to the arrival of the famous Mack Sennett girls, who are due to reach this city in the near future, and who are to appear every day on the stage at one of the local theaters in conjunction with the much-heralded feature photoproduction "Yankee Doodle in Berlin." -- News item (Washington Post) Washington, D.C., circa 1919. "Mack Sennett girls." An assortment of the theatrical impresario's "bathing beauties," last seen here. National Photo Co. View full size. Timing is everythingI like the two overcoat-clad old gents pausing on their daily constitutional to take in all the glories of the Mack Sennett girls from afar. Nothing to reveal here.Revealing attire was not restricted to the silent screen, as seen easily in this publicity photo. The "Hayes Code" moral guidelines put an end this from 1934, much to the disappointment of untold numbers of fans. Miss DirectionThere must be three photographers trying to take their picture. The girl with the paddlecould row my boat any day. I'll bet the other girls called her "Skinny". Original Bathing Girls in PersonCan't be sure, but (left to right) the girls on the film ad look a lot like girls 6, 5, and 3 (Marvel Rea) in the photo. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Movies, Natl Photo, Pretty Girls)
Icecapade: 1924
... something, or were aspiring starlets. Reminds me of the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties or some such. Polar Plunge This picture reminds ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/11/2011 - 10:56am -

February 23, 1924. A winter frolic along the frozen banks of the Potomac in Washington. View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. Holy MolyOK, 1) barefoot on the ice? Our ancestors truly were a hardier bunch, and 2) the girl holding up the big chunk of ice has AMAZING arms. TonedShe probably didn't have to do anything special to get those arms, either. People of the early 20th century were no couch potatoes. "Baywatch" 1.0Their swimwear is more revealing than what some of the other ladies from this era were wearing at the beach. Would this have been kind of risque for the period? Where are their socks/stockings? Where're their hats? Where's the beach policeman with his measuring tape, making sure we don't see too much leg? Did the beach cop take the winter off? 1920s swimsuitsI thought these were pretty revealing, too, but there are some drawings and tiny photos here that look similar to what's above. The most striking difference is the absence of bathing caps and decoration/belts. SwimsuitsI'm more impressed by the ice lady's bodysuit - were they common back in the 20s? And she's sensibly wearing shoes. Cold as IceWhere do I start with this one? The Clara Bow type who is riding piggyback? The insanely tight suits? The bare feet? No, I just want to know more. My guess is that these gals, who are all rather too attractive for a random sample, were being used to promote something, or were aspiring starlets. Reminds me of the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties or some such. Polar PlungeThis picture reminds me of the Polar Plunge that goes on in Cleveland every year- I don't know when the date is, but in late winter/early spring a bunch of people gather along Lake Erie and jump in the freezing cold water! Most of the people who dive are dressed as scantily these young ladies, and a lot of people who have done it say it's very refreshing. I wouldn't try it myself, though... Re: TonedI have to agree with Frank's comment about people of the early 20th century not being couch potatoes. The woman holding the ice has a gorgeous set of "guns". Her arms remind me of Michelle Obama's arms. "Toned" is almost an understatement! (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo, Pretty Girls, Swimming)
Taking the Waters: 1900
... a set for something by Laurel and Hardy or maybe an early Mack Sennett extravaganza with Chaplin. Won't you come and play with us? ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/29/2012 - 10:13am -

Ypsilanti, Michigan, circa 1900. "Two men in corridor of Mineral Bath House." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. SomehowI can see a set for something by Laurel and Hardy or maybe an early Mack Sennett extravaganza with Chaplin. Won't you come and play with us?Does this picture remind anyone else of the two creepy girls in the hallway from "The Shining"? We're not inverts!We're here in this all male bath house for the minerals. Really! Faint praiseAs the Ypsilanti Quarter Club sang when the spa opened in 1884: It's true, it has a woeful smell But if your stomach don't rebel It's just the thing to make you well And praise up Ypsilanti! Well, helloReminds me of the Riis Park Bathhouse. The agony of the feetThe shoes in these old photos always look like torture devices. Looking at the gnarled bare feet of these poor gentlemen, I think we can confirm the torture-footwear theory. Ballad for the Baths"If you are sad, with sickness worn, And have the headache every morn, Just come and drink a healing horn, Of Ypsilanti water.” —- from a Ballad for Ypsilanti Mineral Spring Water Overlook Spa"Come bathe with us ... forever!" Some history on the water"Ypsilanti has already come to be the center of attraction for the halt, the lame and the blind, the palsied and paralylics." http://ypsigleanings.aadl.org/ypsigleanings/13079 Come HitherThis reminds me of San Francisco in the late 70s. Real men don't wear jockstrapsBecause they haven't been invented yet? It all makes senseNow I understand how Ypsilanti's Water Tower came to be! LocationI grew up in Ypsi and remember reading about the "healing waters." Has anyone found out where this was located? WhereAccording to a 1892 business directory: 22 to 30 North Huron (just north of Michigan Avenue and west of the Huron River), in beautiful downtown Ypsi. SteamyI burst out laughing when I saw this shot - it looks **exactly** like what I've seen in a gay sauna. Guys at the doors, waiting for interested dudes to play with. (The Gallery, DPC)
Confetti: 1918
Mack Sennett's bathing beauties in serpentine confetti, April 24, 1918. View full ... 
 
Posted by Ken - 09/07/2011 - 10:37pm -

Mack Sennett's bathing beauties in serpentine confetti, April 24, 1918. View full size. NiceVery nice shot - just before the end of WWI BeautiesDoes anybody else find "professional beauties" from this era less attractive than pretty girls from other walks of life, like the recent pic of the female taxi driver? Part of the problem is the old-fashioned make-up in comparison with the more natural look of the common girls. But also it seems that moon-faced girls were over-represented in show business. AgreeAT, I, too, fail to find these ladies attractive. There's too much of the Clara Bow in them: too much makeup, too much emphasis on the cupid lips. Despite their "station" in life I find Dave's photos of maids and taxi drivers to be much more appealing; more real. And really, isn't that the case today? The women of the big screen (the Julia Roberts and Kate Winslets) are certainly not displeasing to the eye, no argument, sure. But how about the woman who works in the office next to yours, or that girl you saw in the elevator this morning, or the neighbor two houses down out picking up her newspaper who always waves hello as you pass: aren't they more attractive, for their very "realness?" Just a thought. (The Gallery, Pretty Girls)
House Movers: 1919
... Chaplinesque This is a Mack Sennett/Charlie Chaplin movie waiting to happen. [Buster Keaton in "One ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/14/2015 - 6:22pm -

San Francisco circa 1919. "Truck moving house" ("Vista Grande"). Even for 1919, this rig looks ancient. Note the soapbox racer on skate wheels. 5x7 glass negative, formerly of the Wyland Stanley and Marilyn Blaisdell collections. View full size. Why Doesn't the Truck Teeter-Totter?When I look at the length of the truck bed and the length of the side of the house, I'd guess that the house must be about 4-5 feet longer than the truck. Given the house's weight, I don't understand why the truck is not tipped on its back wheels with the front wheels in the air. The house must be about perfectly balanced on the truck. And even if it is perfectly balanced, I would think that going over the curb would cause the truck to tip. (This is where we need Paul Harvey to tell us "The Rest of the Story.") The Writing on the Wall(s)Ed was here in 1919; "Vista Grande." 50-50 ChanceI wonder if this is a pick up or a delivery. I'm going for delivery. Earthquake relief shacks?This reminds me of the little houses that were built for temporary housing after the 1906 quake and fire. In 1974 I lived in a house made from two of them at 300 Cumberland Street - they are still there, and they DO have a "Grande Vista" over downtown: I imagine moving them was a bit like this. https://goo.gl/maps/1jpopbTavP92 ChaplinesqueThis is a Mack Sennett/Charlie Chaplin movie waiting to happen. [Buster Keaton in "One Week." -tterrace] Birth of the RVDodge Ramshackle Solid Rubber Tires & Chain Drive Though I can't identify the truck, I do see many enjoyable details in this photo ! The truck has solid rubber tires and a chain drive. If that chain breaks, there will be no "engine braking", and the driver will have to hope the mechanically-linked brakes are sufficient. The truck has acetylene headlights, but the seem to be disused - which implies daylight use only. Note the hand crank for starting. This goes along with the acetylene headlights; the truck dates from before vehicles had electrical systems. The hurricane-style kerosene lantern seems to have a red globe. Perhaps it is used as a warning light when something has to be left on the street overnight. At times when one's modern. computerized vehicle is in the shop for some complex and expensive repair, one might wish for a simple vehicle such as this, but then one remembers the blessings of things like two-section hydraulic power brakes, real headlights, and the electric start ! Not to mention an all-weather cab ! I might add that the driver looks like perhaps he did not start the day in clean clothes! Monkey BloodI'm with Kelpie - if this was a pick-up the boards in the background would likely be compressed into the soft topsoil. Also, the lack of piers or a stemwall, along with the general countenance of ad hoc engineering exhibited by the three guys on the right suggests their plan is to back that heap of a truck up until they are satisfied with placement, build a temporary support frame, ease the truck out from under the structure, and then leave the whole rickety mess for stonemasons to build stone piers under the corners and center joists. Ol' Goober had a street racer not unlike "No.9" featured here. The front right skate had some bad bearings, and my maiden run ended when seized wheels caused the contraption to veer sharply in that direction throwing my gravity over the left of center axis resulting in a rollover and road rash on my left ear and head-bone. I remember my grandmother trying to debride the wound of tar and dirt while I wailed and writhed on the front porch. The only thing worse than tweezers and hot soapy water was the monkey blood *shudder*. Goober Pea Not Many HorsesIt's amazing what could be done with maybe 60HP, nowadays there's people cutting 2/10 acre lawns with 24. If I had a time machine I'd go back to this task just to listen to that thing working. WOWOne of the best photos I've seen as far as details go. Awesome. All wheel drive?What in the heck is keeping the front end on the truck on the ground. Seems to me it should be popping a wheelie. The Wicked Witch of the WestExtreme measures were required to extract her remains from under the house. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Kids, San Francisco, W. Stanley)
Beach Burro: 1905
... I don't get it. Beach movies I was thinking more Mack Sennett 1915. (The Gallery, Atlantic City, DPC, Horses, Swimming) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/25/2012 - 3:08pm -

The Jersey shore circa 1905. "At Atlantic City." Please watch where you walk. Dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Her ExpressionShe appears to be in on a joke I don't understand. I really think she's a cutie though. The girl ain't bad either! Reminds me... of a girlfriend I used to have. Loved the beach but never went in the water. Spent the whole day just sitting on her ass. Even on Vacation"Though they often performed together on stage in Tijuana, few dared guess they were close personal friends and frequently traveled in each other's company." Jackass 1.0Frankie and Annette of 105 years ago? Some things never change! Thank goodness, or where would WE be? I wonder if they went in for some nice refreshing Guzo after their romp? The Shorpy Challenge:Look at this photo and don't crack a smile. Beach Blanket Burro?An early, not-so-successful, Frankie and Annette movie formula. The DonkeysWhat was their purpose/allure on Atlantic Beach? Almost like an adult version of a pony ride. In that era of horses, I don't get it. Beach moviesI was thinking more Mack Sennett 1915. (The Gallery, Atlantic City, DPC, Horses, Swimming)
Rea, Sterling & Maison: 1919
... Ford Sterling and Alice Maison in a publicity photo for Mack Sennett Comedies, c. 1919. View full size. “Why Beaches Are ... 
 
Posted by Ken - 08/07/2007 - 3:29am -

Marvel Rea (left), Ford Sterling and Alice Maison in a publicity photo for Mack Sennett Comedies, c. 1919. View full size. “Why Beaches Are Popular”I bet this is promoting Why Beaches Are Popular (IMDB link), a May 1919 release, which seems to be the only film that all three worked on together. I am digging the boots.It almost looks like a modern photo, aged to look like it's from 1919. It seems to be overdramatically spoofing themselves. Awesome. ChristmasThe girl on the right looks like she is ready for Christmas I didn't think of theI didn't think of the Christmas outfit until you pointed it out Ron. The other girl looks very much like she came from down the rabbit hole somewhere. Perhaps playing croquet with the Queen? (Pretty Girls, Public Figures)
Paper Dolls: 1918
April 1918. "Five Mack Sennett girls provocatively posed amid serpentine confetti." Winners of the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/05/2016 - 12:58pm -

April 1918. "Five Mack Sennett girls provocatively posed amid serpentine confetti." Winners of the Shoscar® for Best Costume! Photo by Evans, L.A. View full size. OUCH!Paper cut. Provocatively PosedYeah, baby. Let those knees breathe!!! Company motto sugestion"A leg up in the paper shredding business." By order of the Fire MarshalAbsolutely no smoking or open fires are permitted backstage! WaitingFor a well timed gust of wind. Front and CentreTroupe leader in the centre, white stockings and blingy headdress - but the one on the right steals the show for me. (The Gallery, Los Angeles, Movies, Pretty Girls)
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