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My Ears Are Burning: 1940
... on top of hot stove. Chamisal, New Mexico." Photo by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. View full size. On the Mend Cool ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/25/2020 - 4:33pm -

July 1940. "Spanish-American boy eating sweet corn which he has roasted on top of hot stove. Chamisal, New Mexico." Photo by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. View full size. On the MendCool patch on the inside of the boy’s pant leg. Very extensive, too, from just above the ankle to above the knee. And the basic serviceable sewing job looks like something I would do. Not what you’d call invisible stitching. Good EatsThis young man's family may not have much (search LOC and you'll find a picture of them) but he seems to be happy. More than likely about the sweet corn he is heating and eating. I remember eating corn this way as a kid, but I was not as lucky as this young man to be able to cook it myself. I was given the job of cleaning up, not cooking. Jarring seasonI wonder what's in the pressure cooker. Apricots maybe? Guessing from the jars that are already done? Are there that many apricot trees in NM? Roast 'n earsMy father (1898-1958) called them. (The Gallery, Kids, Kitchens etc., Rural America, Russell Lee)
Made in the Shade: 1941
... of July picnic in Vale, Oregon. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/08/2008 - 12:41pm -

July 1941. Youngsters at the Fourth of July picnic in Vale, Oregon. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. The Forties........when no one wore shorts. ShortsI dunno, check out the comic book -- the big blond guy with long hair (Samson?) is wearing shorts. Cotton ShirtsThat's an unusual shawl-collar shirt. Both boys' shirts are probably 100% cotton and look like they have been ironed. Note the sharp creases on comic book boy's shirt. Love those "white sidewall" haircuts! ComicWhat comic book are they reading? Yep, it's "Samson"James Lileks recently posted an unfortunately-drawn piece of cover art from the series. The hulking white girly-man in Spandex looks the same: http://lileks.com/institute/funny/07/65.html -- bloghwhoring @ http://indigestible.nightwares.com/ Crying over comicsI start crying when I think of the many comic books that I sold or threw away years ago. Adults hated them and couldn't get rid of them fast enough. Corrupting the youth of America! (The Gallery, July 4, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
A Friendly Game: 1938
... in store near Reserve, Louisiana." 35mm negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Hint of a ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/09/2011 - 6:36pm -

September 1938. "Game of coon-can in store near Reserve, Louisiana." 35mm negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Hint of a SmileThat guy fancies his chances. Reserve, LouisianaI grew up in Reserve in the 1950's and '60's. I'd love to get some old photos of Reserve pre-1960. Anyone out there got some? skippadeau@aol.com (The Gallery, Rural America, Russell Lee, Sports, Stores & Markets)
Purr Me Another: 1937
... bar on Saturday night. Craigville, Minnesota." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Rough With ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/23/2018 - 5:24pm -

September 1937. "Lumberjack at the bar on Saturday night. Craigville, Minnesota." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Rough With The SmoothSo goes the story of a lumberjack who, Brought his kitty into the bar bearing life's heavy load Without a thought for himself, did with a sigh say, "I'll have one for my baby, and one more for the road" Ohhh I'm a lumberjack!And I'm OK. I sleep all night and I work all day. I cut down trees. I skip and jump. I like to press wild flowers. On Wednesday I pet kitties That hang around in bars. Long Branch saloon?Well, there's Miss Kitty. This picture is incredibly sadI've sat here staring at it for ten minutes, trying to come up with a backstory that isn't totally depressing and tearjerking, and utterly failed. [Spilled milk? - Dave] Looks familiarI would not be surprised if that man is me in a past life. Drinks, please!I'd like a "Catster", and for my little buddy, a "Hair of the Dog". Deja vuBeen there, done that. (several times but without the cat). SadThis picture almost makes me cry. And I'm 65 years old. At leastHe has a job during the Great Depression, spotlessly clean hands, a full head of wavy hair and the friendship of a nice little cat. So there is hope for the lumberjack that he went on to enjoy better days. HauntingLong time lurker here, but had to reg just to comment on this image; like others here this has haunted me. It is incredibly sad. My photo class in college introduced me to the pics in The Family of Man - nothing in there was as profound as this. Why hasn't this image captured all the available awards? Sarting with the Pulitzer & not stopping. Although I have a professional printer which I use to print my art, I'm ordering a print as a Thank You for finding this image. HauntingI enjoy coming to the site every couple weeks and reviewing old photos. Shorpy is a wonderful contribution to the internet. Like previous commenters, this one stopped me in my tracks. What a intimate and revealing photograph, and what an incredible moment that was captured. In a time when twitter posts about what is trending with a hashtag drive a newscycle, this photo, by comparison, arrests the mind of the viewer and depicts a shard of the man's soul. Best, by fur!I nominate the title given to this photo as the "Most Clever" of the many Shorpy titles. (The Gallery, Cats, Russell Lee)
State Police: 1940
... second look at the festivities in Old Santa Fe. Photo by Russell Lee. View full size. Easy Rider Does the cop really smell that bad? ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/05/2014 - 11:47am -

July 1940. "New Mexico State Police at Fiesta parade." Our second look at the festivities in Old Santa Fe. Photo by Russell Lee. View full size. Easy RiderDoes the cop really smell that bad? Oops!Looks like someone stuck his nose in where it didn't belong. What happened to that guy's schnozz?And why is he riding a state police motorcycle? OK, here's the storyDan Mathews (Broderick Crawford) pursued a suspect across state lines, but crashed Unit 21-50 on a sharp curve outside Santa Fe. He is receiving a courtesy ride from a New Mexico State Police counterpart. [The guy reminded me of Broderick Crawford too. Lately I've been watching a lot of "Highway Patrol" on DVD, which is surprisingly good. - Dave] Highway PatrolI too have been watching Highway Patrol on a retro channel our cable service recently added. Great old TV, California 50+ years ago never mind the cars. This photo could be a still from the show. They play Highway Patrol and then Sea Hunt, another great show. Leonard Nimoy has been in about eight episodes of these two shows playing everything from tough guys to wimps. (The Gallery, Motorcycles, Russell Lee)
Paradise P.O.: 1940
... development, now a fruit section." Acetate negative by Russell Lee. View full size. Holy smokes The stand-alone chimney reminds me ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/29/2020 - 1:14pm -

May 1940. "A residence and post office at Paradise, Cochise County, Arizona, former center of mining development, now a fruit section." Acetate negative by Russell Lee. View full size. Holy smokesThe stand-alone chimney reminds me of very early Colonial homes. The Post Office in Paradise?I am guessing that they mainly use text and email these days. Fire PreventionAn outside chimney helped prevent the spread of fire to the interior of the building. A common practice to contain a chimney fire was to pull it down! So remoteSo remote that even Google Streetview didn't get there yet. A perfect spot for the socially anxious and the enochlophobic. Good fenceMuch is in need of repair or replacement here, or the usual paint, but the fence is solid and recent. (The Gallery, Frontier Life, Mining, Russell Lee)
Kitchen Patrol: 1940
... up the kitchen. Snowville, Utah." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. I spy ... so ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/15/2020 - 9:11am -

August 1940. "Daughter of Mormon farmer sweeping up the kitchen. Snowville, Utah." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. I spy ... so many thingsThe hot water tank to the right of the stove. I had relatives in Maine with the same setup in their kitchen that was used right up to the early 1980s. Year round, the stove was going to keep the water hot! Also (if I had guessed) the pattern on the linoleum under the stove and along the wall looks more mid-20th century than I would expect to find in a 1930s/40s kitchen. What's up what's with the Straw Hat? Stove? What stove?You know you've been hanging around this site too long when you realize that you've spent twenty minutes trying to read the fine print on the wall calendar, and can't recall what else is in the picture. One familyOne teethbrush. [That might be for fingernails, oyster forks, etc. - Dave] It's not a straw hatIn response to Steve Belcher, it's called a "snood", worn kind of like a hairnet, very popular during the 1940's, especially 1943. Usually made of fine knitted or crocheted thread. [Sometimes I wonder about you people. - Dave] Her mouthI note the way she has her mouth open tightly. It’s either rapt concentration on the broom task or plain old shyness. Both ways work for me. Yeah, what's up with that thing to the right of the stoveI wondered the same thing as Mr Belcher. My theory now is that they put it there to cover the mousetrap that they didn't want to show in the picture. As for the toothbrush: I think that's an old one that's used to get at the hard-to-reach places when you're washing dishes or cleaning up. The real toothbrushes are in the bathroom. The snood on her headThe snood had a revival of popularity in the early '40s due to the film version of "Gone With the Wind." Also handy when women went to work in the factories during WWII. The next forgotten wartime fashion trend was nailhead trim on ladies' dresses. Ironing's nextFive sad irons sitting on a hot stovetop. And the wash has just been pulled off the lines. You know what's next. LinoleumDoes this linoleum pattern have a generic name? I remember it from my urchin days and would like to revisit the style. Lino nameNeural pathways crossed with Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie Woogie. (A popular pattern back in the 30s and 40s.) Best ToastNothing can beat the taste of toast made using that griller on the right. I still use ours at our cottage in Northern Ontario. Big PlansI'm going to the barbershop tomorrow and if it isn't open, I'm gonna buy a snood. Fun with FlooringHere's a fun blog about vintage linoleum flooring: http://www.vintageinn.ca/2016/06/the-beautiful-world-of-1940s-linoleum-f... (The Gallery, Kids, Kitchens etc., Russell Lee)
Pie Town Picnic: 1940
... farmers who filed homestead claims." Kodachrome by Russell Lee. View full size. Beautiful You can taste the deliciousness. ... was like. (The Gallery, Pie Town, Rural America, Russell Lee) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/07/2011 - 4:02pm -

Sept. 1940. "Serving the barbecue dinner at the Pie Town, New Mexico Fair. Pie Town is a community settled by about 200 migrant Texas and Oklahoma farmers who filed homestead claims." Kodachrome by Russell Lee. View full size. BeautifulYou can taste the deliciousness. With added happiness on the side. Where areWhere are all the sullen kids wandering around like zombies? Everyone looks so happy, must be something to do with no TV. Or maybe we just don't get enough pie these days. Pie Towna different time and a fuller life. I remember pies baked by Grandmom. Some flat but always good. Where are the good times gone? Gosh!this brings back memories of picnics and garden parties when life was much so much better, at least in my opinion. Is the grass always greener?I feel a similar nostalgic wistfulness when I view this picture. But I can't help but wonder if 70 yrs from now, future generations will be looking at our photos with the same sense of longing. Don't Fall Victim to NostalgiaNothing is stopping any of you posters from doing exactly what's happening in this photograph. Go invite your friends and family out to the park and have a nice time! Nobody is forcing you to watch TV or be unhappy. With that said, great picture =) The Pie FestivalFor each of you who have said that you long to partake in activities of this sort (of yesteryear to many of you), you can by attending the annual Pie Festival. It is held in Pie Town on the second Saturday of September every year. Beautiful photo of simpler timesThis picture definitely takes me back to my childhood, when we would have Homecoming Day at our church. After the morning services, the entire congregation would have a huge picnic. And yes, to us kids it was a happy occasion, because we actually got to pick and choose what we would have for lunch, LoL! (in our home it was either eat what was placed in front of you, or do without) The food was good, the fellowship was good, Homecoming Day was always special, no matter what the weather was like. (The Gallery, Pie Town, Rural America, Russell Lee)
Palm Meadow: 1940
... Patricio County, Texas." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Wordplay ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/15/2021 - 11:59am -

March 1940. "Entrance to farm in San Patricio County, Texas." Medium format acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. WordplayThey're having fun with palmetto. Near the city of TaftAccording to the very few records I could find of its existence. Quite a grand spread ol' Henry had. PalmettoA play on words? Sad palmsThose palm trees don't look too happy or healthy. Not like Florida or California palms! (The Gallery, Agriculture, Russell Lee)
A Big Kiss for Gramps: 1941
... Vale, Oregon. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Cordon sanitaire Wow! Getting physically and mentally ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/09/2011 - 11:22am -

July 1941. Farmer with his granddaughter at the Fourth of July picnic in Vale, Oregon. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Cordon sanitaireWow! Getting physically and mentally irritated by smokers, even from 200 feet away! If you need a private sphere with a radius of 200 feet from which all possible causes of irritation are banned, you might as well go live in Siberia or face it that you may have a problem living with other, sometimes imperfect, people around you. The Fat Lady at Wal-Mart>> I think that fat people are ugly, disgusting, and are doing harm to their bodies. Whoa, back the fat train up here. Where do you get off saying that from nowhere?! Adjust your perception, buddy. Most of the civilized world is getting fatter. Whatever will you do with your sensitivities 20 years from now? People will smoke, people will eat. Not everyone who is a smoker or fat is flawed in the ways you think they are. Perhaps smoking was an option back in the Depression to stave off hunger... and they never could quit. Perhaps Mrs. Fat in Aisle 3 buying chips isn't fat because she wants to eat junk food and be lethargic. Perhaps she can't afford healthy foods, like most. Cheap carbs are always more accessible for the poor than vegetables and lean meats enough to feed a family. Especially in this day, in the economy at hand. Complain not about other people's life, health and such. Take care of yourself and learn to appreciate the good in people. Not what you are judging them for. Note: for future reference, if you cannot spell "exercise," then you cannot preach to others about it. Sorry. Love, The fat woman at Wal-Mart, doing the best she can. Health and stuff...Good health is great, you need it to tackle those issues which are more important than smoking. People were considerate and loving as this picture illustrates, and sadly many of those caught up in the smoking mania of the first half of the 20th century discovered its dangers too late. My generation watched the parents of the 1950s, including my father, die in a long, painful manner directly attributed to smoking. Your lungs can repair themselves, to a point. When I was a child, our home was filled with a smoky haze; allergies and asthma followed me for years after I'd moved out. I was around 30 when I noticed my lungs didn't hurt while jogging. But I digress. Keep yourself healthy. Really. You want to be around the next 20 years to benefit from medical advances that are being developed now. It'll make our current life seem as distant as these views from the past. (Hope there’s no rule against mentioning the future in Shorpy comments!) SmokeophobiaYou're lucky and I wish you continued good health. I was a smoker as well but I got the message and quit. I have three married daughters and neither they or their husbands are tobacco users and I'm hoping my six grandchildren won't be either. You've got to play the odds. The phobia is not out of hand in this country. Tobacco is a killer and the cost in heartache, pain and money is beyond reason. The people who grow it, sell it, smoke it or tax it have to realize the danger of this addiction and end it once and for all. I don't mean to preach, this is, after all, a photography site and not a soapbox for do-gooders or health nuts, but your comment had to be answered. Walmart, etc. etc. etc.If you keep it to yourself, and/or keep it private, you are simply a polite adult who has a valid opinion. You should set your own boundaries, and if you do not like smokers, chose to do what you can to not be exposed to it. If you yell at others, impose your will upon otherwise law abiding citizens (no i am not talking about someone lighting up inside the hospital waiting room or other unlawful place) you are being a rude, selfish, jerk. I think that fat people are ugly, disgusting, and are doing harm to their bodies. Do i go to walmart and yell at every 400 lb person in a scooter that I see? Do i walk up to someone in the junk food isle and preach at them about nutrition and excersize? No. I do not. I am an adult and I know when it is appropriate to express my opinion in a civilized society. [One reason the Shorpy "comments" section is the delightful place it is! - Dave] Smoking NazisSmoking Nazis, nothing quite like them. I do not smoke, but I fully support the freedom of your decision to do so. I had a friend who smoked, then quit, and abruptly became someone I no longer wished to associate with. She would accost strangers for smoking near her, and speak loudly and in a derogatory tone about anti-smoking rhetoric whenever someone with a cigarette was within shouting distance. The final straw was when I went to a museum with her, and we were out front taking pictures of our kids near a fountain, and someone lit up (200 feet or more away, down wind,in a heavy breeze, in the OUTDOOR designated smoking area) and she went over and berated him in public about killing her children. I was mortified. It is nobody's business what I or any other consenting adult does to his or her body, as long as it is legal. I'm sure I could find fault in any of your lives should I want to. Too much fried food? Drive too fast? Maybe you drink beer, or eat red meat, or a multitude of other "sins"? Relax people, there are other things to worry about in this world, and none of them are people smoking. For the record, I have family members who smoke. Some have developed cancer. Some are 80 years old and in great health. It is, and remains, their decision to partake in this habit, for better or for worse, and it is not my business to preach at them to quit. I have enough personal flaws that I'm sure anyone could point out that affect both me and the ones around me, and I know each and every single one of you do too. NonsmokersWith all due respect the smoke police are out in full force. I was at an Eagles game last month and I went where I thought was a smoking area, I lit up and lo and behold, someone yelled "smokers" and about 4 security guards came running at me, give me a break. I am a adult and choose to smoke, I am aware of the risks and I respect a nonsmoker's space, I wish people would stop telling me to stop, sorry to sound off on here. SmokersI'm probably not your ex-friend, but I can relate. When I quit I became far worse (more sensitive) than the self-righteous non-smokers I resented and swore I'd never be like. It stinks and irritates me, physically and mentally. And, sorry, smokers are not just doing something to their body, they're invading my space -- even from 200 feet away. That said, I'm not going to editorialize about historic pix (unless to note how the purveyors of these poisons took advantage of otherwise decent folks). Grandpa and the BabyIt shows what we didn't know or think of then. The possibility of burning the child or even worse, the ingestion of secondhand smoke leading to the lung problems of that and succeeding generations. We've got the info now, but there's still plenty of smokers out there. SmokophobiaI came to look at the comments for this photo just because I knew there would be complaints about the cigarette. I was not disappointed. I grew up in a household where every adult smoked heavily. I do not smoke. My little pink lungs never exploded from secondhand smoke and at 40 I still have not developed lung cancer. Smoking phobia is really getting out of hand in this country. Dr. Mel on smokingI am not going to argue on secondhand smoke, global warming, etc., but it strikes me that every time a cigarette is visible in vintage photographs, comic books or advertisements you get this sort of extremely well-meant comments. Baby on firePrimitive thought he might be, I imagine granpa knew not to set the baby on fire with his cigarette. And this brief exposure to second hand smoke probably imperils her less than the lead exposure from paint and auto exhaust of the time. I look at that and I'm glad they had a moment to play together. A Big KissAnd actually there was a kiss. All kinds of love for Grandpa. 30 years later......could've been me and my Grandpa. Plenty of family photos & memories involving smokers here...good AND bad. I think it's a sweet photo, as are the others...happy kids, happy grandpa. Touched a nerveSorry, it's just a fact that to me--a reformed, addicted smoker--secondhand smoke is physically and, yes, mentally (the holier than thou theory, I suppose) bothersome. I certainly didn't say I need a private sphere, much less require one, but surely you don't think Siberia would provide refuge from all possible causes of irritation?! Not my choice, anyway, if in fact I required such an orb. Of course, what's wrong with wishing for a bit more clean air? I mean, this isn't Shorpyland circa 1941 anymore. We've heard the Surgeon General's warnings about the harms of cigarettes since 1964. Smoking GrandpaAt one time, my sister and I divvied up a collection of family photographs. She refused to keep any photo of our grandfather in which he was holding a cigarette or a drink. Because of that, she wound up with only a few pictures of him as he was rarely without a cigarette or his whiskey. Cancer and cirrhosis helped lead to his death--as did diabetes and high cholesterol--but if I shunned any reminder of his smoking and drinking, I would have few mementos of him. So in this photo, accept that a cigarette is present and look at the real subject of the photo--a happy day, a loving family, and a charming memory. BTW, I love the Shorpy comments section for all the lively discussions. I don't always read blog comments, but at Shorpy the comments are often as fascinating as the photos. Warts and AllI can't understand anyone who wouldn't want pictures of a family member with a cigarette or a glass of whatever they drank, if the person was a smoker or someone who had enjoyed a drink from time to time. It is part of who they were. You can't remember people in an idealized form - the whole person includes their faults as well as their strengths. Just one more...Actually, one of the factors that inspired my quitting smoking (after 8 years, in my 20s) was that every picture of me featured a cigarette. I didn't want that associated with whatever legacy I might leave. Grandpa.I'm 30 years old, a smoker, and from a family of smokers. I smoke because I like it. I'm intelligent enough to know it's a dangerous lifestyle choice. So is unprotected sex. So is eating McDonalds, and so is driving too fast. I just want to say that I would do anything to have a moment like this with my grandfather, just one more time. Just a moment of it. I wish I had appreciated these kind of moments more when I had them. My grandfather died recently at age 86, not from smoking. I miss you, Rudy. I rememberThe aroma of my mother's purse -- tobacco, face powder, perfume and blackjack gum. She smoked and she loved me. Absolutely no one lives forever. I'd take a grampa who smokes and loves me over one who snarks at his fellows, compulsively goes to the gym, bitches about the dearth of organically grown veggies, fat people taking up his visual space. He is going to die, hopefully not alone with people who resent his hysterical attachment to himself. Cigarette hysteria is rampant, mean, dehumanizing, elitist and snotty. [Someone seems to have touched a nerve or two. - Dave] (The Gallery, July 4, Kids, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Dept. of Beer: 1942
... Sanitary facilities." Medium format nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Humor in World ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/30/2020 - 1:16pm -

August 1942. "Midway, Bingham County, Idaho. Sanitary facilities." Medium format nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Humor in World War liWhere was the other sanitary facility that had the sign "Used Hamburgers and Hot Dogs". Film stockThese great images from the nitrate era prompts one to ask if the negatives are still printable knowing the unsavory reputation of that medium. [I would have to say obviously yes. - Dave] ProcedureAre you allowed to remove the negative to an off site location to do the printing/scanning? [They've already been scanned. As far as the negative is concerned, scanning is the same as printing -- you're shining a light through the film. - Dave] As Archie Bunker used to say --You can never buy beer, you can only rent it. Apologies to Marlon Brando: Apocalypse NowThe Smell. The Smell. (The Gallery, Bizarre, Rural America, Russell Lee)
Dolls: 1938
... state fair." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. Library of Congress. Leering ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 06/04/2008 - 5:59pm -

November 1938. Donaldsonville, Louisiana. "Young girl buying doll from concession manager at the state fair." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. Library of Congress. Leering Dopeys...Shame! Snow White would've had a few choice words... Standing TallThe manager must be petite; I think she'd be eye-to-eye with the little girl if she stepped down from her Coke crate. And standing on it didn't keep the mud off her spectator shoes, unfortunately. Dopey, Charlie, Snow.They're not dolls---they're chalkware figurines. Charlie McCarthyBeen a while since I've seen Edgar Bergen's alter ego. He was far bigger than Jeff Dunham is today. I don't think Charlie ever ran for president, while Jeff's curmudgeonly Walter has thrown his hat in the ring. http://www.jeffdunham.com/walter.php Details, details!At first I thought the tube device in the lower left was a radio then I decided the item in the manager's hand is a microphone and it appeared connected to what must be an amplifier to "bark" the dolls. Also the other character with monocle and Uncle Sam hat appears to be Charlie McCarthy of Edgar Bergen fame? (The Gallery, Russell Lee, Sports)
Desperado: 1941
... Fourth of July, Vale, Oregon." 35mm acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Regrets ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2020 - 12:15pm -

July 1941. "Store with cap guns and fireworks for sale, Fourth of July, Vale, Oregon." 35mm acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Regrets"If only I hadn't spent all my money on licorice twists!" I give upWhat in the world is on the front of this young man? [A dog. - Dave] Cap RollsThe "ammo" for a cap gun is a roll of red paper with small amounts of explosive powder. The smell of the smoke emitted along with the shot was part of the experience. "A dog"A plaster dog, at that. I bet his mother just loved it! Well, at least it didn't need to be housebroken. HubleyA first-rate brand. Ask the kid who owned one. Very nice inventory, I am partial to the pearl handled 1911. General Patton would not approve ... of pearl grips on a cap gun. And while I like a good Hubley, I'm a Fanner 50 man. (The Gallery, July 4, Kids, Russell Lee, Stores & Markets)
Mrs. Maytag: 1938
... clothes. Lake Dick Project, Arkansas." 35mm negative by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. View full size. Shocking discovery. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/02/2012 - 11:17pm -

September 1938. "Farm wife washing clothes. Lake Dick Project, Arkansas." 35mm negative by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. View full size. Shocking discovery.Metal washtub heavy with water on power cord could cause a problem. It Probably Still RunsAnd look: she even has the matching dryer! Rainy MondayA farm wife would have hung laundry outdoors unless it was raining out, so I'm guessing that is why the inside clothesline is being used. Also in those days, Monday was the common "wash day" when just about everybody in America did their laundry. They even had recipes for easy Monday meals like red beans and rice, washday stew, easy soups and things that could cook themselves with no fussing. [Looks like a sunny day out there. Appears to be a screened porch, so the clothes would dry and not be subject to unpleasant avian contributions or, as happened more than once to my mother, catastrophic clothesline failure. - tterrace] Lightening the loadWhat a boon for the housewife. No more scrub boards and hand-wringing clothing, no more hands in blistering hot water. Washday was still a long, drawn out affair in the 1930s, but Maytag reduced the drudgery. My grandfather sold this very model during the period of the photo, one of the first independent dealers in western Oklahoma. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. Dangerous applianceWe had one of these when I was kid. Most people don't know that this was the most dangerous appliance in a household with kids. The agitator could break your arm and the rollers could break all your fingers. Just CuriousHow do you drain the dirty water out of that thing? I don't see a hose -- presumably it would not spill out onto the porch floor! [You wheeled it over to the utilty sink and attached the drain hose. -tterrace] I Remember It WellThe day when I was a lad of about 8 or 9 and grabbed the agitator of a running beast such as this. It seems there was a short somewhere within the machine and I lit up like a Christmas tree in what seemed like forever. It would be many years later that I would feel the pain again when my pet pooch hiked his leg and let loose on a spark plug of an idling lawn mower. We both learned our lesson. OUCH !The flat bar at the top of the wringer assembly would release the pressure IF you hit it hard enough. Later models would release by themselves by the time you got fingers halfway in. We used two rinse tubs supported on kitchen chairs because years before the proper folding rack had failed. Dump BucketI suspect she emptied the washer into the tub beside it and hauled that to the backdoor to empty. painful memoryOne of my earliest memories is being in my paternal grandmother's basement in Cresaptown MD circa 1966 and deciding that those spinning rollers looked like something that I would enjoy touching. Needless-to-say, I did not enjoy having my arm rolled almost up to the shoulder. Somehow I escaped without any real injuries. Can't See The Hose?How did Curous miss the hose to the left of "Maytag?" Lady of Leisure!I remember my mother-in-law telling me in the late 1930's, she so very much wanted a Washing Machine to simplify her life. She went out and found herself a job, only working long enough to pay for the machine. Major Ouch!We had a young fellow in my neighborhood from a large family for whom almost every day was washday. While helping his mother one day, and paying less attention than than he should have, backed his elbow against the wringer. Skin went through, but the bone was perpendicular and did not. He lost about a 4 by 8 inch patch of skin. We later found out in gym class that he had a matching patch on his butt where they took a replacement to do a graft. Yikes! (The Gallery, Russell Lee)
Fair Maidens: 1942
... of the circus." In line for the Tilt-A-Whirl. Photo by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Blink of an ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/20/2016 - 8:48pm -

July 1942. "Klamath Falls, Oregon. Carnival of the circus." In line for the Tilt-A-Whirl. Photo by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Blink of an eye...Amazing to think these sweet young girls are now in their 80's. Enjoy every moment...as time slips-by so quickly! I feel that I KNOW her....That young girl looking towards the camera looks very much like my daughter when she was in her early teens, and that Tilt-a-Whirl was the kind of ride that she'd look for back then. Tilt a Whirlmy favorite Carney ride. Tilt-A-WhirlInvented and made in Faribault MN by Herbert W. Sellner and his company. The Tilt-A-WhirlOr as my then five year old son used to call it: "The Tilt the World". MomMy Mom would have been around their age (16) at that time. It must have been something to be a teenager during WWII. The ridesI used to love the Tilt-A-Whirl as a kid, but I don’t do rides anymore as an older guy, so I just watch my own kids. There’s always someone on the Tilt-A-Whirl whose head begins to nod and sway as the double rotating motion gets to them. I remember, about 50 years ago, being on the ride when all the nodding and swaying got the better of someone who produced the inevitable result from an adjacent car. My brother and I both felt the spray. (The Gallery, Russell Lee)
From All Over: 1939
... his home was he said, 'It's all over.'" 35mm negative by Russell Lee. View full size. Haunting and haunted A powerful photo, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/26/2012 - 2:25pm -

June 1939. "Veteran migrant agricultural worker camped in Wagoner County, Oklahoma. He has followed the road for about 30 years. When asked where his home was he said, 'It's all over.'" 35mm negative by Russell Lee. View full size. Haunting and hauntedA powerful photo, capturing a man with a subsistence life looking grimly into the future. Sized upHis solution for ill fitting overalls is amazingly simple - a bit of string and they're just right. A striking resemblance toJohn Carradine in Grapes of Wrath! How old is he?Anywhere from 35 to 60. Where is his family? Where do his bones rest? So many questions to ask him, considering what he must have seen during the years that he traveled and worked in the fields. Does anyone know of a bio, or autobiographical statements, from itinerant, migrant farm workers? Or is "The Grapes of Wrath" the closest we've got? God bless John Steinbeck. How old?I'd say 50-60 and closer to the 50 side. He has the telltale hair in the ears, yet his hair is only grey a little at the temples, yet his eyebrows aren't dark. Of course the hard life can throw that off. So he could be as young as 45. (The Gallery, Great Depression, Russell Lee)
Night Service: 1939
... "Oil and gasoline service station at night." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. A little ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/25/2018 - 1:24pm -

April 1939. San Augustine, Texas. "Oil and gasoline service station at night." Photo by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. A little worse for wear202 E. Columbia Street. Superb LightingMakes the Sinclair station look like an addition to a Lionel train setup. Fill NoirWhat do I see all along the utility line above? Perhaps some gizmos to keep squirrels off? [Those are cable hangers. - Dave] Where’s the dinosaur?Although, I don’t see the green dinosaur, I loved these filling stations because of them as a kid! The same for Mobil’s flying horse. Sadly, dad was an Esso man. "Mellowed 100 Million Years"        Sinclair's advertising writers first had the idea to use dinosaurs in Sinclair marketing back in 1930. They were promoting lubricants refined from crude oil believed to have formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth. -- Sinclairoil.com It's a long walk from Pennsylvania. I guess Dino hadn't gotten this far south yet. 1936 FordAiring up the spare on a Tudor Touring Sedan. Wire wheels on that FordIndicate that it's a 1935 model. That was the last year that Ford used wire wheels. The 1936 Fords used the steel wheels with the very large bolt pattern, which were used up to, and including, 1939. Nevertheless, it's a beautiful car. (The Gallery, Gas Stations, Russell Lee)
Dee's Cafe: 1941
... View full size. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. Priorities Glad to see this ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/27/2008 - 5:05pm -

July 1941. "On the Main Street of Cascade, Idaho." View full size. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. PrioritiesGlad to see this town has the basic necessities. Beer, drugs, food, more beer, and if you have any money left, what looks like a barber shop too for that all important haircut! According to Google Maps, the town and the Main Street are still around, can't vouch for the original buildings though. CascadeThese buildings may or may not still be there, but the character of the small town doesn't look to have changed. A pretty place. Dee's CafeI wonder if this Dee's Cafe is related to the Dee's Restaurant chain in Utah? Idaho and Utah, being close together with a large Mormon population, seem to have a lot of the same people moving back and forth... Main StreetIs there still a place in Cascade where I can drink beer, eat candy, shoot pool, and play cards all in the same place? If so, I'm ready to move! In all seriousness, these Kodachromes never cease to amaze me. Seems that they were the "high-def" of the previous century. They're all so gorgeous in their color and clarity, and seem to have held up amazingly well, too. CascadeI live a few hours away in Boise and have traveled to Cascade for work several times. If you updated the cars, the place would look pretty much the same. Beautiful country up there. CascadeI live in Cascade along with about 950 other people. Many of those buildings still stand, but the tenants have changed. We have one bar that serves beer and wine and another that serves hard liquor. People cross the street from each bar to get what they want! A lot of retired people here as there is not much industry. You should know we still have the same movie theater that was built around then and maintains the same character. The town got hit hard when mining and lumber were cut off in the national forests but it is a great place to live with 2 great ski resorts up the road, some of the best snowmobiling country in the US, 2 great lakes for fishing, sailing and other water sports. Plus great steelhead and salmon fishing about 2 hours away. It's a paradise if you love any of the above. Beer, Drugs, Coffee, Beer......Pool, Cards, Candy, Tobacco! My private Idaho. Wonder if those faux-fronted western-style building still exist anywhere. Except for ghost towns. All you get these days is strip malls. Dang strip malls. Wall, SDCheck out Wall Drug, in Wall SD. http://www.walldrug.com/ looking for tourist-trap faux-Western? These folks are unashamed of kitsch and are not shy about it. I was there two weeks ago. I am from Las Vegas and I have gained an appreciation since living here for open and honest commercialism. If that is also your bag, Wall is about 50 miles SE of Rapid City, on the way to the Badlands NP. Check 'em out, you'll be glad you did. (The Gallery, Eateries & Bars, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Silver City Buick: 1940
... New Mexico." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. Globetrotter Quite an interesting collection of ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/29/2008 - 11:16am -

May or June 1940. "Insignias on tourist's car seen in Silver City, New Mexico." View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the FSA. GlobetrotterQuite an interesting collection of insigniae! The second one from the left is familiar to me: it's the badge of the Koninklijke Nederlandsche Automobiel Club or KNAC (Royal Dutch Automobile Club). The other badges are from all the major European automobile clubs of the time. I wonder if the owner of this car was a member of all of them. Austria, Hungary, Belgium, France and the UK are represented too. Who can identify the other ones? Automobile ClubsI don't think you needed to be a member to put an insigna of an Automobile Club on your car. I suppose it was more or less the same as with insignas on a mountain walking stick! At least one of them (The Austrian) says it is a "souvenir"(Andenken). I could find out the following (starting from top to bottom and from left to right): Top 1. France, Automobile-Club de Nice Côte d'Azur Middle: 2. France, Automobile-Club Ile de France, 3. Netherlands, Koninklijke Nederlandsche Automobiel Club (Royal Dutch Automobile Club) 4. Austria, Andenken Österr. Automobil-Club 5. ARCI, perhaps Italian? 6. Belgium, Royal Automobile Club Belgique 7. Hungary, Kiralyi Magyar Automobil Club (Royal (!)Hungarian Automobile Club) 8. AS...??, seems to be French, comparing the logo's of nrs 2 and 9 9. France, TCF Touring Club de France 10. UK Bottom: 11. France, Saint Hubert Club de France 12. DAS Legal Aid Company, since 1928 Munich, Germany, DAS International Group 13. USA, AAA, American Automobile Association, Automobile Club of New York (well that's an easy one) #12 has an interesting history DAS stands for La Défense Automobile et Sportive. It started 1917 at Le Mans, France, to support Racing drivers after car incidents in legal disputes. In 1928 the DAS International Group was founded in Munich, Germany. Saint Hubert Club de FranceBy the way, the Saint Hubert Club de France is a club for hunters, as may be clear from the insignia, and it still exists with the same logo. Buick BadgesA closeup of the badges. Click to enlarge. Buick Badges ACSI googled for "Automobile Club de Suisse + badge" and found a colour picture of an identical badge. So Alex got it right. The lettering on the upper half says "Automobil Club der Schweiz" and "Automobile Club de Suisse" on the bottom. The S is in red with a white cross in the middle. You badgaholics missed one badgeIn your excitement. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Russell Lee)
Shasta Totem: 1942
... View full size. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. cable tower I think this is to bring concrete cement... It ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/01/2012 - 1:30pm -

June 1942. Cable tower from which buckets carry materials used in the construction of Shasta Dam, California. View full size. 4x5 Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. cable towerI think this is to bring concrete cement... It still existsIn the 1970's or 1980's Shasta lake receded to an all time low and the remnants of this structure surfaced. When the construction of the dam was complete they had cut this off at such a low point that it was thought it would never be visible again. It has surfaced twice now. looks insaneI kind of can't believe that this thing is real, it looks like a "in the future..." drawing come to life. Here's the tower in 2008Like AT said. More pictures at http://www.redding.com/news/2008/oct/05/relics-exposed-in-lake-shasta/ Link was OK on 27 August 2012. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Industry & Public Works, Russell Lee)
Silverton: 1940
... Animas River can be seen at right." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. I've ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/27/2020 - 2:32pm -

September 1940. "Silverton, Colorado, lies in a valley at 9,400 feet elevation. This has been a center for mining and milling operations, and the tailing-choked Animas River can be seen at right." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. I've always wonderedDo kids growing up in a place like this walk up those mountains just for the fun of it or do they just ignore them? Because when I was a kid I'd have definitely felt like doing it. View in 2009Shot this on my way out of town, a tourist shot. I think you can see the building with the tower in the 1940 view toward the right side of mine, minus its tower I think. Picture qualityStreetview has the almost the same point of view, taken from Highway 550, back in December of 2007, but the resolution is an insult to our eyes after having seen this excellent photo. Plus 70-some yearsBoth much the same, and changed in a thousand ways. Hillside CemeteryWhat's that black line up near where the hillside cemetery is? [A scratch in the emulsion. - Dave] My Silverton pic: 2018In August of 2018 while on vacation, I drove up to Silverton & saw this view & had to take a picture. I did not expect to see an 80-year-old picture 2 years later. What a great comparison. (The Gallery, Frontier Life, Landscapes, Mining, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Mixed Drinks: 1941
... tavern on southside of Chicago." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. What's ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/14/2018 - 10:55am -

April 1941. "Booth in Negro tavern on southside of Chicago." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. What's playingon the booth jukebox? Can anyone see? It's so tantalizing. [Click to embiggen. - Dave] The Playlist#1 I'm Falling For You - Earl Hines [and His Orchestra] #22 I Want a Little Girl - Count Basie #24God Bess America - Bing Crosby #18 Do I worry - The Ink Spots #14 You're Looking For Romance - The Ink Spots. #17 It Makes no Difference Now - Bing Crosby. #22Count Basie playing "I Want a Little Girl." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pm4CoouK-s More of the playlistHoly cow - this is right up my alley. Looks like that hep juke is *filled* with 78's already in my stash. In addition to Fatha Hines at #1 and Basie at #22 is, from what I can see: #4 - "If I Had You" by Una Mae Carlisle #5 - Another (illegible title) by Fatha Hines #7 - Illegible title by Artie Shaw #10 - Illegible title by Art Shaw (Artie Shaw - Brunswick, Vocalion and first 3 Bluebird 78rpm releases listed him as 'Art Shaw') #11 - Illegible title by Ella Fitzgerald #17 - Illegible title by Bing Crosby #18 - "Do I (illegible)" by The Ink Spots #19 - "Perfidia" by Xavier Cugat #20 - "Summit Ridge Drive" by 'Art Shaw' (1940 recording on Victor by Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five - wicked blues shuffle introducing pianist Johnny Guarnieri to the harpsichord) #21 - "Bugle Call Rag" by - 'All Star Band' (This would've been a brand new record, as that's really the 1941 Metronome All Stars playing like freaks possessed on that recording, cut on January 16, 1941 and released on Victor 27314 - my personal copy on 78 is below. The complete personnel of that recording are: Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Cootie Williams - trumpets Tommy Dorsey, J.C. Higginbotham - trombones Benny Goodman - clarinet Toots Mondello, Benny Carter - alto saxes Coleman Hawkins, Tex Beneke - tenor saxes Count Basie - piano Charlie Christian - guitar Artie Bernstein - bass Buddy Rich - drums If you care to hear it, here's a link to my public Facebook posting of the squeaky clean 78 in my stash: https://www.facebook.com/SwingMan1937/videos/1311612725612153/?l=1030688... ) #23 - "Flying Home" by Lionel Hampton (has to be the February 26, 1940 Lionel Hampton session for Victor, as the famous recording with Hampton's full big band didn't occur until May 26, 1942) If only that camera were focused a hair sharper ... Makes No Difference NowHere are a few more: It Makes No Difference Now - Bing Crosby You're Looking For A Romance - Ink Spots Do I Worry - Ink Spots Flyin' Home - Lionel Hampton Please Mister Johnson - Buddy Johnson Bugle Call Rag - All Star Band (?) - possibly the Metronome All Star Band Wait Until It Happens To You - ? Cocktails For Two - ? Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - ? Re: What's playing?#3 Please, Mr Johnson - Buddy Johnson #5 Everything Depends on You - Earl Hines #6 Wait Til It Happens to You - Earl Hines #7 Smoke Gets in Your Eyes - Artie Shaw #10 Frenesi - "Art" Shaw #11 The Man I Love - Ella Fitzgerald #12 Maybe - Ink Spots #13 Cocktails for Two - Spike Jones #14 You're Looking for Romance - Ink Spots #15 Wigwam Stomp -Tony Pastor #18 Do I Worry - Ink Spots #20 Summit Ridge Drive - "Art" Shaw #21 Bugle Call Rag - (Metronome)All Stars Bands #23 Flying Home - Lionel Hampton #24 God Bless America - Bing Crosby More titles2 - Flamingo; Duke Ellington 3 - Please, Mister Johnson; Buddy Johnson 7 - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes 17 - It Makes No Difference; Bing Crosby 24 - God Bless America. But I'm only 53. #4I believe #4 is "If I Had You" by Una Mae Carlisle. I think #2 is "Flamingo," but I can't tell by whom (it was covered by a lot of artists). A few more2. Flamingo - Duke Ellington 3. Please, Mister Johnson - Buddy Johnson 4. If I Had You - Una Mae Carlisle 5. Everything Depends on You - Earl Hines 6. Wait 'Till It Happens to You - Earl Hines 7. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Artie Shaw 10. Stardust - Art Shaw 11. The One I Love - Ella Fitzgerald 12. Maybe - Ink Spots 13. Cocktails for Two - Tommy Dorsey 14. You're Looking for Romance - Ink Spots 17. It Makes No Difference Now - Bing Crosby 18. Do I Worry - Ink Spots 19. Perfidia - Xavier Cugat 20. Summit Ridge Drive - Art Shaw 21. Bugle Call Rag - All Star Band 23. Flying Home - Lionel Hampton 24. God Bless America - Bing Crosby Re: What's playing?#2 Flamingo — Duke Ellington #3 Please, Mister Johnson — ? #4 If I Had You — Una Mae Carlisle #5 something by an artist named Saul — I can't make out the last name or title #6 Wait Till It Happens to You — ? #7 something by Artie Shaw, I can't make out the title #12 Maybe — ? #13 Cocktails for Two — ? #17 It Makes No Difference Now — Bing Crosby #19 Perfidia — Xavier Cugat #24 God Bless America — ? If anyone can fill in what I missed, or fill in what I've partially figured out above, that would be awesome. More choice ditties#7:Smoke Gets in Your Eyes #8:Wait Until it Matters to You #10 Moonray (art Shaw) #13 Cocktails for Two #16 Tales from the Vienna Woods #18 Do I Worry (Ink Spots) #20 Summit Ridge Drive (Art Shaw) ie Artie Shaw #21 Bugle Call Rag A few more identified11 - The One I Love with the great Ella Fitzgerald 14 - You're Looking For Romance - The Ink Spots 23 - Flying Home - Lionel Hampton 24 - God Bless America (already noted) - Bing Crosby "Flying Home" btw is one of the swingin'est tracks ever laid down. Go over to Youtube and give it a listen. This jukebox badly needs a Louis Jordan selection. I would load up "Somebody Done Hoodooed the Hoodoo Man". # 19"Perfidia" is the song being played while Rick and Elsa are dancing in the night club scene from "Casablanca" where Elsa has learned that Victor is alive and she must leave Rick. Very subtle way to let you in on what's coming. #7 : Smoke Gets in Your Eyes#7 is almost certainly "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvveAPrOGGI #20 : Summit Ridge Drive#20 could imaginably be "Summit Ridge Drive," if you buy that Artie Shaw could be listed as "Art Shaw." It's worth listening to, anway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlaFEBLHDpA For the Record#10 is "Frenesi" (Artie Shaw). Enough about the jukebox already. Re: Enough about the jukebox alreadyI agree. How about the intense dynamic at the table? The woman at the right in the swoosh hat has the attention of all four men (much to the chagrin of the woman on the left). I would dearly love to know what is going on with the man offering the pen on the far right. Does he want her to sign something? Or is he just admiring the pen? Such drama! And what is that tassel-y thing in her lap? I also really like that we can see the other side of some of the people's faces in the mirror above the table. [The most interesting dynamic is the mix of black and white patrons rubbing elbows in a "Negro tavern." - Dave] Table dynamicsSix seated at a table for four? It's easy to tell which two were seated originally. They look like they'd rather be anywhere else. Too bad they didn't join in on the conversation. To be fair, only two in this photo are really having fun: the flirter and the man she's chosen. Fascinated by the tie on the gentleman on the near right; it looks like a modern graphic one. What's he holding in his hand? We have a bet going on as to the answer. [A mechanical pencil. - Dave] It is a ...Seeburg WallOmatic W5-2Z DELUXE (The Gallery, Chicago, Eateries & Bars, Russell Lee)
Fat Stock Parade: 1940
... Fat Stock Show. San Angelo, Texas." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Well Dressed ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/16/2021 - 7:37pm -

March 1940. "Part of the parade which opened the Fat Stock Show. San Angelo, Texas." Acetate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Well Dressed ParadeHey, I think I see a guy with no hat on -- The parade has been reroutedThe website for Meyers Drug states it was located at 26 South Chadbourne Street, between the Central National Bank and Sears, Roebuck buildings from 1934 to 1958. That would place it where the parking lot is now. The entrance to the bank has been reworked, removing the front steps. The building across the street has been replaced with something probably built in the 1960s or 70s. If you look at the tile and awning on Meyers Drug and compare it to Shorpy's previous picture, 'A Bumper Crop: 1940' -- I believe it is the same building, on the right. Swing this embedded street scene around and you'll see both of those buildings are also gone. Love Me Some Shorpy!Seeing this photo reminds me that I never realized that cars did not get all-steel roofs until the mid-thirties before I read about it on Shorpy! Those were the daysWith that little ding on the fender, I hope that old LaSalle still ran great. Eyes right as parade approachesExcept the man in lower right, hands on hips, hat set back slightly, leaning forward, staring across the street to the left like he is a G-man in search of a fugitive. (The Gallery, Agriculture, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
The Friendly Store: 1939
... store in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma." 35mm negative by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. View full size. Memories of the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/15/2012 - 8:21pm -

June 1939. "Child coming out of grocery store in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma." 35mm negative by Russell Lee, Farm Security Administration. View full size. Memories of the soundsI can hear the door hinges squeak and the spring that closed screen door creak. The spring probably closed the door with a bit of slam too. Tagline on the wooden crate.Tagline on the wooden crate. "Millions of pounds bought by the government" Well then it HAS to be good! No Taste In Taystee For MeI remember Taystee Bread from many years ago in the NYC area. I had no idea it was a national brand but that may account for why it always tasted like spongy drywall to me. Delaware Punch!As in: Ice cream soda, Delaware punch, tell me the name of your honeybunch ... a jingle I learned from my parents, who are half a generation younger than this girl, and both from Texas. (At least I think it was a jingle, I don't remember a tune.) I had no idea Delaware Punch was an actual product. Prince Albert in a canApparently they do have it. Sold OutApparently she didn't buy any of the "Friendly" that they sell. I can't find the building anywhere today.But some interesting pics of the town can be found at the Webbers Falls Historical Society: http://www.webbersfallshistoricalsociety.org/photos.html Left armDoes this little girl's dress have a left sleeve made out of some other material, or is her arm behind her and that's someone sitting behind her? Or is it just a trick of light? [Carrying something under her arm, perhaps? Although it appears the sleeve may be cut off at the shoulder. - tterrace] A Silly RhymeThis picture brought back a memory of something we used to say while jumping rope when I was a kid: "Margareet go wash your feet - The Board of Health's Across the street!" That FrownThat frown says she is highly suspicious of the photographer. I like the bare feet though. Baking PowderI, too, was going to make a comment about them having Prince Albert in a can (you beat me to it, dempster), but now that merick pointed the Baking Powder box out I have to tell you that I have a box just like that!! I got it many years ago in an antique store, and I use it to hold firewood next to my fireplace. This may be the building todayI think this could be the same building today; see this Google Streetview link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=webbers+falls,+ok&hl=en&ll=35.511583,-95.1... Although changes would have been made, note the mismatched materials in the brick above the awning, indicating the cutout of an earlier, larger recessed opening. It's dark and blurry, but if you zoom into the streetview image, you can also see that at ground level, the entrance is a very similar shape, with a recessed portion, and an angled protrusion to the right of where the door once was (where it says Friendly Store in the original pic), and where there now is a door. The front has obviously been bricked in, where once there were larger windows. Most similarly, though, is the portion of stone or concrete below the brick to the left of the recessed portion in the original pic. You can see a very similar section of material in the streetview image. And the building in the streetview image is marked "1911" at the top, meaning it certainly would have been around at the time this picture was taken. Also, if you look in the reflection in the storefront in the original pic, you will see the awning seems to end right there, indicating this is a corner store. In the Google Streetview image, you can see the similar entrance in question is right next to a mismatched addition that was likely added on later, meaning it, too, would have been the corner property at one point. I'm going to be passing right by Webbers Falls next month; I may stop in to investigate further! I'd walk a mileI had no idea the Camel slogan was that old. Didn't they have TV commercials in the '60s, and later print ads of a guy with a hole in his shoe from walking a mile for a Camel? BTW those would have been some crappy shoes, I put at least two miles a day on my dress shoes walking through the building at work. [The Camel slogan was well-known enough by 1932 to be referenced in a gag in the speakeasy-password routine in the Marx Brothers film "Horse Feathers." -tterrace] (The Gallery, Kids, Russell Lee, Stores & Markets)
So Fresh: 1941
... California. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. I wonder what she was thinking ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/09/2011 - 11:45am -

June 1941. Produce market in San Diego, California. View full size. 35mm nitrate negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. I wonder what she was thinkingThis woman seems so intent on choosing the right vegetable that I wonder if she even knew the picture was being taken. Or maybe it was taken for security? I have no idea. I wonder what she was thinking and where she is now, sixty seven years later. I love the beautiful simplicity of this scene: an everyday thing that people rarely stop to admire these days. ShoenivoreWhat is eating her shoes? This type of scene is so mundane, it is a wonder people thought to take the pictures, but I am SO GLAD THEY DID! securityI can assure you, they didn't take the photo out of a need for security. check out those shoes! She takes her squash--andShe takes her squash--and her shoes!--seriously! 1940s Hair StyleI'm not knowledgeable about women's hair styles, but I like the way her hair is braided. It looks complicated and perhaps something she could not have done herself. Hmmm....Look at those unique shoes! The Eggplant .....Well, I love supermarket and store photos and this one is great. I am wondering, however, why , in one place in the store, the Eggplant is 5 cents and in another part of the store it costs 10 cents.The two do not look different in size. The hair style is French braid, I believe and many people do it themselves.The shoes are quite unusual, though. (The Gallery, Russell Lee, Stores & Markets)
Bar Mizpah: 1937
... a saloon. Mizpah, Minnesota." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Record ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/15/2014 - 1:04pm -

August 1937. "Former bank, now a saloon. Mizpah, Minnesota." Medium format negative by Russell Lee for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Record breakerMizpah had a population of 56 in the 2010 census. It holds the record for the latest snowfall in the state: an inch and a half on June 4, 1935. Grain Belt BeersGrain Belt 'Premium', a pretty decent beer, was sold in the bar/restaurant of the old Hector Field airport at Fargo, North Dakota during the 1970s. Lucky StrikeEndorsing Lucky Strike cigarettes ("It's Toasted!") from beneath the awning is British actress Madeleine Carroll, the cool blonde in Hitchcock's 1935 thriller, "The 39 Steps." In '37, she appeared in three films: "On The Avenue," "It's All Yours," and the superb "The Prisoner of Zenda." What it isIt's a Cannonball Alarm Company "Bug" bank vault alarm box, as seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43678707@N02/5738392330 You gotta love the internet! Another GuessThe mystery box could be the exhaust for the vault ventilator. BTW, I liked "Liquid Assets" better but "Bar Mizpah" is pretty darn good too. Box on the Wall???What is the box on the wall above the awning near the roof line? I am betting that it is an exterior alarm bell left over from the buildings earlier days as a bank. If not then it appears to contain a giant spider. Edit... WOW! Based on betabox's research in his post above I was almost right on both counts. The only difference is his link looks more like a beetle than my giant spider. Building, built to lastI wonder what its used for these days? View Larger Map Architectural DetailsWhat the heck is this. Excellent business planI reckon nobody ever went broke turning anything into a bar in rural Minnesota. Mizpah, Minnesota The building, located at 101 Woodland Ave, is currently the home of the Mizpah Post Office. I called them, and the clerk confirmed it. [Actually, the post office is in a newer building a block and a half north at Woodland and Cedar, as noted in a comment above. -tterrace] Boy, was I offI thought this was Beerbank, California. In the backgroundYou see the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad depot and the tracks. This building is located at the corner of Woodland Ave. & Pleasant St. The Post Office building is at Woodland Ave. & Cedar St. Not a CB&Q (Burlington Route) depotbut rather Northern Pacific Railroad. (Minnesota & International subsidiary anyway). The "Q" never went anywhere near this far north. Burlington Northern took up the rails here in about 1992 and is probably why someone thought this was former "Burlington". (The Gallery, Eateries & Bars, Russell Lee, Small Towns)
Faro's Place: 1940
... The Caudills at dinner. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. View full size. Lifestyle Don't know if I could live this ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/08/2011 - 5:22pm -

October 1940. Dugout house of homesteaders Faro and Doris Caudill with Mount Allegro in the background. Pie Town, New Mexico. The Caudills at dinner. 35mm Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. View full size. LifestyleDon't know if I could live this way...but it would be interesting to try. Living in the greatly overpopulated Northeast is hell; think of how peaceful living like this must have been. Not very comfortable by modern standards, but the stress level was certainly lower. I'd give it a tryThough I'd like to have at least a minimal internet connection as some sort link to the outside world. Make it a year long experiment and record it. Could be fun. Like Something Out Of Monty PythonThis looks like a still from one of Terry Gilliam's animated sight gags, involving Abraham Lincoln and quicksand. scenerythe scenery in this picture looks great to me...the house in front of the mountains the way it is looks classic and very early 1900's ...Jonny... I wonderwhat that same spot looks like today. I'll bet it's full of upscale homes with swimming pools. Maybe room for a golf course, even. Upscale? Not quiteI lived two hours from Pie Town for six years and went to the Pie Festival (in September, which is pretty good!) a few times. It actually looks about the same. The houses are a little nicer, but it's not upscale by any means. There's probably not a golf course for 10 miles in any direction. I was in Socorro, which is on I-25, centered east-west in New Mexico. Pie Town is about 100 miles west of there on I-60. The dugout homes in this seriesDoes anything remain of them in Pie Town today? (The Gallery, Pie Town, Rural America, Russell Lee)
Family Truckster: 1942
... rich in mineral deposits." But poor in car seats. Photo by Russell Lee, Office of War Information. View full size. Largely intact Using ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/11/2015 - 6:48pm -

June 1942. "Yreka, California, seat of a county rich in mineral deposits." But poor in car seats. Photo by Russell Lee, Office of War Information. View full size. Largely intactUsing Google Street View: this photo was shot from the intersection of Miner St and (North) Broadway -- looking westward along Miner Street. The building to the left of the hotel is gone; replaced by a corner parking lot -- with a historic marker. View Larger Map Mom & DadDon't seem exactly thrilled to be the photographer's subjects. A New BroomNice to see some things haven't changed much in 70 years. Same age...I think I am about the same age as the kid on the right...riding in pickup "beds" at that time was fun...before it was a "no no"... The thanks I getFor getting you through the depression without starving, you put me in the back of the truck with my bratty grand kids. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Kids, Mining, Russell Lee)
Fill Noir: 1942
... California. Gasoline filling station at night." Photo by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Strange pump? ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2017 - 10:54am -

April 1942. "Hollywood, California. Gasoline filling station at night." Photo by Russell Lee for the Office of War Information. View full size. Strange pump?Anyone know what that "pump" is in the center of the front lane? I swear, it looks more like an arcade "Claw Game" cabinet than a gasoline pump, and I've never seen anything like that that I can recall. Blackout, Shmackout?If the date is right, the picture depicts a pretty blatant violation of the blackout rules, especially two months after the "Battle of Los Angeles." [Except for the occasional air raid alert (see clipping below), Los Angeles was not under blackout. - Dave] Film NoirIf it's taught me anything it's that this will soon be the scene of a crime, most likely a murder, or maybe some poor sap will pick up a stranded "dame" at this service station, sending his life careening off the tracks and ending in death. Still TiredThe location was 6210 Sunset Boulevard at El Centro Avenue. There's still a tire store on the corner. Cheap washI paid ten bucks for a car wash yesterday ... those were the days! My oh My that signageGetting a little light-headed over all those signs. And that neon clock. Hope they have those clocks in heaven. Glassware giveaways and girls on roller skatesMark C. Bloome immigrated to Southern California from Canada in 1924 and parlayed a 15-cent-a-gallon Richfield gasoline station into one of the nation's largest chain with 45 tire stores and service stations He was a boy when he left Canada to find his fortune and only 22 when he opened his Richfield station at Compton Boulevard and Slauson Avenue in South-Central Los Angeles. He survived the Depression years by offering glassware giveaways and other free premiums at his expanding chain of stations and at one point even had women on roller skates speeding among the pumps dispensing gasoline. Bloome was 89 when he died at his Beverly Hills home, Dec.3, 1991 Dave ?EIViego sends a copy of news clipping to support his comment. You offhandedly dispute as we must accept what you say. Where is your support? [That clipping is from me. Maybe you should read it again! - Dave] These are the daysAccounting for inflation, 69 cents in 1942 was pretty much exactly the same as the ten bucks you paid for that car wash yesterday, if not just a bit more. Car WashAccording to the BLI inflation calculator, that 69-cent car wash is equivalent to $10.76 today. ShowcaseThe "Showcase" gasoline pump was manufactured by at least 3 different companies during the 1930s. (The Gallery, Gas Stations, Los Angeles, Russell Lee)
Squat-N-Gobble: 1940
... eating at the barbeque." Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. View full size. Hats and ties Man, that Pie Town is one class ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/07/2011 - 5:16pm -

September 1940. "Men of the community of Pie Town, New Mexico, eating at the barbeque." Kodachrome transparency by Russell Lee. View full size. Hats and tiesMan, that Pie Town is one class joint! The Cowboy WayIf left to your imagination - "Squat & Gobble" opens the door to some interesting alternatives. There is a restaurant inThere is a restaurant in Bluffton, SC called Squat & Gobble. The have sign that kind of looks like this picture. (The Gallery, Pie Town, Rural America, Russell Lee)
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