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The Pink Heap: 1957
... there was a connection, and here it is! (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Bicycles, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Kids, Toni Frissell) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/18/2023 - 5:55pm -

August 1957. "Nantucket, Mass. Jock Gifford's 'Pink Heap' beach buggy." 35mm Kodachrome by Toni Frissell for the Sports Illustrated assignment "Nantucket Essay." View full size. Cook's Cycles is still in business!At the same address I found in a 1952 Boston Globe ad. It's been around since 1933. Yes, it is a CJ2AThe CJ2A was the civilian version released after WWII. There was a CJ1 or CJ1A, but only a few were made. It was more of a prototype. The WWII Jeeps were Ford GPW and Willys MB. They were absolutely identical for parts interchangeability, except for various stampings that might have said Ford or Willys. Early versions of the Ford had the brand name stamped above the left rear taillight, but the US government made them stop, as no military vehicle was supposed to carry advertisements. Bantam (They made something that looked like the Roger Rabbit car) had won the primary design contest, except their engine was too weak. The Bantam Jeep was modified with the Willys engine, and that was given the go. Willys became the primary contractor, but was unable to produce the volume needed. Ford was called in to duplicate the exact model with their superior manufacturing facilities. Bantam got to make the little trailers that were towed behind Jeeps. Proto-PreppyThe first J. Crew catalog is 26 years in the future. Where did these kids buy their J. Crew clothes? Who taught them to pose like J. Crew models? Pink JockJock Gifford went on to a career as an architectural designer, conservationist and restaurateur. Plus he was on episodes of This Old House! Here is another view of the Pink Heap from his restaurant's Facebook page. C-CAm I the only one it bothers that the sign uses a common "C" for words with hard and soft "C" sounds? Yeah, I figured I was. Just something about it... Still the spot!You get off the ferry at Steamboat Wharf, walk down the street to the right of the ticket building, walk past some other bike shop until you get to the corner at South Beach. You walk to the right, past some tennis courts on your left. The next corner building with an awning, that's Cook's Cycles. Now you're set to go exploring. Best bet? Surfside during the day, Eel Point in the evening. Nantucket has a magic all its own! Now we need some pics of the Vineyard! The JeepAn original WW2 Ford or Willys? Pretty in PinkThe jeep looks like a just postwar CJ-2A. The headlights and fuel filler are the giveaway. That is aWillys CJ2A, made from late 1945 to 1948. BTW, it is pronounced Willus, not Willies. The JeepI believe it's a Willys. Ford's body had a grab bar across where the Willys fuel opening was behind the driver's side, and more grab bars around the body. Found It!1945-49 Willys-Overland Jeep CJ-2A. Those pockets on the sideThe WWII Jeeps had indentions and pockets under the driver's side to place an ax or shovel. I have seen people try to put those into the pockets on the CJs, but that is wrong. They were for holding the top bows, which are still on this Jeep. If you were to take it all apart, those bows would fit perfectly into the little steel pockets on the side. Said for once without irony:"The prettiest sight in this fine, pretty world is the privileged class enjoying its privileges." -- Macaulay Connor JockI thought of This Old House when I saw the photo and thought it would be funny if there was a connection, and here it is! (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Bicycles, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Kids, Toni Frissell)
Blue Earth: 1952
... cemetery -- May 4 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes is back with the boys at the swimming hole for a bracing dip. At ... warmer than average high temperatures." (Minnesota Kodachromes, Swimming) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/27/2014 - 12:16pm -

"Dam at Blue Earth below cemetery -- May 4 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes is back with the boys at the swimming hole for a bracing dip. At least it looks pretty cold. Photo by Hubert Tuttle. View full size. Cold IndeedYes, that water was cold. In May, it was practically still frozen! But Minnesotans are hardy folk, as these boys prove. MasterpieceThis one almost appears to be a painting. Sunburned in May?It must have been a quite a sunny Spring judging by that Farmer's Tan. [Early May, seven weeks from the longest day of the year, has the same sunniness as early August. - Dave] From the land of sky-blue waters.Having dipped in many Minnesota lakes, streams, and rivers in May, I can say that numbing and frigid are fair descriptions. As for that "farmer's tan," the first time the pale white flesh of a Minnesotan emerging from six months of winter sees a bit of sun, it only takes about 20 minutes to burn. GratitudeAnother wonderful shot very much like a Painting. This photographer would be so pleased to know his work was appreciated in the future. Just as Shorpy should be proud of the joy and thought-provoking retrospection their wonderful site provides to us all. Thank You! Hot springFrom this site: "The longest warm spell was from April 23 to May 7, constituting 15 consecutive days with warmer than average high temperatures." (Minnesota Kodachromes, Swimming)
Hello, Holly: 1952
From the "Linda" Kodachromes circa 1952 comes this Dutch door festively dressed with spruce ... one of the pictures on the wall. (Christmas, Linda Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/21/2022 - 3:27pm -

From the "Linda" Kodachromes circa 1952 comes this Dutch door festively dressed with spruce wreath and merry-maker. Nobody leaves till the eggnog's all gone. View full size. A blue spruceAnd it's leaking. Leg Lamp... in the box marked "Fragile" behind the door. Evidence of slidesThat thing propped in the corner looks like a Da-Lite projection screen, larger than ours of similar vintage, but the same color. Glass-beaded surface, probably. Also interesting and prompting questions are the photos that seem to depict some institutional facility, like a hospital or orphanage, and at Christmas, to boot. It's only Mrs. ClausIn civvies. They have a dog, tooA dog that knows how the door opens but can't quite manage to operate the deadbolt. PetsSeeing the scratch lines below the door handle I bet they had a dog. Projection screen?Or Festivus Pole? It's time for the feats of strengthI saw that thing propped up behind the door and instantly thought it was a Festivus pole. Who knew Mr. Costanza's holiday dated back to the early '50s? A Blue Christmas, a Knotty ChristmasYou can catch a glimpse of spring, too. (By her left elbow). Raised With The DutchDad Dutched the door to one of the bedrooms where the youngest child was kept. The upper half was always open so our parents could hear what was going on, while the lower half was closed at bedtime to prevent wandering that might cause damage to the kid. I was thrilled when my younger Sister came along and I was moved to a bedroom with a real big boy door. That door latch …What name is given to that sort of door latch and how does it work? Door latcha Norfolk latch. http://www.hallowellco.com/norfolk-latch-sm.jpg Hello boys and girlsIt's your ol pal, Linda here. I have to talk to you from this side of the door because I'm a good girl and this room is filled with naughty pine. Oh golly, what a missed opportunityThis picture begs for someone to have 'shopped the 1925 Xmas Party into one of the pictures on the wall. (Christmas, Linda Kodachromes)
Hot Mama: 1946
... [He's reading a newspaper. -tterrace] (Kodachromes, Chicago, Michigan Kodachromes, Swimming) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/15/2018 - 10:37am -

"Montrose Beach, Chicago, 1946." Our Michigan mother, last seen here and here, working on a Great Lakes suntan. 35mm Kodachrome slide. View full size. What Is That Thing?What is that gentleman on the left holding up? A sun reflector, a poor man's shade maker or light weights for a low impact workout? [He's reading a newspaper. -tterrace] (Kodachromes, Chicago, Michigan Kodachromes, Swimming)
The King Sisters: 1965
... and Will Butler of the band Arcade Fire. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, John Vachon, LOOK, Music, TV) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/08/2023 - 4:13pm -

March 1965. "The King Sisters in rehearsal for musical variety series The King Family on ABC-TV." 35mm Kodachrome transparency by John Vachon for Look magazine. View full size. How I wish ...I was there to see that. What a time that was, that will never come again. A Blow Against the Counterculture — Not"What a time that was, that will never come again." I hope it doesn't. Endless war, rioting in the cities, and the constant derision of the emerging counterculture as weird, evil and silly (all at the same time). I'm glad that era is behind us. Older people seized on shows like this as proof the mainstream culture was alive and well, even when it was on life support. The situation seemed hopeless to many of us who lived through it. Coif, CoifThe majority of the girls in my high school senior yearbook had identical hairstyles. Yes, I am a geezer and hope to remain one for a good while yet. That's a WinOne of the sisters, Luise King, married guitarist Alvino Rey, and they are the grandparents of musicians Win and Will Butler of the band Arcade Fire. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, John Vachon, LOOK, Music, TV)
Christmas Booty: 1951
... the Teal Sofa, Hubert's parents make their Minnesota Kodachromes debut. View full size. Bless Her She was not pleased ... Kodak Signet 35 . -tterrace] (Christmas, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/22/2014 - 4:17pm -

"Abe & Julia - Dec. 25 1951." Radiating holiday cheer from the Teal Sofa, Hubert's parents make their Minnesota Kodachromes debut. View full size. Bless HerShe was not pleased to have her photo taken. My mom was the same. Rougher Than A CorncobMy neighbors had a very similar sofa; the springs and scratchy fabric made for some very brief sit-down chats. Those drapes: absolutely gorgeous. Want! Simplicity-of-LifeIt's been very warm and cozy experiencing the 1950's in such Vivid Living Ektachrome Color! [Or Kodachrome, for that matter. -tterrace] So many of the simplicity of life photos this photographer captured have been exquisite and actually looked liked paintings. Thanks Shorpy, for finding and sharing this special treat with us. And Happy Holidays to you and yours! You Shouldn't HaveAbe doesn't look too happy about it, but I'd love to have that grey & red plaid shirt! Nice Electric Clock!Can anyone identify the electric clock ? It looks like the type of clock that Sessions Clock Co. used to make. Is it possible to enlarge that portion of the image sufficiently to read the wording on the clock face? (Might be a good time to discuss the limitations of a fixed-focus, fixed-f-stop snapshot camera vs. the more sophisticated cameras.) PatternsPatterns on the wall, patterns on the sofa, patterns on the curtains, patterns on the pillow, on his tie, slippers, socks, shirts -- it's just the way it was back then. Ummmmm! Warm!I'd love that beautiful peach colored wool blanket that Abe is showing us. I have three solid color wool blankets from the 1950's that are still warm and oh so comfy! Not Many Solid Colors......forget Abe's shirt, I want Abe's tie! Granny SquaresThe throw over the back of the sofa was assembled of 5" x 5" 'Granny Squares', crocheted blocks of yarn. My grandmother, Julia, crocheted one for each of her grandchildren. Same pattern. They're indestructible. I still have mine and curl up under it nightly, here in Minnesota, to watch TV. No hint of wear. Someday, my 19 year old granddaughter, Julia, will do the same. American GothicWith curtains. Startling curtains. PragmaticAnyone that's been in Minnesota in the Winter knows: those are useful gifts, especially for the elderly. A Sad Period of Interior DesignSo someone thought Grandpa Abe would love a 12 pound candy cane for Christmas. It probably annihilated all the teeth he had left. The interior design standards were absouletly dismal. Sadly, my grandma's house was very similar. Those couches were so rough that they would hurt your legs if you were wearing shorts. You can see why there is no retro design revival movement for the 40's and very early 50's. My GrandparentsMy grandparents were just a few years younger in 1951 than Abe and Julia. Older folks of that period all had that same "life has been hard" but they would never let on to their grandchildren. Julia's dress could have been right out of my grandmother's closet in Boone Iowa. Oh dem fluffy slippers!I wold love to have those slippers. Real sheepskin lining I bet. Not like today where everything is faux this and faux that. They do look warm for a cold winters night even here in Ohio. Tis the Season to beSensible. Glad to see...that my family wasn't the only one to stage the "post-frenzy" Christmas take photo. Superior CameraPicking up on previous comment, the excellent quality of this series is accomplished by the camera having been a Contax with a Heiland flash attached. Quite heady (and costly) for snapshots. [Hubert did have a Heiland flash, but his camera was a Kodak Signet 35. -tterrace] (Christmas, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Nadine: 1952
... -- April 1952." The newest cast member of Minnesota Kodachromes takes a break against the mandatory multifloral backdrop. View ... say something nice, don't say anything". (Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/14/2014 - 11:41am -

"Nadine -- April 1952." The newest cast member of Minnesota Kodachromes takes a break against the mandatory multifloral backdrop. View full size. I love thatmiraculous Kodachrome, that has captured the soft blue-grey of her eyes matching her blouse perfectly. My mother always said: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything". (Minnesota Kodachromes)
Stone Throne: 1952
... -- January 20, 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes stars Hubert's young nephew. Color slide by Hubert Tuttle; ... dresser than I was, aside from the coat. (Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/28/2015 - 1:44pm -

"Loren at Folks -- January 20, 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes stars Hubert's young nephew. Color slide by Hubert Tuttle; barbecue by the Mayans or Aztecs. View full size. Let's Barbecue!We had one like this in our yard when I was a kid! I wonder if some Popular Mechanics magazine had a "Build This Swell Barbecue" article back in the 1950s. Sharp dresserThat whole family must have been obsessive about trouser creases. Piano WireWas what my dad used during this time and up until the mid 60's to keep that crease. My grandmother would sew it into his pants. In the 70's it was just a big aerosol can full of starch that eventually turned white and flaked off. Now, whatever my dryer spits out is what I wear. Sorry Dad. The Creases in The Pantswere simply a response to the ambient temperatures that day. The air temperature demanded immediate attention. The Masonic BBQ Grill could wait until Spring. Vinage but warmThe clothes look funny to us now, but they do look warm. You see how some kids dress these days, you wonder how they don't get frostbite! From the "Tonight Show" vault I bring you Floyd R. Turbo, American. Sunday Best!January 20, 1952, was a Sunday, so maybe this young man was dressed for Sunday services or some sort of family party. Itchy Tweed Woolwas what my parents put me in for Sunday services just like this lad to keep me from fidgeting in church. It did the job because I would sit statue still during the services. The wool was incredibly scratchy and I can't wear it to this day without breaking out! Thanks Mom and Dad! Standing in the clothes that you once woreThat coat was either still in style 20 years later or I had a hand-me-down because I remember wearing something very similar. It's funny how you forget but the sight of something trivial (in my case the buckle on the belt ) brings it all back home. Loren was a much snappier dresser than I was, aside from the coat. (Minnesota Kodachromes)
In Just-spring: 1952
... below cemetery." The latest installment of Minnesota Kodachromes might be titled "Tadpole and the Big Dippers." And hey, did you ... but I'm sure that water was still ice-cold. (Minnesota Kodachromes, Swimming) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/16/2014 - 8:30pm -

"May 4, 1952. Dam at Blue Earth below cemetery." The latest installment of Minnesota Kodachromes might be titled "Tadpole and the Big Dippers." And hey, did you see that fish?! 35mm color slide by Hubert Tuttle. View full size. And now we knowThis must be the trouble that our mothers knew we'd get into if allowed to frolic unsupervised. Incredible colorI feel like I could step right into the picture. Initial impressionsNot even posed. At first glance I thought this was a Rockwell painting. You know you're in Minnesota-When boys wear winter hats with earflaps for Springtime wading. I'm lookingBut I don't see the little lame balloonman. Best dam photo on ShorpySeriously, that is a beautiful photo. A Genuine Snapshot MasterpieceThe composition, lighting, and color in this image truly rise to the level of masterpiece. I think Bazille would have traded his canvas and brushes for a roll of Kodachrome had he seen it. Image qualityEither these were incredibly well preserved slides, or you have changed your scanning techniques. The quality of this set is absolutely amazing. Initial impressions (cont.)I agree Dutch. Had to study closely looking for brush strokes. Great and unusual lighting and exposure. RockwellianIf you say this is a Kodachrome, OK, but I've never seen a photo look so much like a Norman Rockwell's painting. (Maybe it's a Kodachrome of a Rockwell painting?) E. E. Cummings Flashback!Just seeing the phrase "In just-spring" flashed an image in my head of Sven Armens, longtime (long, long time!) English professor at the University of Iowa. He looked like Rance Howard and sounded like Arby's sandwich detective Bo Dietl. I can just picture him sitting casually on the corner of the classroom desk in loose slacks and sport coat, chain-smoking ultra-low tar Carlton cigarettes in the classroom (in violation of policy) and reading in a heavy, husky, hoarse Brooklyn/Bronx accent, "Thy fingers make early flowers of all things -- " eddieandbill come runningSomebody should note the title's reference to a wonderfully apt poem by E.E. Cummings. (Make that e.e. cummings if you're a purist.) CompellingIf this was just a snapshot, it was certainly a lucky one. It also proves that, in spite of what many used to say, Kodachrome was capable of subtlety in the way it handled greens. When the box of slides came back from the processor, it must have been a happy day for this photographer. Warm spellOften the lilacs don't bloom in Minnesota until after Mother's Day. 1952 had an unusually warm spring: "The longest warm spell was from April 23 to May 7, constituting 15 consecutive days with warmer than average high temperatures." It reached 91 degrees in Minneapolis on May 4. No doubt Blue Earth was enjoying comparably toasty temps, but I'm sure that water was still ice-cold. (Minnesota Kodachromes, Swimming)
Party of Four: 1952
... Pete -- 7 Sept. 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes is back at the park . Point me to the potato salad! Color ... but they're faded! (Cars, Trucks, Buses, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/24/2014 - 3:25pm -

"Picnic at Austin -- Vern, Ruth, Ida & Pete -- 7 Sept. 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes is back at the park. Point me to the potato salad! Color slide by Hubert Tuttle and his Kodak Signet 35. View full size. Rusty FordThe car on the right is a 1941 Ford. It is still wearing snow tires and has suffered from the harsh Minnesota winters. Note the rust in the fender. There is a 1951 Nash on the left. Army Surplus?The olive drab car on the right looks as if it might've crossed the Rhine with Patton. Origin of SpeciesAnkle > Cankle > Sequoia gigantea Not a matchI really wanted the two-tone behind the bathtub Nash at the left to be Grace and Hubert's similarly-hued DeSoto, but no dice. Best I can figure it's a 1952 or 1953 Ford. Besides, instead of a flash unit box on the rear window shelf, there's a softball and mitt. [Uncanny! - Dave] SuspendersPete is wearing suspenders, also known as braces in some countries. Some sources say they fell out of fashion in the 1950's, but I remember very elderly relatives wearing them as late as 1968. With recent expansion of my waistline, how I wish they'd return. [I'll just bet he has sleeve garters as well, as would my father on his rare suit-wearing occasions in those days. -tterrace] [Oh yes, the sleeve garters I remember were maybe 3/4" wide, made up of multiple stainless steel rings much like a flexible wristwatch strap. -akld_guy] Suspenders I still wear suspenders like the guy pictured and they must still be fairly popular since Walmart still sells them and stocks several varieties of them. Tin Indian'46, or so, Pontiac next to the Nash No hats blow away hereVern, Ruth and Ida watch as Pete cleverly uses his wrinkles to screw on his hat. That foreheadWhat I really like is that we can see, thanks to the hat adjustment, is the mark of the farmer: the tan face and the fishbelly white forehead. My grandfather (from Pope County, MN, a bit North and West of these folks) never went outside without some sort of hat so he always had that pale forehead above a weather-beaten face. Those ties!Those ties are something else. They could speak volumes! Bullet HolesYes, and looks like Gen. Patton received some enemy fire. Is that a camera...that Ruth is carrying, and if so, can anyone identify it? 41 Ford in BackgroundThat color was offered in 41 Super Deluxe only, and notice the color matched wheel with three silver pinstripes. My 41 Fordor is identical that I got from my dad. It still has all four matching rims, but they're faded! (Cars, Trucks, Buses, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Meet the Tuttles!
... -- 17 Feb 1952." In this latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes , Grace's smile lights up a gray winter day. View full size. ... [This is Hubert's parents' house. - Dave] (Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/01/2015 - 12:14pm -

"Grace & Hubert -- 17 Feb 1952." In this latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes, Grace's smile lights up a gray winter day. View full size. Snow Barrier?My guess is the green stuff is to keep long-lasting snowdrifts off the clapboards to minimize weathering of the paint and wood during the long Minnesota winter. [I suspect it has to do with siding gaposis and drafts. - Dave] Then came CheckersSeven months later - on September 23, 1952 - a certain candidate for vice president invoked his wife's coat to humanize himself and his family (and dodge an early scandal):"Pat and I have the satisfaction that every dime that we've got is honestly ours. I should say this, that Pat doesn't have a mink coat. But she does have a respectable Republican cloth coat, and I always tell her she'd look good in anything." The next year, U.S. fur coat sales revenue hit a new low. See The Twinkle!Very Classy Couple...wouldn't you say? She knows they're cool! See the twinkle in Grace's eyes! Probably propaneMy folks used propane to cook, there being no gas line on Summer Street in Appleton, Wisc., in 1950. The tank was silver in color, not black. Any guessesas to what that sinister looking acetylene, helium, oxygen, propane, hot water tank looking thing is in the background. [Nitrous oxide for Hubert's basement "clinic." - Dave] If you want to get aheadget a hat. This guy knows how to wear one. Skelgas and Mink CoatThe black tank is probably a Skelgas propane tank. Theirs were black. Back in the day when you could buy your wife a mink coat you had finally made it. I remember when my mom got her's. GaseousnessToday, solid black gas cylinders are Nitrogen, Hydrogen, or Acetylene. What ever it is, it looks like it is being used for some sort of rehab work under the green plastic. Be careful now, the last two go BOOM! On another note... isn't Grace just lovely. RaglanHubert's is the perfect man's winter coat. Timeless. Full of GraceI can never get enough of Grace's smiles and lovely demeanor. She has her fur to keep her warmGrace has her fur to keep her warm, and Sally must be wisely in by the fire. Come spring, it looks like it will be time for some house maintenance. The gutters could use repair. The green around the bottom of the house is probably just for winter insulation. I love these pictures. The Tuttles looks so happy. All wrapped upWhat's the purpose of the green wrap around the lower part of the wall? It looks like it's held on with lengths of furring strip. Also, it looks like Hubert needs to get busy with the tank sprayer and some bleach, to get that mildew off of the siding. But that can wait until spring. [This is Hubert's parents' house. - Dave] (Minnesota Kodachromes)
Small World: 1952
... we met here . This latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes brings us yet another variation on floral wallpaper. 35mm color ... electric cell light meter. (ShorpyBlog, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/16/2014 - 12:41pm -

"28 Feb 1952 -- Maurine." Whose husband, Leslie, we met here. This latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes brings us yet another variation on floral wallpaper. 35mm color slide by Hubert Tuttle. View full size. Far HorizonsMaurine's gaze is fixed on East Asia. Makes me wonder if Leslie might have served in Korea. The Armistice was still over a year away. [Probably not, since his photo was taken the same day, and he appears in more throughout the year. I'd also say her gaze is focused more on New Guinea than anywhere in Asia. Perhaps Leslie had served in the South Pacific -- he was an Army sergeant during World War 2. - Dave] Climate ChangeI think she's looking at Australia as a place to live and get away from those Minnesota winters. 12,450 milesI think she is looking to see how far away she can get from that wallpaper! Global ReconSurely there is in some exotic clime a land where wallpaper is unknown? BusyWallpaper, upholstery, rugs, drapes - that must have been the busiest house in town! Forget the wallpaperLook at that gorgeous head of hair! Talented photographerWhen these slides were taken, the film was rated at ISO 10. You had to use tungsten rated film (slower yet) in home for regular flash bulbs or orange filters (slows ISO rating more) without flash---or use blue flash bulb with day light film. The flash units required you to adjust F stops for close in shots like this (or burn out the image). The electronic flash was around but was not in most consumer hands--and no sensors were attached to flash units to control and automatically reduce the amount of light for close in shots. Slide film was and remains a tough film to use to capture shady subjects with interspersed sun patches. The film had little latitude. The photographer who shot the Minnesota photos was an accomplished photographer with an eye for the artistic and a wonderful ability for proper exposure---perhaps using an old fashioned photo electric cell light meter. (ShorpyBlog, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Picnic at Austin: 1952
... installment of our popular new reality series Minnesota Kodachromes . 35mm color slide by Hubert Tuttle. View full size. ... How times have changed! (ShorpyBlog, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/06/2014 - 7:18pm -

"7 Sept 1952. Picnic at Austin. Ivan, Dottie, Loren, Grace." A little cooldown after the sack race, maybe, in this latest installment of our popular new reality series Minnesota Kodachromes. 35mm color slide by Hubert Tuttle. View full size. Working on the weekendIt looks to me like they're having a business meeting, with the papers they're clutching. The boy is clearly acting as the Chairman of the Board. 1948 Pontiac Silver 8 StreakI used to own one of these in the late 70's. We used it as our getaway car in our wedding. Great back seat. Straight eight cylinder engine. Hey Tterrace, recognize the mountain in the background? [Good old Mt. Tamalpais! -tterrace] Real funKids would play outside more often if they were allowed to swing on one of these old sets. Proper PicnicDressed in Sunday clothes for a picnic. How times have changed. [It probably helps that Sept. 7, 1952, was actually a Sunday. -Dave] Loren Tuttle, son of Floyd and DorothyLoren cinches it -- brothers Hubert and Floyd Tuttle lived in Blue Earth, Minnesota, in 1940 (and later on). Floyd and Dorothy (Dottie) had a son named Loren in 1943. Hubert would be Grace's husband, the as-yet unseen Floyd was Dorothy's husband. Floyd died in 1997, and Dorothy in 2003. Loren is (as far as I can tell) still alive. [See this addendum to your previous comment. - Dave] Graceful TimesPeople dressed up for every occasion back then. My wife's uncle, a printer by trade, would come home from work, shower, and would put on a clean shirt (usually white), a tie, and a jacket BEFORE coming to the dinner table. He followed this custom right up to and including his 100th birthday party. He passed away last year and I don't think he even owned a pair of jeans. How times have changed! (ShorpyBlog, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Baby Makes Three: 1952
... Lee -- 17 Feb 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes focuses on the youth demographic. Color slide by Hubert Tuttle. ... still speaking to me...barely. (Kids, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/23/2015 - 3:54pm -

"This meeting of Ducky, Bunny & Baby Inc. is hereby called to order." "Steven Lee -- 17 Feb 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes focuses on the youth demographic. Color slide by Hubert Tuttle. View full size. Mental Conditioning in the '50s MidwestSee, you get 'em used to weird fabrics real early on. [Drapes by Seuss Interiors. - Dave] I'm no expertBut these drapes, despite their shabby condition, seem to be a cut above the usual Minnesota Kodachrome fare. Imported from Wisconsin or Iowa, perhaps. And to thinkIn only 4 days I would be born. Watch out world. C'est dur d'être bébé!What the CPSC would think about 1950ties vintage plastic baby toys? Those colors really scream "plasticizer". Yummy! But they survived and thrived all the same. Keeping the baby amusedwhilst taking the picture, that's the way to do it! Old-schoolThe barkcloth drapes, rubber toys (before everything started to go to plastic) and the wooden feeding table - golden good old days. Highchair trayWow, check out the beautiful wooden tray on that highchair. Of course, it would never pass muster today, since it would likely pinch Baby's fingers and create nonsense liabilities and blah blah snoring blah. But I would take it any day over the current plastic mediocrities. [I guess people were shorter back then. - Dave] CorneredNot to be outdone by our Northern Friends, here again, in December 1963 is a Kodachrome of my oldest daughter, Robin, at age 8 Months, amusing herself in the Highchair. Childhood drapesI don't know why I remember it so clearly, but our family had the identical drapes in our living room, circa 1959 or so. I even recall how they were, indeed, a heavy barkcloth. A note on my sentimentality...on Leave it to Beaver, Wally and the Beav had these exact drapes in their bedroom. Every time an episode came on showing the drapes I'd yell for my kids to come look at those things. They're still speaking to me...barely. (Kids, Minnesota Kodachromes)
The Bricks of St. Mary's: 1952
... Mary's, Rochester." The latest installment of Minnesota Kodachromes . View full size. It Looked Like a Happy Gathering at ... (Iowa) Advance, dated July 3, 1952... (Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/27/2019 - 12:00pm -

"July 13, 1952. Maurine, Grace, Helen, Albert, Leslie and Morris at St. Mary's, Rochester." The latest installment of Minnesota Kodachromes. View full size. It Looked Like a Happy Gathering at First --Then you see the tiredness on their faces, the guy in the background in a wheelchair, then realize St. Mary's is probably St. Mary's Hospital, which is today a part of the Mayo Clinic. I hope everything worked out fine for them for whatever reason it was they were there. Mayo ClinicSo much to decipher here. Who were they visiting at the Mayo Clinic (St. Mary's is one of their facilities in Rochester, NY)? The lady in pink seems to be in pajamas, not street clothes, would it have been her? (Also, the guy in the blue shirt has amazing taste in both shoes and socks!) [The Mayo Clinic is in Rochester, Minnesota, not New York. - Dave] Went to see if I could find anyone from this photo.Since we knew to (maybe) work off of the Nashville, Minnesota, area, I punched Leslie into Ancestry's search field, and the very first hit was for a Leslie Boler in the 1940 Census, son of a Claude Boler. Leslie would have been around 31 or so in this photo. Some peoplejust don't like having their picture taken, or maybe, it just wasn't quite the right moment. Group Photos in the Old DaysI've seen a number of these dated group shots recently, and one thing seems to be almost always true. One guy invariably is looking at the camera. The iconic early 30s photo of the iron workers sitting on the I-beam at great altitude over NYC comes to mind. The guy on the right was the only one looking at the camera in that shot as well. I imagine, if a professional photographer was taking the pic, he probably instructed everyone to be about their business to make the photo look more natural, but there's frequently that one guy who just can't help himself! Out BackThis picture was taken on the rear or south side of Saint Mary's. The rear of the hospital in the 1950's faced a park-like setting. It was where patients could sit if they were ambulatory enough to leave the building. I grew up a block away from this hospital. Found in a newspaperFrom the Algona (Iowa) Advance, dated July 3, 1952... (Minnesota Kodachromes)
Winter of '59
... of Diane Arbus ... in those shades! (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Swimming, Toni Frissell) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/15/2023 - 9:52pm -

January 1959. "At the Mill Reef Club in Antigua." 35mm Kodachrome slide by Toni Frissell for the Sports Illustrated assignment "The Antigua Way of Life." View full size. Alternate Universe Bryan Adams"I got a taste of the good life When Daddy's business became mine Got in at the Mill Reef Club It was the winter of '59 ..." Jackie'll be there!Break out the Melmac! Wish I were thereYou can still join the private Mill Reef Club, if you can afford it. At the time this picture was taken, you could have mixed with du Ponts, Motts, Goulds and Astors. Who knows today - maybe oligarchs and Bitcoin millionaires! Lovely alfresco lunchCareful to coordinate lipstick, nail polish, and bathing suit colors. Walk up to her gingerly so as to not get sand in her plate. I bet she's asking: "What's open -- red, white, or bubbly?" In those days ...Dinner plates were smaller and so were the people. Shades of Diane Arbus ...in those shades! (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Swimming, Toni Frissell)
Sleigh Ride: 1951
... Grace or Hubert Tuttle, our latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes . View full size. Glassware ubiquity Grace and Hubert ... nativity displays. (The Gallery, Christmas, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/18/2014 - 7:43pm -

          When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. "Centerpiece Christmas Day -- Dec. 25, 1951." 35mm color slide by Grace or Hubert Tuttle, our latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes. View full size. Glassware ubiquityGrace and Hubert have my mother's tumblers. I have the last surviving one of hers. My Mom Still Has These...and I have seen them every Christmas since 1966, though they clearly date from an earlier decade. Beautiful CenterpieceThe creator of this beautiful centerpiece was motivated, bold and courageous. This Minnesota family definitely has artistic talent. From photography, to dressmaking, and an obvious zest for life; this family is admirable. PS Are those little red lights? [No. - Dave] Another HomeAnother home of the 50's was my parents who had the same Santa sleigh and reindeer. My folks had that sleigh!But their reindeer were white plastic, not chrome plated. Wonderful!What a beautiful centerpiece; I would love to have one of these for my table. Does anyone knowwhich one is Olive, the other reindeer? Angel HairThat fluffy white stuff around the centerpiece was Angel Hair, made from spun glass. It was very popular for decades, but since it was really made from glass, it could cut or scratch you! We used it for Christmas in the 1950s, and I always remember my Mom telling me to be careful when touching it. I was scared to death to touch it, I imagined a thousand tiny cuts all over my hands! It looks amazing, but eventually was replaced in popularity by other types of fake snow. You can still find it today on the internet, and in some decorating stores. Small CenterpieceLeaves more room for the glorious Holiday feast. I'll wager that table was filled to groaning shortly after this photo was taken. More like Devil HairLong a staple in our Christmas decor, until the year my brother dropped a wad of it down my back, giving me a good hearty slap and a vigorous rub. Next year was spray snow in a can. TraditionPS Are those little red lights? No, those are "cranberries". Little red lights hadn't been invented, yet. When I married 47 years ago, along with my wife I also got a 12 oz. can (the can itself had originally been used for packaging de-pitted black olives) filled with several dozen of these "cranberries". They are painted plaster balls, on wire. Our first Christmas ornament. I still have that can, and it's cranberries. We proudly display those "cranberries" on our tree - as we have every year - and they are this year. I identify strongly with the Tuttles. By the early 60's. . . . . . bits and pieces of family early 50's decor was broken and bits merged into a wonderful family muddle. I think we used leftover plastic reindeer in our early 60's nativity displays. (The Gallery, Christmas, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Hubert & Sally: 1952
... Sally, star in this latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes -- which, though it has no soundtrack, does have a very loud ... (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Dogs, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/18/2014 - 7:43am -

"Hubert at Claude's farm -- April 27, 1952." Hubert Tuttle and his Dalmatian, Sally, star in this latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes -- which, though it has no soundtrack, does have a very loud shirt. 35mm color slide by Hubert's wife, Grace, brought to you by Shorpy and DeSoto. View full size. Oh my,forget the shirt, forget the dog, forget the car, my oh my look at that biplane in the background. [That's no biplane. It's the 1948 Stinson 108-3 Voyager monoplane seen here. There's also a second aircraft in each photo. - Dave] Change of seasonLate April. Minnesota. Must be 55 degrees at least. Time to break out the tropical shirt, but keep the wool pants on. Low-Fat KibbleSally needs to go on a diet. That is one fat Dalmatian. Social NotesIn a week or so there will be a notice in the local weekly paper that "Hubert and Grace Tuttle of XXX motored to visit friends for five days near Blue Earth, Minnesota on April 25, 1952. While there they also visited YYY at St Mary's Hospital in Rochester." The daily papers in Minnesota used to print pages of this kind of thing every week, sort of an early version of Facebook. They had correspondents in every town they served that would collect this information and forward it to the editor. Crew Chief Stand Looks like the airplane people at the farm do their own maintenance. That red device in the corner of the aircraft hangar (just past the nose of the Desoto)is a "crew chief" maintenance stand. It has a handle on the side towards the camera. The mechanic tilts it up by the handle and rolls it on its two wheels up to the airplane. Looks like it even had "OSHA approved" guard rails way back in 1952. I survivedI drove a similar DeSoto as a work car. Shortly after this image was made I was hit head on by an early morning drunk. Car was totaled. Other than being knocked unconscious when my head hit the steering wheel (no seat belts in those days) I was uninjured. To this day I credit the front mass of the vehicle for absorbing the impact. SurvivedI drove a similar work car that was totaled in a head on with an Olds driven by an early morning drunk shortly after this photo was made. Other than being knocked unconcious when my head hit the steering wheel (no seat belts in those days), I was unhurt. I credit the DeSoto's front mass with adsorbing the impact. That DeSotoInstitutional light green over institutional dark green. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Dogs, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Côte d’Azur: 1954
... is used, the effects are similar. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Swimming, Toni Frissell) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/08/2023 - 12:37am -

August 1954. Antibes, French Riviera. "The Sporting Look -- Beachwear. Sunbathers at the Eden Roc, Côte d'Azur." 35mm Kodachrome slide by Toni Frissell. View full size. Sun protectionGeez -- no place to stick your umbrella in the sand. Bond, James BondI embigulated and looked for Sean Connery everywhere but couldn’t find him. Bird is the wordThere are a lot of budgies getting smuggled there. Bond, James BondI think I found him. Missh Moneypenny, let me get your legsh for you. Are those ...... swings and rings dangling over the ocean for acrobatically getting into the water? If so -- yeow! It looks très really niceHere is the hotel to which the swimming pool belongs. The pool has been enlarged and the steps reconfigured. Too bad it was empty when the Google satellite passed over. Click to embiggen Bikini scarcityThe bikini, a postwar sensation of French design, is rather scarce here. I count two. For the Rich and maybe famousThe Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is booked solid until October 2023. Even then, get your wallet out. The wonder of KodachromeKodachrome, now an obsolete format, never ceases to amaze in its dazzling rendition of color. I have a very large collection of National Geographic Yearbooks, and one of the joys of looking through the pages is the incredible Kodachrome photographs, taken by very talented photographers. Kodachrome can be considered the equivalent of moving pictures' Technicolor, although a different production process is used, the effects are similar. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Swimming, Toni Frissell)
The Lady in Purple: 1952
... Fancher -- 23 Feb 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes co-stars Hubert's record collection, which includes the classics ... This one must be the higher end version. (Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/11/2014 - 5:24am -

"Kay Fancher -- 23 Feb 1952." The latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes co-stars Hubert's record collection, which includes the classics Accordiana and Larry Adler: Harmonica Virtuoso. Also: antimacassars protected by antimacassars! 35mm color slide by Hubert Tuttle. View full size. That Ashtray, part 2Push that small button and all those nasty cigs and ashes disappear, like magic. Just don't make an 'ash' of yourself and keep pushing it to hear the neat noise it makes. [The only places I had a chance to do that were in department stores and bus depots. -tterrace] That ashtrayYou could practically eat off that thing! I suspect someone was extraordinarily fastidious with their housecleaning. The golden age of smokingI count three ashtrays, or maybe five if that's a stack in the middle. And see how shiny the metal one is. With matches at the ready! [Below is an alternate view. Click to enlarge. - Dave] Dem ShoesQuite a nice record collection here, but I noticed the same thing as Sagitta and davidk. What a housekeeper! And ashtrays are so rare today, if you have one sitting in your house, guests look at you as if you are about to expose yourself. Best of all, I LOVE those shoes! The MatchbookThis one I believe. Kathryn Charlotte (Gamble) Fancher (Rogers)I suspect our Kate could be Kathryn Fancher, of nearby Fairmont, Minnesota, as she's the only Kate/Kathryn/Catherine/et al Fancher living in the area at the time. [Name note: It's Kay, not Kate. - Dave] If it IS her, she was born January 11, 1908 in Montana to a Charles and Mildred (Teeter) Gamble. According to the 1910 Census, she lived in School District 17 of Valley County, Montana. At some point after 1920 she moved to Fairmont, Minnesota. In 1929 she wed a Roger Fancher, and they had two children, Joseph Charles (1936) and Barbara Ann (1938). At some point before 1960 she and Roger separated (he married again in 1960), and Kathryn kept her ex-husband's name until she married Lloyd Rogers in May of 1993 at the age of 85. Lloyd died the following March. Kate died away in Fairmont June 21, 1996 at the age of 88. She seemed to have lived in Fairmont, Minnesota, for all of her adult life. Correction: Mildred would be an older sister, the mother was a Jessie Teeter. Strangely, in 1920 Jessie is listed as Head of House and her husband as secondary - that's what threw me for a moment. I've never seen the wife declared head on a census form before with the husband still living, so it surprised me. Maybe They Were CommonWe have a vase identical to the ones on the table to her left. It still looks just like it did in 1952. ShoppingI really want her suit and shoes. I forgot those ashtrays existed. Ours was blue, I think and I do not recall that tray around it. This one must be the higher end version. (Minnesota Kodachromes)
Tantucket: 1957
... water? You might have to add a zero. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Swimming, Toni Frissell) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/19/2023 - 10:17am -

August 1957. "Nantucket sunbathing. Also Fishing, Lounging, Teenagers." 35mm Kodachrome by Toni Frissell for the Sports Illustrated assignment "Nantucket Essay." View full size. Cliffside clubbersThis looks like the Cliffside Beach Club off Jefferson Avenue. We hoi polloi would either use the "Gaza Strip", a continuation of Jefferson Ave down to the water's edge, shown at the upper right between the two high fences, or go to Jetties Beach around the corner beyond the breakwater. Umbrellas a la OCDIs there a beach umbrella liner-upper? I've never seen a beach this coordinated. Limericks --I guess we have to make up our own. UmbrellalignmentLooks like they're still lining them up today!! Re: UmbrellalignmentGreat headline on my posting! Thanks!! [Please, no applause -- just throw money! - Dave] Hah --Even back then, one could tell 2-percenters at the beach. And there probably isn't beach service where they're sitting, so kudos for roughing it. The Hoi PolloiIn 1957, I would have been one of the kids past this beach down by the Jetties at the public beach. My mom and my grandmother took us to the public beach every day and had sandwiches. No swimming for an hour! But, there often was a sandbar for us to play and dig on. No sandbar? Let's jump off the dunes. And, at the end of the day, a peach ice cream cone (sometimes). Like so many beach clubs in the northeast, there was a fleet of teenage boys that set up the umbrellas both here at the Cliffside (better tips!) and the public beach where there was also a bathhouse for changing that my grandmother rented. We kept all our stuff there. And we had a specific umbrella and a spot on the beach too. No need to pay for a fancy beach. That was for the New Yorkers. When this series of pictures came out, there was a black and white photo of a boy in the Jetties bathhouse. My family was sure it was me. Maybe it was! Thanks for the photo. Tanning OilThese two beach beauties are glistening under a layer of what might very well be nothing more than Johnson's Baby Oil, which had an SPF factor of just about zero. It's the primary reason why we used to come home from the beach 65 years ago practically glowing in the dark. This photo was taken in 1957 when Nantucket was actually still almost affordable for a middle class family looking for a nice beach vacation or even a modest second vacation home. Today? Median home price for the entire island is $3.3 million; average price is $4.4 million. On the water? You might have to add a zero. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Swimming, Toni Frissell)
Game ON: 1952
... -- Feb. 11, 1952." In this latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes (or is it a Mama's Family prequel?) we have, going clockwise ... they played canasta with the neighbors. (Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/08/2014 - 11:05am -

"Card game at Floyd's -- Feb. 11, 1952." In this latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes (or is it a Mama's Family prequel?) we have, going clockwise from lower left, Dottie, Ivan, Grace, Rach and Floyd playing Rummy Royal, with the empty chair belonging to Hubert, who took the picture. View full size. Tripoley!As I knew it as a kid, also known as "Michigan Rummy". One of my favorite card games, very simple rules and we used to play with pennies instead of chips. The 8, 9 & 10 all one suit always had the biggest pot and when you would finally "cash in" after winning that pot, you would have this giant pile of pennies in front of you and your opponents would stare you down! Perfect example by the look on Rach's face, I'm guessing someone just won it! Rach and Dottiemust be partners and Dottie's not feeding the right cards to her! By the way, I can clearly see the Mr. Goodbars in the far candy dish. I'm sure that Krackel, Special Dark, and regular Hershey bars are hiding in there somewhere! Majority preferred printsCan't help but notice that everyone in the game except for Grace is wearing printed fabric and of course the home decor is a colorful riot of busy prints as previously mentioned. As for the comment from Root 66 regarding the Hershey miniatures, you younger people may not know that in those days, even these tiny ones had two-piece wrappers, a paper sleeve outside of a separate foil inner wrap (like a stick of gum). I'm not sure the "special dark" existed in 1951 but it's my favorite now. My own relatives played penny poker every Saturday night, but had booze on the table instead of candy. Good times. Wall paper, curtains, upholstery, Ivan's shirt ...Are you sure this photo didn't appear in "Architectural Digest?" DoiliesI just noticed the needlework doilies on the chair backs. My mom used to do that. It kept her busy for days on end during the Minnesota winters. [Those are antimacassars. -tterrace] Word of the DayThanks tterrace, antimacassar has to be my new word for the day. I wore a Navy uniform for a number of years and I never heard that term before today. Decor Notes1. Antimacassars & doilies. 2. Floral everything. 3. Lampshade identical to this one at Grace & Hubert's. 4. Chair the same shade as their couch. 5. Doilies & antimacassars. Below: "Rach & Boots at Floyd's," taken the same day. More interested in the dish than the potThe card game host, "Sweet Tooth" Floyd, is on track to empty the candy dish at his left elbow. The flash caught him with his mouth wide open, ready to receive the sugary treat in his right hand. "Crummy Royal"In the late '50s it was a game my folks and friends played along with cribbage. Sometimes I got to join in and whoever was losing renamed the game to Crummy Royal. Prints-tonNow that we've been treated to views of riotous wallpaper and drapes inside two separate Tuttle homes in the city of Blue Earth (Hubert and Grace's place in the shot of Leslie Boler, and Floyd and Dorothy's place with the card game), I must wonder how many other Blue Earthers of that period were surrounded by floral prints on virtually every vertical surface. Main-street small-town decor shops rarely offered much variety. ConservativeMy parents were much more sedate; they played canasta with the neighbors. (Minnesota Kodachromes)
Hello, Doily: 1952
Another slide from Set 2 of found 35mm Kodachromes. On the wall, a September 1952 calendar; on the floor, an ... (ShorpyBlog, Kitchens etc., Kodachromes 2) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/04/2022 - 12:50pm -

Another slide from Set 2 of found 35mm Kodachromes. On the wall, a September 1952 calendar; on the floor, an Indianapolis phone book. At the right, a projection screen where perhaps this very slide was shown after being developed. In the kitchen: many little decorative decals on the cabinet doors. View full size. Grandma?So it was 6:50 too. I have an antique clock with that same dial and a similar teardrop shape. As for Grandma--snake plant and cacti? Check. Doilies? Check. Tacky frog and flower or similar knickknack/ashtray? Check. Flowered curtains? Sensible shoes? Bizarre upholstery? Triple check. Kitchen glasses with rings/stripes? Ivy plant in kitchen? Bread safe with strange decal? Oh yes to all. Dark weird rugs plus newspaper down as a backup? True. She appears to be coming in or leaving, as she has on what looks like a velvet hat and has a coat draped over the chair. Otherwise this room is a time capsule. Hello?I love the phone on the phone book. [Let's not forget the couch covered with a slipcover, covered with a doily! - Dave] What Month?If the month shown on the bottom right of the calendar is September 1952, then I believe the calendar would be opened to August 1952, since the preceding and following months are displayed on the lower left and lower right corners respectively on this type of calendar. I just can not make out the writing. [That's October at the bottom. - Dave] Love it!This is one of my all-time favorite photos from here. What a glimpse into the past. I think the funniest thing is the newspaper on the floor. I'm thankful sensible shoes have become a little more, um, stylish! Wall clockAre those plastic cowboy and indian figures standing on the front of the clock hanging by the kitchen door? [Not a clock. - Dave] "Wall Clock"Thermometer? The "Clock" thingI think this was supposed to predict the weather. I had one when I was a child and it moved the red figure out for dry weather and the blue one out for wet weather. Looks like it was maybe cloudy or changing. It was a crude barometer with what my father said was a "Cat gut" that was dried and twisted to move the figures in or out as the humidity changed. Wow......this could've been MY grandmother's house! My grandma used newspapers to "protect" her kitchen floors as well...seems like they were more of a slipping hazard than anything. MidCentury Not-So-ModernIn spite of all of our Eames-fueled fantasies about what interiors in the 'fifties looked like, I am sure more looked like this than most mid-century decor fans would like to admit! Keep Your Photos!This photo is a fascinating time capsule. All the little details are so interesting. I'm sure that shortly after this photo was taken it was not particularly interesting. Just "Grandma on the phone." Next! This is why I keep every non-blurry photo I take. You never know what may be interesting in the future! This entire site reinforces the idea that we need to take care to back up and maintain our digital photos as carefully as we did with our prints. Otherwise, whatever passes for Shorpy.com in the year 2100 will have nothing to show! TelephoneThat's a Western Electric Model 302 telephone in the photo. They were in general service from the mid-late 1930's until probably the late 1950's early 60's in rural areas. I have one on the counter in my kitchen dated 1938 and it works great with my VOIP. Try that with a Vtech phone 70 years from now... Wish I could reach into this photo...I'd love to have the curtains, the clock radio, the snake plant in the green planter, the telephone, the crazy upholstered chair...and that green anodized aluminum tumbler to the left of the kitchen sink! Just like home!I could be ten years old again and this could be my own grandmother talking on the phone in my own home! O my lord, the couch covered by the slipcover covered by a doily!! Thanks for sharing this with me. I just love it! This site brings back such great memories -- Keep up the good work! The not-a-clockAt first I thought Cosman was right, that it was one of the humidity detectors/weather predictor knickknacks that were so popular back in the day. But there's a 3rd figure, a black one on the very right, so I guess these are just figurines. They look like Ultraman, though. I keep coming back to this photo. I can't get enough of the details. I can't get over how her watch and phone and 1920s-era carpets look just like my grandma's did, and I love those nifty red plastic bits on the kitchen cabinet handles, and how bright and new everything looks. You see this stuff in thrift stores and antique shops nowadays and it's all faded, and it's so hard to remember how ity must have looked new. Midcentury ModernI'm with JMiller. I always wished someone in our family had gone in for the whole "Modern" thing back then. We currently live in the house in the picture, minus the knickknacks, but including Grandma's furniture, which was tastefully reupholstered in the 1980's. (OK, a house just like it, with the kitchen door removed, horizontal blinds, original cabinets.) Aluminum tumblersMy grandparents had those too, and we had a set - probably purchased at the same time by Mom or Grandma. The were a big part of my early memories. And they were perfect for freezing the remaining part of the too-big chocolate shakes I made still make. They're being made again nowadays (they're retro, ya know). Here's one place. Just google "aluminum tumblers" for other hits. Newspapers on the floor...... may indicate a recent mopping. My mother always spread out a walkway of newspapers across the kitchen linoleum while it dried. Source: my memories from this very era. The detailsMy mother used to spread newspapers after she mopped and I thought she was the only one who ever did that. The live plants are interesting. The tall one is what my mother called "Mother-in-law's tongue". I do not know what the lower one is called but I had one for years. When it bloomed it was a star shaped flower that stank like rotten meat. We had to set it outside until the bloom was gone. While outside the flies were drawn to it in masses. (They were not normal house flies either.) Tumblers!My grandmother had a set of those red and yellow glass tumblers (complete with matching pitcher) just like the one next to the decaled breadbox. What memories! Lucite!The kitchen cabinet handles appear to have been (partially) made of lucite. I just previewed a home that still had those - the first time I've ever seen them. Very cool! [More likely Bakelite, though. -tterrace] Ice Cold MilkThere is nothing better than the reflected cold that seems to emanate from an aluminum tumbler when topped with a cold beverage of choice!! CatalinThe orange part of the cabinet handles are Catalin. They are still found in many antique stores. Clock-RadioNo mention of radio make/model? Didn't take long to find just searching clock+radio+1950 Jewel 910 Clock Radio (1950) Manufacturer / Brand: Jewel Radio Corp., New York http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/jewel_ele_910.html (ShorpyBlog, Kitchens etc., Kodachromes 2)
Social Call: 1952
... adopted by many a Midwest woman. Look out, world! (Kodachromes, Dogs, Kids, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/23/2019 - 12:07pm -

Feb. 9, 1952. "Grace, Dottie, Shirley, Koleen." With Boots the dog, ensconced on Grace and Hubert Tuttle's emerald sofa in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Kodachrome by Hubert. View full size. I stand corrected.Thanks, Dave. You're right. Sally is a dalmation. I hadn't seen her for a while, so it was nice to see her again with Grace and the pajamas today. [Dalmatian, not "Dalmation." As in from Dalmatia. - Dave] On this date in ...Apropos of nothing but nevertheless interesting to me, this was my late mother-in-law's twenty-sixth birthday. Her firstborn, my husband, was not quite three weeks old, having been born on January 25th. How lovely a group of ladies -- especially the sweet and saucy girls in their matching red headwraps -- and Boots is a star. I love all of the Tuttle pictures for their snapshot of everything good about America and its greatest generation. Granny SquareThat's the pattern name for that hand-crocheted afghan throw. For some reason that brings back memories. Missing SallyWhere is Sally, the springer spaniel? I miss her. [Sally is a Dalmatian! - Dave] Must have been a warm snap...I assumed February in Minnesota would call for long sleeves and sweaters, but all four are wearing short sleeves and light cotton. Guess they have really good heat. Are Grace and Maurine sisters?To my eye Grace Tuttle has a refined look, much like Maurine Boler. Confidence!I'm glad this woman has a well-developed sense of personal style. She has a penchant for Asian design. She knows exactly what color red works for her. Her smile just beams, as well. I'm sure she was a cool lady. She's got "The Look"Little Koleen is perfecting her "look" - that formidable crossed-arm pose adopted by many a Midwest woman. Look out, world! (Kodachromes, Dogs, Kids, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Low Roller: 1970
... street tricycle. Since I guessed wrong about these Kodachromes being in Pennsylvania, I'll make another guess that this little ... Cars, Trucks, Buses, Found Photos, Kids, Stephen Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/29/2022 - 4:27pm -

Here we are back on Schwinn Street, which turns out to be in ... New York. With a teensy tyke on yet another tiny trike. 35mm Kodachrome slide found on eBay. View full size. She's got styleHer white sailor outfit for Easter is perfect as it is; but this fashionista has gone the extra mile of matching her socks to the pedals and handlebar grips (just one, actually) of her not left-in-the street tricycle. Since I guessed wrong about these Kodachromes being in Pennsylvania, I'll make another guess that this little darlin' is a younger sister of the lovely lass in yellow. Low riderI hope she does a better job of parking her trike. Three photos back, it was begging to be run over. [As noted in the caption, this isn't the same trike. Different colors. - Dave] See it now ... thanks. Not long for this world? Looks like the tricycle was only temporarily abandoned. [As noted in the caption, this isn't the same trike. Different colors. - Dave] The IBEWThe car boasts a supporter plate for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The oil leaks on the streetDefinitely FORDS in the area. Fix Or Repair Daily as they were fondly called. Getting warmerThe last two letters on the license plate are RL. That plate was issued in Rockland County (New York, 1966-73 series). The distant hills are also consistent with that area. Same drivewayThe camera position changed too much to do a good job of this, but I've merged the two images to show that this trike is in the same driveway as shown in the earlier pic of two girls. The same dented tail end of the car is in both. (Bicycles, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Found Photos, Kids, Stephen Kodachromes)
Pink Lady: 1960
... for a pipe tobacco advertising campaign. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Boats & Bridges, Toni Frissell) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/25/2023 - 2:45pm -

June 18, 1960. "Rowing, Harvard-Yale Regatta. Crew race at New London, Connecticut." Our host (far right) is Commodore Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, and we are aboard his 90-foot yacht the Versatile, last seen here. 35mm Kodachrome slide by Toni Frissell. View full size. The VersatileRe-named Windroad and allegedly purchased by Prince Rainier of Monaco. Color FilmYou can't beat Kodachrome for fall colors. It also works on shirts. The SquintRed-shirted gent would have been a great poster boy for a pipe tobacco advertising campaign. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Boats & Bridges, Toni Frissell)
The Dog and the DeSoto: 1952
... Sally, Aug. 1952." In the latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes , the DeSoto and Dalmatian we saw with Grace are back for an ... (ShorpyBlog, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Dogs, Minnesota Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/05/2014 - 8:49pm -

"Hubert & Sally, Aug. 1952." In the latest episode of Minnesota Kodachromes, the DeSoto and Dalmatian we saw with Grace are back for an encore. View full size. It's a SixBut they could have had a Hemi V-8 for the first time, denoted on the lower front fender under the model name, all of 276 cubic inches as well as standard and overdrive instead of the power robbing Fluid Drive. Toothy GrinNot very often does an automobile show more teeth than a nearby dog. But, in fact, many of these toothy De Sotos (1951-'54) lost their grilles to the rod and custom crowd of the period, who loved to transplant them into their Chevys, Fords, and other makes. Today, a set of DeSoto teeth is a prized item among "old school" customizers -- some of whom are of sufficient vintage to need a few teeth themselves! A Real SticklerHubert was pretty particular about his car's appearance. Not only is it waxed and clean as a whistle, but notice he also bent the license plate to form-fit the bumper. Wouldn't want it sticking straight up and protruding, no sir! Grace and Hubert Tuttle?The only couple I could find living anywhere in the region were Grace (b 1913) and Hubert (b 1912) Tuttle, of Blue Earth, Minnesota. Grace's maiden name is a bit murky - I've found it listed as Cartwright, True and Branch depending on the source. They were wed in 1936 in Iowa, and according to both their marriage record and the 1940 census, Hubert Thomas Tuttle was a barber by trade. He lived next door in 1940 to his parents Abe and Julia (Helland) Tuttle and his brother Floyd and his wife Dorothy. They also had a son, Donald Cartwright (age 9 in 1940), living at home with them. He was in the Navy reserve and served on the USS Gold Star in 1945. Grace died in March 1976 in Blue Earth. Hubert remarried in 1977, to a Joyce Isler. Hubert died in 1995, and Joyce in 2008. I haven't been able to make any links between them and the Bolers, but it could be possible they were family friends, distant cousins, or I could have spent an hour researching the wrong couple entirely. [You are indeed on the right track. Hubert and Grace are Tuttles; Hubert's birth date is given as May 30, 1913, in the records I've found. Grace Ellanor True Cartwright Tuttle had a son, Donald, from a previous marriage to Thomas Cartwright. She and Hubert married in 1936. Below is a photo she took in 1952 of her parents' grave. - Dave] "My folks' grave. 30 May 1952." Forgotten VentilationThat pop-up cowl ventilator just forward of the windshield was the precursor of our now standard car A/C units. The rising air vent has gone the way of the hand cranked windows. Form-fitted license plateMinnesota snowbanks will do that. Location foundHubert looks so proud of his DeSoto, and understandably so. This photo was taken at the corner of Galbraith and Fourth Streets in Blue Earth, Minnesota. The Tuttles' house is gone, but many other houses that can be seen in other photos are still there. The house in this photo can be seen in this Google street view: (ShorpyBlog, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Dogs, Minnesota Kodachromes)
Snow Birds: 1973
Today in the Shorpy Showcase of Random Kodachromes, a slide dated NOV 73. New Jersey Cadillac, South Florida house. ... like flowers around the mailbox. Bees. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Florida, Found Photos) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/05/2022 - 12:45pm -

Today in the Shorpy Showcase of Random Kodachromes, a slide dated NOV 73. New Jersey Cadillac, South Florida house. Hurry up, Harry, or we'll be late for the Early Bird! View full size. Not a Rare BirdCadillacs with Jersey plates in South Florida outnumber the gators. I feel like I've been here beforeDoes Hyman Roth live next door? In a MinuteBe there in a minute Tess, President Ford is on the TV saying something called OPEC will make the cost of gas go to $1 a gallon for our drive back to Jersey. No way, never gonna happen -- [So true. Who was president in 1973? - Dave] My bad. President Nixon stuck around until August 1974. Should have said Vice President Ford? A really big rideThat one-car garage might hold the Cadillac but not much else, I'm wagering. Famous Jersey wine"I wanna go to Miami!!" That's actually a nice looking house. Too bad we don't know where in southern Florida it is. It would be interesting to see if it's still around and if so, how it looks 49 years later. When life is goodLike the Space Command post, this Kodachrome is pride of ownership. And, much like the freshly dusted and tidied up living room where the Zenith and Fedders resided, the shape of the black trash bag at the end of the driveway tells me this lawn is freshly mowed. BzzzI've been told that mailmen do not like flowers around the mailbox. Bees. (The Gallery, Kodachromes, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Florida, Found Photos)
The Reluctant Debutantes: 1956
... photos, different people. Dave picked these Linda Kodachromes up on eBay; the Bel Air Belle is a user-submitted photo. - ... every subject in just about every picture. (Linda Kodachromes) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/04/2013 - 2:43pm -

This circa 1956 Kodachrome of five pastel princesses has no label, so you'll have to pencil one in yourself. ("How long does it take a boy to come back with a cup of punch"?) In the meantime, maybe there's someone out there who'll recognize the room, or an old flame. Scanned from the "Linda" slides. View full size. Photo TipAll dressed up and not a smile on anyone. Next time ask them to say CHEESE! Far left"Darn those boys. Looks like they went out for a quick smoke again, instead of bringing us our punch. Anybody want to dance when the band plays another fast song?" Not exactly Enchantment Under the SeaPerhaps this was a fashion show? They are much more formally attired than the people in the background. ArtworkSmiling or not, they are lovely young women. The painting top right sure looks like Saint Isidore the Farmer. Wherever it is located, I guess this 1956 school wasn't as strict as the Chicago-area parochial high schools were a decade later. Strapless and spaghetti strap dresses were forbidden by the mid-1960s. [The venue might be a parish hall. - Dave] Reluctant Debutantes, MaybeBut they don't hold a disgruntled candle to that poor guy standing by the back wall! Two of these girlsdidn't get the memo about matching shoes. Whispered commentWho invited Carrie to the prom? VertigoIs that Midge there in the background, waiting for Scottie perhaps? No Smoking!Who are they kidding, it's 1956, smoking is mandatory. The Girl in BlueThe girl in the blue dress in the back could fit right in amongst the beauties if she'd ditch the horn-rimmed glasses and don a formal dress. [Refreshment Committee couture? - Dave] There may be two happy peopleThe two young ladies on the far right may be smiling, judging from the shapes of their cheeks, but their mouths made the mistake of not getting captured by the film. Where is Linda?Is there Linda here? [This photo is Lindaless. - Dave] Unwonted StressI'm looking at all that crepe paper in what are probably school colors, and thinking that these girls seem to be dressed much more formally than the (admittedly few) others visible. Are these Homecoming candidates, forced to come early and wait and wait and wait for the dance to begin? WallflowerLove the guy in the back, hugging the wall and trying to look cool. Birmingham, perhaps?Using clues from former Linda photos ... ie: Rancho Chevrolet license tag on her car, (Reseda, CA) ... The school colors (crepe paper) of Blue & Gold, almost has to be Birmingham High, in Van Nuys, CA. [Different photos, different people. Dave picked these Linda Kodachromes up on eBay; the Bel Air Belle is a user-submitted photo. - tterrace] Chaperon perhaps?Maybe a disgruntled teacher standing in the back along the wall. Seems to old for this crows and might be wearing a wedding ring. Those green high heels....are "simply too chacha for words" to quote Miss Truvy. Nice "P.A." systemNice "hi fidelity" P.A. speaker on the stage - maybe for the piano player to sing out of? No Corsages?That says to me, "Not a Prom!" Even if you were a reluctant date you supplied the necessary wrist corsage. Red EyeI'm a bit surprised to see a few red eyes in there. In the olden days, flashes were usually off camera by a fair amount, and that prevented the direct reflection of the blood vessels in the eye back to the camera. Red eye became ubiquitous when smaller 35mm cameras had on-board flashes right above the lens. I suppose it was always there, just not as common and so not as noticeable as nowadays when you see it in just about every subject in just about every picture. (Linda Kodachromes)
Window on the Past: 19xx
... in mid-century. Another unlabeled slide from the Linda Kodachromes. Are there any clues here as to the year? Let's have a beer while ... at in the past. [These slides are "red border" Kodachromes of the kind used no later than 1958. This particular one using the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 02/02/2013 - 8:04pm -

Somewhere in New England, sometime in mid-century. Another unlabeled slide from the Linda Kodachromes. Are there any clues here as to the year? Let's have a beer while we ponder. (UPDATE: See Comments for the answer.) View full size. Location DiscussionAs pointed out earlier, this is in the month of March or later, so no surprise that there is snow on the ground, but that may mean this is further north like VT, NH or ME (maybe central/western MA). By March/early April, it becomes less likely to be CN, RI or southeastern MA. Also, it's too bad Dad doesn't have the beer bottle in front of him. The label might help narrow the location down since there were many regional brewers in those days with strong local loyalty. As an aside, the furniture is a dead giveaway that this is in the enclosed back porch of the house. [It might also be February. Monthly mags generally come out the second week of the preceding month. - Dave] The year was ...1975 A walk in the gardenLooks like Horticulture Magazine under the table - March 1952. Dutch nails itIn less than 20 minutes! Clapclapclap. The answer is here on eBay. Dang it Dutch!I should have read the comments first. I just spent 45 minutes looking for that cover! Nice job. What's in a name? The magazine reminds me of the old bit of wisdom that "you can lead a horse to water, but you can never lead a horticulture". Or something like that. New EnglandIf the slide's unlabeled, how did you know that the scene is in New England? [The other slides. - Dave] GrungeJudging by the plaid flannel shirt I was going to guess Seattle, early 1990's, but of course it's not. His eyes would indicate that is not his first Beer. Dorothy Parker's replyWhen asked to define "Horticulture": "You can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make her think!" Mid-Century Modern MancaveExcept for the floral cushions. File boxI'd like to know what's in it. ViewMaster Tterrace wondered about the file box. For some reason, it looks like it could be full of very organized ViewMaster cards/slides. The object behind the slides looks like the top of a viewmaster viewer. Cigarettes bother meThe 1952 date for this photo seems correct from the magazine, but what appears to be a pack of Pall Malls on the table bother me. First, comparison with the magazine in front of it, and the aspect ratio of the pack, make it look like 100mm cigarettes and those weren't introduced until 1960. Second, on the side of the pack is what looks a great deal like a "Surgeon General's Warning", and those didn't appear until 1964. Unfortunately, given the resolution of even the larger image I can't actually read the text. [I'm not sure why you'd think a block of illegible text resembles the Surgeon General's warning. Below, a pack from the 1940s that looks just like the one in our photo. - Dave] This Scenetakes me back to my childhood in the 1950's: bamboo furniture - check; wrought iron end table - check; knotty pine paneling - check. Pop could have been a bird watcher as well as a gardener - well worn binoculars lie at the ready on the table. Camera gearIs that a spent "Press 25" flashbulb in the ashtray to the left of the binoculars? Another ConsiderationWhile this clearly looks like the 50's to me, just because the magazine is March 1952 doesn't mean this is even 1952. Wxman1 says that the furniture is a dead giveaway for an enclosed back porch. When I first looked at it, it looked more like a cottage porch to me. Out the window, it appears to be woodsy / lake like in the background and the building also in the background could be another cottage. The guys are clearly dressed in old, comfy lounging clothes and there is a pair of binoculars on the table (good for bird or animal spotting?). Therefore, if this really is a cottage, then magazines and other reading material are there for entertainment and could actually be several years old - based upon some of the cottages I have stayed at in the past. [These slides are "red border" Kodachromes of the kind used no later than 1958. This particular one using the mount style employed from 1950 to 1955. Its neighbors are dated 1952. There are quite a few other photos showing the interior of this house. - Dave] Old MarbleheadDave, the more I look at this, the more POSITIVE I am that the little blue and white book on the table is Samuel Chamberlain's Old Marblehead, a Camera Impression. Look carefully. That would strongly suggest to me the possibility of these pics all being from Marblehead, Mass. [Here's a comparison; allowing for distortion, glare and blur, it looks darn close. - tterrace] [A good case for the book, but most of these photos are from New Hampshire. - Dave] (Linda Kodachromes)
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