1914. "Cat in housedress costume at clothesline with basket of laundry." Felis domestica doesn't get much more domestic than this. Photo by that wittiest of Whittiers, Harry Whittier Frees. View full size.

Launching a 10-pound furball into Puppy Camp!

1914. "Cats in coveralls, posed as if firing a toy cannon." It looks like nappy-time for Bottom Gun. Photo by Harry W. Frees. View full size.

Two things you cannot escape:

        1. The Spanish Inquisition.
        2. The costumed cats of Harry W. Frees

1914. "Kittens in costume preparing to make tea with kettle boiling on toy stove." Photo by Harry W. Frees. View full size.

1914. "Kitten in costume on mule pulling kitten in toy touring car." Our weekly dose of the KONRSVW. Photo by Harry W. Frees. View full size.

1914. "Four costumed kittens entangled in yarn." Our weekly visit with TKONRSVW.* Photo by Harry Whittier Frees. View full size.

December 1936. "William Helmke farm near Dickens, Iowa." Kittycat and Piglet sharing a Mulesicle. Photo by Russell Lee. View full size.

1914. "Puppy 'mother' in costume holding kitten 'baby'." Like millions of other kitties, this one was probably adopted. Photo by Harry W. Frees. View full size.

1914. "Kittens in costume at picnic lunch." After we're done eating, stick around for fireworks and the six-legged race! Photo by Harry W. Frees. View full size.

1914. "Kitten in costume grasping pump handle, ready to fill water bucket carried by doll." Another of the vaguely spooky tableaux featuring posed dogs and cats that were a specialty of novelty photographer Harry W. Frees. View full size.

1914. "Kitten in costume with bowling ball and pins." If memory serves, an omen of the impending Apocalypse. Photo by Harry W. Frees. View full size.

Circa 1914. "Puppy leading pony cart carrying three kittens." So sweet, you could pour this on your pancakes. Photo by Harry W. Frees. View full size.

September 1937. "Icehouse. Rosslyn, Virginia." Just across the Potomac from Washington, the home of beer, wine and 7-Up from 7 to 7, as well as one cool cat. Medium-format nitrate negative by John Vachon. View full size.

November 1922. New York. "Evelione Taglione, 16-year-old pianist." As pictured, maybe a little closer to playing the violin. Bain News Service. View full size.

July 1940. "Reading on the front porch. Lincoln, Vermont." Homey props: Cat, kite, broom, washboard. Screen door! Photo by Louise Rosskam. View full size.

New York, July 5, 1921. "Lanier Hotel restaurant." Fried kidney only 20 cents. Note sleeping mousers. 5x7 glass negative, Bain News Service. View full size.