The Dog has a better hat than she does!
Hers looks like a bowl of moldy fruit with a veil thrown over it.

I'm sure it was quite lovely in color though (cough)

... bulldogs prefer Lucky.

I couldn't even see the cigarette until I clicked "View Full Size."

Bet he's dead!

Somebody's corseted to a fare-thee-well.

if her "dead" eyes may have to do with orthochromatc film? Dave, you’d know more about this than I do.

[I know that you know these pictures weren't taken using film (they were made on glass), and meant to say "emulsion." So yes, the emulsions used during this era tended to register the color blue, whether in eyes or skies, rather vaguely compared to the panchromatic black-and-white emulsions that came later. Making blue eyes look icy and washed-out. - Dave]

Thanks Dave.

Is that a doggie lapel pin he's wearing?

[Sharp eye you have there! Also a horseshoe stickpin. - Dave]

I mean the dog, of course. The poor girl would be subjected to wearing a muzzle in these parts (I mean the dog, again). Pit bulls, sadly, have become the dog to hate.

The Missus has glazed, dead eyes, while Bobbie strongly resembles a gentleman who lives up the road from me, though Ron isn't usually so formal.

I find this one rather hellish. Mr. Kern seems cautiously optimistic despite my misgivings.

Too much time on their hands.

One does not often see a dog with a custom-made top hat and a smoke, as seen here on the bitch in the middle but she also has an attitude that works well with the costume. Although this couple appears to be seriously sober, they obviously had a great sense of humor and pulled off this long-lasting joke with their unexpected pose. A great and funny picture, thanks to Shorpy and to Mr. and Mrs. Kern.

[This is a Detroit Publishing image, so we know it's not someone's wacky family photo. Vaudeville act would be my guess. - Dave]

I'd love to see more like this.
Also, that dog should not smoke!

I wonder if bull terriers got the bad rap back then that they do now?

[I know a couple bull terriers. They're sweet to the people they know, but they're dangerous as far as other animals are concerned. Tore a fox in the backyard to shreds. Can't be taken to the park, either. - Dave]