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Modern Farmwoman: 1940
... motor oil, gasoline! Love those old Maytag hit & miss engines. Fun wringing I used a ringer washer on my honeymoon, up ... tubs, clotheslines, and a gas-fired ironing machine. Miss Sigurdson, another tenant, was up there and she asked if I was new in the ... Canada until 1968. (The Gallery, Louise Rosskam, Rural America) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/17/2012 - 8:05pm -

July 1940. "Farm woman washing clothes in her motor-driven washing machine. Near Lincoln, Vermont." Sliver gelatin print by Louise Rosskam. View full size. Gas Maytag in actionVintagetvs, an excellent call! Gasoline PoweredA Gasoline powered Maytag, you can just see the spark plug under the tub. The engines from these old machines are highly collectible today. The ever-handy bushel basketI don't think we ever had any other kind of laundry basket until sometime in the 1970s. Treated right they lasted for a number of years. This could have been my mother in 1946My job was to carry water from the cistern to the rinse tub or water from the cistern to the stove and then hot water in the washing machine. In those days, we had a coal furnace, a kerosene powered cook stove and a path to a shack for the other necessity of life. Don't Fear the ReaperLooks like a scythe hung from the overhang behind the woman. It must be secure: she doesn't look concerned that it could fall. We do this for funDad and I have several Maytag engines and have two washers with the gas engines on them to use at farm shows. The two cycle engines can be quite cantankerous at times. My grandmother used her Maytag wringer washer well into the '70's and swore that the new automatic did not get the clothes as clean. We hear that from a lot of folks at the shows. The great thing about the Maytag washers is that you could get a meat grinder attachment that was used on place of the wringer and a butter churn that was placed in the tub after removing the agitator. Check out this website for more info. http://www.maytagclub.com/ Modern Convenience She has everything she needs to wash clothes: motor oil, gasoline! Love those old Maytag hit & miss engines. Fun wringingI used a ringer washer on my honeymoon, up in the hills of Northern California. I found it to be a lot of fun, but then I didn't have to do it all the time and was only washing for two (no diapers yet). Neither did I have chickens to feed, hogs to slop, wood to chop, etc., etc. Happy Washday!When I was four years old we lived in Hamtramck, Michigan in a four family flat. Washday was a treat (for me at least) when I accompanied my Mother to the basement. The attached picture (1951) shows me at one of the dual compartment cast cement wash tubs which weighted a "ton". The stick at the right is held by my mother and was used to feed the wet clothing into the ringer. The thing which fascinated me the most was when my mother would add the "Bull Dog" brand bluing to the rinse water. The water turned dark blue but it didn't stain your hands. The ringer had an emergency bar at the top which would separate the rollers if your hand got caught assuming your other hand was free. The farm woman is clearly happy with her washer. I wonder if she had the "kick start motor"? The motor oil in the can was mixed with the gasoline, 8 ounces of oil to one gallon of gas. I also noticed the folding rack holding up the two wash tubs. My wife and I picked one up at an antique store years ago. We topped it with glass and it makes a perfect coffee table in the den. Since those wash tubs hold 10 to 15 gallons of water each, the rack was built like the proverbial brick outhouse. Watch out!My grandmother had the electric version in her basement. I recall being warned that getting one's hand caught in the wringer would be a painful experience. Still wringingWhen I moved out on my own in 1967 I found an apartment in Vancouver, B.C. for $80.00 a month. That included the laundry facilities, on the top floor of the 1921 walk-up. When I ventured up there for the first time to wash my clothes, I discovered 3 wringer washers, concrete laundry tubs, clotheslines, and a gas-fired ironing machine. Miss Sigurdson, another tenant, was up there and she asked if I was new in the building. She was kind enough to show me how to use the machines, and not ruin my clothes. When I bought my own house in 1977 I bought one of the machines, a 1944 Beatty, and still use it on occasion. In the U.S.A. automatic washers outsold wringers by 1951, but that point was not reached in Canada until 1968. (The Gallery, Louise Rosskam, Rural America)
Detroit Electric: 1921
... Steve Miller Someplace near the crossroads of America Detroit Electric Looks like I'll be trading in my Beetle: ... on 17th Street across from the Corcoran Gallery. Hard to miss. - Dave] Now post... a picture of Pennsylvania avenue in ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/31/2012 - 8:18pm -

1921 or 1922. "Detroit Electric car at the State, War and Navy building in Washington." View full size. National Photo Company Collection. Ghost and the MachineAll that's left is a well turned ankle and shoe. Some poor woman wandered into the shot on the left, stopped for a second, and most likely turned around and left. ReflectionI love how you can see the old brick gutter reflected in the side of the car. It's too bad the photographer wasn't caught too. Viable option?Finally found that "well turned ankle and shoe", anyway now that gas is nearing the $3.50 a gallon mark, electric cars are starting to sound better. I was wondering what type of performance the owner of a 1921 Detroit Electric car could expect. Detroit Electric CarI understand that someone has bought the rights to make the Detroit Electric Car again. They will be making some that look like this one and then there are others that are designed for right now. I tawt I taw a ...I can't look at this without thinking of Tweety, Sylvester, and that little old lady... Steve Miller Someplace near the crossroads of America Detroit ElectricLooks like I'll be trading in my Beetle: "After 100 Years, Electric Brand Revived" http://www.nbc26.com/news/business/15404341.html Electric CarThis is a Milburn 27L. Kinda nervousThanks Dave, kinda nervous about going near the White House nowadays. Might be why I missed it. [When I worked downtown I'd drive by this building every day. - Dave] The building in the backgroundLiving in the District as I do I often go searching for a "modern" view of the buildings shown on here. I cannot find this building however. Can anyone tell me where it is or what became of it if it is no longer standing? Did it become part of the LOC? [Did you try Googling the name in the caption? State, War and Navy Building. This D.C. landmark at 17th and Pennsylvania next to the White House is now called the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Formerly Old Executive Office Building, and before that the State, War and Navy Building. - Dave] Not todayDave, Automobile traffic is expressly forbidden on that whole section of Penn. Nowadays the biggest thing you could drive through there is a skateboard... [Yes, today. It's the humongous building on 17th Street across from the Corcoran Gallery. Hard to miss. - Dave] Now post...a picture of Pennsylvania avenue in front and beside the white house - where you said the building was, "right beside the White House" - showing the barricades preventing automobile traffic. [It is next to the White House. But I never said anything about driving on Pennsylvania Avenue. - Dave] Nice linesI like the upsweep at the back of the car between the body and the windows. I don't think I've ever seen a sweeping line like that on an old car before. I Won't See Your Detroit Electric but I'll Raise You a MilburnThis is a 1918 - 1921 Milburn Model L Brougham. Can we please update the title now? (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Natl Photo)
Primitive Ferry: 1907
... Looks to me like it's powered by stationary hit and miss engine rather than a steam engine. But that's just my assumption. ... It Carried Cars, Too. The book "First Highways of America" contains a picture of this same ferry carrying two cars. In theory one ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/21/2012 - 7:50pm -

Circa 1907. "Primitive ferry, High Bridge, Kentucky River." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Shaker Ferry, not Valley ViewResponding to a previous comment, this is the former Shaker Ferry, not the Valley View Ferry. Both are (were) in the Lexington area, but Valley View is several miles upriver and is still in operation. Horse whispererI wonder how they talked him into taking the ride. Sternwheeler I don't see any smokestack for what I assume is a steam engine and if there is an engine, it must be above deck as the hull looks too shallow for anything else. Could the engine be behind the superstructure? Hard to see. On the ropesUnderwater ropes are the only way that makes sense (to me anyway) but they must be fairly deep to keep other boats from snagging them. Shaker FerryThis is apparently the Shaker Ferry, as seen in this photo from the Cincinnati Public Library collection. Valley View FerryMight this be what we are looking at? If so, it's still in existence! Although, this particular iteration of it doesn't seem to be connected to the shore via ropes or cables that are suspended above the water. Alternate Title"Dobbin's Ferry." Please, no applause -- just throw money. I must be going blindWhat is propelling the ferry across the river? -- And thanks, Dave, for all the High Bridge plates! Propulsion?I am guessing that there is a rope system under the ferry that is pulling it towards the near shore, but it must be totally under water. The handle that the man is grasping doesn't seem to be connected to anything that would propel the boat. Educational value of ShorpyShorpy never ceases to amaze me. I was one of the early posters to this thread questioning how the ferry was propelled. Stevendm supplied the answer I was looking for. Armed with the info from Steven I did some research on the web and found out that this type of ferry is called a reaction ferry. The rope either below or above the water provides the opposing force for the rudder to do its job. A ferry still operating in 1952This 1952 Topographic Map courtesy of the USGS shows an operating ferry. Work DetailBoat Makeover. Row, Row Your BoatNotice that the railing where the guy is standing is greatly reinforced. I believe the wooden piece he controls is made to grab the rope or cable and let him walk along the side to propel the raft. If the current is in the right direction, he would be able to control the speed merely by letting the rope slide through. New member here, have been lurking through the entire Shorpy files. Thanks, Dave for bringing us these fine photos. Charlie Underwater RopeI have heard of ferries like this. There is an underwater rope that the boat is guided by. The man standing at the right in the boat is holding a tiller that turns a rudder underneath the ferry. This tiller is in line with the flow of the river, not with the axis of the ferry. The movement of the water across the tiller pushes the ferry from one bank to another, turn the tiller one way and you move to one bank, turn it the other way and you go to the other bank. Simple but effective. The rope should not foul the other boats if they are like the ones shown. They have a very shallow draft and would float right over the rope. Remember, the rope is probably not very taut and will drop down in the water when not close by land or the ferry. Stern Wheeler. Looks to me like it's powered by stationary hit and miss engine rather than a steam engine. But that's just my assumption. MichiganSeveral years ago, I was in Charlevoix, Michigan. They had (may still have) a ferry there that could carry one or two cars across a narrow part of Lake Charlevoix. It used an underwater cable that pulled the ferry back and forth. I would imagine this ferry had a similar system. It Carried Cars, Too.The book "First Highways of America" contains a picture of this same ferry carrying two cars. In theory one of those could have been driven by my great-grandparents as they crossed on the ferry in 1920 during a trip to Florida. Fare was apparently set by vehicle size. They paid 50 cents for their Model T and their friends in an Overland paid 75 cents. Granny reported that High Bridge was their "first bit of sight seeing worth while" and that the men made it all the way "down a stairs of nearly 300 steps" but the women stopped short of the bottom. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, DPC, Horses)
Ice Age Cadillac: 1957
... Daughters of the Republic of Texas, The Colonial Dames of America and The Daughters of the Confederacy. You can read more from Norma's ... seatbelt. Snort. I have to admit though. I did miss those wing windows when they went. Made it so much easier to flick your ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/12/2013 - 6:46pm -

1957. "Robert and Norma Norton of Houston, Texas, with their family, illustrating life before and after having the house air-conditioned. Includes photos of the family at a drive-in restaurant having cool air piped into their car" -- a Cadillac sedan that already has air conditioning. Photo by Jim Hansen for the Look magazine article "How the Nortons Beat the Heat." View full size. CoalsAnd Newcastle type comments would fit here. I guess this is to avoid running the car while at a drive-in restaurant. Lived in Louisiana, don't remember ever seeing such contraptions there or maybe we just didn't go to the right drive-ins! Before and after?I've read enough "before and after" anecdotes to surmise that by 1957, any Houstonian able to afford a Cadillac would have been upgrading to central air from one or two window units, not getting cooling for the first time. My dad was working on construction sites in the Houston area by age 12, helping his carpenter dad during the summers. He recalls, in the early '50s, working on a lavish home for a local banker, which had sealed windows, and a water-cooled chiller. But, as he said, "I wasn't impressed by the air conditioning, because stores had air conditioning. I was impressed by the remote-controlled garage door opener." By 1957, split systems with air-cooled condensers and single-phase compressors were available, the same type of system that is standard equipment on Texas homes today. That is probably the upgrade that the Look article is referring to. And a beer for Dad, pleaseOh, maybe that's just ginger ale! The High LifeDogs and suds Texas style. How much the world has changedA drive-in with a starched and uniformed waitress, Dad drinking a beer in the car, real glass glasses for the girl's milkshake, and a baby sitting on Mom's lap with no car seat. The morality police would have a field day with some of the things going on here. I wish the world was like this once again. I was born too late. Different time, different placeMom holding a baby on her lap, Dad behind the wheel drinking Miller High Life. Must've been a Texas thingI grew up in Alabama and moved to Florida before all of the drive-ins had closed, and I never saw such a thing, either. Dairy Queen, Shoney's, Frisch's Big Boy, even Frostop Root Beer -- can't recall any having "cool air piped in" to your car. Where's the tray?Virtually every drive-ins I've been to in the past 60 years or so have had a tray that hooked on a partially rolled up window. [The tray is over Dad's lap, clipped to the inside of the door. The windows would be rolled all the way up with the AC hoses connected and photographer not present. - Dave] Technology still in use todayI think it was on that TV series "Modern Marvels" that I saw an episode on super-modern truck stops. In order for the truckers to conserve diesel fuel and reduce carbon footprint, the truck stops provide conditioned air, electric power, etc., to the cabs of the semis. Thanks to switzarch for jogging my memory. Pretty CoolBefore anyone asks, "How do you know the Caddy had AC?", the giveaway is the transparent plastic tube, visible jutting out of the rear package tray. It delivered the cold air from the trunk-mounted evaporator unit to outlets in the headliner. Never mind the moralityThe mortality was much higher back then. There is still more than enough mortality left even with more stringent DUI prohibitions, speed limits and safety features that go unused. And I very positively prefer good brakes, decent suspension, seat belts, airbags and gas mileage over tailfins and a chrome orgy. But that's just me. But hey, it's a free world, just make sure you won't hit anything or anybody. In case anybody wonders why drive-ins were headed the way of the dinosaurs? Well, no spills, no crumbs and no smears in the car if you eat indoors or take it home. Heat exchangeI wonder how many degrees all those air conditioners raised the outside temperature around that place? An often overlooked air conditioning fact is that cooler in one place comes at the price of hotter somewhere else. The NormansApparently the little girl in the back seat went on to become a doctor and teaches at Auburn University. Dad was an electrical engineer. Mom was quite the Texas southern lady having been a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, The Colonial Dames of America and The Daughters of the Confederacy. You can read more from Norma's recent obit here. Prince's BurgersI recognize the drive-in and the car-hop's uniform as possibly being Prince's Burgers, a Houston original. Car SeatIs that a car seat in the back? [No. - Dave] Aw, yesI agree! Life was so much better when you could drink and drive, kids were secure and safe sitting on Mom's lap and you could stretch out in the backseat and take a nice nap without that pesky seatbelt. Snort. I have to admit though. I did miss those wing windows when they went. Made it so much easier to flick your cigarette ashes. Prince's BurgersThat was my thought as I looked at the picture. I also thought this might have been a fast food business that was opened on South Main south of where the main South Main Prince's Drive Inn was located. I grew up close by and remember that there was big new Drive Inn that was built about that time but closed fairly quickly. There was a sign posted saying "Opened By Mistake." [Help ... dizzy ... - Dave] (Technology, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Eateries & Bars, LOOK)
Saks Fur: 1920
... around back then. I think the display is fascinating. I miss the old store window displays. Erlebacher's Clothing Store I ... of Joseph and Annette Erlebacher. Mr. Erlebacher came to America in 1883, and acquired a business training in Baltimore, Maryland, here ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/03/2012 - 11:55am -

"Saks Fur Co. 1920 or 1921." Wintertime window display at the Washington, D.C., furrier featuring a taxidermy tie-in with the movie "Isobel, or the Trail's End." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Time warpAmazing detail. This must have been a wonder to see in 1920, but today I feel a tinge of sadness at all the wildlife sacrificed for a window display. Trail's EndLeaving aside contemporary attitudes toward the wearing of fur, this is an impressive, museum quality display with some fine examples of taxidermy. The trappers appear to be Inuit. Their garments are worn with the fur inside. You can almost feel the chill in the air. I'm betting this realistic tableau resulted in a lot of attention. Meanwhile, Next DoorWhile this is indeed a quite impressive display of window dressing, I am equally intrigued by the glimpse we get of the "new" line in women's fashion in the next window. Isobel: A Romance of the Northern TrailMany of James Oliver Curwood's works are available on Project Gutenberg. Isobel can be read here: http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/6715 His novels are heavy on both emotion and action; the frozen North plays a big role. I've enjoyed reading them. WOW!This photo is pretty amazing! I can't believe the lavish display to promote a movie! It certainly is shocking to see growling, taxidermy DOGS in a store window! I can imagine the outcry today... You know, I am not even certain what kind of animals those are attacking the (gigantic!) polar bear! One is a dog...but the others...more bears? The snow looks like large pieces of cotton batting, which my grandparents used at the bottom of their Christmas trees. The display is effective, I want to see the movie! Kathleen Saks Furs historySaks Furs, no relation to Saks Fifth Avenue, was founded by Samuel Saks in 1888. Originally located at 610 12th St. NW, it moved in 1912 to the pictured location, 1212 F St NW, "right in the heart of the high-class retail business section." After Samuel's death in 1931, his son, Jerome M. took over the business and operated it until 1959. When Jerome retired in 1959, he sold the business which continued to operate with the Saks name until at least the early 1970s. The adjacent women's clothing store at 1210 F St NW is Erlebacher's, "Where Style Originates and Emanates," founded by Gustave and Birdie Erlebacher in 1907. Photo from the Theodor Horydczak collection of the Library of Congress showing the 1200 block of F where these stores were located. Washington Post, Feb 7, 1912 Washington Post, Mar 13, 1931 Washington Post, Dec 17, 1938 Washington Post, Nov 12, 1970 Yikes!I hope those aren't real Inuit! Somehow the datedness of having a stuffed polar bear makes it seem possible. Chilling.Wow, how incredibly disturbing.. Fur bearersI take it that PETA wasn't around back then. I think the display is fascinating. I miss the old store window displays. Erlebacher's Clothing StoreI would be interested in any more information on Gustave and Birdie Erlebacher and their store. ErlebacherThe following is extracted from the book, Washington Past and Present: a history published in 1932. Born in Gernsbach, Baden, Germany, December 5, 1869, Gustave Erlebacher was the son of Joseph and Annette Erlebacher. Mr. Erlebacher came to America in 1883, and acquired a business training in Baltimore, Maryland, here gaining the high regard of those with whom he had business relation. In 1907, Mr. Erlebacher moved to Washington and established a women's specialty shop at No. 1222 F Street, Northwest, where he carried an exclusive line of goods for a select trade. The business having enlarged to the point where more commodious quarters were required, Mr. Erlebacher very wisely took the more advantageous location at No. 1012, on the same street where the business is still being conducted on the same high place of quality and service as during the lifetime of the founder. The establishment, now known as Erlebacher, Incorporated, has as its president and moving spirit, Mrs. Erlebacher, one of the most finished and progressive business women of the national capital. She has not only held the business developed by her late husband, but also has been successful by her personality and progressive methods in drawing many new and desirable clients, which speaks well for her merchandising abilities. As a business executive, too, she has manifested remarkable capacity, and is the envy of many men who are not so well equipped in this respect. Gustave Erlebacher married in Baltimore, Berthe Goldstone, daughter of Jacob M. and Cartherine (DeHaan) Goldstone... For many years Mr. Goldstone was engaged in the clothing business in Philadelphia and Baltimore, and was well and favorably known to the trade in both cities. Mrs. Erlebacher was reared in culture and refinement in her native city, receiving an excellent education in select schools.... Gustave Erlebacher died at his home in Washington, June 8, 1925. Birdie remarried to David Frank and survived till February 22, 1962. The Baltimore firm of Bonwit, Lennon & Co. acquired the clothing store in 1938 but retained Birdie to aid in running the store. Association Of...... Army-Navy Stores? I *think* that's what the round logo on the window is, although I could find only one reference to it on the Internet. Not sure why that would be on a fur store... [Maybe they supplied the Army. Which used fur-trimmed hats and coats in places like Alaska. - Dave] (The Gallery, Animals, D.C., Natl Photo, Stores & Markets)
302 Mott Street: 1911
... get an eye opening introduction to how how immigrants to America lived down on "the lower east side" by going to this museum. I've been ... 5th floor. Small apt, typical for NYC. great location. Miss the city. Eureka Mrs. Mette was Maria Auletta/Avoletti Motta, who ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/09/2011 - 10:29am -

December 1911. Family of Mrs. Mette making flowers in a very dirty tenement, 302 Mott Street, top floor. Josephine, 13, helps outside school hours until 9 P.M. sometimes. She is soon to be 14 and expects to go to work in an embroidery factory. Says she worked in that factory all last summer. Nicholas, 6 years old and Johnnie, 8 yrs. The old work some. All together earn only 40 to 50 cents a day. Baby (20 months old) plays with the flowers, and they expect he can help a little before long. The father drives a coach (or hack) irregularly. View full size. Photo and caption by Lewis Wickes Hine. DirtRobert, You need to click on the full size option. The floor is dirty, the door has small child "art", the table cloth is dirty and has numerous holes. I'm sure they are doing their best under who knows what type of circumstances. Where's the dirtThe notes state, "a very dirty tenement." There are some things like a wash-tub and a scrubbing-board that are in plain view. Maybe those thing cold have been stowed a bit better. But the wall cabinets have lites you can see the shelves inside and the insides seem to be in order. The floor is clean. The women's clothing seems to be quite nice. Those boys look fine with their jackets and even a scarf on one. The only thing that shows something a bit out of order is the dark blotches on the oil cloth. Most likely holes. The house keeping looks great to me. Making flowersI've seen other flower photos here... who do they make the flowers for and what are they used for? Hats maybe? Also, are they real or silk? Must be fake right? [Probably made for clothing manufacturers in the garment district. I'm not sure how they made artificial flowers back then. Although we do have some photos of real roses being dipped in white wax. - Dave] Dirt If you look at the wall by the mirror you can see the "dirt" on the wall. My guess is that it is from smoke from a cook stove or coal heater. People used to scrub down their walls every spring to remove the grime accumulated from a winter of heating and cooking. I guess the comment of "very dirty" spoke to the grime on the walls as much as anything else. Actually if you look at the table and other furniture in the room they seem pretty ornate. A family fallen on hard times? Dragging once nice stuff from place to place, each place a little more worse for wear than the last. Not DirtyPoverty is not the same as being dirty. The linoleum on that floor may be a wreck from being where one enters the house. Perhaps they don't have the money to go out and replace it. The baby's high chair may also be putting black marks on the floor as it gets dragged around. They also might have to haul some coal upstairs for the stove. These folks lived in a world of maybe 10 people in an apartment the size of the average kids bedroom these days. They are so poor that the entire family including kids is working to keep their heads above water financially. These weren't the days of handi-wipes and swiffers and vacuum cleaners and kids laying around all day playing on their computers and listening to their ipods. BTW, the kids clothes all look very clean. Any mess on a baby is because it's a baby. There's no washer and dryer sitting nearby to pop the kid's jammies in every time they get a little mess on them. If you're ever in New York, you can get an eye opening introduction to how how immigrants to America lived down on "the lower east side" by going to this museum. I've been there. Take the tour of a real tenement which was purchased and "saved for historical/educational purposes. http://www.tenement.org/ Go read the works of Jacob Riis and look at his photos. It's a testament to the human spirit that these people left their homelands to come to a new country to try to get a better life for themselves and their kids. This is the story behind Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It's the story behind the American dream. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Riis Dismissing things as dirty misses the point. Thanks for sharing the photo, however. It's appeciated. [The captions describing these photos are by photographer Lewis Hine, written around 100 years ago. "Dirty" is his description, not ours. - Dave] Re: Not DirtySomething we mention every now and then: The captions describing these tenement photos were written by photographer Lewis Hine almost 100 years ago. "Dirty" is his description. It helps to remember that he is trying to paint a bleak picture for his audience -- the U.S. Congress -- in his organization's effort to end the practice of child labor. StagingSomething to remember about Hine's photos is that they are not "candid" photos. At this period of time, taking a photo like this required a big heavy camera on a tripod, and a flash powder apparatus. Probably the table had to be moved back toward the wall and sink to "get it all in." Since it is a "staged" photo, I'm sure Hine controlled what was in the photo to get his story across. [That would be posed, not "staged." Big difference. - Dave] Dirty TenementsThis is Joe Manning, of the Lewis Hine Project. Hine had a habit of commenting about the cleanliness and neatness of his subject's houses or apartments. I suspect that it might have just been a value judgment based on his own preferences. Perhaps he was very fastidious, maybe picking that up from his mother when he was growing up in Wisconsin. We can't assume that he was just trying to exaggerate for effect. I did research on a woman who was photographed in her house in Leeds, Mass. She was putting bristles on toothbrushes. Hine's caption, in part, says, "putting bristles into tooth brushes in an untidy kitchen." I interviewed the woman's granddaughter, who had never seen the photo. When she saw the caption, she said, "Untidy kitchen? Gramma was spotless. You could eat off her floor." Point Taken DaveGood point, Dave. Thanks for clarifying that. [One of my many pet peeves. I could start a zoo! - Dave] Dirty? Untidy?Thanks for the great insight, Joe. It sounds like Mr. Hine had a few quirks of his own. Don't we all? BeautyThey may be poor but they do have a gorgeous opalescent vase standing on the shelf in the upper right hand corner. I lived there302 Mott Street, 5th floor. Small apt, typical for NYC. great location. Miss the city. EurekaMrs. Mette was Maria Auletta/Avoletti Motta, who lived with her husband Joseph and eventually with their nine children born between 1896 and 1920. By the time this photo was taken Maria and Joseph were naturalized American citizens who had spent most of their lives in the US (after being born in Italy). Oldest daughter Lucy is not picture or mentioned in the caption. Baby was Daniel, born in 1910. Joseph died in 1919 at the age of about 50, while the children eventually married and mostly moved to Long Island. The family lived at 213 Mott Street in 1905 and 105 Thomson Street in 1915 (no 1910 listing). (The Gallery, Kids, Lewis Hine, NYC)
Fully Leveraged: 1940
... either! Rocky Road I sure feel sorry for that young Miss with the rocky perch. The car is a 1929 or so Chevrolet. Yumpin' ... works perfectly. Marion Post Wolcott The young Miss in the photo is Marion Post Wolcott. Here's her description of the ... the picture? (Cars, Trucks, Buses, M.P. Wolcott, Rural America) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/24/2008 - 12:31am -

September 1940. "Mountaineer trying to change tire with a fence post as a jack. Up south fork of the Kentucky River, Breathitt County." 35mm nitrate negative by Marion Post Wolcott for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. TeamworkTook me a while to come up with a reason that she's on that side of the tire, and it's just a guess: clearing out the rocks that were used to hold up the axle while they changed tires. Great teamwork there. Wonder if the photographer's rig had a jack? Thanks for the photo. That looks a bit dangerous!What is that poor girl doing? It looks uncomfortable for her as she's almost lying on those rocks (or is that the road!) That "jack" doesn't look all that safe either! Rocky RoadI sure feel sorry for that young Miss with the rocky perch. The car is a 1929 or so Chevrolet. Yumpin' Yiminy....No wonder they have a flat, yikes, that road is as bad as some of the backroads we still have in these here parts. My dad used to say that in those days, flats and tire changing were usually part of the trip. We still have his Model T jack, and needless to say it still works perfectly. Marion Post WolcottThe young Miss in the photo is Marion Post Wolcott. Here's her description of the situation as quoted in "Marion Post Wolcott - A Photographic Journey" by F. Jack Hurley. "We borrowed an old car the first day -- had to be pulled out of a creek by a mule, then later hauled out of the sand, and finally had a flat miles from everything and no jack! Tore down a fence post and while our driver (a young kid who is the son of the school janitor) tried to prop the car up, I was down on my belly on the creek bed piling rocks under it. But we finally got it fixed. We had to do some walking too, so that when we got back late I was one tired girl." Ms WolcottWho took the picture? (Cars, Trucks, Buses, M.P. Wolcott, Rural America)
Mrs. Maytag: 1938
... was the common "wash day" when just about everybody in America did their laundry. They even had recipes for easy Monday meals like ... injuries. Can't See The Hose? How did Curous miss the hose to the left of "Maytag?" Lady of Leisure! I remember my ... 
 
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)
Brooklyn Public: 1941
... lines, like the architect was dreaming of 23rd century America and wanted this building to be there still, stoic to the whims of the ... Slope, and now Prospect Heights have evolved into some of America's most beautiful and livable neighborhoods. And when you see it up ... of books. I recently moved to Oklahoma City and truly miss everything about this fabulous library! (The Gallery, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 1:59pm -

January 13, 1941. "Brooklyn Public Library (Ingersoll Memorial), Prospect Park Plaza, New York." Acetate negative by Gottscho-Schleisner. View full size. The Library at BrooklynI actually like the architecture. Reminds me of ancient Egypt, in the sense that it looks like long after all the other buildings in Brooklyn crumble, this one would still be standing, giving testimony to all the knowledge of mankind. Prewar, there was an idealism of the inherent belief in the good of mankind, so in the attempt to lift us from the Depression, we as a country built all these great libraries, schools, public works of all kinds trying to bring everyone up. And after the war, there was this fatalist realization that this wouldn't ever be possible, so why bother. It's fundamentally and economically not worth the effort, as there will never be any grand success to this ideal. This building reminds me of that prewar idealism -- clean, sterile lines, like the architect was dreaming of 23rd century America and wanted this building to be there still, stoic to the whims of the ages, an edifice to higher education sitting like an ancient hall. Then and nowView Larger Map I am confused...Is that a monument to Stalin, or Ayn Rand? Looks the same, either way. Aha!A closeup of the inscription from the Brooklyn Public Library's website. "Noble things that tower above the tide"In addition to the splendid gilded figural reliefs by Carl Paul Jennewein and Thomas Hudson Jones, the library's entrance façade and doorways are ornamented with numerous inspirational inscriptions written by Roscoe Conklin Ensign Brown (1867-1946), who served on the Library Board from 1908. He was the Board President who oversaw the design and completion of the building, and was clearly very good at crafting a lofty phrase. Yuckto this and the interior shot below. Late 30s - early 40s IMO = the beginning of truly hideous architecture. I'm sure I'm in the minority here but dang, to me that thing is fugly. More than just books.A building this beautiful makes me want to go in and explore. Looks like an Egyptian funerary temple.Or something by Albert Speer. Nice neighborhoodThe area around the library went downhill for a long time after this picture was taken. But the last 20 years has seen a tremendous resurgence. Every Saturday morning in the summer months there is a large farmers market that is full of life. Both Park Slope, and now Prospect Heights have evolved into some of America's most beautiful and livable neighborhoods. And when you see it up close, the architecture of this building is not as brutal as it may seem in pictures. Come to Brooklyn and see! Architectural illiterates! This is a remarkable building which elevated its users into a higher plane. It meant something to go into that space (as I did when researching high school projects in the 1960s.) It was the flagship for a superb borough-wide system of excellent libraries and had the distinction of being both beautiful and user friendly. I can only surmise that those who are totally unused to a high level of design in their daily existence would be overwhelmed by its magnificence. It is "only" a library after all, but such a presence. Outside GOOD, Inside BADAs a nearby resident and archi-nerd, I couldn't help but think, "I doubt most of these people have actually used this building." Because the glowing reviews would pretty much stop there. Yeah, the exterior is beautiful in an eccentric "destined to be a landmark" kinda way, but the inside is pure misery. There is zero natural flow between the departments, the main lobby is ostentatiously grandiose while serving no real purpose, the kids section is so far removed from the others (with no place to sit and rest), the rest of the building is a rabbit's warren of hidden rooms and long corridors... the list goes on and on. Yes: til the break of dawn. Reminds me a lot of the NYC Guggenheim. Visually wonderful, and an absolute nightmare to use. The FlagshipThe Ingersoll main branch is the flagship of the great Brooklyn Public Library System. Many of the smaller neighborhood branches were built through the generosity of Andrew Carnegie, whose largess in this regard resulted in over 2500 architecturally significant libraries being built in the US, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Almost 60 years after I first set foot in my local library in Brooklyn, I can still remember the smell of the books on the shelves, the wrought iron staircase that takes one to the balcony and its treasures, and the beautifully tiled fireplace in the central reading room. When I first set foot in the Ingersoll, I was even more proud to be a Brooklynite. Brooklyn's giftAs a child, I was thrilled to enter the Grand Army Plaza library. My 8th grade English teacher, Rose Silver, made us memorize the inscription by Roscoe Conklin Brown, President of the BPL System. I have forgotten neither the library nor my magnificent teacher to this very day. When I began driving in the late 1960s, I would often travel "in" from Queens to bask in the splendor of this library, Brooklyn's gift to the civilized world. I am still awed by the monumental architecture of this place, and no, it is nothing like Albert Speer's creations for the Third Reich. I left NYC in 1978. When my wife and I returned on vacations to "the city" during the 1980s with our children, we made it a point to have them take a stroll through the Ingersoll Building at Grand Army Plaza. Even the graffiti that besmirched the facade in those days could not diminish the grandeur of this soaring and stately symbol; it represented all that was good and noble within the Western World, forged, as it was, in a dark time of the Great Depression -- a precipice on which civilization itself tottered, in grave peril of being cast asunder by the 20th Century's version of the barbarian horde during the Second World War. It would not be hyperbole to say that this building and its contents indeed represent the greatness of American genius, culture, and values. As an aside, but of no less importance, let me address proposed library budget cuts. How sad -- for the children who need this resource to climb out of slums and ignorance; and for the adults who need this resource to continue to grow and never stagnate throughout their lives. Cutting the budget is nothing less than a sanctioned book-burning. Remember well the words of Heinrich Heine: "Dort wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt man auch am Ende Menschen" -- Where they burn books, at the end they also burn people. Best times of my lifeGrowing up in Brooklyn in the '50s and '60s was an incredible experience. The Grand Army Plaza library was a wonderful part of that. I vividly remember the project I did for my wonderful eighth grade English teacher, Mr. Rood, at Mark Twain JHS in Coney Island -- "The Gladiatorial Contests of Ancient Rome." Every Saturday, for a year, my mother would pack a lunch for me (to be eaten in nearby Prospect Park only!), and my parents would drop me off at this wonderful library. The staff there was incredibly kind in helping me find obscure journals, books and art. They even helped me write proper citations and footnotes for each article and publication. Of course, the most fun was using the "new" copying machines, with those awful white on black, nearly impossible to read copies. For many years, I enjoyed just walking up and down the aisles looking at their great collection of books. I recently moved to Oklahoma City and truly miss everything about this fabulous library! (The Gallery, Gottscho-Schleisner, NYC)
Evening Star: 1921
... of the past the Library of Congress has their Chronicling America. http://www.loc.gov/chroniclingamerica/index.html Only ... never really get into it. I still live near DC, and miss the DC of the past so very much. I used to also ride those streetcars ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/04/2012 - 12:57pm -

District of Columbia circa 1921. The Washington Evening Star building at 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue. National Photo Company glass negative. View full size. YMHAOne of the reasons I like this site so much is that, each day, it expands this small town boy's horizons. Had never encountered the Young Men's Hebrew Association. After a little Googling, I now know more than I did yesterday. FlagsI wonder why the flag on the Raleigh Hotel is flying at half mast. There's a lot to look at in this pic. D.C. StreetcarsI'm digging the street cars moving down Pennsylvania Avenue. I didn't know there were any. There is a Fogo de Chao restaurant in that building now. It was Planet Hollywood before. The Hotel Harrington is still there too. Washington StarThis picture is stirring a few memories. My father started working summers beginning in 1967 when he was pursuing a post-secondary education at American University. He liked the job enough that he stayed after graduating. It was at this time the Star had some colorful events. He also went on strike with a few other coworkers. He was hired by the Washington Post when Star declared bankruptcy. I went to his workplace a few times when I was a kid. I can still smell the ink... Washington Post in your face billboardIt is interesting that the Washington Post placed a billboard advertisement opposite their competition. The visitors to this site frequently cite the Washington Post to clarify items in these photos; it is a shame that the Evening Star closed before its archives were digitized. The Star, an afternoon paper, predated the Washington Post and would be a valuable source of information about early Washington. [Being out of business is no obstacle to a newspaper's being digitized. Hundreds of defunct old broadsheets from the 19th and 20th centuries are online in various archives. - Dave] Digitized DC papersFor some more trips to Washington, DC of the past the Library of Congress has their Chronicling America. http://www.loc.gov/chroniclingamerica/index.html Only covers 1890-1910 but there are some interesting DC area papers. You can see old real estate development ads and often there are pictures of the "new" developments like Petworth and "Saul Addition." There are full-text database like "19th Century Newspapers" (Gale), which has US Telegraph, Washington Globe, Daily National Journal, and National Intelligencer. "Americas Historical Newspapers" which has 27 title for DC including the Washington Gazette, Globe, Washington Federalist, Daily National Intelligencer, Federal Republican, etc. The Washington Star photo archiveWhen they closed, they gave their archive to the District. I forget which branch it is. But there are several file cabinets full of photos. Remember the Star well!I read the Star years ago when I lived in D.C. (1960's) and it was the best. The other one I just loved was the Washington Daily News. Small paper but had lots of fun articles and games. Irony is my father worked for the Washington Post, he just loved it there, but the Post was always huge, and I could never really get into it. I still live near DC, and miss the DC of the past so very much. I used to also ride those streetcars mentioned here, and they were wonderful. They were cheap and fast. We lost the best of D.C. when they removed them. I also remember when Washington was like any other small town, and believe it or not, it was actually a small town up until around the mid 60's. Neighbors hung over fences and talked about the Lincoln Roses they were planting, and yes, every yard had them. Entire streets were blocked off for ball games, hide and seek, and you played outside until very late in the summertime. Everyone sat on porches and watch the world go by. It was a fantastic City. (And still is) Evening StarI worked for the Star as a newsie and a jumper, even tho I didnt know we were called newsies. The best part was winning contest and going to KFC. Didn't take much to please us. Washington Star & streetcarsThe Martin Luther King Memorial Library, a public library in downtown DC (a Mies van der Rohe Building) houses the paper archives in their Washington Room. Regarding streetcars, they might be coming back!!! More on Evening StarThis is like old home week. I worked at the Washington Star, and later at the Post. The MLK's Washingtoniana section does have the card index from the Star, though this is by categories, with chronological entries, and the categories change through the years. It is from 1906-the seventies, maybe. Can't remember for sure. I think the plans to digitize the Star fell through for now, the last I heard. I believe that the Washington Post building may have been where that sign is. I think I've seen it on the Avenue in early pictures. As a native Washingtonian, albeit displaced, I love these old National Photo pictures especially. Evening Star FamilyI lived in Prince Georges County and we were not rich financially but my Father GOD Bless him provide for all the kids at Home. but we were rich in lovin life and havin fun when we were kids! It was not hard to find a way to enjoy any and everything in my small world! The Seasons in the Wasihington,D.C. area were always spectacular! Goin to the drug store and getting ten cents worth of candy in a brown paper bag that would last you a whole entire day! I became a newspaper boy and then I was rich goin down to the "Drug Fair" and getting a half smoke,soda,and a bag of chips for sixty cents,no tax. Would so love to hear from others who worked at Evening Star in mid 1960's and or newspaper boys who worked around the same time1 I was blessed to know good people who held positions in the newspaper world of The Evening Star (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo)
Sun and Fun: 1923
Miami circa 1923. "Mrs. F.H. Lockwood and Miss Joy Welford of Asheville, Mrs. G.M. Blaker." National Photo Company ... is a Boston terrier, one of the most popular breeds in America at the time. However, it was called a Boston Bulldog then! Bare ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/14/2012 - 8:35pm -

Miami circa 1923. "Mrs. F.H. Lockwood and Miss Joy Welford of Asheville, Mrs. G.M. Blaker." National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. If they only knewThese girls probably never dreamed that in just 88 short years, the beach attire would change from this ensemble of caps, shoes, stockings, shorts and a dress to the briefest of coverings equal to two bandages and a Post-it Note. "Joy" does not look very joyfulBut she should be happy that at least she isn't wearing those black tights and shoes her friends have on at the beach. I am not a fan of the oh so skimpy bathing suits gals wear today but I would REALLY not want to wear what these gals had to put on either, although I could get fond of a such a cute little dog and a parasol sporting what looks like Micky Mouse ears. NiceThe girl in the center of this pic is quite attractive. Yet it's so odd to realize "she's dead by now" when looking at it. No beads? Must have just arrived. Little dogis a Boston terrier, one of the most popular breeds in America at the time. However, it was called a Boston Bulldog then! Bare feet in the sandI think Joy looks quite comfortable, with her bare feet and legs. Those bathing suits didn't bind anywhere, but still covered enough to be comfortable, even if you were over 120 pounds. My grandmother turned 15 that summer. I wonder if she had a bathing suit similar to these? I bow down toWhoever invented Spandex. PrudismYou have to realize that women's dress had changed radically in a very short time when this photo was taken. The gal in the middle has bare shoulders, and bare legs, and very casual, loose hair. This relaxed display of skin would have been scandalous just a few years earlier. It's as great a change as going from 1923 to string bikinis today. But for Europeans public nudity at the beaches and even parks is commonplace, including entire families of three generations. So, we are still rather prudish compared to them. I quite like it.I think there's too much flesh on display lately, and I'm a card-carrying hedonistic liberal. Less is more, in my opinion. (The Gallery, Dogs, Florida, Miami, Natl Photo)
Abe Cohen: 1922
... decades. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America at an early age. Cohen was a member of St. Johns Lodge No. 11 of the ... you - it would be a good place to hide a body too (but Miss Marple would know where to look). Severely overengineered This is ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/07/2012 - 2:16am -

Washington, D.C., circa 1922. "Abe Cohen." Probably not Abe himself, but you never know. This is just the kind of malevolent-looking contraption that keeps Stephen King in business. National Photo glass negative. View full size. Wet rugsOne of my cousins owned a dry cleaning business, and they had the same contraption. It was used to dry wet rugs. You would be surprised just how heavy a wet rug is! Anyone who has operated one of these drying racks can tell you that they aren't all that "heavy duty." The wheel goes up and down with the rack. This means that when you raise the lower rack, the wheel is "over your head" (a real back breaker). The upper rack is stationary. Goodbye, Mr BondSo many weird devices on Shorpy bring those classic words to mind. Actually, I believe the wheel raises the upper rack. One reason to adjust it would be to bring it within reach - of Mr Cohen or his employees, his wife, or his zombie. It certainly could be used to stretch something, but I'll cast my vote for drying rack. Perhaps it was used at a hospital for drying linens, like those we see ... drying. Lots of overbuilt equipment in old hospitals - see any movie about shuttered mental institutions. Also, one-offs then and now were likely to be built out of whatever was at hand - perhaps pipes and a crank were just available and easily cobbled together. Ink JetI think that’s what the inside of my printer looks like. Rug washing and dryingI read an article in the local newspaper about the oldest laundry and dry cleaner in my hometown. Back in the day, besides providing a laundry service for clothing, the company also washed rugs and hung them in the attic to dry. This looks like a drying rack for area rugs (no wall to wall back in the day) with a height adjustment. OY!This looks like something in the oral surgeon's office my mother tricked me into "visiting" in the early 1950s. My mouth still hurts. OverbuiltThe bottom rack appears to move up and down with the turn of the handle. Why is this thing so overbuilt, was it used to stretch fabric? Abe needed a broom.Looks to my eye like a drying rack. Abe could have used a rake as well. Noodles? Lasagna?I would guess Abe made his own pasta and air dried it on this contraption. To the Rack!It's almost definitely a fabric stretcher. The ratchet on the hand wheel is directed to pull the lower rack down away from the upper one. I find the chain wrapped around the rafter to be more sinister. WMPWeird mysterious photo, the kind I like. Stretcher / Drier?Yeah, it seems to me like it's intended to keep something under tension as it dries. Not only is there a rack (as in a linear gear) and pinion arrangement to move the lower rods, but there's also a large toothed cog. It doesn't engage the rack (there's a smaller pinion for that), but there's a movable pawl that engages the cog to lock the whole arrangement in the desired position. Based on the size of the crank wheel and the pawl arrangement and everything else, this looked like some serious muscle was used. I'm wondering if the fabric mats (?) hanging in the back may have been the sort of object dried here. [Below, another view of the drying rack. The top half telescopes down into the bottom half. - Dave] Abe Cohen's Stage Namewas Ron Popeil! Anyone can clearly see that this is an early version of the "Bamboo Steamer!" Maker of MachineryWashington Post, August 22, 1949. Abe Cohen, 71, Dies; Maker of Machinery Abraham (Abe) Cohen, 71, senior member of the firm of Abe Cohen & Son, Arlington, Va., manufacturers of commercial laundry machines, died yesterday at Garfield Hospital after seven weeks' illness. Funeral services will be held at his home, 1437 Geranium st. nw. Burial will follow in the Washington Hebrew Congregation Cemetery. Well known in the United States and Canada, he had been associated with the laundry business for 50 years, and a member of the firm that bears his name for the past two decades. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to America at an early age. Cohen was a member of St. Johns Lodge No. 11 of the F.A.A.M., Almas Temple of the A.A.O.M.A., a 32nd-degree member of the Scottish Rite, the Washington Lodge No. 15 of the B.P.O.E. and the Rosslyn Business Men's Association. Surviving are a son, Moritz. A. Cohen sr., two grandchildren, Moritz A. Cohen jr. and Virginia Louise Cohen, and 10 nieces and nephews, all of Washington. Curiosity Killing the CatWell Dave, are you gonna tell us what this creation is or not? Do you think its fair to put that out there with nary a clue or explanation? Is there a prize for figuring out why it was created? Why is the name "Abe Cohen" used in the title? Is that a steering wheel that can be driven in different directions? Why does it have wheels? What are the blankets for? Is it used with the chains wrapped up there in the rafters? What do you know about this that you are not telling? Inquiring minds want (and need) to know. Don't just leave us hanging. ?????I don`t know what it`s for, but the top half retracts into the bottom. It's not overbuiltIf you're going to drip-dry eight woollen blankets (which is probably what this is for) you need something made out of steam pipe. Its similar to the drying racks in the laundry of Berrington Hall, a country house in Herefordshire in England (see pic). You fill them up with clothes and slide them in on rails on either side of a special drying furnace. Mind you - it would be a good place to hide a body too (but Miss Marple would know where to look). Severely overengineeredThis is an extendable clothes drying rack. The top half can be extended by a rack-and-pinion system. The rack gear can be seen on the vertical tubes in the middle. The ratchet wheel behind the hand wheel prevents the upper half from crashing down again. I have a hunch that Abe Cohen may have been a pipe fitter, looking to branch out. (The Gallery, D.C., Natl Photo)
No Lions Yet: 1908
... camera? Modernity 1908 - an interesting time in America. The first decade of a new century, with memories of the Civil War ... clone the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton as Miss Gulch - a great actress). Doomed to fail Briarcliff Bottled Water - ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/01/2012 - 5:47pm -

The New York Public Library under construction circa 1908, sans Patience and Fortitude. 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. No lionsAnd no ghosts, either. High speed camera? Modernity1908 - an interesting time in America. The first decade of a new century, with memories of the Civil War finally beginning to recede into the past. We look at this photo from 103 years later, and we see the horses and buggies, the lone automobile chugging its way down the street, the bowler hats and the ankle length skirts - the indicia of a bygone, pre-war(s), pre-"modern" era. But the people strolling along Fifth Avenue on that sunny day, near the end of the second Teddy Roosevelt administration, were "moderns" in much the same way we view ourselves today. Electric street cars and lanterns!! A brand new, strikingly beautiful public library to house, and make available to Everyman, the store of the world's knowledge! A broad, paved avenue in the heart of America's most urbane and sophisticated metropolis! Well-dressed cosmopolitans touching their hats as they pass one another on the bustling boulevard! These folks - like us - were riding the cusp of history, a time of enlightenment and civic improvement and technological advancement never before seen by mankind. An exciting time to be alive! Probably Not in Plastic BottlesI was immediately drawn to the Briarcliff Table Water wagon. It appears that folks wanted bottled water even back then! I'll get you my pretty!From the women's clothing and their severe faces, one has to wonder if the building is being used to clone the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton as Miss Gulch - a great actress). Doomed to failBriarcliff Bottled Water - now there's a business doomed to fail. Who would ever pay for bottles of water? Also, do the lion heads on the windows all have names? Where there's smokeThe old gaslight at the bottom right has a glass globe that is a dark colour, which I suspect is red. On the light standard there appears to be a fire alarm telegraph box. These have disappeared in most cities. Are they still used in New York City? Rooftop SpareLove the spare tire on the roof of the car on the left. iPadLooks like a time traveller in the lower left corner checking his iPad. Maybe he's reading about the death of Steve Jobs, or maybe he's looking at himself on Shorpy. Great picture! Time fliesAs usual so many things to comment on in a great photo. For starters the glass vault in the lower right hand corner, the old style low pressure fire hydrants, the soon to change street lighting, The old Gamewell combination police and fire call boxes. In about 15 years all this would be gone with the next wave of municipal design and last until the 1960s. PS. Has anyone run across photos of the old Croton Resevoir which took up the site the library and Bryant Park now occupy. DutiesOne almost gets the feeling that the two policemen were there to control the wheeled traffic and not the pedestrians. People seem to be able to just cross the street wherever and whenever they wished. And, thanks to all the bowlers, you can see why people would choose a red carnation as a guide to meeting someone they didn't know. "I'll be at 42nd and Fifth, wearing a brown bowler" just won't work. Some ObservationsThe bottled water wagon passing the former reservoir site. The hotel Albany smack in the middle of what would become Bryant (as in William Cullen) Park. The aforequestioned fire alarm boxes have been gone for years and all the parking meters are being removed, replaced by a credit-card-capable something called a "Muni Meter." A Song Inspiration Mister Loesser used to tell his song writing grandson, Frank, how he would spend his free afternoons whistling a happy tune on NY city street corners and looking for a well turned ankle. In 1956 Frank took his grandfather's story and turned it into a number three hit tune on each of the various charts at the time. (The Gallery, DPC, NYC, Streetcars)
Through the Wringer: 1942
... smell of sheets on one's bed - something I still miss. And after washday came ironing day -- a lot more tedious. Everything is ... Steve Miller Someplace near the crossroads of America P.S. "Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/07/2008 - 10:22pm -

"To keep your wringer operating properly, dry rolls thoroughly after use with a soft cloth and then release lever which removes pressure from the rolls." View full size. Photograph by Ann Rosener for the Office of Emergency Management. Through the WringerI remember well that our Chicago brownstone apartment had one of those machines in the basement. While we'd take laundry to the laundromat, she would now and then go downstairs and use this monster. Perhaps when cash was running low...it was hard work. I can clearly remember her warning me to keep my hands away from those rollers, though. We women have NO IDEA how hard it all used to be... Wringer Washer ReduxI was still using one of these in the early 1980's. I loved that thing and would have one now if I could find one. WashdayI grew up with a wringer washer just like this and we felt fortunate we weren't doing laundry by hand! It was definitely worth the air-dried smell of sheets on one's bed - something I still miss. And after washday came ironing day -- a lot more tedious. Everything is relative, even the definition of labor. Wringer washerTo the anonymous tipster who lamented not being able to find a wringer washer - Psst! Over here. Apparently, wringer washers are still in regular use in the deserts of the Middle East (hence this one being manufactured in Saudi Arabia) because they use less water than a conventional machine. Wringer WasherHow not to use a wringer washerDo what the guy in that YouTube clip did. We had a wringer washer when I was a kid and I never saw anyone - including me as a little kid - make such a hash out of putting a simple shirt through the wringer. The thing that used to amaze me about the wringer was the little trough that directed the wrung out water back into the washing drum. You could adjust the position of the wringer (for lefties I suppose) and the trough was balanced on a pivot like a teeter totter. If you pushed up on it you could make it dump the water over the side but if you let it go it would always go back to where it was supposed to be PracticeIt's not just practice that makes perfect, it's perfect practice that makes perfect! Steve Miller Someplace near the crossroads of America P.S. "Do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, practice, practice!" You have been warned......I was about 8 years old when I ran my hand through the wringer of one of these behemoths. My brother was babysitting me and had told me to STAY AWAY from the machine while he was doing laundry. I, of course, thought he was just being a poot. So while his back was turned, I tried to run something through the rollers. My hand got caught, I screamed bloody murder, and he started pounding on the emergency release button above the rollers. It wouldn't work (which was ironic, since the rollers would sometimes pop apart at the pass of a handkerchief) so he had to wring my hand BACK THROUGH the rollers to get it out. He felt terrible and I felt worse. I lucked out in that I was young and had the spongy bones of youth, so nothing was broken. But I had a friction burn between my index and second fingers that was not to be believed! I can still hear how that machine sounded when the agitator was in action...splashy! (Ann Rosener, Kitchens etc., WW2)
Equal Pay for Equal Work: 1913
... 1913. "Suffragettes on way to Boston." At the reins: Miss Elizabeth Freeman, traveling with Misses Elsie MacKenzie and Vera ... now... [The concurrent Big Project of the women of America was Prohibition. - Dave] (The Gallery, G.G. Bain, Horses, NYC) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/12/2011 - 2:25pm -

New York, August 1913. "Suffragettes on way to Boston." At the reins: Miss Elizabeth Freeman, traveling with Misses Elsie MacKenzie and Vera Wentworth, plus a hurdy-gurdy and several carrier pigeons; details of their caravan are here. 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size. Hurdy-Gurdy SuffragettesNew York Times, Saturday, Aug. 2, 1913. Hurdy-Gurdy to Boom Suffrage. Elizabeth Freeman and Elsie MacKenzie, militant suffragists, will leave New York on Monday to travel by horse and carriage to Chicago. In each small town they pass through, at least one talk on woman's suffrage will be delivered. The women intend to earn their way by selling copies of the Boston Women's Journal and by enchanting their audiences with a hurdy-gurdy which can play a variety of tunes. Carrier pigeons will keep the women in touch with Boston. They will reach Chicago, it is expected, the latter part of October. New York Times, Aug. 20, 1913. HARTFORD BAITS MILITANTS. Policeman Arrests Speakers, but Society Leader Intercedes. HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 19. -- Miss Elizabeth Freeman of New York and Miss Elsie MacKenzie and Miss Vera Wentworth of London, the two latter English militant suffragists, who are on a campaign trip from New York to Boston, reached this city yesterday and paraded the streets with a wagon on which various suffragist sentiments were inscribed in flaming red letters on a white background. Just as they had begun a noonday meeting near a factory, Policeman John P. Flynn placed them under arrest for violating a city ordinance that forbids vehicles used for advertising puposes to pass through the streets of the city. The policeman told them to follow him to the station, but when he started they drove off at a gallop in another direction. Later in the day a local suffrage leader of social prominence went to see the Chief of Police with a lawyer, and the Chief said that the charge against the suffragists would be dismissed if they kept their signs covered during the rest of their stay in this city. The hint was followed by covering the signs with crepe. I'm No ExpertBut friend horse looks a trifle underfed. Take note...We can all learn a valuable lesson from these women about tenacity and dedication to a cause. Imagine if they were around now... [The concurrent Big Project of the women of America was Prohibition. - Dave] (The Gallery, G.G. Bain, Horses, NYC)
Dot and Syl: 1942
... Midwest aircraft plant. Inspection of these vital cogs in America's war machine is a delicate task and one which requires infinite ... something else. Eagle-eyed Dot probably wouldn't miss a thing. But Sylvia looks as if her mind is a million miles away. 25 ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/30/2012 - 10:54am -

July 1942. "Production of aircraft engines at Melrose Park Buick plant near Chicago. Hundreds of gears pass through the expert hands of Dorothy Miller and Sylvia Dreiser during their eight-hour working day in a large Midwest aircraft plant. Inspection of these vital cogs in America's war machine is a delicate task and one which requires infinite patience and precision." Medium format negative by Ann Rosener for the Office of War Information. View full size. PinsOne looks like Army Air Corps "wings" and the other appears to be crossed swords. I wonder if these are insignia that relate to a spouse or child in the war. V for VictoryI like the small "V" pin being worn by the lady on the right. Gleaming handsNot something I would like to do--so repetitious. I am very intrigued by the fluid on their hands. Oil? Water? Any ideas out there in Shorpy Nation about the substance? BoredomThe one with the glasses seems involved with her task but the one on the left looks like she's daydreaming about something else. Eagle-eyed Dotprobably wouldn't miss a thing. But Sylvia looks as if her mind is a million miles away. 25 years later I worked with gears in that same plant.I was a summer worker in the then International Harvester plant. The plant had the old style creosote soaked wood block floor which got pretty messed up a few times in the 60's due to floods. The blocks were laid on a concrete floor. Great to work on since they were softer than crete. Swelling due to water would blow the floor apart in some areas. Instead of lockers you brought in a lock and used to to secure the chain/pully controlling a metal basket hoisted up to the ceiling in the non-locker room. No hand cream requiredIt looks like Dorothy and Sylvia needn't use moisturizer as their hands look well catered for with the machine oil. Nice detail in this photo such as the lads lurking in the background and also a nice touch from these ladies with their supportive lapel pins. Indeed this would have been a great pic to see in colour. Lights! Camera!Man, those women are lit up and I don't mean drunk. GearsThose look like gears in the accessory section of a Pratt&Whitney R-1830. These same engines are installed on our B-24 and have the Buick logo stamped on the nose case. ID badgeI can't make out what is on her button. Can anyone? [BUICK MOTOR DIVISION. - Dave] Mr. FootprintHere's my grandfather Jean Klossner in 1932 at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. From 1927 until 1962 he placed dozens of movie stars' hand and foot prints in the forecourt on Hollywood Boulevard. His "special" formula cement was never duplicated. (The Gallery, Ann Rosener, Chicago, WW2)
Spud Noel: 1925
"Volunteers of America, Christmas 1925." Another look at the VOA meeting hall in Washington, ... Southern Headquarters of the Volunteers of America, the rival organization of the Salvation Army, will be opened in this ... Post, Sep 24, 1910 Say what you mean I miss the olden days when one could say exactly what one meant without dancing ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/13/2012 - 6:09pm -

"Volunteers of America, Christmas 1925." Another look at the VOA meeting hall in Washington, now filled with food baskets. National Photo Co. View full size. Ashk not what your country.......!Keep an eye out in your local "trendy" gift shop -- good split-ash baskets like these go for about $80. NotesThis is a case for www.passiveaggressivenotes.com! BINGO!So that's why the fun got sucked out of that dinner party; they were forced to assemble spudbaskets afterwards. Seriously, I shouldn't be mocking them; they did good work for people who needed their help - so God bless them for that. Chicken in a BasketPresumably they got birds in their baskets, too. You can see the feet sticking out of the sacks. ShaddapWhat a hilarious, ironically-rude sign. Was there really that big of a problem with profanity? Maybe everyone was complaining--"potatoes again!?" Army Revolt Volunteers Are Here Rivals of Salvation Army to Open Headquarters. Southern Headquarters of the Volunteers of America, the rival organization of the Salvation Army, will be opened in this city today by Maj. F.C. Fegley, who arrived here yesterday from Buffalo, N.Y., for that purpose. A large building was leased at 22 R street northeast by Maj. Fegley. His staff, which will include ten persons, is expected to arrive here by tomorrow, some coming from the main headquarters in New York city. The Volunteers of America is an offshoot of the Salvation Army. Ballington Booth, son of Gen. William Booth, of London, founder of the Salvation Army, is head of the Volunteers. The office of Ballington Booth is in New York city at 38 West Twenty-eighth street, where is carried on the immense work that the Volunteers are doing in the United States. Fifteen years ago, Ballington Booth had a disagreement with his father over the administration of Salvation Army affairs in the United States, which resulted in the formation of the Volunteers of America. ... In addition to directing the work of the Volunteers in the Southern States, the headquarters here will carry on active local work. Within a short time, Maj. Fegley expects to have a rescue home for discharged prisoners, a mission house, a day nursery for children of indigent parents, an industrial home, and an employment bureau in operation. Mrs. Fegley, who is captain in the Volunteers is here with Maj. Fegley, and will assist him in getting headquarters in shape, and in inaugurating the local work. Maj. and Mrs. Fegley have been in charge of the Volunteer work in Buffalo, N.Y., for the last two years. The Salvation Army and the American Salvation Army already have stations in this city. Washington Post, Sep 24, 1910 Say what you meanI miss the olden days when one could say exactly what one meant without dancing around their wording to be sure that not one solitary person would be offended and sue. I bet dollars to donuts that those who came to this area to pick up free food followed the rules and kept the air pure. I don't believe in insults but telling it like it is gets far better results in my opinion. And furthermore, potatoes are good food and can be prepared in a multitude of ways, nothing wrong with that. In the towns of old, "Don't spit on the sidewalk" signs were necessary and effective. (The Gallery, Christmas, D.C., Natl Photo)
Wired: 1906
... telephone and telegraph wires. If the byword of 1960s America was "plastics," half a century earlier it was "copper." View full ... those wires made the landscape look, now that I'm older, I miss it. Wireless The old post office is still there, although the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/21/2012 - 6:58pm -

Circa 1906. "Post Office, Albany, New York," amid the usual cat's cradle of streetcar, telephone and telegraph wires. If the byword of 1960s America was "plastics," half a century earlier it was "copper." View full size. Cats and ratsI'm a retired electronics tech. Years ago, when a new circuit was being designed and there were traces going all over the place that had to be sorted out before construction could begin, it was called a "rat's nest." Great picture!! Right on the corner.How would you like to be a lineman, and have to service that distribution ring? Papa Bear's term of 'rats nest' seems very fitting! as a childI remember how awful I thought all those wires made the landscape look, now that I'm older, I miss it. WirelessThe old post office is still there, although the neighbors have all fled (as have the rats and their nests): View Larger Map High and lowMe too. In my former job I was up and down the poles for CATV work. Even 6 years after climbing my last pole I still catch myself looking up at them while driving looking to see whats up there. This photo (and a lot here) I stare in amazement at them. The circle distributing ring at the top of the closest pole in the photo is a real gem. So far, I can't say that I have seen the likes of it on Shorpy yet. I will be forwarding this link to all my current and ex-telco friends. Also, that little guy on the sidewalk: an amputee without a even makeshift prosthetic? Just 58 Years LaterI had my draft physical in there. The hematoma the Army gave me drawing blood convinced me to join the Air Force really soon! VeteranThat amputee must most likely be a Civil War veteran. 40 years later. CrutchesMrK's comment about the amputee seems even more striking as you see the dandy about ten paces ahead of him. Wonderful photo. Ah, the stories untold! Customs FlagJust noticed... is that a U.S. Customs flag on the building? Was there a Customs House there? In the NavyPersonFromPorlock, you must have missed the sign (lower right) on the post office that Uncle Sam's Navy was looking for men. ;-) It Sort of Looks LikeA direct hit on a spaghetti factory. (The Gallery, Albany, DPC, Streetcars)
Grandma Got Bobbed: 1924
... fad. First it was the 20-year-old granddaughter, Miss Sylvia Smith King, and then came the young woman's mother, Dr. King. ... state. "The first to do so," noted Women's Who's Who in America 1941. Conversely, she co-authored a cookbook to raise money for the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/20/2008 - 8:22pm -

August 12, 1924. "Dr. Cora Smith King, Mrs. Emma Barnes Smith, Mrs. Sylvia Smith King." Dr. King, who was active in the women's suffrage movement, with her mother and daughter in a photo taken to illustrate a newspaper article headlined WOMAN OF 80 BOBS HAIR. National Photo glass negative. View full size. Because we canMy grandmother had waist-length (or longer) hair her entire post-pubescent life with two exceptions: When she was very old, and when she was in high school and had it bobbed. She loved her long hair, so I asked why she did that. Her answer: "Because my mother forbade it." Stubborn rebellion is a strong trait in our family. FlappersMy grandmother said it was a big deal when women started to bob their hair. It was considered "fast." Bernice Bobs Her HairF. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about this hot topic in 1920 in his Saturday Evening Post story, "Bernice Bobs Her Hair." An excerpt: "Do you think I ought to bob my hair, Mr. Charley Paulson?" Charley looked up in surprise. "Why?" "Because I'm considering it. It's such a sure and easy way of attracting attention." Charley smiled pleasantly. He could not know this had been rehearsed. He replied that he didn't know much about bobbed hair. But Bernice was there to tell him. The Sensible, Comfortable Thing to Do Washington Post, Aug 12, 1924 Woman at 80 Succumbs to the Bobbed-Hair Fad "Don't You Think I'm Trying to Be a Flapper," Mrs. Emma Barnes Smith Says, Turning to Her Daughter, 50, Who Awaited a Trim. Mrs. Emma Barnes Smith, 80 years old, of Beverly Courts,sat in the barber's chair at Louis' shop, 406 Twelfth street northwest, yesterday and twitched nervously as the shears cut away her silvery locks. "Don't you think I'm trying to be a flapper," she warned her daughter, Dr. Cora Smith King, aged 50, who followed her in the chair. "I'm only doing it because you insisted that it would be more comfortable." When Charles L. Gullette, the tensorial artist, took the apron from her, pronounced her fit with his "now you're a regular dear," and in the same breath said "next," it meant that the three surviving generations of the family had succumbed to the bobbed-hair fad. First it was the 20-year-old granddaughter, Miss Sylvia Smith King, and then came the young woman's mother, Dr. King. Dr. King had her bob worked on yesterday, but she explained that she had first had it bobbed a long time ago. "Oh, it is not strange," said Louis, proprietor of the shop: "we have them all ages every day: its the sensible, comfortable thing for woman to do." But there was a man of the old school recently in the shop, Louis explained, who didn't see it this way. Two of the six chairs were occupied by this elderly man and another man while the other four were occupied by women, ranging all the way in years from the flapper to 35. Louis had considerable trouble in shaving the elderly man because he kept turning to scowl at his fellow customers. His displeasure grew as he continued to look until he became really fretful. Then the flapper of the quartette nonchalantly pulled out a cigarette case, took a "pill" therefrom and asked for a match. "Well I'll be damned," the old man said. The bobbing of Mrs. Smith's hair was the first time it had been cut in 50 years. The Vogue of Bobbed HairNew York Times, June 27, 1920: Girls past thirty will sometimes hesitate for weeks before allowing their crowning glory to be decapitated. Then hairdressers sometimes observe unexpected effects. The women become kittenish, playful. It may be that bobbing has taken five or ten years off their appearance. It may be the improvement of their appearance. It may be the defiance of conventionality and the joy of emancipation from pins and pads. Hairdressers don't pretend to explain it. When a woman has her hair cut in a barber shop she still draws a crowd to the window. At the children's barber shops in the department stores clerks used to crowd in the door and watch when a woman stepped into the chair, but it is an everyday occurrence now. Chop that mopI recently had eight inches cut off my butt-length mop, and while I didn't become "kittenish" I did feel a bit giddy. There's something both terrifying and liberating about a major haircut. I have no intention of getting it bobbed, though. That's just TOO scary. What Grandma Told MeIf skirts should get much shorter, Said the flapper with a sob, There'll be two more cheeks to powder, And one more place to bob. Women's LibationMore flapper-era poetry. I like to have a martini, Two at the very most. After three I'm under the table, After four I'm under my host. -- Dorothy Parker Grandparents make grand poetsYour grandmother predicted the future, but they bob awfully close. My grandfather (1901-1990) had this little ditty, he'd recite when lifting his nightly Manhattan: I've found the perfect girl, Alas, I cannot hope for more. She's deaf and dumb and oversexed, And owns a liquor store. Grandma's HandsThe first thing I noticed was Grandma's hands. My great grandmother was infamous for holding her hands in the same manner. Still, in 2007, sweet old ladies have the same spotted and wrinkled hands! Suffragette City!Dr. Smith King also carried a "VOTES FOR WOMEN" banner to the top of Mount Rainier in Washington state. "The first to do so," noted Women's Who's Who in America 1941. Conversely, she co-authored a cookbook to raise money for the suffrage campaign. (The Gallery, Natl Photo)
Railroad Pageant: 1939
... Offers Visitor Many Interesting Exhibits. Don't miss “Railroads on Parade,” the colorful pageant of the iron horses ... the parade of actors, chorus and ballet tells the story of America's conquest of the wilderness. Below is a fantastic 16mm ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/17/2013 - 4:39pm -

May 27, 1939. "New York World's Fair, railroad pageant. Final curtain, locomotives." Large-format negative by Gottscho-Schleisner. View full size. It does my heart goodMy reaction to this image of locomotives was "Wow!" They look absolutely beautiful. I may just have to put this print on my wish list. What did one locomotive say to the other?Want to get together and blow off some steam? End of that eraThe streamliner steam engine on the left represented 1939's top technology, while the old timer on the right recalled the 100-year railroad past at that time. But within 15 years, both engine types would be replaced by first-generation diesels, which still rule the rails today. Rare ShotThis is the largest photograph I've ever seen of a Lackawanna 4-6-4. I'm guessing she was red trimmed in gold? Would love to see more shots taken that day, particularly if they feature the star of the fair, Pennsylvania Railroad's S-1 duplex type, a one-million pound passenger engine that ran at full speed before the crowd with its drivers positioned on rollers. It had a very similar streamlined shell to PRR K-4 #3768, the engine on the left. Railroads on Parade Washington Post, September 24, 1939. Celeste Weyl. Transportation Area of World's Fair Offers Visitor Many Interesting Exhibits. Don't miss “Railroads on Parade,” the colorful pageant of the iron horses of the past and the streamlined engines of today. In 16 scenes and actual settings and costumes of the early days, actors, horses, covered wagons, stage coaches, oxen, mules and locomotives, you see the importance of transportation in the opening of this continent. Starting over 110 years ago, at the New York water-front, in the covered wagon era, the parade of actors, chorus and ballet tells the story of America's conquest of the wilderness. Below is a fantastic 16mm Kodachrome film of “Railroads on Parade,” by Gustave Martens, posted to YouTube by his grandson. It lacks the Grand Finale but is clearly the same set. Beautiful color. Looks Can Be DeceivingThe locomotive on the right is actually newer and more modern that the one on the left. The Raymond Loewy styled Pennsylvania 4-6-2 was built in 1920 and streamlined later. The Lackawanna 4-6-4 was built just the previous year in 1938. One visible advancement in the photo, are the cast driving wheels on the Hudson, versus the old spoked drivers on the Pennsy K-4. A great seriesThis is just part of a great series of photos on the LoC's American Memory Gottscho-Schleisner series. As for the 1939 World's Fair, sadly, idealism and optimism turned into cruel reality with the beginning of World War II. The Polish and Czechoslovak exhibits didn't reopen for 1940, and some Europeans were unable to return home after the fair closed. World's largest locomotiveThe Lackawanna Hudson here is 1151 and was renumbered "1939" specifically for this fair. In 1940 it was remodeled (with feathers painted on the streamlining) and renumbered "1940". Also designed by Raymond Loewy was the 6-4-4-6 configuration S-1 mentioned by Lost World as running on rollers at the fair. Its speed was a constant 60 mph, all day, and it was the prototype for what the Pennsylvania Railroad intended to replace its fleet of K4 locomotives, which were introduced in 1914. Constructed in the PRR’s Altoona shops (very probably my father, a 38-year PRR employee, worked on it) and completed shortly before the fair, it was the largest locomotive ever built at 304 tons and just over 140 feet long. [OK, second largest. Thank you, Bob100. But it was the longest.] It was too big for most of the Pennsy trackage and less than half of its weight was on its drive wheels, two factors which gave it a very short career. The majestic S-1 was retired in 1945 and scrapped in 1949. Here’s Raymond Loewy and the S-1. Incidentally streamlined outer panels on locomotives did little for performance and got in the way of routine maintenance. Driving wheelsAlthough they look different, the driving wheels on both locomotives are cast. Re: World's Largest LocomotiveWhile a very large machine, this one is not quite the largest. That honor would go to the 4-88-4 ALCO Big Boy which ran on the UP. Rated at 6,290 hp, it weighed 548 tons. It was followed closely by the 2-66-6 Allegheny built by the Lima Locomotive Works which generated more horsepower at 7,638 but was 4 tons lighter. The C & O Railroad and the Virginian Railway employed these monsters hauling coal. There are several of both of these locomotives on static display. The third largest, the 4-66-4 ALCO Challenger weighs in at 485 tons and rated at 6,200 hp. It ran on the UP and there is one still active on excursion service. It makes my heart race just watching videos of these machines pounding along the track. I've been around a few steamers, mostly Shays used in logging, and one thing that has always stood out is the feeling that you are near a living being. Listen closely to the sounds associated with steam engines, especially a locomotive. It's like you can hear it breathe. No wonder that so many crewmen grew attached to their machine. Each one had its own peculiar sounds due to pop valve configurations, expansion and contraction, exhaust valves, whistle, &c. Probably the nearest any manmade machine will ever come to being lifelike. (The Gallery, Gottscho-Schleisner, NYC, Railroads)
Happy New Year!
... watch the best program of the week, when it was on, or miss it. For those who did not like to cook, and loved watching TV, there ... Long since retired, he loves watching TV, especially BBC America and the History Channel; enjoys Chinese food, and his pet cat, Ringo. ... 
 
Posted by hillie_bolliday - 09/19/2011 - 11:21pm -

A candid shot of my parents and grandparents all dolled up and getting ready to ring in 1965. Before I was born, my parents were party people, and I can see that Mom's got the ever-present cocktail in hand. Not sure whose home this is; it isn't my grandparents, and it certainly isn't my folks' house, as they would never have had a replica schooner or green-upholstered furniture. View full size. JunkThat's a Chinese junk sitting atop the TV. Folks would buy those things on trips to Hong Kong, very popular and rather chic. I suspect the hosts were pretty worldly, what with the contemporary artwork and the slightly Danish Modern furniture. Oh yeah, your mom is hot. Tradition At Our HouseAt midnight New Year's Eve we open up the back door to let the old year out and the new year in. GratitudeThanks Dave! I love Shorpy! Thanks for your comments!Thanks for your comments! I'm just trying hard to rack my brain and remember what it was like to get those old TV sets fired up. Of course, no remote control, you had to snap it on at the actual console, then it would slowly warm up to a simmer as the picture came into view ... sometimes with a shudder. The first TV I can remember was in 1969 (I was born in '67) and it was a bit wider and more "advanced" than the one in the pic, but it still took forever to warm up. Gilligan's Island, Lost in Space, Astro Boy...those were afternoon staples in my house in 1969-70, thanks to my older brother. Party Like It's 1965Happy New Year to all, and especially to Hillie! Tres TVMy parents had TV trays just like the one in front of the older man. This was when the Sunday Night Movie ruled. No cable, no VCR. Just watch the best program of the week, when it was on, or miss it. For those who did not like to cook, and loved watching TV, there was the Swanson TV Dinner. Just bake it for a while, then put it on the TV tray. I have to admit, some of those were pretty good. (My mom was not a good cook) Sunday NightsWild Kingdom Marlin: "Watch Jim fight the lion...." Awesome show!! Remember when the television shut off, and the picture shrank to a dot in the middle of the screen? Dame EdnaThe lady on the left does remind me of a young Dame Edna. What a great site this is. Perhaps it's all the early black and white movies I used to watch but something in the old pictures you post keep drawing me back and back to Shorpy. Best wishes for the New Year. HomerGreat shot, Hillie. Your photo is hitting my nostalgia-bone on all sorts of levels -- not least of which is that your grandad reminds me of the wonderful character actor, Charles Lane, probably best-known as Homer Winslow Bedloe on "Petticoat Junction." Great memories all 'round. Many thanks to you for posting. 2010New Year's Eve was an occasion that people usually dressed up to celebrate. Whether you were going out to a public place or to somebody's home you wanted to look your best. Today with dress-down being the rule, we might as well be going to the schoolyard. That being my case and having pled it, I wish all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year with a world at peace (anything is possible). UpdateI'm just particularly proud that my Dad and Grandpaw (as I called him) have fabulous spit-shined shoes. Out of all in this picture, Dad is the only one living. Long since retired, he loves watching TV, especially BBC America and the History Channel; enjoys Chinese food, and his pet cat, Ringo. Happy New Year! You know you're getting old... if you know what a TV tray is and recognized it instantly. Where to buy junkThe model Junk on the TV caught my eye immediately. I had one probably about the same time, maybe as late as 1968 -- but my folks bought it for me in Chinatown in San Francisco, so no foreign travel for us was involved. Hadn't thought about that thing in years. Fun photo. (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery)
Loosey & Rickety: 1939
... like it could be Faulkner's inspiration ... for Miss Emily's house in "A Rose for Emily" (1930) [APPLAUSE] "Loosey and ... the LITTLE RICKETY? (The Gallery, M.P. Wolcott, Rural America) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/02/2019 - 1:15pm -

November 1939. "Old house in Holmes County, Mississippi." Medium format negative by Marion Post Wolcott for the Farm Security Administration. View full size. Fine and Fancy FilagreeI have never seen such delicate and intricate porch filagree - or as some say - gingerbread. This looks like it could be Faulkner's inspiration... for Miss Emily's house in "A Rose for Emily" (1930) [APPLAUSE]"Loosey and Rickety" -- best title ever! Outdoor PlumbingIt looks like the house was retrofitted for indoor facilities with a soil pipe attached to the outside of the home. It was probably a status symbol and source of pride at some point. But wait; what's that place today?A FRED and breakfast? Is there a station pumping ETHYL on the corner? Is the outhouse behind the house the LITTLE RICKETY? (The Gallery, M.P. Wolcott, Rural America)
Shady Pretty: 1941
... you have sad reality. Ideal That's about as "ideal America" as it gets. A Vague Memory I was born in 1952 and do remember ... to reach. Many of my generation remember the elms and miss them. Elm Street My hometown looked like that picture but by the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/29/2020 - 9:31pm -

June 1941. "Residential section. Milwaukee, Wisconsin." Take the "tree" out of Elm Street and you're left with Elm St. Medium format acetate negative by John Vachon. View full size. Alas, poor old stickCan you grieve the loss of something you never experienced? Yes, yes you can. Still rememberMy grandparents lived on a street very much like this in Milwaukee. I was very young, but remember the crews working their way up the street cutting down the remains of all the dead elms. Like Elm Streets everywhereTake the elms out of Elm St. and you have sad reality. IdealThat's about as "ideal America" as it gets. A Vague MemoryI was born in 1952 and do remember trees like this along the main street in my Ohio hometown. Was still pretty young so I don't remember too much about them going away. Just know that they are now long gone. Dutch elm diseaseAll over the northeast, elm trees were killed by this disease. when I was in elementary school in the 1940s, there was extensive spraying to kill the bark beetle that carried the disease fungus, but it was futile. Scenes like this do not exist today. Occasionally, in rural areas one will see a beautiful "fountain elm" standing, only because it's too far for the elm bark beetle to reach. Many of my generation remember the elms and miss them. Elm StreetMy hometown looked like that picture but by the mid 70's all of the elms were dead or dying thanks to Dutch Elm disease. Before the Dutch Elm virusBefore Dutch Elm disease ravaged them, all Midwestern cities had streets like this lined with elms, including my home town, Moline, Illinois. By 1980, most of the elms were gone. My point was not that Dutch elm disease was caused by a virus; I know it's a fungus. The fungus blocks the 'veins' of the tree that deliver water and nutrients. I was comparing it to the corona virus. I'm sorry I wasn't clear. [D.E.D. is caused by a fungus, not a virus. - Dave] BandsMost of these trees have a dark band a couple of inches wide, about 6 feet above ground-level. Not all are the same height, but it looks like they are all the same height at any one home. Anyone have any idea what these are? [Insect barrier. - Dave] Pre-emptive measuresWhen I was a kid, in the sixties, the local authorities in the cottage community where we spent our summers decided to cut down every elm in an over-zealous bid to nip this Dutch Elm thing in the bud, so to speak. All the elms on all the boulevards were cut down, leaving behind vacant vistas and strange weirdness. My mom was a tough bird brought up in the Depression, and I was surprised and not a little afraid at how upset she got. The Old College TreeOne of the things I've cherished about my 40 year stay in Hanover, NH, is the grandeur of the disease resistant elms that remain in remarkable numbers on the Dartmouth College campus. You don't have them in rows like in this picture anymore, but you have some amazing samples dotted around campus. I stop and admire them almost every day. There's something about the interweave of the branches in the canopy that fascinates me. (The Gallery, John Vachon, Milwaukee)
Sikorsky Christening: 1925
... bottle of water was broken across the bow of the plane by Miss Elizabeth Owens, who christened the plane the "Yorktown." Following ... the S-29A (The A stands for first Sikorsky model built in America). It was eventually sold to famed stunt pilot Roscoe Turner, who in ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/03/2012 - 9:42am -

May 8, 1925. Washington, D.C. " 'Yorktown.' Christening of Sikorsky plane." View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. S-29-Athis appears to be the Sikorsky S-29-A. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-29-A SikorskyInteresting mix of clothing, from the knickers on the left to the women's coats and hats to the brass and the big wigs--plus the mechanics/engineers on the craft. Is the girl standing on the chair going to do the honors? The DesignerThat's Igor Sikorsky himself third from the left in the Homburg (his personal trademark). Yorktown Airplane Service InstitutedWashington Post, May 9 1925 Yorktown Airplane Service Instituted Six days were required by messengers on horseback to carry news of Cornwallis' defeat from Yorktown, Va., to New York in 1781. Yesterday the same distance was covered in a few hours by the giant Sikorsky transport which instituted airplane passenger service between New York and Yorktown, and was christened with brief ceremonies at Bolling field. The plane left New York at 10 o'clock. At Logan field, Baltimore, it was forced to earth on account of a water leak, which was quickly remedied by workmen. The plane loomed into sight above Bolling field at 1:45 o'clock, ten minutes before it was expected. Army officers and guests welcomed the passengers. An address was delivered by Gen. R. Allyn Lewis. Count Igor Sikorsky, designer and builder of the plane, who piloted the craft to Washington, also spoke. A bottle of water was broken across the bow of the plane by Miss Elizabeth Owens, who christened the plane the "Yorktown." Following the christening, the plane flew to Yorktown, where zero milestones commemorative of the event are to be placed. The service has been established for New York business men who spend week-ends in Virginia. Connection to Howard Hughes!This aircraft is indeed the S-29A (The A stands for first Sikorsky model built in America). It was eventually sold to famed stunt pilot Roscoe Turner, who in turn sold it to Howard Hughes. Hughes had it disguised as a WWI German Gotha bomber, and it was crashed (spun in) during the filming of Hells Angels. I have a later original print of the same airplane with Roscoe Turner in it. Shorpy is an amazing website! (The Gallery, Aviation, D.C., Natl Photo)
Corner Pocket: 1918
June 22, 1918, in or near New York City. "Miss May Schloss at canteen." 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain ... Salsbury From the New York Times, July 27, 1919: "Miss May Schloss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Schloss of 156 West ... and also doing business as the Herkules Saw Sales Co. of America with address at 233 Broadway, New York City, has been dissolved." - ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/15/2008 - 2:44am -

June 22, 1918, in or near New York City. "Miss May Schloss at canteen." 5x7 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size. The Hustleress"I'm really not very good... my brothers tried to teach me... I just knock the balls around most of the time... Oh, a bet? You mean for money? Oh I don't think so... well, I guess we could..." She's played the game beforeHer left-hand's held in a pretty good bridge, she's down over her cue. I'd say she knows what she's doing. They're obviously not playing eight-ball. Could be some form of rotation since only the high balls are left on the table, or maybe straight pool. The Original GumpThat would be a rendering of Andy Gump on the blackboard. http://lambiek.net/artists/s/smith_sidney.htm Navy has better tailors.Navy was better dressed than Army in 1918, too. Some things are constant through the ages. Chalk TalkSay, anyone have a clue what's the last word above those cartoon military guys..."Before the Black S...."? Must have something with the 10 days bread and water, but I couldn't figure it out. ["Before the black slave" (there was the infantry). - Dave] Mrs. SalsburyFrom the New York Times, July 27, 1919: "Miss May Schloss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Schloss of 156 West Seventy-fifth Street, who has been prominent in war camp community work in New York, will be married to Nate Salsbury of Chicago on Aug. 2, at the home of her parents, the Rev. Dr. Mussey of the Ethical Culture Society to officiate. Mrs. William H. Schloss, a sister-in-law of the bride-elect, is to be her only attendant. Captain Milton Salsbury is to act as best man for his brother. Mr. Salsbury is connected with Marshall Field in Chicago, where the couple are to reside." Sharkbite!Is that thumb legal? Nate Jr. and MiltonWere the sons of Nate Salsbury, owner and manager of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. In a matter of minutes I found a photo of Nate Jr and Milton as infants and other photos of their Dad with the stars of the Wild West Show. (Gotta love the Internet!) New York Times, May 10, 1924, pg 21: "Dissolution Notice": "The co-partnership of Freedman-Salsbury Co., composed of Benjamin H Freedman and Milton S. Salsbury, and also doing business as the Herkules Saw Sales Co. of America with address at 233 Broadway, New York City, has been dissolved." - Milton S Salsbury (Milton Salsbury was the son of Buffalo Bills manager Nathan "Nate" Salsbury.) Another interesting note -- This Benjamin Freedman tried to blackmail Woodrow Wilson. Who knew a kooky photo of people playing pool would yield so much? (The Gallery, G.G. Bain, WWI)
Comanche County: 1916
... 1916. Comanche County, Oklahoma. "School #45, Ash Grove; Miss Hazel McKay, Teacher. One-room school in fair condition. Opened Sept. 4 ... (The Gallery, Education, Schools, Kids, Lewis Hine, Rural America) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/10/2007 - 3:12pm -

Oct. 10, 1916. Comanche County, Oklahoma. "School #45, Ash Grove; Miss Hazel McKay, Teacher. One-room school in fair condition. Opened Sept. 4 for 8 month term. Enrollment 22, average attendance 15; last year: enrollment 27, average attendance 15. The balance are picking cotton and also five more that have not enrolled at all. Pickers may be out two weeks more. Teacher expects 30 enrolled after picking is over." View full size. Photo and caption by Lewis Wickes Hine. SupportsI would like to know why the schoolhouse has wooden supports on each side. Wooden Supports on SchoolhouseJust a guess... but maybe extra protection from tornadoes? (The Gallery, Education, Schools, Kids, Lewis Hine, Rural America)
Clown Car: 1957
... at The Martin Cinerama while seated next to Bert Parks of Miss America fame. The Cinerama was located further up Peachtree just South of The ... 
 
Posted by prrvet - 03/13/2018 - 4:21pm -

The Shriners' Annual Convention took place in downtown Atlanta's Peachtree Street on August 30, 1957. As a senior at Georgia Tech, I was there to photograph the action. The Loew's Grand Theatre in the background was the location of the premiere of "Gone With the Wind" in 1939. 35mm Kodachrome by William D. Volkmer. View full size. Buick and NashThe green convertible is a 1956 Buick Special and the black car facing it is a 1949 or 1950 Nash (there were no styling changes from 1949 to 1950) I Was Not A Teenage WerewolfBut wasn't Michael Landon? The two for one in that small movie house includes probably one of the best B movies of the era. "Invasion of the saucer-men". I hope they bring tea or coffee with those. [The “small” Paramount Theatre had seating for 2700. -tterrace] CorrectionThat restored trolley coach and 139 others like it were built by St. Louis Car Company in 1949. Only one specimen was saved. Atlanta did have about 175 Pullmans some dating back to 1944. Atlanta once boasted the largest trolley coach system in the US, but Chicago had more vehicles, fewer route miles. Boy howdy, what a photo!I saw Gone With the Wind in a theater in downtown Atlanta in the late 1950s, and I saw How the West Was Won a few years later in the Loew's, I think. We had lunch in that cafeteria, probably. That Olds (guessing here) is a beauty, and I'm proud to have a '49 Snakehead Tele clone in that Seafoam Green nitro finish. [Those clowns are in a 1956 Buick Special. -tterrace] [With Florida plates. - Dave] Man. Shorpy.com is really on a roll in 2018. Boy howdy!!! Edit: Thanks, tterrace and Dave for that great info!!! If It Still Looked Like That, I'd Still Live ThereThis is the downtown Atlanta of my youth - when the buildings were beautiful, the people well-dressed, and the atmosphere civilized. From left to right, I recognize the Collier Building, where a Rexall was at street level, but the fabled Frances Virginia Tea Room occupied the top floor for many years. Next to it is the Paramount Theatre, demolished not too many years after this photo was taken; its stone was re-used for the facade of a mansion in another town. After that comes Loew's Grand, one of the bigger theatres, originally the De Give Opera House. The electric trolleys in the photo were phased out around 1962. Every building I've mentioned is gone. Atlanta Theaters I saw "How The West Was Won" at The Martin Cinerama while seated next to Bert Parks of Miss America fame. The Cinerama was located further up Peachtree just South of The Fox theater. Additionally, I spent my lunch hour standing across the street while Loew's Grand burned to the ground on January 30, 1978. The temps were subfreezing and icicles were everywhere. I did a little researchand found out that one of these 1949 Pullman-Standard trolley coaches has been restored. If you want to go back in time, you may find it at the Southeastern Railway Museum. Errare humanum estYes, my bad. prrvet is absolutely right. What a double-bill!I'd line up early and pay a premium price to catch I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF and THE INVASION OF THE SAUCER MEN at the Paramount. sigh... Elvis played the ParamountGreat pic! in June of '56 Elvis played the Paramount http://scottymoore.net/paramount.html Peachtree ParadeOnly two months prior to this parade, Atlanta blues musician Piano Red (Willie Perryman) had released "Peachtree Parade", which had been recorded already in 1955. It's an instrumental, so basically any parade can be projected onto it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLzg1H6OxGQ (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery)
Ejected: 1912
... It was received on every occasion with growing enthusiasm. America demands thrilling entertainment and auto polo went far in filling this ... "bailing out" .... Be sure to jump clear so the car will miss you if it turns completely over. After you have done this a few times, it ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/12/2011 - 2:39pm -

New York. More smooth "auto polo" moves from December 1912. At right, an incipient case of malletosis. George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size. Suture selfThese are the happiest crash victims I've ever seen! Same carsThese are the same cars as the first photo. [Same guys, too. Same day. Same game. - Dave] How to play Auto PoloExcerpts from Mechanics and Handicraft, Autumn 1934. Super Thrills With Auto Polo By Ed. Harlan Gibson Auto polo originated some twenty odd years ago. It was received on every occasion with growing enthusiasm. America demands thrilling entertainment and auto polo went far in filling this need. Numerous outfits were built and contests were arranged all over the country. State and County fairs paid big prices for the thrill of auto polo as a feature for fair patrons. At times, all the large cities were thrilled by the daring of drivers and mallet-men. Organized teams, shipped to foreign countries, introduced this new American sport. Due largely to the past depression, auto polo gradually dwindled down until only a few outfits were still operating, but recently, the interest of the public in this sport has been revived. Having spent almost eight years in this and another similar game, I know from experience that the American public will pay good money to see auto polo. They like it.... Organizing Teams ....Each team should have a manager and a Captain. The manager is boss of the equipment, matches games, looks after gate receipts, advertising, etc. The Captain coaches the players during the game; and, immediately after each game points out certain plays where improvement can be made. Drivers and mallet-men should be picked with caution; in their hands rest the success of your adventure. Just because some fellow can skid a car round a city block on two wheels is no sign that he will make a good dependable driver in auto polo. My experience has convinced me this type is not trustworthy. Instead, choose the calm lad who drives carefully and doesn't say much. Mallet-men must be picked with equal care....He must possess a reasonable amount of agileness and be able to jump out of the way at a moment's notice. Practice Games, the Field and Flags Each team should have goal flags the color of their cars. These cloth flags are fastened to iron rods about four feet long with friction tape. Place them approximately four paces apart and at an angle outward from the center of the field. A car skidding into them when cutting off a goal, will knock them down away from the mallet-man. Study the drawing of field layout for car positions before the game. I would suggest you use only two cars in the first attempt, while the others watch from the side lines and mentally place their own positions. Lay off the field with lime (though it soon disappears from skidding wheels and dust). The referee, to start the game, is at the center of the field where the ball is placed, and also returned after a goal is made. The referee has a whistle. To start, the referee holds up his hands pointing to each end of the field. The drivers and mallet-men on each team will be in position as shown and if ready, they too will hold up their hands, as a signal to the referee. The referee blows the whistle and at the same time swings his arms down, across in front of him, then steps back to the boundary line out of the way. As the game goes on, he follows along somewhere near the ball. The captains of each team will speed toward the ball in the center of the field at the signal. They will meet and pass on the left of each other, so the malletmen, reaching out, can strike at the ball. Care should be taken not to gauge this too close, but leave plenty of room for the man to swing at the ball, which, if hit, will go sailing. Now the guard car comes into play. As the ball comes toward them they will work out to meet it, sending it back toward the opposite goal and vice versa. Meanwhile, the two captains are turning, skidding around into position and they act as guard until opportunity affords them an opening at the ball. After the game is in progress, no magazine article can coach you what to do next. It is a battle, with roaring motors working up a thrilling tension among players and spectators. Positions vary at astonishing speed, and the drivers must use their own judgment. Goals are counted only when the ball goes between the goal flags. Each goal counts two points for the team forcing it through. There is no hard and fast rules to follow in this game. Should you find just a little different way of playing, do so. When the ball is knocked out of bounds, it must be tossed in again by the referee, who blows the whistle to stop the game, and again he tosses in the ball. Should the ball fail to go between the goal flags it is counted a foul and the cars line up at the goal and the ball [is] tossed in as before. However, as they start out, the guard car must speed up and take his position guarding the goal. Teach all drivers to drive with "thumbs out"; do not hook your thumbs inside the steering-wheel cross-arms as you do in common driving. This is the reason: a car striking the point of your front wheels will send the steering wheel spinning in your hands and should you have your thumbs hooked in the cross-arms, painful sprains may results [sic]. Also caution all drivers to beware of broadside slams from the side where the mallet-man stands. He has no protection for his legs. Publicity--Gate Receipts Publicity is your greatest advertisement. Do not for a moment overlook this angle to the success of your venture. Auto polo at one time was widely advertised, it is becoming popular again. In small towns, your local newspaper is your best opportunity, and, if you give the Editor your printing business, he will be glad to give you advance publicity. While building your cars, a short write-up will start the interest; and as you begin your practice games, more write-ups will draw people out to watch you. Follow it up, before and after each game, with short items giving the results of the games, its thrills and spectacular plays--in fact, use "ballyhoo" as they do for every sport. Bright, flashy banner signs along public highways and over the entrance to your field will catch the Sunday joy riders that have nothing else to do. Encourage other towns around you to build polo cars, and before long Auto Polo will be as widely know and advertised as any other sport. The usual procedure is to split the gate receipts 60-40 after all advertising expenses are taken out of the whole. The winners, of course, receive the largest share. You make a "spill" Perhaps you have been wondering how you could "spill" one of these cars intentionally. Every game must contain at least two or three of these thrilling spills to hold the breathless attention of your spectators. I might state, that many spills are made accidentally; by broadside slams, or skidding too sharply on a grass field. However, there will be games when you will want to make one on purpose. In this case, two cars are headed down the field side by side. At first it is best to make the spills at a moderate speed, of just fast enough to turn the car over on the side. The driver of the car on the left will hold his car in a perfectly straight course down the field. The car on the right is the one that will spill. Mallet-men are in their positions as before, and if possible do not make it seem as if anything is to happen. The car on the right pulls over toward the other car and when the speed is regulated, he pulls over still farther until his left rear wheel is just behind the right front of the other car. Then by speeding up slightly and cramping the steering wheel sharply to the left, or directly in front of the other car, his left rear wheel will climb up over the front axle of the other car; this gives his car a throw and over he goes. As the driver feels the car going over he must swing his feet off the pedals onto the running board or walk and slide out sideways from under the steering wheel. The mallet-man leaves the car just a moment sooner....[in a] method of "bailing out" .... Be sure to jump clear so the car will miss you if it turns completely over. After you have done this a few times, it will come quite naturally, so you need but glance at your opponents to let him know your intentions. The other driver must also co-operate when making a spill and instantly slam reverse when he sees your car cut in front of him. Let me suggest you practice this before attempting it during a game. Don't be discouraged if you should fail on your first attempts. The only danger lies in clearing the car as it turns over. The game does not stop when one or even two cars turn over. The car that turns over will immediately enter the fracas as soon as it is on its wheels again. Play the games in periods of from 7 to 10 minutes each. Motors soon become red hot and mallet-men will welcome a breathing spell after this length of time. Locate your field along a well traveled highway where an admission charge can be made. Within a reasonable length of time, this should bring the gate receipts up to where that extra money will be welcome and make you wonder why you never thought of using the old rusty model T's before.... ....Before I close, I might add that a painted warning sign will help you to keep your crowds in check. Simply word it thus: "The players will take every precaution to prevent accidents but will not be responsible should any occur." People, as a rule, are like sheep to handle, and this little sign, or two of them, will do wonders to help keep them off the field. And now friends, you have it all.... ....Good Luck. Gooooooal!!!I love these gasoline gladiator photos! No question what type of car to use.Note that in the detailed 1934 instructions, there is no mention of what type of car to use. It was obvious: Only a Ford, that lightweight, ubiquitous, nearly disposable vehicle that could be had for a few dollars in every city in the US. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, G.G. Bain, NYC, Sports)
Two of a Kind: 1915
"Dog Show. Miss Rochester, 1915." Harris & Ewing Collection. View full size. ... then) or possibly a Pit Bull puppy. Pit Bulls were one of America's most popular breeds back in the first third of the 20th century. Both ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/27/2012 - 1:19pm -

"Dog Show. Miss Rochester, 1915." Harris & Ewing Collection. View full size. Could it get any better?Man, if this doesn't take the Shorpy Adorable Picture of the Week (Month ...Year ...[insert favorite time period]) prize, my Cute-O-Meter is seriously out of whack. And her little dog, tooSuch a sweet little girl and her dog....I love this picture.. it is adorable! DoggoneI'll bet it wouldn't take much for that pup to slip out of his collar. Can you say Trouble?That is quite a mischevious smile on her face, I bet she got up to lots of shenanigans when her parents weren't looking. @Tut I believe that is some sort of harness the dog is in and not a collar. Cute kid, cute coatCoats very similar to that are fashionable again now. I have a lovely red one myself. I don't think I'm nearly that adorable in mine though. At any rate, it's nice to see a non-hideous fashion come back in! DoggerelIt's probably a Boston terrier (or Boston Bull, as they were known back then) or possibly a Pit Bull puppy. Pit Bulls were one of America's most popular breeds back in the first third of the 20th century. Both breeds had their ears routinely cropped, so that's why I am thinking a puppy. Whatever the breed, the picture is a classic! WoofAnyone familiar with the breed of dog here? Just a mixed terrier breed of some sort? It almost looks a bit Frenchie to me. PibbleLooks to me like a pit bull puppy, or pibble, as I call them. Too bad they fell from grace; they can be very sweet family dogs. (The Gallery, Dogs, Harris + Ewing, Kids)
US Navy Dancer
... have great legs and she did a lot of USO work. Edit: Miss Lee is still alive and still performing! If only she would visit Shorpy ... Makes me think of a cruise to a warm water port in Latin America. The Texas carried President Coolidge to Cuba in 1928 for the Pan ... 
 
Posted by Steeve GALLIZIA - 04/21/2012 - 7:19am -

Dancer on a US Navy vessel, no idea who, when, where, which vessel; Information welcome. View full size. Lena Horne?She looks a bit like Lena Horne to me, she did do performances for the Troops during WWII. Edit: The picture above makes it pretty clear it's not Lena. Check out those Gams Go on, everyone else is. Too early for herReminds me of Elaine of "Seinfeld" fame and her infamous dance that everyone made fun of including her coworkers. Martha Raye?Martha Raye entertained troops a lot. See what you think. Another possibilityCould this be Mabel Lee, "Queen of the Soundies"? She was known to have great legs and she did a lot of USO work. Edit: Miss Lee is still alive and still performing! If only she would visit Shorpy and confirm (or deny) my suspicions... More likely Pauline Grunk or Mavis SmithIf this was Lena Horne, Martha Raye, Anne Miller, or any of those performers who added an extra "e" to their name for effect, it is doubtful they would be accompanied by musicians for the ship's compliment. These star performers were usually backed up by professional musicians who had their arrangements down pat. When I was touring the world on Uncle Sam's ticket back in the 60s we were often entertained by shows put on by the USO using the local talent from whatever area we happened to be cruising. They were mostly "wannabes" and they performed for patriotic reasons or for a small stipend. God bless 'em all. They may not have been from Hollywood, but they left us all with a smile on our faces. I believe the dancer isAnn Miller. It looks like her, and she did entertain our military. Oh, and she had fantastic gams! Check her out on the net. Something like the TexasI think the photo was taken during the inter-war years on a battleship such as the USS Texas BB35. The shoes on the sailor on the left look 1930s style, and the general appearance of the sailors says 1930. The twin guns the crowd is sitting on look like 14 inchers, later BBs has 3 guns in a mount. Makes me think of a cruise to a warm water port in Latin America. The Texas carried President Coolidge to Cuba in 1928 for the Pan American Conference. Might have beenJudy Garland. Ziegfeld Girl?She looks like Ziegfeld Girl Ann Pennington who had a frentic style of dancing. (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery)
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