André Courrèges Fashion Models, 1965
Here, several models display some of the most recognizable looks from the swinging sixties, the sexiest decade ever. These leather skirts, designed by André Courrèges, have a barrel-like shape and are adorned with statement suspenders.
These outfits, together with the cowl-necked blouse, another iconic element of the time, helped define the decade’s revolutionary spirit and still impact fashion today. We are reminded of the original definition of chic by the solid lines and fashions that go back to the 1960s.
Beach Beauties, 1924
This picture, which was captured somewhere around 1924, beautifully captures the vintage beachwear trends that were very popular at the time in the United States. Just take a peek at the exquisite, elegant and timeless lines displayed in this assortment of what was considered the pinnacle of high-fashion swimwear back then.
These days, you hardly ever see bathing suits like these, unless it’s for aquatic sports training or competitions. We’re not sure why—that looks intense!
Army Girls, 1932
Though these military maidens may appear beautiful for a day of seaside fun, they are actually supporting a very deserving cause. At the Army Relief Fete in 1932, this picture was taken. This was a unique occasion to support the American troops and donate funds for the armed forces.
These females are pictured getting ready for the event, which took place at the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps Country Club in Washington, D.C.
Bathing Suit Cop, 1922
As seen in this picture, we cannot fathom what is happening on this beach in the present era. As far as we know, no one enforces modest laws or norms of dress. Thus, people are free to act and dress however they like.
However, Bill Norton acquired fame in 1922 as the “Bathing Beach Cop” because of his ability to gauge the length of women’s bathing suit bottoms from their knees. Is it possible for someone to verify this right now? They would require long measuring tapes!
Albert Einstein, 1939
Any photograph of Albert Einstein that appears to show him as a typical person going about his daily business is peculiar. He doesn’t feel like a typical guy—let alone a spouse and father—because of his odd appearance, manner, famous abilities, and mathematical legacies.
But here he is in 1939, attending the opening of the Jewish Pavilion in Queens, New York, with his daughter sitting on his lap and appearing like a typical parent while sporting a crazy hairstyle.
Pierino Gamba, 1940s
This isn’t a picture of a kid trying to be a conductor in front of a classical orchestra, despite the fact that it appears to be one. Because this is, in reality, Pierino Gamba, the well-known child prodigy in the world of music in the 1940s.
Gamba began leading orchestras before he was even ten years old, and he went on to become one of the most well-known conductors in the world. Here, despite his little size, he is conducting an exciting musical performance at some point in the 1940s.
Stars on the Big Dipper, 1954
What an exciting journey! Here, Elizabeth Larner and Shani Wallis, two legendary musical theater stars, are seen zooming down the incredibly fast Big Dipper attraction at Festival Gardens while enjoying the fun of their lives. Sybil Summers and Gail Kennedy, who are well-known for their work on the stage, are also visible behind them as fellow stars.
We would give anything to hear their sweet voices scream with delight and pleasure when they hit the bottom of this rollercoaster!
John Glenn Returning From Space, 1962
When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962, history was created. Before completing an incredible landing in the Atlantic Ocean, he set out on the Friendship 7 mission and completed three full orbits of the planet.
Here, we observe US Navy personnel around the watercraft while they wait for the well-known astronaut to get off the spacecraft. This image offers a true window into one of the most significant and famous moments in history, capturing both the desolate expanses of space and the brutalities of the ocean.
The Mission Art Company, 1921
This appears to be a picture of some incredibly small miniature humans! However, this is really an authentic image of average-sized folks from 1921 standing close to their cameras. Yes, that is correct; this image displays the Mission Art Company photographers along with their tool, a camera integrated inside a big truck.
This camera appears to be a joke or deception because it is so big! However, this is how it truly seemed back then; it was definitely not something you could carry in your pocket for Instagram shots.
Giant Checkers Board, 1930
This picture is very iconic. Charles Ray and Lillian Bond, two iconic stars from the 1930s, are shown in this picture. While Lillian Bond gained popularity on the musical comedy circuit, Charles Ray was best recognized for his leading parts in several successful motion pictures.
On top of the Hotel Governor Clinton, there’s a massive outdoor checkerboard where they are playing checkers. As if that weren’t enough, well-known composer Ted Barron officiated the game! How about hanging out with the rich and famous?
Floating House, 1920
We are aware of your thoughts. Is this a scene from The Wizard of Oz, the beloved film? But no! This is an actual photograph of a real-life event. This specific house slid down the embankment and into the lake during a particularly large flood in 1920.
We’re not sure how this happened, but it’s possible that homes built back then didn’t have as sturdy of foundations to keep them firmly planted during severe weather. Whatever happened, the result is a really amazing picture.
Alexandria, Egypt, 1953
It appears that this is a picture-perfect vacation spot, and it really is. What makes this picture of a young lady unwinding while on vacation in Alexandria, Egypt, so unusual?
Because this picture was sent from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, you would never see it now. Even though it was a normal sight at the time, Saudi Arabia’s strict religious laws prohibit women from showing their bare legs, thus a photograph like this would be frowned upon today.
Boy in Toy Car, 1900s
Children enjoy playing with vehicles, trains, and all kinds of toys in between. Although toys have changed throughout time to mimic real objects, children have enjoyed this activity for generations.
Since their rise to popularity in the early to mid-20th century, they have changed, with more recent iterations resembling the red-and-yellow Little Tikes design that you may be more familiar with.
The Mattress
In the 1800s, people were getting into all kinds of problems. We’re not clear what’s happening in this image or why a bunch of women are holding up a mattress that appears to have some sort of stain.
We’re lucky that the photo is preserved in black and white because we’ll never know if a lousy Mexican meal or childbirth caused this.
Jean Cocteau, 1961
Throughout his lengthy and varied career, French writer Jean Cocteau was a creative master of many trades, excelling as a poet, playwright, novelist, designer, filmmaker, visual artist, and critic.
Here he is pictured posing inside a gigantic bird cage at a cocktail party he held in Paris in 1961. The celebration was held in honor of his most recent production, Théâtre Forain, one of the many masterpieces this imaginative mastermind contributed to the French theater. Oh my goodness!
Pierino Gamba, 1940s
This may look like a game or a photo of a child merely playing along at being a sort of conductor while in front of a classical orchestra, but that’s not the case because this is, in fact, Pierino Gamba, who was famous in the 1940s as a child prodigy in the world of music.
Before he was even 10 years old, Gamba was conducting orchestras, and he went on to become one of the most famous conductors in the world. Here he is at some point in the 1940s, conducting a powerful musical moment despite his tiny stature.
Joan Crawford and Dorothy Sebastian, 1929
There’s no question that the Hollywood Golden Age was a true era of brilliance, elegance, and glamor that we can never aspire to achieve those same levels again, even though we genuinely admire the showbiz stars of today. Here is a snapshot from 1929 with the iconic Hollywood stars Joan Crawford and Dorothy Sebastian posing next to a portable record player.
Is there anything more fitting for capturing the surreal circumstances of that era than a picture of these two celebrities holding a long-forgotten musical instrument? A true taste of the past.
The Mission Art Company, 1921
This appears to be a picture of some extremely tiny miniature humans! However, this is really an authentic image of average-sized folks from 1921 standing close to their cameras. Yes, that is correct; this image displays the Mission Art Company photographers along with their tool, a camera integrated inside a big truck.
This camera appears to be a joke or trick because it is so big! However, this is how it truly seemed back then; it was definitely not something you could carry around in your pocket for Instagram shots.
Alexandria, Egypt, 1953
This location appears to be a picture-perfect vacation spot, and it really is. What makes this picture of a young lady unwinding while on vacation in Alexandria, Egypt, so unusual?
This picture was originally sent from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is why you would never see it today. Even while it was a regular sight at the time, Saudi Arabia’s strict Islamic regulations now restrict women from showing their bare legs, so seeing something like this would be completely inappropriate.
Office Heatwave, 1951
It’s usually a little easier for you to get to work during a heatwave in your location because everyone wants to get to somewhere with air conditioning!
But such luxury was unheard of for the women who worked at the Burbank, California, Bardwell & McAlister Electronic Plant in the 1950s. To attempt and stay cool during the working day, you can see them all wearing extremely low shorts as they head to work. Even by today’s standards, it’s still a rather classic photo, even though workplace wear has eased significantly since then.
The Monkey Trial, 1923
This image could initially appear to be a funny prank photo in which a monkey has been made to sit motionless by wearing headphones. But if you are familiar with history, you will be aware that in 1923, there was a hugely important trial and movement pertaining to humans and monkeys, or more specifically, the legitimacy of teaching evolution theory in schools instead of creationism.
This incredible photo depicts a monkey named Jock listening in on the radio during the well-known Scopes “Monkey” Trial, in which a teacher was prosecuted for allegedly teaching evolution to his students.
The Amphicar, 1964
These days, there is a huge variety of contemporary and effective means of transportation that we can use to tour the world, including vehicles, trains, boats, and airplanes. But who can forget the historic Amphicar launch? Being a “amphibious car,” it could move both on land and in the water. Thus, you may just get in and cruise through a stream that seems attractive when you’re traveling along the road.
Even now, amphibians are still owned by a few people, but their popularity is quite low. This famous car made its debut in 1964 when it was ferried down London’s Regent’s Canal in England.
Wimbledon, 1964
The Wimbledon tennis championship is universally recognized as the pinnacle of British sophistication and style. Is it the classic composure, the tight upper lip, or the ever-present fresh strawberries and cream provided at every occasion even now? Although we cannot be certain, it is likely due in part to the tournament’s history of wearing beautiful white tennis outfits, which dates back to the 1960s.
At the pre-Wimbledon fashion presentation, some gorgeous models display the perfect flair that has now become a mainstay of tennis apparel. This is a truly iconic moment.
Wojtek, c. 1944
The Wimbledon tennis championship is universally recognized as the pinnacle of British sophistication and style. Is it the classic composure, the tight upper lip, or the ever-present fresh strawberries and cream provided on every occasion, even now? Although we cannot be certain, it is likely due in part to the tournament’s history of wearing beautiful white tennis outfits, which dates back to the 1960s.
At the pre-Wimbledon fashion presentation, some gorgeous models display the perfect flair that has become a tennis apparel mainstay. This is a truly iconic moment.
Christmas Toy Set, 1953
These days, kids always seem to desire the newest computer or iPhone game when Christmas time comes around. The days of their longing for traditional, healthy toys are long gone!
And this image of vintage dolls and toy sets truly brings back fond memories of these long-gone, simpler days for all of us. Though it appears to be from a movie, this assortment of possible Christmas gifts is actually from a 1953 general shop. Oh, those were the times!
Boy in Toy Car, 1900s
These days, kids adore playing with cars, trains, and all kinds of intermediate toys. It also turns out that this has been a popular kid’s activity for ages, despite the fact that the toys have changed to reflect the real thing.
Since their rise to popularity in the early to mid-20th century, they have changed, with more recent iterations resembling the red-and-yellow Little Tikes design that you may be more familiar with.
Big Bird, 1977
There are some things that will never change, even though historical landmarks may come and go and time is something that none of us can hope to stop or even slow down. And among those items is none other than Big Bird from Sesame Street, a cultural classic and timeless figure on television.
Here’s Big Bird (Carroll Spinney is the man inside the costume) with host Bob McGrath while they record a special location segment in Kauai, an island in Hawaii.
Isamu Noguchi, 1940
Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American landscape architect and artist, is shown here examining the future location of the Associated Press Building Plaque, a famous piece that is still in place in the Rockefeller Center.
This feature was carved out of plaster and then cast in stainless steel, making it the largest stainless steel casting ever at the time. Isn’t that incredible? In contrast to how we are used to seeing it installed as a feature of the building these days, this is how it looked when it was just an amazing notion.
Fashion Models, 1954
Take a look at this incredible show of elegance! This appears to be a lovely painting or an artist’s sketch, but it’s actually a true shot from 1954. Models of the moment Marla Scarafia, Pat Goldsworthy, Ann Farrar, and June Hatfield are seen in this gorgeous photo walking down a street in New York City while appearing effortlessly put together.
Before the TV show even came out, these women had a great understanding of New York City and possessed a sense of style that has never been surpassed. Move over, Carrie and friends.
Beetle Pile-In, 1964
Although this may appear to be a haphazard and even ridiculous photo, young people actually frequently attempt to pull off this appearance for the camera. In this image, kids from a high school are trying to fit as many of themselves as possible into a Volkswagen Beetle.
Many have attempted to capture this energy and accomplish the same accomplishment throughout the years, but this picture—which features no less than 31 youngsters jammed into this car—remains one of the most incredible ever!
