
110 Timeless Historical Pictures That Speak A Thousand Words Of Lives Lived
Interview With Expert100 years from now, space travel might be as common as hopping on a plane. Maybe self-driving cities will be a thing, or AI will be running entire businesses. Who knows, we might even have vacations on Mars! While we can only guess what the future holds a century from now, we don’t have to wonder about what life looked like 100 years ago.
Today, the Bored Panda team scoured the internet to uncover some fascinating photos from 100 to 110 years ago. These snapshots capture moments from a completely different era, giving us a glimpse into the world as it once was. Keep scrolling to see a stunning collection of old photos that might just make you appreciate how much (or how little) has changed!
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My Great-Grandmother Was A Stunt Pilot In 1924
My Friend's Great Grandma Posing In Traditional Maori Cloak C. 1920
My Grandmother And Her Brother In Their Hometown, Langensalza, Thuringia, Germany. C. 1924
We’ve all heard the saying “Change is the only constant,” and in today’s fast-moving world, that couldn’t be more true. One day, you have the latest phone, and the next, it’s outdated. A gadget that seemed revolutionary just a few years ago is now collecting dust in a drawer. With new technology, trends, and innovations shaping our lives at lightning speed, it makes you wonder—just how different was life 100 years ago?
To gain firsthand perspective, Bored Panda spoke with Kiran Devi Pincha, a 90-year-old great-grandmother from India who has lived through nearly a century of change. She has seen four generations grow up before her eyes and has experienced more transformations in one lifetime than most of us can imagine. She shared her thoughts on how much the world has evolved.
My Grandparents, About To Embark On A Trip After Their Wedding - Riga, Latvia, 1922
A Pretty Girl And Her Cat, 1922
My Great-Grandfather Circa 1920’s
This dapper lad was a Baker who eloped to Australia with a few £ in his pocket and made a life for himself baking bread.
He's handsome and he can cook? 😍😍😍 Your great-grandmother was one lucky woman.
She smiles and says, "When I look around today, I can hardly believe how much things have changed. It feels like I’ve lived in two completely different worlds—one where everything was slow and simple, and another where everything moves at the speed of light. Sometimes, I wonder if I was meant to be born in this era instead!"
African American Girl Of The 1920s
My Great Grandpa Wearing His Grandfather's Armor Circa 1920
Would love to know more about his grandfather. Bet he had some stories to tell.
My Grandpa In The 1920’s In Hualien, Taiwan
"Growing up, things were so different," she continues. "We didn’t have fancy gadgets, we didn’t have screens to stare at all day, and we definitely didn’t have food being delivered to our doorstep in 10 minutes. If we wanted something, we had to go out and get it ourselves."
"Families spent more time together because there was no other distraction, no phones, no television, no internet. People lived in the moment, and life had a certain charm to it."
My Great-Uncle's Wedding. Egypt - 1923 [1788 X 1319]
Farm In Kurrawaara Sweden 1920s - Drying Meat On The Roof
Wedding, 1920s
Reminds me of photos of my Great Aunts wedding. I was always amazed at the size of the bouquets back then! As a child they reminded me of a massive hanging basket.
Speaking about technology, she recalls, "I still remember the first time I saw a car up close. It felt like seeing magic. And now, I see electric cars that drive themselves! When I was young, having a landline phone in the house was a big deal, and computers were something only big offices had. Now, even little children carry smartphones. It’s like living in the future I never imagined!"
My Great Grandma, Probably At Coney Island (Ca. 1920's)
My Grandma’s Maid And My Grandma. 1922, Wales, UK
African American Girl Of The 1920s
Beautiful lady, gorgeous dress! She looks like was the life of the party.
Technology has changed things in ways she never expected. "My great-grandkids post me on social media sometimes, and they tell me that thousands of people see my pictures and videos. I laugh because I don’t understand it at all. In my time, if someone wanted to see you, they had to actually come visit you. Now, they can just send a message or watch a video, and it feels like they’re with you even when they’re not."
My Great Grandfather And His Best Friend In 1920. They Met And Fought Together In Wwi, And Their Eldest Children Married Each Other
My Grandparents' Wedding, 100 Years Ago Today
My Grandfather, Part Of An Amateur Theater-Troupe, In 1924
Reminds me of Alexis Kanner as Number 48 in the last episode of 'The Prisoner'. "The toe bone connected to the foot bone, the foot bone connected to the heel bone, the heel bone connected to the ankle bone, now hear the word of the Lord..."
She also speaks about how much gender equality has evolved. "In my time, women had very limited choices. They were expected to get married, take care of the house, and that was it. Education for girls wasn’t a priority, and working outside the home was rare. We didn’t question it because that was just how things were. But I always wished for more, for myself and for the girls of the future."
Fabulous Lady, 1920s
My Great Grandmother, Age 20, August 1920. The Gloves. The Coat. The Hat
My Great Grandfather Looking Out Over The Lake On His Estate In What Is Now Belarus Sometime Between 1920 And 1930
He eventually became a victim of Stalin's regime. According to my grandmother, he buried a chest full of valuables on this land before the Soviets came. It's never been found.
"Now, I feel proud when I see women leading businesses, running countries, and chasing their dreams. Women today have so many opportunities, and they’re using them well. My great-granddaughters have big dreams, and they don’t think twice about going after them. It makes me happy to see that the world has changed for them in a way that it never did for me."
My Wife's Grandmother (Center) With Her Sisters, 1925
Reminds me of this photo of my grandfathers, from early 1930s Col-and-Le...6aea0d.jpg
Sylvia Hammerling - Taken At Mercunda, S.a. - 10 June 1920
A Canadian Cree Indian In 1920s
"Looking back, I feel lucky to have seen the world change in so many ways. Some things are better, some things I miss, but it’s been an amazing journey. The only thing I hope never changes is the love families have for each other. Everything else will keep evolving, but love is something that should always stay the same."
My Great Grandfather, Battle In 1920. Charlottesville, Va
My Great Grandmother And My Grandfather 1925 In The French Caribbean
She's quite lovely. Edit: Oops! French Caribbean. Elle est tellement belle.
“To A Darned Good Sport - Blanche 1928”
Well, one thing is for sure—100 years ago, the world was a completely different place. Hearing stories from someone who has lived through these changes makes us realize how much has transformed in such a short time. Which of these posts made you nostalgic or made you appreciate the present? Let us know!
My Great-Great-Grandparents With Six Of Their Eight Children At Their Farm In Uppsälje, Sweden Ca 1925
I wonder how old this woman was when she had her youngest. Looks like she lived a lot of hard (but no doubt happy) years
My Great Grandparents Wedding In 1924. Would Love If Someone Could Remove The Crease In The Middle!
Woman Member Of The Secret Service, Olive H. Doyle., 1920
Fabulous Lady, 1920s
She's so lovely -- look at her dimples !! 😊😍 Is it just me or do not as many people have dimples anymore?
My Grandmother, Born In Havana, Cuba 1924, Walking Home From Work Circa 1944 In Greensburg Pa
Champion Butter Fat Test Cow Tulip Of Morden, Queensland Times, 13 August 1926
Ottoman Empire: My Great-Great-Grandfather, Died During The Last Pandemic Around 1920. Notice The Yatagan (Daggers) In His Belt
My Great-Grandmother On Her Wedding Day. A Village In Mexico. Circa 1920
Malamut Indians In Alaska, 1920s
Afternoon Refreshment, Taken Sometime In 1925
Wedding, 1920s
The hanging basket style bouquet was definitely on trend then!
My Great Great Grandfather, Circa 1920
Father of 12 children, was in his late 70's early 80's in the photo. Worked harvesting flax to mill into fibre to make rope.
My Great-Grandfather At The Cawston Ostrich Farm In South Pasadena, California, Ca 1920
My Second Great Grandparents And My Great Grandmother, Circa 1920 Eastern Europe, Transylvania
Check Out My Great Grandfather Circa 1920- Yesterday Would Have Been His 107th Birthday!
Basketball, 1921. My Great Uncle Sitting Down On The Far Left
Handwritten Note On The Back Of This Snapshot: "This Is Me & My Flock Of 1921 Turkeys. Just Part Of The Flock." Location Unknown
Women Riding Camel At Woodland Park Zoo, Circa 1920s
My Twice Great Grandmother (Left) And Her Sister Posing In Front Of Their Brand New Model T. (Michigan 1920)
My Great Grandfather | New York City, 1920
Around 1925. Here’s My Dad And Grandmother Looking Like A Scene From An Old Movie
My Great-Great-Grandfather, Grandmother And Their Kids Including My Great Grandfather, In Front Of Their Farmhouse. 1921, Norway
Aboukaia-Driancourt Aboard The Monoplane "Demoiselle Santos-Damout", Taken Circa 1920
My Grandfather As A Toddler, In About 1922. He Would Later Go On To Fight In The South Pacific In Ww2, Raise A Large Family, And Live Into His Nineties
A boy and his bear and bag of treats. What more could you want?
Woman With Fox Cubs At Woodland Park Zoo, Circa 1920s
Travel Radio With Antenna. Photo Circa 1925
Indigenous Woman Pictured In Front Of Wigwam, Between 1923 And 1925
My Great Grandpa Ready To Play Soccer 1925, Germany
Traffic On Victoria Bridge, Brisbane, Qld - Circa 1920
This was the second Victoria Bridge to be built on this spot. It entered into service in 1897 and was demolished in 1969 when a third (and current) Victoria Bridge was built. Since 24 January 2021, the bridge has been closed to general traffic and now carries buses, pedestrians and cyclists only.
Reading In A Deck Chair, Taken Circa 1920
My Great-Grandmother's High School Basketball Team In Maryland, 1923
My Grandfather Surfing In Hawaii, 1923
Though Accounts Vary, John Smith Claimed That He Was Born As Early As 1784
His original names translate to things like “Sloughing Flesh” and “Wrinkle Meat.”
Funny - that's what I call my husband when he's being particularly cute.
Wedding, 1920s
Lady Musgrave Hospital In Maryborough, Qld - Circa 1920
This was in John Street and was demolished in 1928.
Bergen Aan Zee Strand Vermaak. In The Distance, The Hotel ''nassau Bergen'' Is Visible, 1920
Ontario Avenue After Snowstorm, Montreal, Quebec, Ca. 1900–1925
Four Boys Riding Donkey At Woodland Park Zoo, Circa 1920s
Woodland Park Zoo Director Gus Knudson With Monkey, Circa 1920
Wolves Trained To Pull A Sleigh, Montreal, Quebec, 1925
My Grandfather In 1920
My Grandpa (Fourth From The Left) At School In Rural Iowa Circa 1920
My Dad (79) attended one room school house until he went to highschool.
1920 National Sextet Phaeton
My Grandfather In The Philippines 1920's
A Mid 1920s View Of Victoria Embankment Looking South Towards The Palace Of Westminster
This Is My Great Great Grandfather Sterling Doyle In Waldport, Oregon Holding Two Chinook Salmon (1921)
Opening Of The New Railway Station, Pune, 27 July, 1925
This Hood County, Oregon Farm Family Is Listening To The Radio On July 20, 1925
1920s Street Fashion
My Wife's Great-Grandfather & Grandmother, Butte Co. Ca, 1921
: A View Of Water Street Elswick Newcastle Upon Tyne Taken C.1920
My Great Grandfather Aged 21 (1922)
My Great Grandparents And Grandfather After Arriving In Moose Jaw Ca From Ua. Circa 1924
British-American Gas Station, Queen Street West, Near York Street, Ca. 1920
My Grandfather's Old School Hockey Team, Circa 1925
Daimler Bus Circa 1920 On The Sunderland To Chester-Le-Street Service
Radio Beach Party, 1923
What Men Wore In The 1920s
This Is My Grandfather, A Small Town Dentist In Nebraska In The 1920's. There's A Gas Light On The Wall And He's Operating A Pedal-Driven Drill With His Foot. When The Great Depression Hit People Could No Longer Afford A Dentist So He Became The Town Postmaster, But Everyone Still Called Him "Doc"
Beautiful Vintage Photo That Shows Woman Wearing Fur Coat In The 1920s
My Grandfather- 1920’s
Floods In Goodiwindi, Qld - Possibly 1920
I'm pretty sure Goodiwindi was one of the places with severe flooding after ex-tropical cyclone Alfred last week.
The Photograph Shows A Typical Street Scene In The Swirle During The 1920's
Double Decker, 1925
My Uncle (Bill) And My Mother (Barbara) In Princeton, New Jersey In 1921
My Grandpa And His Team Of Horses 1920's
Boys In Alkmaar, 1920
My Great Uncle’s Gentlemen’s Club Photo Circa 1920
Photos From 1916-1920(?) Front Range
Snow Drifts On Crest Of High Divide, Wallowa National Forest, 1920
Uss Delong (Dd129) Beached In 1921 At Halfmoon Bay South Of California
My Grandparents On Their Honeymoon, 1925
My 4th Great-Grandmother Lydia Canzada Taylor Green, Circa 1925
She would’ve been living near the Kansas/Oklahoma border at this time- the 1930 census shows her living in Coffeyville, KS and she died in Webb City, OK in 1932.
The Pier In Acapulco 1920
Boylston Street, Near Hereford Street, Circa 1900-1920
Old Bage, Taken Sometime In 1920
Getting Cool In 1925 Below The Humber River Bridge On Bloor Street, In Toronto
Floyd Collins With My 2nd Great-Grandfather About 1923 At Mammoth Cave
Uss O-13 (Ss-74) & O-14 (Ss-75) In Panama Canal, Either 1920 Or 1923 On Their Way Back To The Atlantic
Loening Model M-8 Monoplane At Naval Air Station Anacostia, Circa 1920
What Men Wore In The 1920s
Poll Question
If you could choose, would you prefer to explore the past or the future?
Travel back 100 years
Explore 100 years into the future
Live in the present only
Indifferent to time travel
Lovely pics, most of which I'd never seen before on BP. Kind of à record.
I think the advertising is so invasive it’s impossible to read. Fire your webmaster
Desktop + adblock works like a charm. I don't have any ads.
Load More Replies...Lovely pics, most of which I'd never seen before on BP. Kind of à record.
I think the advertising is so invasive it’s impossible to read. Fire your webmaster
Desktop + adblock works like a charm. I don't have any ads.
Load More Replies...