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There's this phenomenon, known as anemoia, which describes a longing for the past that you were too young to experience. However, there is a way to scratch this itch. Well, kind of.

Vintage black-and-white images have this undeniable charm that can take us on a journey through time, to a period when the internet, touchscreens, and artificial intelligence didn't exist and television was just starting to enter people's lives.

They offer us a glimpse into historical events that we would all love to have been a part of, and the Facebook page Old Photos has collected some of the most incredible examples for everyone who is feeling... a little anemoic.

Vintage photos offer a perfect reflection of life. Since the beginning of photography in the 1800s, people have tried to capture events, places, and individuals, providing lots of information about historical circumstances. 

For example, a talented photographer, John Thomson, captured Victorian London’s street life, allowing us to accurately compare life back then and now. Old pictures of the now touristy Covent Garden show that it once was a market with many workers keeping Londoners fed. In the morning, it was packed with traders and sellers and later in the afternoon more shoppers would come by and stay to watch the theatre in the evening. Pubs, “fast food” (pies and jellied eels), and opera provided entertainment and leisure in these stone-cobbled streets.

#4

Formal Portraits Rarely Featured Smiles, But They Can Be Found In Photographs Of Daily Life During This Period. South Carolina, 1912

Formal Portraits Rarely Featured Smiles, But They Can Be Found In Photographs Of Daily Life During This Period. South Carolina, 1912

Old Photos Report

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Due to poor housing conditions of that time, cramped apartments and the absence of bathrooms forced people to find activities outside their homes. Only in the late 1800s did advancements like schools for children, trains, and traveling become widely accessible for people. This may not seem exciting today, but at that time travel and education changed where people worked, what they ate, and even how they spoke.

#5

The Puddle Jumper, 1934

The Puddle Jumper, 1934

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troufaki13
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So elegant!! 😍 I'm pretty sure I would have fallen in the puddle face down 😂

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At the beginning of the 1800s, life in America was mostly rural, with four out of five Americans living on farms and consuming only locally grown or hunted food. However, during the mid-19th century, American cities underwent rapid changes as a result of advancements in transport and technology. Workers and immigrants preferred cities for better pay and less demanding work than in agriculture. Industrialization and population growth led to noise, congestion, slums, pollution, and health issues in urban areas. Public transportation like trolleys, cable cars, and subways emerged and skyscrapers became a common feature in cities.

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#8

Motorcycle Female Officers, Los Angeles, 1927

Motorcycle Female Officers, Los Angeles, 1927

Old Photos Report

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#9

Two Sisters, Florence And Susie Friermuth Arrested For Moonshining During The Prohibition, 1921

Two Sisters, Florence And Susie Friermuth Arrested For Moonshining During The Prohibition, 1921

Old Photos Report

It’s unlikely you've scrolled this far without experiencing wanderlust for a past you've never lived in, a phenomenon called anemoia. Wishing for the good old days is not based on memories but rather on an idealized version of the past, making it distinct from nostalgia. Why do we feel this when watching black-and-white movies or pictures that were created before our time? Well, sitting for a few minutes in black and white protects us from the rush of time and provides comfort. The future may feel uncertain and scary, but the past remains unchanging and comforting for some.

#11

A Happy Family Taking Home Their Book Haul From The Cincinnati Library Bookmobile In 1940

A Happy Family Taking Home Their Book Haul From The Cincinnati Library Bookmobile In 1940

Old Photos Report

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#12

Three Women In Marshall, Texas, 1899

Three Women In Marshall, Texas, 1899

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Dani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love how intricate clothing was, we've lost so much detail and quality in our outfits.

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Collecting vintage photographs can be a great way to experience nostalgia while preserving history. Richard Fattorini, an enthusiast of antique photography, finds the hobby exciting due to the numerous discoveries still to be made. He agrees that almost every collector accumulates vintage photos, as they offer a tangible connection to their era, providing an authentic and intimate glimpse into history.

#14

A Woman Charges Her Electric Car In Her Garage, 1912

A Woman Charges Her Electric Car In Her Garage, 1912

Old Photos Report

#16

Montreal Playgrounds Were On Another Level Back Then, 1950s

Montreal Playgrounds Were On Another Level Back Then, 1950s

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James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Got some spare ladders if anyone needs them." "It may be the moonshine talking but I have an idea..."

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A $2 purchase of an old black-and-white photo portraying men playing croquet could turn out to be one of only two existing photos of the infamous 19th-century criminal, Billy the Kid, worth several million dollars. Although it’s a very specific sale example, the value of a vintage photograph is determined based on several factors:

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  • An image can cost more if it’s an original or a really good reprint close to the creation of the original. 
  • The less damaged the photo is, the better.
  • If the author of the photo is famous it can increase its value as well. 
  • Photos including historical figures or events that became iconic can also be worth more. 

Looking to start a collection of antique photographs? Check out your local antique, second-hand shops, flea markets, garage and estate sales.

#18

Two Gentlemen And Their Absolutely Delightful Double-Walking-Stick-Wielding Dog, 1890s

Two Gentlemen And Their Absolutely Delightful Double-Walking-Stick-Wielding Dog, 1890s

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Dani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has all the feel of a lovely family portrait, that dogs skillz are impressive.

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#19

A Father Helping His Son Feed A Giraffe At London Zoo

A Father Helping His Son Feed A Giraffe At London Zoo

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Dani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With my right hand I shall raise up this child. With my left I shall smush down another.

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If you want to capture vintage moments using your phone and experience times from the past, there are a few techniques to achieve a retro look. Adjusting the contrast, adding fade, and introducing a red tint to your photos can make them pop. Cameras from that time period were not as sharp, so a slight blur can help replicate the same effect. Alternatively, you can make your photos black and white or include vintage objects to enhance the desired retro look. You can easily apply these adjustments using the 'edit' feature in your phone's photo app. With these options in mind, enjoy your adventure while capturing vintage-inspired photos!

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#20

Woman Riding A Very Early Scooter, 1916

Woman Riding A Very Early Scooter, 1916

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The Scout
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woman in the pircture is Florence Priscilla Lady Norman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priscilla_Norman), one of the most famous women's suffrage activists of the early 20th century.

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#22

Little Big Man From The Netherlands, 1904

Little Big Man From The Netherlands, 1904

Old Photos Report

#23

Hong Kong In The 1950s

Hong Kong In The 1950s

Old Photos Report

It’s safe to say we all wish we could go back to the past. However, let’s stay hopeful for the future, and when you’re feeling peckish for the good ol’ days, we recommend that you explore other articles full of vintage photos that Bored Panda has to offer.

#24

Original Photo Of The Discovery Of The Tomb Of Tutankhamun, 1922

Original Photo Of The Discovery Of The Tomb Of Tutankhamun, 1922

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BaileeRyce
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Understandably people might consider this "grave robbing". I, for one, am glad due to the knowledge that was gained. Otherwise, think of all the things we would never have known about our own world! Ancient history fascinates me.

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#29

A Man Trying The Coca Cola Drink For The First Time, France, 1950

A Man Trying The Coca Cola Drink For The First Time, France, 1950

Old Photos Report

#30

Little Girl Getting Water At The Farm, Maine, 1942

Little Girl Getting Water At The Farm, Maine, 1942

Old Photos Report

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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so much easier these days, and we don't even realize it. Piped-in water, electric, machines that do dishes, clean carpets, wash clothes. Imagine what a person from the 18th or 19th century would think of it all.

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#33

Three Ladies At The Beach, 1895

Three Ladies At The Beach, 1895

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#36

A Little Boy Getting Examined By A Doctor, 1940

A Little Boy Getting Examined By A Doctor, 1940

Old Photos Report

#37

Miss Perfect Posture Contest Winners At A Chiropractors Convention, 1956

Miss Perfect Posture Contest Winners At A Chiropractors Convention, 1956

Old Photos Report

#38

Two Young Girls Playing With A Doll House, 1850s-1860s

Two Young Girls Playing With A Doll House, 1850s-1860s

Old Photos Report

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The Scout
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is the first phrase that comes to my mind "Come, play with us" from a much younger filmographic milestone?

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#39

Photographer Suspended From A Crane Takes Pictures Of The Streets In London, 1929

Photographer Suspended From A Crane Takes Pictures Of The Streets In London, 1929

Old Photos Report

#40

Carving The Eye Of Thomas Jefferson, Mount Rushmore, 1936

Carving The Eye Of Thomas Jefferson, Mount Rushmore, 1936

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Javelina Poppers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad and a couple of friends traveled around the US when they were in their early 20s. I have a picture of a partially completed Mount Rushmore and the Golden Gate in San Francisco with no bridge.

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#41

A Woman Stands While Riding Her Motorcycle, 1920s

A Woman Stands While Riding Her Motorcycle, 1920s

Old Photos Report

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#42

Old Fashioned Roller Skates Photo, 1910

Old Fashioned Roller Skates Photo, 1910

Old Photos Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen actual footage of these in action. Geared up so that as you step up and down they work like the pedals on a bike.

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#44

Three Sisters Mounting Horses, 1914

Three Sisters Mounting Horses, 1914

Old Photos Report

#45

Hershey Factory Workers Individually Wrapping By Hand, 1937

Hershey Factory Workers Individually Wrapping By Hand, 1937

Old Photos Report

#46

Take Your Walkman To The Beach In 1923

Take Your Walkman To The Beach In 1923

Old Photos Report

#47

Two Young Ladies Driving And Riding In A Lawson’s Motor Wheel Of 1902

Two Young Ladies Driving And Riding In A Lawson’s Motor Wheel Of 1902

Old Photos Report

#48

People Of Rural Norway, 1900s

People Of Rural Norway, 1900s

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Dani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it a small man or a child on the right? or is it a giant beside him? my brain can't figure this out.

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#49

A Couple In A Model T Ford At Balanced Rock, Colorado, 1920s. (Click To See The Full Image)

A Couple In A Model T Ford At Balanced Rock, Colorado, 1920s. (Click To See The Full Image)

Old Photos Report

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Javelina Poppers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have tons of pictures of our family under this rock in Garden of the Gods when we lived there in the 70s.

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#50

Family Time At The Niagara River, 1890s

Family Time At The Niagara River, 1890s

Old Photos Report

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Hippopotamuses
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm guessing that this is a photographic background. It would be hard to remain so serene and elegant when there's a raging torrent right behind you.

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#51

28 Students Of A One-Room School, Missouri, 1939

28 Students Of A One-Room School, Missouri, 1939

Old Photos Report

#52

A Few Cowboys Enjoying A Drink In Old Tascosa, Texas, 1907

A Few Cowboys Enjoying A Drink In Old Tascosa, Texas, 1907

Old Photos Report

#53

Young Stylish Teen Girl Posing Next To Her Family's Car, 1931

Young Stylish Teen Girl Posing Next To Her Family's Car, 1931

Old Photos Report

#54

A Country Store Somewhere In Oklahoma, 1940

A Country Store Somewhere In Oklahoma, 1940

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TotallyNOTAFox
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure, but I think they sold cola there... and probably some armoured heifer as well

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#55

A Farmer And His Sons Make Their Way Through A Dust Storm In Cimarron Co., Oklahoma In April, 1936

A Farmer And His Sons Make Their Way Through A Dust Storm In Cimarron Co., Oklahoma In April, 1936

Old Photos Report

#57

My Great Grandfather Was A Farm-To-Farm Medicine Man Around 1900

My Great Grandfather Was A Farm-To-Farm Medicine Man Around 1900

Old Photos Report

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#58

The End Of Prohibition In America, 1933

The End Of Prohibition In America, 1933

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#59

Construction Workmen Cling To Chains As They Dangle In Mid-Air Off The Side Of A Skyscraper, 1920s

Construction Workmen Cling To Chains As They Dangle In Mid-Air Off The Side Of A Skyscraper, 1920s

Old Photos Report

#60

Sharecropper And His Children, North Carolina, 1939

Sharecropper And His Children, North Carolina, 1939

Old Photos Report

#61

A Family From Florida Headed "Up North" During The Great Depression

A Family From Florida Headed "Up North" During The Great Depression

Old Photos Report

#62

Little Boy Playing With A Pig, 1937

Little Boy Playing With A Pig, 1937

Old Photos Report

#63

Collecting Golf Balls, 1920s

Collecting Golf Balls, 1920s

Old Photos Report

#64

Couple On A Quadracycle, 1886

Couple On A Quadracycle, 1886

Old Photos Report

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#65

A Number Of Young Boys In A Potato Field Picking Up Potatoes, 1890's

A Number Of Young Boys In A Potato Field Picking Up Potatoes, 1890's

Old Photos Report

#66

A Man And His Goat Mobile, Early 1900s

A Man And His Goat Mobile, Early 1900s

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Hippopotamuses
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Knowing what I do about goats, I'd be frankly amazed if this contraption made it past the first bush at the side of the road.

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#67

A Boy In A Glass Factory, 1890

A Boy In A Glass Factory, 1890

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Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Hey, Boomers, Gen X, Gen Z, Millennials, etc: tell me again how tough it is for you."

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#68

A Rare Look Inside The Original Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory, 1924

A Rare Look Inside The Original Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Factory, 1924

Old Photos Report

#69

A Man On His Indian Scout Motorcycle, 1930

A Man On His Indian Scout Motorcycle, 1930

Old Photos Report

#70

Girls Enjoying The Sun In Santa Monica, California, 1936

Girls Enjoying The Sun In Santa Monica, California, 1936

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LALALand
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG this is one block away from where I live and I use it all the time!! Looks pretty much the same except they've added a walking/biking lane on the left!

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#71

Bread Being Sold Off The Back Of A Hand Cart, 1925

Bread Being Sold Off The Back Of A Hand Cart, 1925

Old Photos Report

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#72

A Man Delivering Ice In The Old Days When There Were No Refrigerators, 1930s

A Man Delivering Ice In The Old Days When There Were No Refrigerators, 1930s

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Francis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's crazy to think that not even 100 years ago we hadn't the option to store ice cream for a longer time at home LOL a brewery here in switzerland had cellar in the mountain that they would fill up with ice from the mountains in winter. the ice lasted for the entire summer and they were able to store their beer and ingredients in it :D

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#73

1920′s Newspaper Boy In San Francisco, California

1920′s Newspaper Boy In San Francisco, California

Old Photos Report

#74

Two Women In Shorts And A Whistling Bystander In Fort Worth, Texas, 1952

Two Women In Shorts And A Whistling Bystander In Fort Worth, Texas, 1952

Old Photos Report

#75

Cowboys Eating At The Chuck Wagon, Late 1800s

Cowboys Eating At The Chuck Wagon, Late 1800s

Old Photos Report

#76

Blueberry Pickers, Near Little Fork, Minnesota, 1937

Blueberry Pickers, Near Little Fork, Minnesota, 1937

Old Photos Report

#77

Two Ladies Astride An 1895 Crank Drive Motorcycle And A 500 New Imperial Twin

Two Ladies Astride An 1895 Crank Drive Motorcycle And A 500 New Imperial Twin

Old Photos Report

#78

School Teachers And Students In 1910

School Teachers And Students In 1910

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Dani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That one teacher really thought through how he wanted to appear 🤣 "You've got one shot at this John, a photograph, I can give it to Millie the matchmaker, now how to appear intellectual?... A BOOK! Aloof distant gaze, slight recline, hold the book so they can see the title! You're going to nail this John!"

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#80

Edward Llewellen’s Catches The World’s Biggest Black Sea Bass (425 Lbs), 1903

Edward Llewellen’s Catches The World’s Biggest Black Sea Bass (425 Lbs), 1903

Old Photos Report

#81

Lumberjacks Pose With A Douglas Fir Tree In Washington, 1899

Lumberjacks Pose With A Douglas Fir Tree In Washington, 1899

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#82

Young Coal Miners Deep Underground In Gary, West Virginia, 1908

Young Coal Miners Deep Underground In Gary, West Virginia, 1908

Old Photos Report

#83

A Fit Girl Posing With Her Old Car In 1934

A Fit Girl Posing With Her Old Car In 1934

Old Photos Report

#84

Daughter Of White Tobacco Sharecropper At Country Store. Person County, North Carolina. July, 1939

Daughter Of White Tobacco Sharecropper At Country Store. Person County, North Carolina. July, 1939

Old Photos Report

#85

Shoe Shiners Taking A Lunch Break, New York City, 1947

Shoe Shiners Taking A Lunch Break, New York City, 1947

Old Photos Report

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#86

Four Women Armed With Rifles And A Young Boy Camping In 1890

Four Women Armed With Rifles And A Young Boy Camping In 1890

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#87

Group Of Children At Logging Camp, 1930

Group Of Children At Logging Camp, 1930

Old Photos Report

#88

Man Putting Gas In His Car While Smoking A Cigar, 1900s

Man Putting Gas In His Car While Smoking A Cigar, 1900s

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#89

A Daredevil Balances On The Roof Edge Of A Manhattan Building, Perched On A Table Placed Over A Chimney, 1910s

A Daredevil Balances On The Roof Edge Of A Manhattan Building, Perched On A Table Placed Over A Chimney, 1910s

Old Photos Report

#91

Two Icemen Make A Delivery In Boston

Two Icemen Make A Delivery In Boston

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#92

Tourists Pose In A Gondola In Venice, Italy, 1900s

Tourists Pose In A Gondola In Venice, Italy, 1900s

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#93

A Young Driver At Brown Mine In West Virginia, 1908

A Young Driver At Brown Mine In West Virginia, 1908

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sofacushionfort
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not West Virginia: “Shorpy -- Henry Sharpe Higginbotham -- was born Nov. 23, 1896, in Jefferson County, Alabama, to Phelix Milton Higginbotham and the former Mary Jane Graham. He served in the armed forces during World War I. On Nov. 19, 1927, he married Flora Belle Quinton. On Jan. 25 of the following year he died in a mine accident at the age of 31, crushed by a rock, and was buried in Jefferson County. He became a father, posthumously, when his widow bore his child in the summer of 1928. ”

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#94

Farmers In Front Of The Post Office On Saturday Afternoon. Linwood, July, 1940

Farmers In Front Of The Post Office On Saturday Afternoon. Linwood, July, 1940

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#95

Loggers Hold A Cross-Cut Saw In Front Of A Giant Tree, California, 1917

Loggers Hold A Cross-Cut Saw In Front Of A Giant Tree, California, 1917

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XenoMurph
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can you imagine the strength that took, the friction across that width, with all those teeth digging in.

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#96

University Students At A Tennis Outing In 1892

University Students At A Tennis Outing In 1892

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Dani
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welcome to our newly founded pretend your tennis racket is a guitar societies first outing!

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#97

Young People On Their Way To A Picnic, Mcnairy County, Tennessee, 1890s

Young People On Their Way To A Picnic, Mcnairy County, Tennessee, 1890s

Old Photos Report