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We often take for granted that we can literally record everything from what we ate for breakfast to a lunar eclipse on our phones. For most of history, this would have to be done from an artist's memory or, later, with a not at all cheap or accessible camera.

The aptly named “Old Historical Photos” Facebook page is dedicated to exactly that, sharing cool pictures taken in the past. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More info: Facebook

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    #2

    Man Listening To His Walkman While Playing Pac-Man, The Ultimate 1980s Experience In One Photo

    Man playing a vintage Pac-Man arcade game in a historical photo.

    Historical Insights Report

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    Jae
    Community Member
    Premium
    19 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a Members Only jacket? If so, that's an 80s trifecta.

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    #3

    A Stagecoach Crossing A Bridge In Silverton, Colorado In 1890

    Horse-drawn carriage crossing a log bridge in a historical photo, offering a perspective of the past.

    Old Historical life Report

    Vintage photos have a unique ability to captivate people, drawing them into a world that feels both distant and strangely familiar. They offer a window into the past, allowing us to see how people lived, dressed, and interacted long before our time. There is something fascinating about looking at a moment frozen in history, whether it is a black-and-white portrait of a serious-looking family, a candid street scene from the early 1900s, or a faded Polaroid from the 1970s. These images provide a tangible connection to the past, making history feel real and personal in a way that words alone often cannot.

    One of the biggest appeals of vintage photos is their ability to evoke a sense of mystery. When looking at an old photograph, especially one without context, people are left to wonder about the lives of those captured in the frame. Who were they? What were they thinking at that moment? What happened to them afterward?

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    #4

    In March 1936, A Mother From Alton, Hampshire, Captured The Spirit Of Rural British Life In A Simple Yet Enduring Scene: Walking To The Shops With Her Children And A Pet Sheep In Tow

    A woman with children walks a sheep down a historical street, showcasing an interesting perspective of the past.

    Past Preserves Report

    #5

    Watler Davidson Posing On His 1907 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

    Man on vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycle, wearing a cap and gloves, in a historical rural setting.

    Historium Report

    Unlike modern photography, where almost every image is accompanied by captions or explanations, vintage photos leave much to the imagination. This sense of curiosity keeps people engaged, turning each picture into a small historical puzzle. There is also a certain aesthetic charm in old photographs. The grainy textures, faded colors, and imperfections give them a character that modern digital images often lack.

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    #8

    Elizabeth Taylor, Here With Her Brother, Howard Taylor In 1937

    Vintage photo of a boy and girl sitting closely on a wooden bench, showcasing an interesting historical moment.

    The Old Picture's Report

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    #9

    Roland, A Colossal Elephant Seal Tipping The Scales At Two Tons, Receives An Unlikely Spa Treatment – A Snow Bath

    A man feeds a large seal in a snowy historical setting, showcasing an interesting past perspective.

    Ancient Discoveries Report

    Some people are drawn to the artistic quality of older photography, the way light and shadows play differently, the careful composition, and the way subjects were posed with a sense of formality that is rarely seen today. Even the wear and tear of aged photos, such as creases and discoloration, add to their charm, serving as physical evidence of the passage of time.

    #10

    A Great Depression Christmas Dinner In Home Of Earl Pauley, Near Smithfield, Iowa, 1936. The Dinner Consisted Of Potatoes, Cabbage And Pie

    Four children in a rustic room, sharing a meal at a small table. Historical photo.

    Old Historical life Report

    #11

    Here's 5'1" Míriam Colón Next To 6'7" James Arness

    Vintage photo of a tall cowboy and shorter woman in traditional attire, showcasing a humorous height contrast.

    Marvelous History Report

    #12

    Elizabeth Montgomery. Sam Doing The Laundry

    Woman doing housework with a dramatic gesture, evoking a historical perspective of domestic life.

    Marvelous History Report

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    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    20 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She was cute, especially with the nose twitch. Endora stole every scene she was in though.

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    Beyond personal nostalgia, vintage photos also serve as a way to understand social history. They capture fashion trends, daily routines, and even historical events from the perspective of ordinary people. They remind us that every era has its own culture, challenges, and beauty. Looking at these images can create a bridge between generations, helping people see the past not just as a series of distant facts but as a world filled with real people who laughed, loved, and lived just as we do today.

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    #13

    In The Late 1800s, A Squad Of Samurai Stood As A Symbol Of A Fading Era, Captured During A Time Of Immense Change In Japan

    Samurai in traditional attire with swords posed inside a wooden room, showcasing a historical perspective.

    Historic Compass Report

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    #14

    A Taste Of Joy: A Glimpse Into Family Meals In 1940s Claiborne County, Tennessee

    A historical photo of a boy in overalls enjoying a meal, showcasing past dining customs.

    Past Preserves Report

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    G A
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lots of good simple healthy food. Contrast to the cheap processed rubbish pushed on people by multinationals now.

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    #15

    Raquel Welch, Born On September 5, 1940, Was An American Actress And Cultural Icon Who Rose To Fame In The 1960s

    Stylish woman from the past, wearing a white blouse, with an elaborate hairstyle and a soft smile. Historical photo.

    Old Day's Report

    In a time when millions of digital photos are taken and forgotten every day, vintage photographs stand out because they feel more deliberate and precious. They remind us that every captured moment once mattered deeply to someone and that each image, no matter how old, carries a story worth remembering.

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    #17

    A Postman Emptying A Very Small, Very Rural Box Near The Llanberis Pass In Eryri National Park

    Royal Mail van parked while a postal worker collects mail on a rural path, showcasing historical delivery methods.

    Past Preserves Report

    #18

    Typewriters In School 1970

    Women using typewriters in a classroom setting, reflecting historical work environments.

    The Old Photo's Report

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    G A
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still like it in the 80s, before computers became popular. We had a typing room with desks that rotated with big old typewriters bolted to them.

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    #20

    We Had The Best Of Times Growing Up, Free To Roam As Kids Should, Out With Your Mates, Not Sat In Front Of A Screen Wasting Your Young Lives Away

    Children playing on a historic cobbled street, surrounded by old row houses in a misty black and white scene.

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    Bored Seb
    Community Member
    23 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just a friendly reminder that the people who claimed to have this beautiful free roaming Young life are the one who raised the génération with screen they are crticizing :)

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    #21

    Despite Often Playing Big, Scary People In His Career, Richard Kiel Was Well-Known For Being A Very Kind And Friendly Man Who Was Friends With Many People He Worked With

    "Two men posing, one gently holding the other's head, showcasing an interesting historical perspective."

    Historical Insights Report

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    MartiBob
    Community Member
    11 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my experience, the "big scary tough looking" guys end up being the biggest softest sweethearts. Married to one! 🥰

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    #22

    Early Use Of A Selfie Stick In The 1940s

    Vintage family photo in front of a house, capturing happy moments and perspectives of the past.

    The Old Picture's Report

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    G A
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably used to prod the button on a camera on a tripod-maybe even a cord, rather than a selfie stick.

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    #23

    In 1939, A Photograph Taken Near Spiro, Oklahoma, Shows The Challenging Life Of An Agricultural Day Laborer Family Living In A Tent

    Historical photo of a family standing in front of a canvas tent, illustrating past perspectives.

    Ancient Discoveries Report

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    Kabuki Kitsune
    Community Member
    20 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those curious: Everyone here would work in the fields during harvest time. Yes, even the kids. Living in a tent like this was easier on everyone, as it meant they could be directly adjacent to the fields they were working to harvest. It wasn't a permanent thing though. Rather only during the harvest season. They're getting about 45 cents an hour, which doesn't sound great, but considering the average factory worker's 'minimum wage' (note this predated that being official, but something similar did exist then), was 30 cents an hour... they're actually not as bad off as you'd think. A "day laborer" in this context, simply meant that they were paid at the end of each work day, as opposed to being paid at the end of a week like regular workers.

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    #24

    "Little House On The Prairie" Is A Beloved American Television Series That Aired From 1974 To 1983, Based On The Autobiographical Book Series By Laura Ingalls Wilder

    Women from 1974 and 2022 showing interesting historical changes over time.

    Fact Finder Hub Report

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    #25

    Depression-Era Portrait Of A Working-Class Couple, 1930s

    Man with pipe sitting in a tent, woman in the background, evoking historical moments from the past.

    Past Preserves Report

    #26

    Paul Newman And Joanne Woodward 1958

    Man and woman in a vintage setting with trophies and framed photos, offering a glimpse into interesting historical moments.

    Olden Is Golden Report

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    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    20 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My grandmother had a thing for Paul Newman. She said he was the prettiest man who ever lived. Pretty sure he was her "hall pass"

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    #28

    An ‘Ice Man’, Delivering A 25lb Block Of Ice In 1928, Houston, Texas

    Man in work attire holding ice block with tongs, wearing a hat; an interesting historical photo.

    Ancient Discoveries Report

    #29

    The Comfortable Living Room (1930)

    A couple relaxing in a vintage living room, the man reads a newspaper while the woman sews, highlighting historical lifestyle.

    The Old Picture's Report

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    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    17 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Listening to a radio drama or a news program. Look at the size of that radio!

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    #30

    Norma Jeane In 1945, Before She Became The Famous Marilyn Monroe

    Young woman in a vintage dress holding a lamb, smiling in a pastoral setting, showcasing historical photography.

    Historium Report

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    G A
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing what a diet and a hair do will do to change an image. She looks so sweet and natural here.

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    #31

    The 87 Year Old Woman In This 1924 Photo Is Mrs. Laura Hawkins Frazer, Better Known To Fans Of Mark Twain As The Inspiration For The Becky Thatcher Character In His Books

    Elderly woman in vintage attire leans against a tree, offering a glimpse of historical fashion and perspective.

    Old Historical life Report

    #32

    James Stewart And His One And Only Wife Gloria

    A historical family portrait with parents holding infants and two young boys sitting and looking up.

    Marvelous History Report

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    st4x2gt974
    Community Member
    22 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine jimmy stewart talking to his babies in his jimmy stewart voice. “Awe c’moooon. Quit your belly-achin”

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    #34

    Mrs. Bill Stagg Drawing Water From Her Well, Which Is In Enclosed Porch In Her Log House. Pie Town, New Mexico... New Mexico, 1940

    A woman in a 1940s kitchen pours water into a bucket, showcasing interesting historical domestic life.

    Historium Report

    #36

    Phil Daniels Is Jimmy Cooper, In One Of My All-Time Favourite Films.... Quadrophenia (1979)

    Young man on a vintage Lambretta scooter, showcasing historical style, parked in a suburban street.

    Marvelous History Report

    #37

    The Late Tony Dow Holding A Picture Of His Earlier TV Self And His TV Family

    Man holding a historical family photo, wearing sunglasses and a blue shirt, standing outdoors.

    Marvelous History Report

    #38

    Robert And Jane Mceuin Are Seen Standing Together On Their Farm, In Front Of Their Cabin Near Choctaw City, Oklahoma Territory, Around 1895

    Historical photo of a man and woman outside a rustic log cabin, offering a glimpse into the past.

    Historium Report

    #39

    In 1939, Dorothea Lange Captured A Poignant Image Of A Young Farm Boy Standing In The Doorway Of A Tobacco Barn In Person County, North Carolina

    Young boy in overalls and hat stands in rustic doorway, representing an interesting historical photo.

    Inspire Hub Report

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    Robin Roper
    Community Member
    21 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live less than 20 miles from Person County, NC. Tobacco barns such as this one still dot the landscape. I can still smell the smell of tobacco curing; it actually smelled good, not like cigarette smoke.

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    #40

    In This Unusual Early 20th-Century Glass Negative, A Woman Sits Or Squats On Her Lawn, Holding A Book—an Unconventional Pose For The Era

    Woman in historical attire sits in a garden, offering an interesting perspective on the past.

    Past Preserves Report

    #42

    Life In Pursglove, West Virginia: A Coal Miner’s Family In 1938

    A historical family photo in front of a wooden house, women and children in vintage attire.

    Past Preserves Report

    #45

    1917, Miles City, Montana, The Air Buzzing With The Thrill Of The Round-Up

    Three women in cowboy attire at a historical event, holding hats and wearing boots. Historical photo.

    Past Preserves Report

    #46

    Mrs. S.j. Bonner And Her Two Sons Stand As A Poignant Example Of The Struggles Faced By Working-Class Families In The American South During The Early 20th Century

    Historical photo of a woman in a hat with two barefoot boys, standing against a wooden wall.

    Old Historical life Report

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    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    23 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd love to know how come she's got that hat and a fabulous overcoat, but the boys have no shoes. Then again, I expect the coat was bought many years ago, and growing children need new shoes far too often especially if you're short of cash.

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    #47

    This Was The Height Of The Sex Pistols’ Raw, Rebellious Energy, Just Before Everything Unraveled

    Punk rockers interacting with a police officer on a city street, representing an interesting historical moment in subculture history.

    Historical Insights Report

    #48

    Young Hollywood Marrieds, Louis Hayward And Ida Lupino, 1939

    A vintage black-and-white photo of a couple wearing suits, embodying historical fashion and style.

    Marvelous History Report

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    6 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ida Lupino became one of Hollywood's first female directors. And had to fight d**n hard to be allowed to do it.

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    #50

    The Chelsea Bridge Rockers, A Group Of Motorcycle Enthusiasts Known For Their Rebellious Spirit

    Three young men in leather jackets converse on a bridge, capturing a historical moment in time.

    Historical Insights Report

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    Forrest Hobbs
    Community Member
    23 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That photo's on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocker_(subculture)

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    Poll Question

    How do you view Steven Spielberg's adaptation of challenges during the filming of Jaws?

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