Benny Goodman — 1946
Benny Goodman, the King of Swing. This caricature of Benny and his “licorice stick” is wonderful (see the full artwork at the link).
Little Girl, Leafless Tree
Fear of photography. Click to see the full photo.
Hollywood Does Halloween — 1950
Ann Blyth and Roddy McDowell in homemade Halloween costumes. Sitting down isn’t really that important…. (Click to see full photo.)
Halloween Costumes from the Sears Catalog — 1957
So many choices for mail-order costumes for kids in 1957! From Lassie to Rickey Rivet the Robot.
Ethyl Gasoline — 1936
Know the difference between Ethyl and “regular” gasoline? I don’t either. Got 47 seconds? ‘Cause that’s how long it will take to learn everything you need to know about the topic. Not only that, but just look at this wonderful 1936 advertising art that just oozes nostalgic Americana.
Fisherman vs. Octopus — ca. 1890s
Man vs. cephalopod: it’s a fight to the death. Click through to see the full image of a startling wood carving, captured by master Japanese photographer Kimbei Kusakabe.
Was Ramon Novarro’s Murderer Posting on IMDb from Prison?
A few years ago, comments I read on IMDb led me to believe that one of the convicted killers of Hollywood star Ramon Novarro was commenting on the very murder he had committed — in a Ramon Novarro forum! At the time, he was in year 20 of a 60-year prison term (for an unrelated crime). It kinda creeped me out. He’s typing from inside the house!
Stand Pipes — Vol. 2
Another look at historical “stand pipes” (or water towers) from picture postcards from the late-19th and early 20th century. From basic and utilitarian to surprisingly ornate.
Uncle Sam Wants YOU on a National Bicycle — 1896
In celebration of American Independence Day, I give you Uncle Sam shilling for the National Cycle Manufacturing Co.
Orson Welles: “How Did He Get That Way?” — 1940
A supine genius who had accomplished more by age 24 than… almost everyone.
