Dreamland: “Coney Island Holocaust” — 1911
A photo showing the post-apocalyptic scene following a fire at a hugely popular amusement park was used to advertise rubber fire hoses. (Click to see the full ad.)
Claes Oldenburg’s “Slice of Bread” Tombstone for Ed Kienholz — 1974
In the 1970s, artists Claes Oldenburg and Ed Kienholz made tombstones for one another. Oldenburg went with a “bread” theme for Ed’s “Bread Stone.”
The Terror — 1928
“The Terror” was the first horror movie released with sound. It got really, really bad reviews when it was released in 1928. We’ll have to trust the reviewers, because the movie is now a “lost film,” with only still images from the film surviving.
Power Carpet/Unisphere — 1964
You’re a high-power executive who has a scale-model of the Unisphere in your office — what’s your carpet look like?
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.
High Shrink 