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.
1890s
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.
Family Portrait by Oscar Drum, Indian Territory
Oscar Drum (1860-1936) was a photographer who traveled around Kansas, Oklahoma, and Indian Territory, setting up temporary studios in rented buildings, in railroad cars, and even in tents. He would stay in small towns for a few days or a few weeks before moving on to the next location. One of his specialties was photographing Native American subjects. One photo, in particular, taken in the Indian Territory community of Nowata, is intriguing for all its unanswered questions. Click to read more.
Insert a Coin, Hear a Machine Squeal Like a Pig: 1897
One of the many creations of priest-inventor Father John Milo was this coin-operated pig which would squeal like a pig when you twisted its tail, measure your strength, dispense chewing gum, and play a ragtime ditty. Read more about Father Milo inside.
“The Prairie Pirates”: Electric Steampunk in Texas — 1904
It’s lassoes vs. electric dynamite guns in this thrilling story of a crazy armored vehicle and a battle with masked desperadoes in Texas!
The Mosquito Bar
Mosquito bars were serious business in the days before wire screens covered windows and doors. If you expected to get an insect-bite-free night’s sleep without having to rub yourself with kerosene, a mosquito bar was essential. See a variety of them as depicted in fine art, popular art, and photography.
Perkins Windmill Couture — 1890s
Miss Corinne Baker in her eye-popping windmill dress — perfect from the tip of her kooky hat to the bottom of her windmill-blade skirt. And everything else in between. See the full-length photo inside.
High Shrink 