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.
1910s
Stand Pipes — Vol. 1
Check out the forgotten world of stand pipes — tall, cylindrical water towers often the pride and joy of cities and towns.
Portable Darkroom Hood — 1924
What looks like a ghostly apparition was, in fact, a handy-dandy rubberized portable darkroom with which one could drape oneself whilst processing photographic plates. Read more….
How a Telephone Switchboard Works — 1911
Interested in a step-by-step illustrated tutorial on how a telephone call was completed in 1911, when operators were needed to place all calls? Look no further! Click to read more…
The Texas Fig Farmer
Figs? I don’t even like figs, but I came across a great photo from about 1910 of a young Texas farmer in a derby hat, clutching a fig plant… and the next thing I knew, I was deep into a search for more photos of Texas fig farmers. See what I found.
The Tree Wireless — 1919
Using living trees as antennas was an important element of inventor Maj.-Gen George O. Squier’s system of telephony, which was developed for use during WWI as a way to intercept enemy messages which had been electrically transmitted, as well as to receive and transmit messages from just anywhere with a living tree nearby. More about Squier’s odd-sounding “tree wireless” inside.
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.
Chasing Pancho Villa on the Border in Tricked-Out Harley-Davidsons — ca. 1916
The motorcycle was first used in active service by the U.S. military by Gen. “Black Jack” Pershing in order to chase Pancho Villa across rugged terrain — some were outfitted with sidecars and Colt machine guns.
Eating Melons Near Littlefield, Texas — 1914
In 1914, Littlefield, Texas was luring investors and settlers to the flat South Plains area of Texas by showing off their successful irrigation wells. More photos of wells (and watermelons!) inside.
High Shrink 