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.
USA: Texas
Wyatt Metal & Boiler Works — 1939
This industrial metal structure — possibly in use at a Texas oil refinery? — looks pleasingly futuristic. The winding exterior staircase is a nice touch.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
