These vintage photos will bring you back to the past. They say a picture’s worth a thousands words and these really put that to the test.
Ladies Strutting – London, 1930s
These ladies were clearly dressed for a special occasion. They appear to have been dropped off at their chosen location and were seen on camera walking the final 100 yards to the event. The finished result was something that many bands would be proud to have as an album cover today. Remember the classic Reservoir Dogs scene where the gang walks down the street in slow motion? The first Reservoir Dogs were these ladies.
Man Riding Harley – 1955
The leather jacket and greasy hair. If you weren't wearing these two items in the 1950s, you just weren't cool enough. Being a proficient motorcycle rider was the icing on the cake and a fantastic cause for a vintage photograph like this one. If you've seen the movie Grease, you might recognise this guy as Danny Zuko. The only difference is that neither John Travolta nor his character rode a Harley-Davidson.
Holding Hats in the Wind – Philadelphia, 1947
The truth is that even if he tried, this photographer probably couldn't have shot such a beautiful image. As these people made their way to work, they all held their hats in synchronisation, signalling that the wind was a little too strong at the time. Their hats could have blown off their heads at any moment, so they were all forced to put a hand on their heads. It's as vintage as it gets.
Date Night – 1950s
Things have changed dramatically in the dating world. Nowadays, it is more common to dress casually and travel to more formal settings for your first date. However, in the 1950s, it was rather common to do the opposite: go to a classic American diner dressed to the nines. This duo is extremely adorable, as the man holds the milkshake for his date to sample. Dating is no longer the same.
T-Birds – New York, 1950s
Every young man who wanted to be part of the in-crowd attempted to appear like Danny Zuko from Grease. Perhaps Danny Zuko tried to look like everyone else. Whatever the case, it was a popular fashion trend during the 1950s. What's fun about old images like these is speculating what this band of guys must've been up to on that particular day. Are they still alive to tell the tale of what occurred next?
Fashion Models – 1960s
It's a shame that these attractive people grew up when colour photographs were less common. We're yearning to know what colours were used on these stunning gowns. We can easily estimate two of them: the lady second from the left was dressed in white, and the one on the far right was clearly dressed in all black. Whatever the other two's colours were, it looks that these four knew how to strike a posture.
College Professor – 1930
This image must say volumes to all of the teachers out there. Teaching may be a demanding and exhausting vocation. You are attempting to improve the understanding of a large number of students. But that's not all: once all of the lessons have been taught and the day is over, one must go home, grade their papers, and plan for the next day. So we can admire this college professor's ability to sit back, relax, and pose with a pipe in his mouth for a bit.
Mexican Border, 1950
Even if you didn't know the title of this page, you'd probably be able to determine where this photo was taken in 1950. Words like "Tequila" and "Adios Amigos" indicate that film was shot in Mexico, the United States' Spanish-speaking neighbour. The vivid colours and colourful signs give no indication of where this was taken. However, if you look closely at one of the billboards, it says in smaller font, "come back again." This has to be the limit.
Human Resume – 1930s
People's methods of finding work have evolved throughout the last century. For a long time, the most common way to apply for jobs was to send a printed copy of your resume to potential employers. You may now email it or even have companies recruit you through your LinkedIn account. However, in the 1930s, some people took to the streets and yelled their resumes. Then there are those who, like the man in this vintage photo, wear their resume as a walking billboard.
Father Sitting With Son – 1937
Many historians have already noted this, but it appears that people a century ago appeared much older than they actually were. Thirty-year-olds in 1937 might have appeared double their age! Consider this individual. He may pass for 60 years old by today's standards, but if we had to guess, he was at least a decade younger when this shot was taken. He appears to be the grandfather of this boy.
Skateboarding to Work, 1982
Our guy, one of the more recent photographs on this series of old photos, demonstrates that you can still be yourself even if you work for a corporation. Skateboarding, in fact, dates back to the 1940s. However, it would be decades before the sport became popular among the general public. However, skating culture had already proliferated by the time this photograph was taken. We imagine this guy put his shoes in his briefcase.
Midwest Businessman – 1939
It’s certainly not one of the biggest cities in the United States. However, this didn’t stop the people of Omaha, Nebraska living the big city life back in the 1930s. Take this man, for example, who was certainly a figure of importance simply based on his impressive-looking attire. Giving the Mad Hatter a run for his money, it seemed that the further back a photo is taken, the more one’s attire was an indication of their financial status.
Times Square – 1904
Things have certainly changed. Times Square in New York City is now the city's commercial centre. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and the number of neon lights and advertisements is mind-boggling. However, over a century ago, in 1904, Times Square looked like a very different street. Except for the One Times Square building in the centre of the photo, there is little resemblance between then and now.
Ice Skater In A Suit – 1937
It's not something you see very often nowadays, but in the 1930s, it was completely typical to see guys dressed properly putting on ice skates and hunting for the nearest rink. People nowadays go ice skating in their normal clothes, such as jeans and tracksuit bottoms. But it wasn't simply fashion trends and circumstances that were different back then; it was also the mentality. If you want to go ice skating after a long day at work, go for it.
Red Square, Moscow – 1978
For decades, Moscow's Red Square has served as the focal point of Russian life, culture, and politics. Between the magnificent St. Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, and the President's residence, it is a plaza that has witnessed some of the most pivotal events in Russian history. It is still undoubtedly the most visited region of Russia, attracting millions of people from all over the world each year. Of course, this was a time when the Soviet flag was proudly displayed.
Stylish Man – 1940s
There is no doubting that life was so uncertain in the 1940s, and war was on the minds of millions of people all across the world. However, this did not stop individuals from getting up early, dressing up nicely, and walking down the street simply because they could. Being able to do so was the ultimate expression of American liberty. Consider this man, who was unquestionably the best-dressed man on the main street that day.
Beauty Pageant – 1920
It may come as a surprise, but this specific beauty contest is relatively new in terms of traditional competitiveness. Beauty pageants are thought to have existed since the mediaeval times. However, over the last few centuries, they have evolved into a very renowned event for those that compete. Surprisingly, the first Miss America contest was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, barely a year after this photograph was shot.
Burger King – 1970s
While fast food restaurants have been around for a long time, it's amazing to realise that Burger King was just two decades old when this shot was taken in the 1970s. This famous burger restaurant's logo hasn't altered much. However, the time period of this vintage shot is rather obvious, thanks to the disco-esque, psychedelic colour scheme of the restaurant's facade. Some things never change, and Burger King is one of them.
Harlem – 1970s
The 1970s were one of the darkest decades in Harlem's history in many aspects. After the government invested millions of dollars on a ten-year plan to enhance nearly every element of the neighbourhood, there was little evidence of progress. This was one of the sections of Manhattan that suffered greatly due to extensive concerns with poverty, substance misuse, crime, and inadequate education. While the neighbourhood still has difficulties, there have been significant improvements.
Rock N’ Roll
When Rock N' Roll first appeared on the scene, parents were eager to reject the new musical form. They were convinced it encouraged juvenile delinquency, which is amusing to consider today. Looking back at photos of young youngsters rocking out in the latest trend is pure gold. Just look at the expression on this little guy's face. He appears to be 13 years old and having the time of his life. He most likely sneaked away to attend the dance with all of his delinquent pals.
Elvis Mania
Long before the Beatles arrived in America and launched the British Invasion, Elvis Presley had ladies swooning with his swinging hips, lethal good features, and deep voice. With images like this of a young female admirer losing control of one of his shoes, it's no surprise that parents thought these songs were a harmful influence on their children. People were terrified of all the insanity generated by Elvis' insane devotees, yet Elvis fandom eventually became much more mainstream.
Slappin’ Da Banj’
They claim that visiting the same location but at a different time is equivalent to visiting a distant nation, and they are correct. The photograph below, shot in the 1920s, illustrates a scene that would be unfathomable to us now. However, few things are as universal as music, and we're sure we'd appreciate this kid's song just as much as his dog does. This adorable child is plucking and smacking without a care in the world.
Mini Master Flash
They claim that visiting the same location but at a different time is equivalent to visiting a distant nation, and they are correct. The photograph below, shot in the 1920s, illustrates a scene that would be unfathomable to us now. However, few things are as universal as music, and we're sure we'd appreciate this kid's song just as much as his dog does. This adorable child is plucking and smacking without a care in the world.
Keeping Cool in the Summer – New York City, 1943
In New York City, a lot has changed throughout the years. T The scorching summers, on the other hand, have stayed quite steady for as long as we can recall. Even in 1943, there were heat waves in the middle of the summer, and New Yorkers found a variety of techniques to stay cool. Consider these friends, who are pouring buckets of ice cold water on each other.
Inspecting Women’s Swimsuits – 1920s
You might be wondering, "What on Earth is going on?" when you look at this antique photograph. We wouldn't be surprised if you asked us the same thing. That demonstrates how much society has changed in the last century. This man was essentially measuring women's bikinis to see if they were too short. This technique is no longer common in most regions of the world, but it was common in the 1920s.
Friends Having a Picnic – 1900s
Picnics have been a prevalent practise since the dawn of time. As a result, seeing a vintage snapshot of two ladies and one of their sons sitting in the park together, enjoying fruit and cake, shouldn't be too surprising. Even still, the fact that this photograph was taken over a century ago is mind-boggling. Everything, from the clothing to the elegant little teapot, screams that this is from another age.
Tehran – 1960s
This collection of historical photographs clearly highlights how quickly things can change in less than a half-century. Tehran, Iran's capital, was essentially like any other big Western city in the 1960s. Not only was the city's infrastructure modern and metropolitan, but society was also much more secular. People had a lot more freedom to dress and conduct their lives as they saw fit. Then came the Iranian Revolution, which paved the road for the Iran we know today.
Punk Rocker – 1970s
If there was ever a subculture that absolutely transformed how rock and roll was regarded, it had to be punk. This approach adds a fresh dimension of attitude to what was already considered a forward-thinking musical style. Punk bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Ramones changed how people dressed, talked, and even thought. This man was a typical fan of the genre.
Road to Woodstock – 1969
Woodstock, arguably the most renowned music festival of all time, took place from August 15 to August 17, 1969, and featured Santana, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix, to name a few. Those who were fortunate enough to attend this rock n' roll spectacular flocked to the Catskills in what amounted to a modern-day pilgrimage. As you can see, some people sought to avoid enormous crowds by napping in their automobiles.
Ladies Dipping Their Toes – 1944
This photograph harkens back to a simpler time when a group of ladies could have fun while still connecting with their inner child. The stunning, bright swimwear in this photo jump out to us the most.
Lady with Knitted Top – 1960s
The crocheted top that the lady is wearing appears to be ahead of her time, which is what makes this antique image so captivating. While the tie and collar design is cool, the knitting gives it the look of an 8-bit computer game, which is more associated with 80s culture. Not only does the orange and black contrast stand out, but the lady's mascara pops in a complementing way.
Getting Some Shade – France, 1955
Remember Roy Ayers' song "Everybody Loves the Sunshine"? We think this should be altered to "99% of People Love the Sunshine," because, let's face it, not everyone is a fan. While this French lady was content to relax in the sun sipping lemonade in 1955, it made sense for her to sit under the yellow shade to protect her light complexion from the sun's rays. The yellow theme is carried through the shade, the lemonade, and her blonde hair.
Hitchhiker with Flowers – Oklahoma, 1973
We're just guessing that this young lady was hitchhiking with a bouquet of flowers. For all we know, she was simply standing on the side of the road on Valentine's Day, selling flowers to passersby who needed to buy something quickly. The relationship between her holding flowers and wearing a shirt with a floral theme is an interesting tiny element. It's not, however, as cool as the actual lady.
Couples Sunbathing – 1940s
Is it just us, or were these two couples looking forward to their double date day out, only for a fifth wheel to show up at the last minute? That appears to be what happened based on this antique photo from the 1940s. In any case, this group of pals appeared to be having a good time on their trip to a natural reserve. They are, in fact, seated on rocks over a lake. They had just gotten out of the water and were drying themselves in the hot summer sun.
New York City Subway – 1970s
This guy personifies either 1) the concept of "coolness" or 2) the concept of "tiredness after a long day's labour." Perhaps it's a mix of the two. Not to mention the abundance of graffiti all around him. For almost a century, the Subway has been a staple of New York City life, serving as the primary source of transportation for millions of residents. It has such cultural significance that many movie sequences and music videos have been shot there.
New Shoes
Gerald Waller took this renowned and iconic photograph outside of the Am Himmel orphanage in Vienna, Austria. Life magazine published this photograph shortly after it was taken in its December 30, 1946 issue. Hans Werfel, a six-year-old kid, had just received a gift of shoes from the Junior Red Cross in the United States. Austria struggled with shortages and a bad economy for years following WWII. Can you imagine growing up in that atmosphere as a child and finally getting a fresh new pair of shoes?
Brooklyn Bridge – 1883
There are just a few great New York photographs, and this one of the Brooklyn Bridge is one among them. The construction of this landmark began in 1869, and it took 14 years to finish the link between New York and Brooklyn. Thousands of people gathered to watch the ribbon cutting. It was presided over by President Chester A. Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland. When the bridge first opened, this was one of the first images shot.
Pumpin’ Gas – 1960s
Nowadays, we all get out of our cars to fill up on gas, but back in the 1960s, there was always a gas attendant on hand to help. This Milwaukee gas station worker works hard to deliver exceptional service. They would not only fill your gas tank, but they would also wash your windows and check your tyre pressure on a regular basis. That was what full service used to imply. There are still some gas stations in more remote areas of the United States and abroad that sell this, but they are hard to find.
Halloween – the 1940s
For Halloween, children often dress up as their favourite superheroes or cartoon characters, yet the holiday used to be terrifying. Of keeping with the holiday's heritage, Halloween costumes in the early 1900s were supposed to be frightening. What could be more terrifying than a clown!? This costume would have undoubtedly won the most scary prize. Back then, it was also common to have a photoshoot to memorialise the eerie look you chose for All Hallows Eve.
Living Behind the Wall – East Germany 1980s
Germany was split by a wall not long ago, and daily living on each side was radically different. On one side of the wall, there was a thriving economy and democracy, and on the other, a communist republic that mirrored Russia's way of life. The men and women shared cramped apartments with several family members, and this image depicts a few disgruntled children. The wall fell in 1990, and the world of East Germany changed forever.
Vintage Easy Rider – 1912
Did Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach ever foresee that riding and owning a motorcycle would become such an iconic statement? The first motorcycle was built in 1885. Since then, folks who wish to stand out and possibly be a little rebellious have purchased these two or three-wheeled machines. This is why taking a family portrait in one, as the Australian family does in this 1912 Henderson, is such a brilliant idea.
We Need a Revolution! – Czechoslovakia 1968
For decades, the republic known as Czechoslovakia followed the regulations expected of a country located behind the Iron Curtain. However, the people had been searching for some relief from the tight and limiting laws that had been imposed on them. The Czechs and Slovakians gained their dream in 1968, thanks to Alexander Dubcek. Dubcek eased travel restrictions, granted Slovakia autonomy, and did so much more for several months. The USSR didn't like it, so they marched soldiers into the country, ousted Dubcek, and restored order.
Schooltime – Greece 1960s
Consider going to school in a small confined room with unpleasant furniture and a swarm of children. Wait, that also applies to school today! The only difference is that these young kids in 1960s Greece were dealing with a lot more than just reading and writing. They went to school because they were determined, and they worked hard to make the most of the few hours of instruction they were given.
Have I Got a Deal for You – 1920s
Car salespeople have been making deals for as long as there has been a four-wheeled motorised means of transportation. In this image, several gentlemen congregate and attempt to bargain for this car. Most automobiles cost around $850, so $100 for this beauty was an absolute value. For the modern buyer, it may not seem like much, but in the 1920s, that was a month's wage for some. Having a car was not a need, it was a luxury. As a result, whichever of these gentlemen walked away with the car gained social standing.
Dresden Train Station – 1982
Dresden, Germany, was still part of East Germany in the early 1980s, and it was under GDR administration. However, there was still quite an amount of travel, especially between the countries behind the curtain. This railroad station was one of the most important in the city. With a huge band and plenty of females to dance the night away, these troops from an engineering division sure appear like they are having a fantastic time.
Let’s Get the Party Started – Texas 1940s
With the troops leaving the battlefield in the 1940s, there were many festivities, both for the end of the war and for the holidays. Nothing beats a dance to enjoy the joys of Christmas. With a huge band and plenty of females to dance the night away, these troops from an engineering division sure appear like they are having a fantastic time.
Boy Selling Lemonade – 1973
This young man decided to take advantage of the hot summer day by selling lemonade to the residents of his nice neighbourhood. While we're not sure if he produced the drink himself, we can assume he created the lovely little ad to match his stand. This artwork symbolises the American dream, with the star-spangled banner waving in the background: to embrace the abilities and tools at your disposal and apply them to your best capacity.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun – 1980s
The 80s was, without question, a colourful time. As you can see, these young ladies understood exactly how to dress for the occasion. It was all about vibrant colours and unusual hairstyles. We can imagine that the iconic "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper blasted in the background while they had their group shot taken. When you hear the word "vintage," it's tough not to think of the 1980s.
Sitting on a Caddy – 1975
Up until this very day, Cadillacs have been an obvious symbol of luxury and style. This guy appears to have not only the flashy car, but also the clothes to go with it. We believe that if you can afford it, you should acquire it. One thing is certain: the owner of this caddy kept it in excellent shape and was so proud of it that he simply had to take a photo of himself sitting on the hood.
Friends Posing on the Beach – 1950s
If you don't like going to the beach, then there must be something kind of wrong with you. Fine, sand can be unpleasant, but other than that, it's one the most lovely sensations in the world. It brings people together and is a great place to bring friends, family, or even a date. This delightful group of friends decided to take a group photo with the horizon in the background.
Sitting on Mercedes-Benz – 1970s
It is a classic position that many people aspire to mimic even now. This lady appears to have invented the traditional "sit on the hood of one's automobile" stance. It also helps if the car is as well-dressed as the person in front of it. This Mercedes-Benz exudes an undeniable vintage vibe. We just hope the lady remembers to put on some shoes before driving that lovely automobile.
Kids with Balloons – Disneyland, 1961
It appears like this cute pair of siblings made a wish on a star, which came true! Make no mistake: these two are not auditioning for the seven dwarfs, as much as Snow White and her pals would want it. Anyone who is a fan of any Disney film should visit Disneyland at least once in their lives. If you didn't go as a youngster, make sure that you take your own children.
