Immediately after World War II, New York City became known as one of the world’s greatest cities. However, after peaking in population in 1950, the city began to feel the effects of white flight to the suburbs, a downturn in industry and commerce as businesses left for places where it was cheaper and easier toContinue reading “New York in the 1950s”
Author Archives: Yesterday Today
Grady Stiles – The Murderous “Lobster Boy”
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1937, Grady Stiles Jr., aka “Lobster Boy”, was one in a long line of people in the Stiles family, dating back to 1840, who suffered from a rare and strange physical condition known as ectrodactyly. This genetic condition was one in which the fingers and toes are fused together toContinue reading “Grady Stiles – The Murderous “Lobster Boy””
39 Colorized Photos of the French Army During World War 1
From August 1914 to early 1917, the French Army shouldered much of the the fighting on the Western Front – and with astonishing endurance. In one two-week period – August 16-31, 1914 – they suffered 210,993 casualties. By comparison, British casualties numbered 164,709 in the opening month – July 1916 – of the Somme offensive.Continue reading “39 Colorized Photos of the French Army During World War 1”
“Slip Me Five” – Incredible Slang Words of the 1930s We Need to Bring Back Today
In the 1930s the Great Depression was just getting it’s steam, the epic American historical film Gone with the Wind was in theaters and radio shows were the popular form of entertainment. The slang of the ’30s was all about the blue collar side of life from alcohol to women, gambling and more. Giggle JuiceContinue reading ““Slip Me Five” – Incredible Slang Words of the 1930s We Need to Bring Back Today”
10 Interesting Facts About Silent Film Star Buster Keaton
Joseph Frank “Buster” Keaton (October 4, 1895 – February 1, 1966) was an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. He is best known for his silent films, in which his trademark was physical comedy with a consistently stoic, deadpan expression that earned him the nickname “The Great Stone Face”. Critic Roger Ebert wrote of Keaton’s “extraordinaryContinue reading “10 Interesting Facts About Silent Film Star Buster Keaton”
32 Lovely Photos of a Young Audrey Hepburn Before She Was Famous
Born on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium, Audrey Hepburn was a talented performer known for her beauty, elegance and grace. Often imitated, she remains one of Hollywood’s greatest style icons. A native of Brussels, Hepburn spent part of her youth in England at a boarding school there. During much of World War II, sheContinue reading “32 Lovely Photos of a Young Audrey Hepburn Before She Was Famous”
Assembling a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, February 1958
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a two-door luxury roadster produced by Mercedes-Benz between May 1955 and February 1963. Internally referred to as W121, it was first shown in prototype at the 1954 New York Auto Show, and was available with an optional removable hardtop. The 190 SL presented an attractive, more affordable alternative to theContinue reading “Assembling a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, February 1958”
Baby Racing Used To Be A Real-Life Actual Sport During The 1950s, And It Was Amazing!
From 1946 to 1955 the sport of baby racing was an actual thing. At the fairgrounds in New Jersey’s Palisades park the annual baby racing competition, better known as the Diaper Derby, would take place. The event was sponsored by the National Institute of Diaper Services and was a true crowd pleaser as evidenced byContinue reading “Baby Racing Used To Be A Real-Life Actual Sport During The 1950s, And It Was Amazing!”
The Story Behind the Iconic Photo of 16-Year-Old Elizabeth Taylor Taken by Philippe Halsman
Performance was in Elizabeth Taylor’s blood. Her mother had worked as an actress until she married. At the age of 3, the young Taylor started dancing, and eventually gave a recital for Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Not long after relocating to California a family friend suggested the Taylors’ daughter take a screen test. She soonContinue reading “The Story Behind the Iconic Photo of 16-Year-Old Elizabeth Taylor Taken by Philippe Halsman”
Vintage Photos of Madonna Hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 1985
Madonna was riding high in 1985. Her second album, Like A Virgin, had produced a string of hits; she starred in the movie Desperately Seeking Susan; the song Crazy for You from the movie Vision Quest became her second #1 hit; TIME Magazine had her on its cover in May; and in August (on herContinue reading “Vintage Photos of Madonna Hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 1985″
