Photography revolutionized crime investigations. Beginning in the mid 1800s, police photographed the faces of known criminals. Called “mug shots” (after the British slang word “mug” meaning “face”) these images replaced drawings and descriptions on wanted posters. Scientists even studied mug shots to see if physical traits could predict criminal behavior. The Nebraska State Penitentiary usedContinue reading “14 Historical Nebraska Mug Shots from the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries”
Category Archives: portraits
Sabrina, Britain’s Answer to Marilyn Monroe: 23 Black and White Portraits of Norma Ann Sykes in the 1950s and 1960s
Norma Ann Sykes (1936–2016) was a 1950s English glamour model who progressed to a minor film career. She was best known for her hourglass figure of 42.5-inch (108 cm) breasts coupled with a tiny 19-inch (48 cm) waist and 36-inch (91 cm) hips. When 19-year-old Norma Ann Sykes shimmied on to the BBC’s stage inContinue reading “Sabrina, Britain’s Answer to Marilyn Monroe: 23 Black and White Portraits of Norma Ann Sykes in the 1950s and 1960s”
The Models for ‘American Gothic’, 1940s
On show with the late Grant Wood’s American Gothic, one of the most famed U.S. paintings of its generation, went the models who posed for it, Nan Wood Graham, the painter’s sister, wife of an oil-station operator, and Dr. B. H. McKeeby, a dentist. Occasion was the first showing of the picture in Cedar Rapids,Continue reading “The Models for ‘American Gothic’, 1940s”
31 Amazing Photos Showing Beautiful Women From the 1950s
Amazing Photos of White Wolf, aka Chief John Smith, the Oldest Native American to Have Ever Lived
At the ripe age of 137, White Wolf a.k.a. Chief John Smith is considered the oldest Native American to have ever lived, 1785-1922. When asked the secret to good health, Chief Smith responded “I never fly United Airlines.” The Minneapolis Morning Tribune obituary says Ga-Be-Nah-Gewn-Wonce (variously known as Kay-bah-nung-we-way, Sloughing Flesh, Wrinkled Meat or plainContinue reading “Amazing Photos of White Wolf, aka Chief John Smith, the Oldest Native American to Have Ever Lived”
David Bowie With Goggles and Motorcycle in Los Angeles, 1974
Photographer Steve Schapiro was invited to photograph David Bowie in a photoshoot in 1974, he recalled: “It’s 4 a.m. in the morning and I am just finishing up this day’s shoot with Bowie on his bike lit by the headlights of a car. He seems to be creating another character for his repertoire.” David RobertContinue reading “David Bowie With Goggles and Motorcycle in Los Angeles, 1974”
46 Gorgeous Photos of Farrah Fawcett From the 1970s
Farrah Fawcett in a skintight red bikini flashing her gorgeous smile. This sounds like a recipe for a great photograph, and in 1976, it proved to be true. The photographs were taken by Bruce McBroom at her house one summer day in 1976. “She was amazingly beautiful and sweet, and it’s not fair that thingsContinue reading “46 Gorgeous Photos of Farrah Fawcett From the 1970s”
“Queen of The Amazons” – 19 Fabulous Photos of the 6’4″ Tall Burlesque Queen Lois DeFee in the 1930s and 1940s
Born 1918 in a small town in Texas, Lois DeFee lost her parents early and was raised in Texas by an aunt (her father’s sister) and uncle. It was not a happy situation, and Lois began trying to run away at the age of four. At the age of 13 Lois ran away from herContinue reading ““Queen of The Amazons” – 19 Fabulous Photos of the 6’4″ Tall Burlesque Queen Lois DeFee in the 1930s and 1940s”
Fascinating Stories Behind 19 Stunning Portraits Taken by Julia Margaret Cameron in the Late 19th Century
30 Vintage Photos of Paul Newman in the 1950s and 1960s
Paul Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008) was an Academy Award winning American actor who was also an accomplished entrepreneur, professional racing driver, activist and philanthropist. Famous for his dashing looks and striking blue eyes, he is regarded as one of the most handsome men ever to have graced Hollywood. A highly talentedContinue reading “30 Vintage Photos of Paul Newman in the 1950s and 1960s”
