1958.
(She is actually Alice Denham, Playboy Playmate for July 1956)
50 Amazing Vintage Photos From the 1950s Volume 5
1958.
(She is actually Alice Denham, Playboy Playmate for July 1956)
1958.
(She is actually Alice Denham, Playboy Playmate for July 1956)
The Last Known Photo of the Space Shuttle Challenger Crew Boarding the Space Shuttle on January 28, 1986
This is the last known photo of the Space Shuttle Challenger crew boarding the space shuttle on January 28, 1986. Tragedy would strike 73 seconds into launch as the shuttle’s O-ring on it’s right booster failed leading to the separation of the Solid Rocket Booster. Extreme aerodynamic forces then broke up the orbiter. The crew compartment survived the break but the impact with the ocean surface was too violent to be survivable.
On January 28, 1986, the NASA shuttle orbiter mission STS-51-L and the tenth flight of Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-99) broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven crew members, which consisted of five NASA astronauts, one payload specialist and a civilian school teacher. The spacecraft disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11:39 a.m. EST. The disintegration of the vehicle began after a joint in its right solid rocket booster (SRB) failed at liftoff. The failure was caused by the failure of O-ring seals used in the joint that were not designed to handle the unusually cold conditions that existed at this launch. The seals’ failure caused a breach in the SRB joint, allowing pressurized burning gas from within the solid rocket motor to reach the outside and impinge upon the adjacent SRB aft field joint attachment hardware and external fuel tank. This led to the separation of the right-hand SRB’s aft field joint attachment and the structural failure of the external tank. Aerodynamic forces broke up the orbiter.
The crew compartment and many other vehicle fragments were eventually recovered from the ocean floor after a lengthy search and recovery operation. The exact timing of the death of the crew is unknown; several crew members are known to have survived the initial breakup of the spacecraft. The shuttle had no escape system, and the impact of the crew compartment at terminal velocity with the ocean surface was too violent to be survivable.
“The whole country and the whole world were in shock when that happened, because that was the first time the United States had actually lost a space vehicle with crew on board,” said former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao, who flew three space shuttle missions during his career (in 1994, 1996 and 2000), and also served as commander of the International Space Station from October 2004 through April 2005.
“It was even more shocking because Christa McAuliffe was not a professional astronaut,” Chiao told Space.com. “If you lose military people during a military operation, it’s sad and it’s tragic, but they’re professionals doing a job, and that’s kind of the way I look at professional astronauts. But you’re taking someone who’s not a professional, and it happened to be that mission that got lost — it added to the shock.”
The disaster resulted in a 32-month hiatus in the shuttle program and the formation of the Rogers Commission, a special commission appointed by United States President Ronald Reagan to investigate the accident. The Rogers Commission found NASA’s organizational culture and decision-making processes had been key contributing factors to the accident, with the agency violating its own safety rules. NASA managers had known since 1977 that contractor Morton-Thiokol’s design of the SRBs contained a potentially catastrophic flaw in the O-rings, but they had failed to address this problem properly. NASA managers also disregarded warnings from engineers about the dangers of launching posed by the low temperatures of that morning, and failed to adequately report these technical concerns to their superiors.
Approximately 17 percent of Americans witnessed the launch live because of the presence of high school teacher Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first teacher in space. Media coverage of the accident was extensive: one study reported that 85 percent of Americans surveyed had heard the news within an hour of the accident. The Challenger disaster has been used as a case study in many discussions of engineering safety and workplace ethics.
Swimming Taught Far From Water
“No fear of water can keep the pupil from learning to swim in this apparatus.” This appeared in Popular Science Nov, 1931. It was definitely a perfect device to make kids detest swimming.
14 Historical Photos That Show the Evolution of Television From the 1920s Through the 1980s
Despite its status as a device that defines the modern age, the television has its roots in the 19th century, when scientists found ways to transmit images and sound. Even the word “television,” combining Greek and Latin roots to mean “far-sight,” stems from the 1900 world’s fair.
Perhaps more than any other medium, TV has captured the hearts of people since first becoming available in the late 1920s. And while the power of television has only increased over time, its evolution over the past 80 years clearly illustrates how technology influences consumer behavior, while this change in consumption drives the TV industry to take on new forms that radically alter the way we experience the medium.
Virginia Rappe: The Mysterious Death of a Silent Film Beauty
Born 1895 in Chicago, American model and silent film actress Virginia Rappe began working as a commercial and art model at age 14. In 1916, Rappe relocated to San Francisco to pursue her career as an artist’s model, where she met dress designer Robert Moscovitz, to whom she became engaged. However, shortly after the engagement, Moscovitz was killed in a streetcar accident, whereupon Rappe moved to Los Angeles.
In 1919, Rappe began a relationship with director/producer Henry Lehrman. The two eventually became engaged and lived together. Rappe appeared in at least four films for Lehrman: His Musical Sneeze, A Twilight Baby, Punch of the Irish and A Game Lady.
During a party held on Labor Day, September 5, 1921, in Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle’s suite, number 1219, at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, Rappe allegedly suffered a trauma. She died on September 9 from a ruptured bladder and secondary peritonitis. The circumstances of Rappe’s death in 1921 became a Hollywood scandal and were covered widely (and sensationalized) by the media of the time.
It was alleged that Rappe had died as a result of a violent sexual assault by Arbuckle. Arbuckle’s accuser, Bambina Maude Delmont, had accompanied Rappe to the party; she had first met Rappe only a few days earlier (Delmont had a police record for extortion, prostitution and blackmail). Subsequent witnesses testified that Rappe had for some time suffered from cystitis, and that consuming alcohol could aggravate that condition. Witnesses also testified that she had previously suffered from venereal disease, so there were allegations that her death was brought on by her health rather than by an assault.
After three manslaughter trials, Arbuckle was formally acquitted; his acquittal in the third trial was accompanied by an unprecedented statement of apology from the jury stating, in part, that, “Acquittal is not enough for Roscoe Arbuckle. We feel that a great injustice has been done him… there was not the slightest proof adduced to connect him in any way with the commission of a crime.” Nevertheless, Arbuckle’s reputation and career were ruined because of the scandal.
The case has been examined by scholars and historians over the years and is still speculated about today, and a number of detailed books about the case have analyzed the incident and subsequent trials.
Take a look at these photos to see the beauty of Virginia Rappe in the late 1910s and early 1920s.
Vintage Photos of 12 Crazy Wooden Homes on Wheels From the Early 20th Century
There is no formal definition of a house car but in the early 1900s, Americans want to take to the roads and explore. Some creative Tin Can tourists decided that they’d rather bring their home with them rather than have the tent attachments on the sides of their Model T’s, so they built larger structures that resembled houses onto the frames and off they went. It really is the earliest example of what we commonly call a mobile home.
Mobile homes often look blocky and sterile, but these wooden houses look like gingerbread Victorian houses on wheels. Check out how people have hammered and sawed their own homes onto cars.
Here’s How Much Each Artist Was Paid at Woodstock 1969; Jimi Hendrix Is Believed to Be on Top With $18,000!
Woodstock is widely regarded as one of the most important events in music history. The festival, which took place in August 1969, drew about half a million people and was headlined by now-legendary acts like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Joe Cocker, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Many of the sets have since gone on to not only become classic moments in those artists’ respective careers, but also representative snapshots of America’s counterculture during that time.
It makes you wonder, then, how much a concert of that magnitude and influence would cost, right? As the monetary breakdown shows, Hendrix earned the most money from the festival, pulling in about $18,000 (or more than $125,000 in today’s money). Blood, Sweat and Tears ($15,000), Joan Baez ($10,000), Creedence Clearwater Revival ($10,000), and The Band ($7,500) rounded out the Top 5 earners.
Other A-listers such as The Who and Joe Cocker took home $6,250 and $1,375, respectively. There was a lot of cash to go around, to be sure, but the event wasn’t as steep as some of today’s big-budget productions. Here’s the entire list of artists and their earnings:
- Jimi Hendrix – $18,000
- Blood, Sweat and Tears – $15,000
- Joan Baez – $10,000
- Creedence Clearwater Revival – $10,000
- The Band – $7,500
- Janis Joplin – $7,500
- Jefferson Airplane – $7,500
- Sly and the Family Stone – $7,000
- Canned Heat – $6,500
- The Who – $6,250
- Richie Havens – $6,000
- Arlo Guthrie – $5,000
- Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – $5,000
- Ravi Shankar – $4,500
- Johnny Winter – $3,750
- Ten Years After – $3,250
- Country Joe and the Fish – $2,500
- Grateful Dead – $2,500
- The Incredible String Band – $2,250
- Mountain – $2,000
- Tim Hardin – $2,000
- Joe Cocker – $1,375
- Sweetwater – $1,250
- John B. Sebastian – $1,000
- Melanie – $750
- Santana – $750
- Sha Na Na – $700
- Keef Hartley – $500
- Quill – $375
30 Amazing Historical Photos Showing African-American Women During the Harlem Renaissance Era
The role of women in society had taken a massive leap forward In 1920 when all women were given the right to vote. The roles of American Women in the 1920s varied considerably between the ‘New Woman’, the Traditionalists and the older generation. The ‘New Woman’, including the young Flappers, embraced new fashions, personal freedom and new ideas that challenged the traditional role of women. The Traditionalists feared that the ‘ New Morality’ of the era was threatening family values and the conventional role of women in the home. The lives of Black American Women in the 1920s were also subject to change due to the influence of the Harlem Renaissance and the change from rural to urban life in the cities.
The Harlem Renaissance was a rebirth of African American culture and art in the wake of slavery, which had ended just 50 years prior. Occurring from 1918 through the 1930s and first coined the New Negro Movement, the Harlem Renaissance focused on self-definition of black people and the black experience. Black women were an integral part of the Harlem Renaissance, from dancer Josephine Baker to writer Zora Neale Hurston. But much like today, the identity of the “new black woman” was a hotly debated topic.
Boxing and How to Train, 1904
The origins of the Speed Bag as we know it today are shrouded in mystery. Certain historical artifacts depict ancient boxers of Greece and Rome hitting a bag like object probably filled with some material or water. These were almost certainly animal skins or some other material, for the modern rubber air bladders of today came after the vulcanization of rubber in the 1840s. Judging by these historical depictions it is fair to say that man has been creating different size punching bags and used various methods of hanging them, for as long as he could make a fist.
The speed bag (also called “striking bag” and “speed ball”) as has been seen in various styles and shapes, hung from various types of hangers, wood or metal, and with various types of swivels. Our own research has found several links to this past and colorful history.
On particularly interesting book, entitled BOXING AND HOW TO TRAIN written by Sam C. Austin, sporting editor of the Police Gazette was published by Richard K. Fox in 1904. It features a whole section on BAG PUNCHING, using the speed bag. Here, some images from the book:
27 Amazing Historical Photos Of Bombers That Didn’t Make It Home During World War 2
It burst into flames and crashed a mile west of the target; two chutes were seen to come out of the plane.
Its crew was 1st Lt Robert E. Stockwell, pilot, 2d Lt Albert Jedinak, bombardier-navigator, S/Sgt Hollis A. Foster and S/Sgt Egon W. Rust, gunners.
Lt Stockwell had been with the Group almost from the beginning of its existence.
One crewman managed to bail out safely but was killed by civilians on the ground.
It is enveloped in flames and hurtling earthward after enemy flak scored a direct hit on the left engine while aircraft was attacking front line enemy communications center at Erkelenz, Germany
There were no survivors.
It was shot down by Flak during an attack on ground troops near Lugo, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, on 10 April 1945.
Only the pilot, Lieutenant Robert E. Fuller, and one crew member survived.
They were on a mission to bomb the fighter bases in Germany where the ME-262 was stationed.
The formation was attacked by approximately 50 Luftwaffe Jet and Rocket aircraft.
A total of eight B-24 Liberators were lost, including the one on the picture; 44-50838.
The crew:
Pilot: Robert L. Mains
Co-Pilot: John E. LaRiviere
Navigator: Allan L. Lake
Observer-Top Turret: George S. Alexander
Engineer-Flight Deck: Frank S Merkovich
Radio Operator: Charles E Cupp Jr
Left Waist Gunner: Harry J. Allen
Nose Gunner Gunner: Charles H. Daman
Right Waist Gunner: Anthony C Villari
Tail Gunner: Stuart D. Van Deventer
Only Charles E. Culp Jr. survived the crash, he was able to jump out of the open bomb bay doors.
Two crewmembers were killed instantly, but the pilot held her level long enough for the crew to get out and they were taken prisoner of war.
The aircraft crashed near Dunavecse, Hungary
There were no survivors.
A 1,000 lb bomb from above tore off the left stabilizer and sent the plane into an uncontrollable spin.
All 11 crew members were killed.
Eight members of the crew became prisoner of war, the other two were killed.
Note that the two right engines are feathered
Twelve A-20s from the 387th Bombardment Squadron, 312th Bombardment Group, attacked the Japanese barge depot and seaplane station at Kokas. 43-9432 (tail code “V”) was part of the last flight over the target.
This section was led by Captain Jack W. Klein (taking the photos), followed by 2nd Lt. Melvin H. Kapson (the other aircraft visible) and 1st Lt. James L. Knarr.
Approaching from the inland side, they dropped 115 kg bombs which can be seen exploding in the background.
Knarr’s aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into the bay, exploding when it the sea.
He and his gunner, SSgt Charles G. Reichley, were killed.
Fire in No. 3 engine, flames swept back to the tail.
They peeled off the formation shortly afterward and dropped behind.
The Crew bailed out at RP, 7 miles West of Elbe River, later right wing came off and the plane crashed into the ground.
The bomber lost its entire starboard tailplane to bombs dropped by another Halifax above it.
LW127 was one of 942 aircraft of Bomber Command dispatched to bomb German-held positions, in support of the Second Army attack in the Normandy battle area (Operation GOODWOOD), on the morning of 18 July 1944.
The crew managed to abandon the aircraft before it crashed in the target area.
The pilot tried to land it in a field but there isn’t enough space and the bomber crashes into the trees and explodes.
Only a gunner, Frank Di Palma, survived when he is thrown clear of the wreck being severely wounded.
With the right engine sheared off and still turning and the wing ablaze, the plane crashed into the city a few minutes after this photograph was taken.
Just as it released its string of para-frags B-25 NO. 192 was hit by flak from a camouflaged battery and trails smoke and a gaping hole is visible on the pilot’s s side.
The aircraft visible is the North American B-25J-10-NC Mitchell (s/n 43-36192) “Jaunty Jo”.
Crew : 2/Lt Robert J. Knauf Pilot, 2/Lt Martin H. Mulner Jr. Co-Pilot, 1/Lt Lloyd E. Bodell Navigator, Cpl Harold O. Montville Eng/Gunner, Sgt Tennyson C. Harrell Radio/Gunner.
They were all killed in the crash.
The wing broke off immediately and the bomber spun down carrying seven officers and five enlisted men to their deaths.
The pilot, Capt. Dean B. Strain, was one of the last original Group pilots still flying missions.
Cameras being readied for the strike photos followed the spinning aircraft down to the hard ground of Harburg.
The collision occurred in conditions of poor visibility when returning aircraft bombing of Hanover.
The crews of both aircraft (18 airmen) died.
It had taken off from Angaur Airfield, flying on a bombing mission against anti-aircraft installations on Koror, Palau Islands.
Whilst over Koror, the B-24 was hit by anti-aircraft fire, the fuselage fell in a flat spiral until it crashed.
10 crew members were on board. 9 were killed in the crash except for the Navigator, 2nd Lt Wallace F. Kaufman. He was captured by the Japanese and executed.
There was a myth surrounding this footage that it was an American bomb striking the wing of the plane.
However, a cleaned up version of the film has been analyzed and it shows that the wing is struck from the below. So it was not friendly fire.
