Lillian Russell: One of the Most Famous Actresses and Singers of the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Lillian Russell was born Helen Louise Leonard in Clinton, Iowa, the fourth of five daughters of newspaper publisher Charles E. Leonard, and author and feminist Cynthia Leonard, the first woman to run for mayor of New York City. Her family moved to Chicago in 1865, where she studied at the Convent of the Sacred HeartContinue reading “Lillian Russell: One of the Most Famous Actresses and Singers of the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries”

Portrait of Kno-Shr, Kansas Chief, 1853

From 1846 to 1860, John Fitzgibbon operated one of America’s most prominent daguerreian establishments in the frontier city of Saint Louis, Missouri. Fitzgibbon learned photography in 1839 while apprenticed as a saddler in Philadelphia, but he is best known for his studio portraits and scenes of regional life in the territories west of the MississippiContinue reading “Portrait of Kno-Shr, Kansas Chief, 1853”

40 Beautiful Photos of Jean Arthur in the 1920s and 1930s

Born 1900 as Gladys Georgianna Greene in Plattsburgh, New York, American actress Jean Arthur had her career beginning in silent films in the 1920s and lasted until the early 1950s. Arthur had feature roles in three Frank Capra films: Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can’t Take It with You (1938), and Mr. SmithContinue reading “40 Beautiful Photos of Jean Arthur in the 1920s and 1930s”

50 Amazing Vintage Photos From the 1970s Volume 9

The 1970s (pronounced “nineteen-seventies”; commonly shortened to the “Seventies” or the “’70s”) was a decade that began on January 1, 1970, and ended on December 31, 1979. In the 21st century, historians have increasingly portrayed the 1970s as a “pivot of change” in world history, focusing especially on the economic upheavals that followed the endContinue reading “50 Amazing Vintage Photos From the 1970s Volume 9”

In the 1912 Olympics, Jim Thorpe, a Native American, Won Two Gold Medals With Shoes Someone Had Thrown in the Trash

This is Jim Thorpe (May 22 or 28, 1887 – March 28, 1953). He was the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States in the Olympics. Considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, he won two Olympic gold medals in the 1912 Summer Olympics. Look closely atContinue reading “In the 1912 Olympics, Jim Thorpe, a Native American, Won Two Gold Medals With Shoes Someone Had Thrown in the Trash”

Candid Snaps of Jim Morrison Hanging Out With Friends in Paris, Just a Few Short Weeks Before He Died

James Douglas Morrison (December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971) was an American singer, poet and songwriter who was the lead vocalist of the rock band the Doors. Due to his wild personality, poetic lyrics, distinctive voice, unpredictable and erratic performances, and the dramatic circumstances surrounding his life and early death, Morrison is regarded byContinue reading “Candid Snaps of Jim Morrison Hanging Out With Friends in Paris, Just a Few Short Weeks Before He Died”

Irene Dunne: One of the Best Actresses Never to Win an Oscar

Irene Dunne DHS (born Irene Marie Dunn; December 20, 1898 – September 4, 1990) was an American actress who appeared in films during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is best known for her comedic roles, though she performed in films of other genres. After her father died when she was 14, Dunne’s family relocatedContinue reading “Irene Dunne: One of the Best Actresses Never to Win an Oscar”

19th Century Rock Stars: Early Photos of the Hutchinson Family Singers From the 1840s

The Hutchinson Family Singers took 19th-century America by storm. Their fame rivaled and even outshone the stars of today. Through their performances in front of interracial audiences, they also changed hearts and minds about some of the big political issues of the day, like slavery and womens’ rights. They are considered by many to beContinue reading “19th Century Rock Stars: Early Photos of the Hutchinson Family Singers From the 1840s”

35 Gorgeous Photos of American Actress Hazel Brooks in the 1940s

Born 1924 in Cape Town, South Africa, American actress Hazel Brooks was the daughter of a sea captain. Her father died when she was three years old, and she moved with her mother to Brooklyn, New York. She became a model for Harry Conover when she was 16. A talent scout picked Brooks and fiveContinue reading “35 Gorgeous Photos of American Actress Hazel Brooks in the 1940s”

Harold Lloyd: One of the Most Influential Film Comedians of the Silent Film Era

Born 1893 in Burchard, Nebraska, American actor, comedian, and stunt performer Harold Lloyd had his first role as a Yaqui Indian in the production of The Old Monk’s Tale (1913). At the age of 20, he moved to Los Angeles, and took up roles in several Keystone Film Company comedies. Lloyd made nearly 200 comedyContinue reading “Harold Lloyd: One of the Most Influential Film Comedians of the Silent Film Era”