Tag Archives: portraits

This 1940s ‘Slenderizing’ Equipment Promised to Reduce Hips, Buttocks and Thighs

In November 1940, LIFE photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt went to New York City and captured model Pat Ogden testing out the trendiest fitness fad of the decade – the Slenderizing Salon. Using metal rollers to massage women’s “problem areas,” the Slenderizing Salon claimed to help women lose weight without exercise by stimulating muscle contractions. (Photos byContinue reading “This 1940s ‘Slenderizing’ Equipment Promised to Reduce Hips, Buttocks and Thighs”

1940s Men’s Fashions – The Trending Styles Through 6 Famous Classic Hollywood Films

Solidifying the mood for the 1940s, the entry of the United States into World War II on December 8, 1941, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor put another constraint on menswear. Natural fibers were now only used on uniforms and practicality outweighed any possible trend. Escaping from the somberness of everyday life, Americans lookedContinue reading “1940s Men’s Fashions – The Trending Styles Through 6 Famous Classic Hollywood Films”

David “Stringbean” Akeman Wore His Pants Like That Before It Was Even a Thing!

To millions of younger country music fans, David Akeman (1915–1973), better known as Stringbean, was one of the comedy powerhouses of the Grand Ole Opry and television’s Hee Haw, of which he was one of the original cast members. Akeman was well-known for his “old-fashioned” banjo picking style, careful mix of comedy and music, andContinue reading “David “Stringbean” Akeman Wore His Pants Like That Before It Was Even a Thing!”

Suzan Ball and Richard Long: A Sad Story of a Beautiful Hollywood Couple

Born February 3, 1934 in Jamestown, New York, American Hollywood starlet Suzan Ball was a second cousin of fellow actress Lucille Ball. She came to Hollywood with her family in 1941, and sang with the Mel Baker Orchestra from 1948-1953. Ball’s first part in Hollywood was as a harem girl in Aladdin and His LampContinue reading “Suzan Ball and Richard Long: A Sad Story of a Beautiful Hollywood Couple”

10 Women Behind the Worst Men in History

There’s an old saying that goes: “Behind every great man, there’s an even better woman.” This statement, however, also rings true for bad men. From Adolf Hitler’s long-term companion Eva Braun, to other so-called “dictator wives,” each of the ladies on this list either willingly or unwittingly spent their lives with very bad guys. TakeContinue reading “10 Women Behind the Worst Men in History”

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. American Gothic is a painting by Grant Wood in the collectionContinue reading “The Models for ‘American Gothic’, 1940s”

Mary Wallace: The First Female Bus Driver for Chicago Transit Authority, Beginning in 1974

In 1974, Englewood native, Mary Wallace, drove into history when she became the first woman to drive a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus. Wallace was a popular driver who remained on the job for 33 years before retiring. “I used to work for the Planning & Placement Center when I was going to college, andContinue reading “Mary Wallace: The First Female Bus Driver for Chicago Transit Authority, Beginning in 1974”

Twain in Tesla’s Lab: The Friendship Between Nikola Tesla and Mark Twain

Nikola Tesla and Mark Twain were friends and mutual admirers. Tesla – recognized as a scientist, inventor and discoverer, Twain – famous writer, travel writer and a satirist – both of them were real dreamers. As well as being a gifted writer, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) was fascinated with technology. When he was born inContinue reading “Twain in Tesla’s Lab: The Friendship Between Nikola Tesla and Mark Twain”