Tag Archives: portraits

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”

Major General Horatio Gordon Robley With His Collection of Tattooed Maori Heads, 1895

Horatio Gordon Robley (1840-1930) was a British army officer and artist who served in New Zealand during the New Zealand land wars in the 1860s. He was interested in ethnology and fascinated by the art of tattooing as well as being a talented illustrator. He wrote two books relating to his time in New Zealand,Continue reading “Major General Horatio Gordon Robley With His Collection of Tattooed Maori Heads, 1895”

Before and After Photo Comparisons of Lobotomy Patients

Today, the word “lobotomy” is rarely mentioned. If it is, it’s usually the butt of a joke. But in the 20th century, a lobotomy became a legitimate alternative treatment for serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia and severe depression. Physicians even used it to treat chronic or severe pain and backaches. There’s a surprising historyContinue reading “Before and After Photo Comparisons of Lobotomy Patients”

Last Known Photos of John Lennon and Paul McCartney Together in 1974

These are the last photos ever taken of John Lennon and Paul McCartney together. They were taken in the spring of 1974. It would be 6 more years before Lennon was killed in New York. The two would meet for the last and final time in New York City in April 1976, but there areContinue reading “Last Known Photos of John Lennon and Paul McCartney Together in 1974”

A German WWII Prisoner Is Reunited With His Daughter for the First Time Since She Was 1 Year Old, 1956

Helmuth Pirath, the winner of World Press Photo in 1956 captured the most touching moment when a German WWII prisoner, released by the Soviet Union, reunited with his daughter who had not seen her father since she was one year old. This man was one of the last prisoners of war to be released byContinue reading “A German WWII Prisoner Is Reunited With His Daughter for the First Time Since She Was 1 Year Old, 1956”

These Amazing Self-Portraits by Joseph Byron May Be the First Selfies Ever Made

Selfies are a 21st-century thing, right? Well, they certainly got popular in the 2000s, but the first selfies were taken way back. Before it was cool. Photographer Joseph Byron may be responsible for the first selfies ever taken, both individual and group. One picture, conveniently titled “self portrait,” was taken in 1909, reportedly on theContinue reading “These Amazing Self-Portraits by Joseph Byron May Be the First Selfies Ever Made”

Wonderful Behind the Scenes Photos of Janis Joplin During the Photoshoot for Pearl’s Album Cover in California, 1970

Janis Joplin wasn’t around when her second solo album, Pearl, was issued in January 1971. She wasn’t around a few weeks later when it shot to No. 1, either. The singer had died of a heroin overdose on Oct. 4, 1970, while recording the sessions that would make up Pearl. That unfortunate turn of eventsContinue reading “Wonderful Behind the Scenes Photos of Janis Joplin During the Photoshoot for Pearl’s Album Cover in California, 1970”