Tag Archives: Yesterday Today

Alfred Langevin, the Man Who Could Smoke Through His Eye

Here’s Alfred Langevin (1885–1974), French-Canadian, aka the “Eye Smoker,” who could smoke a pipe through his eye. In the 1930s, he resided in Detroit, Michigan but was under the employ of Robert Ripley. Mr. Langevin was featured not only in the Believe-It-Or-Not cartoons of Ripley, but also appeared in Ripley’s renowned Odditorium from 1933 toContinue reading “Alfred Langevin, the Man Who Could Smoke Through His Eye”

Portrait Photos of Louise Brooks During the Filming of ‘Now We’re in the Air’ (1927)

Now We’re in the Air is a 1927 American silent comedy film directed by Frank R. Strayer, starring the late-1920s intermittent comedy team of Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton. In a supporting role, Louise Brooks plays twins, one raised French and the other raised German. Wallace Beery and Louise Brooks worked together the following yearContinue reading “Portrait Photos of Louise Brooks During the Filming of ‘Now We’re in the Air’ (1927)”

Beautiful Photos of Australian Actress Mae Busch in the Early 20th Century

Born 1891 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australian actress Mae Busch had her first film appearances in The Agitator and The Water Nymph, both released in 1912. She worked in both silent and sound films in early Hollywood. At the pinnacle of her film career, Busch was known as the versatile vamp. She starred in such featureContinue reading “Beautiful Photos of Australian Actress Mae Busch in the Early 20th Century”

The First Photograph of a Woman Smoking: Lola Montez 1852

Considered to be the first photograph of a woman smoking, this is Lola Montez’s portrait by Southworth & Hawes. A savvy self-promoter, Lola Montez is the first woman ever to be photographed smoking. She made sure the cigarette is the focus of the picture. (Metropolitan Museum of Art) This is Lola’s third and most provocativeContinue reading “The First Photograph of a Woman Smoking: Lola Montez 1852”

Fascinating Black and White Photos of Life in Britain in 1939

Boys release toy balloons bearing appeals for the Doctor Barnardo’s Home at Stepney, London, August 1939 After the German invasion of Poland, The King declared war in September 1939. In preparation for war, Britain undertakes measures including calling up of troops, citizens returning home from abroad, children rehearsing safety drills. The government also thought ofContinue reading “Fascinating Black and White Photos of Life in Britain in 1939”

Stunning Portraits of Elizabeth Taylor From 1961

Over the course of his six-decade-long career, legendary photographer Douglas Kirkland has taken some of the most recognizable photos of some the most iconic celebrities of all time, among them is Elizabeth Taylor who he photographed her in 1961 when he just started his photography career. Elizabeth’s tracheotomy scar from an emergency procedure due toContinue reading “Stunning Portraits of Elizabeth Taylor From 1961”

Family Ride on a Five Seat Bike in England, 1950

Who needs a van when you can ride as a family! How cool is this family circa 1950. Mr. Eric Jewell, of Dukes Avenue, Finchley, London, finds the solution to go with his whole family to the countryside: a five seat bike. Here, Jewell with his wife and children on a “quinticycle” – adapted fromContinue reading “Family Ride on a Five Seat Bike in England, 1950”

18 Amazing Photos Showing the Inside of the Frankfurt Main Train Station during the 1950s

Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof, often abbreviated as Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and sometimes translated as Frankfurt central station, is the busiest railway station in Hesse, Germany. It is one of the largest train stations in Europe and is located just west of the city center. The affix “Main” comes from the city’s full name, Frankfurt am MainContinue reading “18 Amazing Photos Showing the Inside of the Frankfurt Main Train Station during the 1950s”

40 Portrait Photos of Actor Glenn Ford in the 1940s

Born 1916 in Quebec, Canadian-American actor Glenn Ford had his first major movie part in Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence (1939) at 20th Century Fox. He often portrayed ordinary men in unusual circumstances. Ford was most prominent during Hollywood’s Golden Age as one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s,Continue reading “40 Portrait Photos of Actor Glenn Ford in the 1940s”