A twin-tower landmark at Ivory and Schirmer has lived four lives: St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church (1860–2005), the Ivory Theatre, a brief school era, and now a preservation emergency. This piece traces the parish’s German roots, its bells and school, the 1908–1910 renovations, the 2007 theater conversion, and what it will take to save it.
Here is evidence in pictures of the destruction wrought by the huge tornado that devastated parts of downtown St. Louis on September 29, 1927. These pictures of the tornado damage were taken that day. Edited 6/24/25 with more pics from a now defunct historical source.
Explore turn-of-the-century wedding portraits, from stunning black corseted dresses of the 1890s to the rise of white bridal gowns in the early 1900s. Delve into the history of wedding fashion, preserved through cabinet card photography, and uncover the stories behind these timeless vintage photographs.
Zizi V. brought the 1940s to life in the WWII Women’s Army Corps (WAC) uniform during this meaningful shoot. As my third and final model for this outfit, we explored outdoor settings and natural light to evoke the essence of wartime photography. Paying homage to the trailblazing women who served in the WAC during WWII, every element—from Zizi’s makeup to her era-accurate stockings—captured the authenticity of the 1940s. This series highlights both the emotional legacy of these women and the timelessness of their contributions.
I just did some research and found that the famous Hearst Castle is in San Simeon, California. Below are more slide scan pictures of the Hearst Castle, dated 1959: [gallery link="file" columns="2"...
Rediscover the timeless elegance of 1920s bridal fashion through this historical wedding dress photoshoot at the Carondelet Historical Society. Featuring a delicate vintage gown and veil that perfectly represent the roaring twenties aesthetic, this shoot captures the defining simplicity, intricate details, and transformative styles of the Jazz Age. Explore the evolution of bridal fashion during this era of liberation and creativity, complemented with era-appropriate hair and makeup for an authentic glimpse into the past.
Back in 2011, I captured the essence of history with a photoshoot featuring an authentic WWII Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAC) uniform borrowed from a local historical society. Featuring the redesigned jacket and skirt introduced after critical feedback of earlier versions, this uniform showcased style and functionality unique to the era. Paired with vintage photography effects to evoke the 1940s, the series highlights not only the garments but also the profound stories of women in wartime history.
I imagine this 1940s couple getting this car as a gift, or the husband giving it to his wife before he leaves back to fighting overseas. She looks so proud and you can see them posed together, with him in his military uniform. What cute WWII-era Kodachrome slides!
Discover the art of ironing with an IronRite Ironing Machine. This guide covers everything from basic items like handkerchiefs to complex garments, complete with scans from the original manual.
Uncover essential ironing hints and tips to maintain your vintage clothing’s charm, featuring unique techniques with the 1940s IronRite Ironing Machine. Learn the art of steaming velvets, protecting buttons, eliminating wrinkles, and more to preserve the timeless elegance of your vintage collection. Embrace sustainable chic practices and keep the beauty of bygone eras alive with every lovingly cared-for piece.
Discover the ideal female measurements of the 1950s, a decade that set distinct beauty standards through beauty contests and societal expectations. This article delves into the historical context and cultural significance of the 1950s beauty ideals, offering insights into how these standards influenced fashion and shaped the perception of female beauty during the era.
Early 1900s car advertisements for Chandler Motors, Cadillac, Buick, and Apperson. Illustrated with details about the Chandler automobile.
Advertisement for a Gibson Girl pyography pillow. This ad promises to send the buyer a Naan Plush Pillow Top in gold, tan, or light green, stamped with the Gibson girl design shown and ready for burning! This also has a special offer for a pyography kit for only $1.65.
By the early 1950s, beauty and publicity had become almost ridiculous, as evidenced by the crowning of Potato Queens (Marilyn Monroe), National Soybean Queen (and Miss Missouri), Sourkraut Queen, Queen Pickle.
I believe that these are pictures of Confederate Soldiers from the Civil War. This album also included pictures of women, children, and non-uniformed men. I was told that all these people were from St. Louis, or relatives of people living in St. Louis. Such fascinating untold stories… I’ll let these pictures speak for themselves!
It happens to us all. Occasionally we buy a piece and are disappointed, or overlooked a flaw noted in the description, or don't agree with the seller that the item was in "great/good/awesome"...
This turn of the century children’s alphabet book contains illustrations and descriptions of 27 birds from all over the world including parrots, poultry and songbirds.
This next article includes plenty of scantily clad pictures of Lucille Ball and Marie Wilson (as Irma, the dumbest blonde on TV). Irma in the “My Friend Irma” show, especially, is mentioned as stretching television’s strict Code with risque outfits and comedic innuendos. Lucille Ball is mentioned as being the pretty woman with brains and wit behind the top ten rated show “I Love Lucy”.
These photos show the Arch under various stages of construction, from just two legs, to the final keystone about to be placed into the nearly complete monument… fascinating historic slide scans of the Gateway Arch under construction in 1965.
Ginger Rogers graced the front cover of the October 1935 edition of Popular Songs Magazine. It advertised the lyrics to over 30 popular songs of the mid-1930s!
On the inner cover was a full page illustrated advertisement for diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, watches, and other jewelry for men and women wanting great values by Royal Diamond and Watch of 170 Broadway, NYC. You could could get a diamond engagement and wedding ring set for only $29.75 (approximately $525.12 in 2016 dollars).
The Perfolastic shapewear had a money back guarantee if it did not reduce your waist and hips by 3 inches, and an offer to send a free sample of the perforated elastic material that the girdles were made from. This illustrates the ideal 1930s silhouette of narrow waist and hips, with a small to medium bust.
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Explore the rich St. Louis Muny Opera history through these pages from the 1943 St. Louis Municipal Opera program. This archive includes the comprehensive Municipal Opera Productions Directory (from 1919-1942), offering a detailed glimpse into the evolution and milestones of the Muny Association, a cornerstone of St. Louis’ cultural heritage.
