1890s

St. Louis Turn of the Century Family Photography

St. Louis Turn of the Century Family Photography

A richly scanned collection of turn‑of‑the‑century St. Louis cabinet cards and studio portraits—J. Haas, Setzer, When, Crescent, Parsons, and others—featuring a young soldier, First Communion scenes, and unforgettable character studies. Dive into Victorian‑to‑Edwardian fashion details, studio backdrops, and card‑back imprints to help date and better understand these Missouri family photographs.

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Turn of the century photos by St. Louis Photographers

Turn of the century photos by St. Louis Photographers

Step back in time with this collection of turn-of-the-century photos from St. Louis photographers, including studios like Parsons, When Studios (1893), J. Haas, Theo E. Setzer, and more. These vintage cabinet cards and old photo scans offer a fascinating glimpse into the Victorian and Edwardian eras, capturing the artistry of antique photography and the lives of their subjects. Explore the historical legacy of 19th-century portraiture and the stories these images preserve from a bygone era.

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Chicago World’s Fair – the 1893 Columbian Exposition

Chicago World’s Fair – the 1893 Columbian Exposition

The World’s Columbian Exposition was a world’s fair held in Chicago in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World in 1492. The centerpiece of the Fair, held in Jackson Park, was a large water pool representing Columbus’ voyage to the New World. These scans are Volume 8 of the pamphlet series, The Dream City: A Portfolio of Photographic Views of the World’s Columbian Exposition. I also bought Volume 10, thinking that this was the St. Louis World’s Fair (the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), but that’s what I get for being on eBay too late at night.

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1890s Childrens Portraits

1890s Childrens Portraits

This is my second-to-last batch of turn-of-the-century photo scans, thoughtfully curated into “children” and “adults.” These 1890s cabinet card portraits of children offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian life, showcasing intricate fashion, cultural values, and the art of 19th-century photography. One photo even revealed a hidden surprise—a small picture tucked behind the backing of the cardboard. These portraits preserve the innocence and charm of a bygone era in stunning detail!

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History of Photographers in St. Louis

History of Photographers in St. Louis

Discover the fascinating history of 19th and early 20th-century photographers in St. Louis through cabinet cards and old photo scans. From Henry Holburn’s “When Art Gallery” to William Schiller’s “Star Gallery,” explore how these studios captured the artistry and legacy of Victorian-era photography. Learn about unique details hidden in these vintage cards and their role in preserving a rich cultural heritage.

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Early 1900s St. Louis Photos

Early 1900s St. Louis Photos

These were in a mixed album of early 1900s St. Louis photos that I scanned. One of these shows the civil courts building under construction, with just the steel beams up, which was completed in 1930 (so this picture would have been c. 1929). Another old photo is dated 1910 and appears to be a group photo of men in the Teamsters Union.

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To Man, Woman is Basically Funny – history of pinups in  humor

To Man, Woman is Basically Funny – history of pinups in humor

hoopskirts to bathing suits, this Cheesecake Pinup magazine takes a look at the history of sexual innuendo in humor and media.

One of the first cartoons is from the 1860s, showing the wind blowing up a dress to reveal the hoopskirt underneath and (gasp) the sexyness of the woman’s ankels! Then came the peepshows in the Kinetoscopes of the 1890s (as examples are The Bedroom Farce, and a womens’ wrestling). Then, the late 1890s cinema came along, and in the early 1900s, Hollywood and the Keystone comedies and the scantily clad “big names wearing too little” and sensual Femme Fatale Movie Stars of the 1920s…

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Brief History of McKays Shoes

Brief History of McKays Shoes

Discover the fascinating history behind McKays Shoes, a term rooted in early 20th-century innovation and the rise of industrial shoemaking. Learn how the United Shoe Machinery Company revolutionized footwear production, why St. Louis became a hub for manufacturers in 1924, and how leasing the famous McKay machines shaped the shoe industry. Explore vintage advertisements and uncover the pivotal role of technology, fashion, and craftsmanship in footwear history.

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Victorian Ads for Burpee’s Seeds, skin bleach creams, typewriters, pianos, and more

Victorian Ads for Burpee’s Seeds, skin bleach creams, typewriters, pianos, and more

Step back in time with these fascinating 1892 magazine scans from The Delineator — a treasure trove of Victorian advertisements! Discover ads for Burpee’s seeds, Modene Hair Removal Cream, LaBlanche Face Powder, typewriters, pianos, magic lanterns, and more. These pages offer a glimpse into the daily lives, societal trends, and technological advancements of the early 1890s. Explore the captivating world of vintage advertising that reflects the charm and innovation of a bygone era.

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Victorian Handcrafts, Flowers, Beauty Advice, and Moral Advice

Victorian Handcrafts, Flowers, Beauty Advice, and Moral Advice

Explore delightful scans from The Delineator magazine, January 1892! Immerse yourself in Victorian life, from luxurious fur fashions and the culture of chrysanthemums to pyrography, moral advice, and homemade beauty recipes. Learn about Victorian children’s parties, Twelfth Night traditions, and tea table discussions—all reflecting the intricate arts, crafts, and values of late 19th-century women. Step back in time through these engaging magazine highlights!

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