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.
1890s
How to Measure for a Victorian Pattern – and The back pages of the 1892 Delineator Fashion Magazine
Whew! Finally done scanning this lengthy Victorian fashion magazine! I broke the spine while scanning it, but atleast now it's all digitally preserved. These last few pages of this magazine include alot of advertisements and illustrations....
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.
Pictures of 1800s young ladies and girls
I scanned some new cabinet cards! Here are some pictures of young ladies and children from approximately 1880-1900. These photos are exceptionally clear, and you can make out the texture of the young woman's skirt and hat. In another photo, a young...
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.
Turn of the century wedding, couples, and portraiture
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.
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!
Turn of the century photos from Crescent Studios, J. Haas, Setzer, and Parsons of St. Louis Mo
This first old photo of a girl with glasses in a white dress looks really silly. I feel sorry for her! The last picture, which looks like a turn of the century communion photo, also looks very awkward. I appreciate the interesting background that...
1800s Winter Outfit – modern vintage photography
1800s Winter Outfit – Modern Vintage Photography Here is a collection of photos showcasing a full-length 1890s black velvet cloak, rabbit fur bonnet, and hand muff—perfect for capturing the elegance and practicality of winter fashion during the...
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.
Gibson Girl Newspaper Clipping from 1966
Here’s a newspaper clipping from 1966 about an 86 year old former Gibson Girl model, Mrs. Josephine Gibson Knowlton, the sister of Charles Dana Gibson. She was “the original Gibson Girl”.
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.
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…
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.
Victorian fashion advertisements, household appliance ads, and misc. ads
I'm almost done scanning these last few pages of the 1892 Delineator! At first, I thought it was a catalog, but after reading and digitally preserving my way thru this issue, I can see that it was a fashion magazine... full of advertisements...
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.
Victorian beauty advertisements, and other misc ads
Here's some scans from the back pages of The Delineator advertising beauty products, pianos, silverware, oil lamps, manners books, flowers, and washing machines. It's especially interesting to see the illustrated washing machine ad, since I cannot...
Illustrated patterns for Victorian Dolls and Toys
These two pages of ads from the winter holiday issue of the Delineator are incredibly informative about the kinds of toys and dolls that children in the Victorian era used to play with. The dolls were little miniatures of adult fashions, and the...
Victorian Advertisements: Dress Trimmings, Fur Coats, Beads, Stamps, New Mother Instructions, and More
This begins the extended end of the Winter issue of the 1892 Delineator fashion magazine. It starts with a full page advertisement for all kinds of pretty miscellany, including fur sets for children, fur trimmings, decorative nail heads, guimps,...
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!
Victorian Crochet, Knit, and Lace Making Patterns
Here are some scans showing mostly lace making patterns and crochet designs from the early 1890s for various things, including how to knit and crochet childrens booties and baby clothes! This series of scans from the 1892 Delineator Fashion...




















