In 1924, the most successful man in any boardroom wasn’t the quiet genius—he was the “Oxygen Man.” Discover how Roaring Twenties America used pseudoscientific personality theory to define the ultimate business “go-getter,” and why being called a “Babbitt” was the highest compliment of the Jazz Age.
1920s
Step back in time to the Roaring Twenties and explore the revolutionary changes in 1920s history and fashion. Dive into the iconic styles of the Jazz Age, from the liberating silhouettes of flapper dresses to the timeless elegance of 1920s wedding gowns. Discover the glamour of Old Hollywood, browse through vintage fashion advertisements, and get a glimpse into everyday life with our collection of historical photographs. We also feature a look at the automotive revolution of the era with classic car ads and more. Whether you’re a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or simply captivated by the allure of the 1920s, you’ll find a wealth of information and inspiration here.
The Science of Soulmates: 1920s Advice on the Chemistry of Love
Discover how Americans in 1924 used chemistry—literal test tubes and scientific theories—to find their soulmates. This fascinating dive into Jazz Age dating culture reveals how the revolution in courtship, from parlor visits to automobile romance, sparked a scientific approach to love that mirrors today’s algorithm-driven dating apps. Featuring the “Triangle of Love,” oil-and-water compatibility tests, and warnings about petting parties, this expanded look at vintage relationship advice proves that humans have always sought formulas for lasting love.
Welcome to 1925: The Year of the Graphologist and the Auto Expert
Step back into the winter of 1924-25 with a rare copy of Character Reading magazine—a fascinating time capsule of American self-improvement culture during the Jazz Age. This digitized issue reveals how Americans navigated an era of unprecedented change through graphology, personality analysis, and vocational training in the “new tech” industries of electricity and automobiles.
Edited by the remarkable husband-and-wife team of W. Thomas Walsh and Edna Purdy Walsh, this magazine offers a window into an era when handwriting analysis was considered a marketable social skill, when electricians and auto mechanics could earn life-changing wages, and when women were carving out influential roles in publishing and psychology. Discover the origins of American self-help culture and the promises of prosperity that captivated readers 100 years ago.
Pictures from the 1927 St. Louis Tornado
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.
Old photos in cool old cardboard frames
Discover a collection of old photos preserved in beautiful vintage cardboard frames. One is stamped April 20, 1930, while others appear to date back to the early 1900s, possibly the 1920s or late 19-teens. Learn about cabinet cards, historical photo preservation, and the subtle clues that help date these timeless portraits.
1920s old car and family photos
This old family photo with the art deco border stamped August 20, 1927 on the back, is one of my favorite pictures so far. I wish I knew the story behind it, but I can imagine on the expressions of the people around this old Model T. The old woman...
Old Family Photos from 1880s to 1942
The young in the black dress looks very uncomfortable, as if her corset has been laced too tight. The young man staring directly into the camera, perfectly exposed and focused, is my favorite of this set. Then, there's a child on a play horse, and...
1920s Wedding Dress and Veil Modern Portraits
I shot these photos of my friend Anita, modeling a 1920s wedding dress and veil that were borrowed from the Carondelet Historic Society. This is an ongoing project to visually, digitally, preserve their clothing and accessories collection....
Old Hollywood Glamour Portraits
I met Anita thru a guy I met on Twitter. It was pretty random, and I had no idea what she looked like until she showed up. I'd emailed her asking to come prepared to do her makeup in the styles of the 1920s and 1930s. So far, she's the only model...
Apropos Magazine, by the Auto Club of Missouri, 1922
This is the Thanksgiving December 1922 issue of Apropos Magazine, which was published by the Automobile Club of Missouri. What a fascinating peek into the advertising and luxury culture of the Roaring 20s in the Midwest! The front cover has come...
Old Hollywood Style Portraits with Anita
These hats belonged to the Carondelet Historical Society. The pink dress was from the 1980s and we got it for $2 at the thrift shop next door. The green cloak she’s wearing is from the 1920s.This mixed wardrobe was perfect inspiration for some very emotive, classic, portraits.
1920s Wedding Dress
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.
1920s Fashion Advertisements: (last 2 pages of the 1924 St. Louis Fashion Pageant)
Step back in time with our scanned pages of 1920s fashion advertisements, highlighted by the exquisite collection from the 1924 St. Louis Fashion Pageant. These pages offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the fashion trends and advertising styles that captivated a generation.
Wills Sainte Claire, Willys Knight, and Stutz auto ads
Here are some ads for long-out of business automobile makers: Wills Saint Claire, Willys Knight, Winton, and Stutz. Stutz produced luxury automobiles, and this ad is clearly aimed towards the Edwardian mother. The Winton ad is from 1915. The Willys Knight ads appear to be from the 1920s, the model 70 was produced in 1927. I am not sure when the Whippet was produced. There are several pages of ads for Willys Knight sedans and autos. The Wills Sainte Claire ad features its Canadian Goose logo and this page contains 2 scanned ads.
1920s Studebaker, Rauch & Lang, Pierce-Arrow, and Reo motor car advertisements
Here’s various ads for Studebaker cars from the 1920s, the Pierce-Arrow French Brougham, Rauch & Lang worm drive, and Reo 5th and 6th cars and sedans (from 1913).
I can see why the Studebaker is such a classic. The luxurious illustrated advertisement style is distinct. Well bred dogs to go with a well bred car. Stylish women. These early 1920s Studebaker ads are all about luxury.
1920s Packard Auto Ads
Here are 9 Packard car advertisements from the 1920s, including one for “Your 1925 Packard”. Several of these ads contain the slogan, “Ask the Man Who Owns One”.
Old car ads: Maxwell, Nash, and Overland car ads
Here are 4 illustrated ads for a 1920s Nash roadster, an early 1920s Overland Car, and 2 pages of ads for Maxwell Motors.
1920s Lincoln Automobile Ads
Explore a captivating collection of 1920s Lincoln automobile ads highlighting luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation. Featuring iconic models like the Berline Landaulet, Cabriolet, and 4 Passenger Coupe, these vintage ads capture the elegance and technological spirit of the roaring twenties, solidifying Lincoln’s status as a leader in the era’s luxury automotive market.
Old Cadillac Lasalle Ads
Here are some scans that I made to digitize an old guy’s scrapbook. These are lovely illustrations that capture the energy of the late 1920s. I found the wikipedia article on the history Lasalle fascinating, and a little tragic:
Old car ads: Jewett, Hudson, and Paige automobile ads
Dive into the fascinating world of early automobile advertising with these vintage ad clippings featuring Jewett automobiles, Hudson cars, and Paige vehicles. Discover slogans like “Enclosed comfort” and “Joyous pep” that captured the imagination of early car buyers. Highlights include The Hudson 640 of 1915, the 7-passenger Hudson Six 54, and the Hudson sedan—perfect mementos from a time when automobiles were transforming daily life. See how car ads from over 100 years ago laid the groundwork for modern marketing.
Early 1900s electric trucks advertisements
Here are 2 pages of ads for electric trucks from the early 1900s that were in that scrap book that my boyfriend’s dad dropped off a few weeks ago. I am guessing these are from the late teens or early 1920s? In the Detroit Electric Car ad, it looks like Santa Clause is sitting in the vehicle!




















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