Cabinet Cards

Step back in time to the late 19th century as you explore the rich world of cabinet cards on this page. These carefully curated scans of original cabinet cards, dating back to the 1800s, offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of men, women, and families from a bygone era. Each photograph, masterfully captured by early St. Louis photographers, holds a story—sometimes of close-knit sisters, other times of individuals whose names and histories remain lost to time. Through these preserved images, I invite you to journey into the past and imagine the lives of those who sat before the camera, frozen in a moment of history that continues to echo today. Dive deeper into their stories and appreciate the artistry and legacy of these vintage photographs.

A turn of the century Swedish Girl, German turn of the century photos, & random

A turn of the century Swedish Girl, German turn of the century photos, & random

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This post explores a small but rich collection of vintage images: baby cabinet cards from German studios like Emil Tiedemann and Thiele, a New York portrait by J. Gurney & Son, and a Milwaukee photo by Hugo Broichl—plus later snapshots from the 1950s. Together they trace how families in Sweden, Germany, and the United States used studio portraits and early cameras to capture fleeting moments of childhood and identity at a time when every photograph was planned, precious, and meant to last.

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1890s Childrens Portraits

1890s Childrens Portraits

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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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Old photos in cool old cardboard frames

Old photos in cool old cardboard frames

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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.

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St. Louis Turn of the Century Family Photography

St. Louis Turn of the Century Family Photography

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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

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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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1800s Photos from St. Louis, MO

1800s Photos from St. Louis, MO

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Discover hauntingly beautiful cabinet card photos from 1800s St. Louis, MO. These vintage images capture everyday life at the turn of the century, featuring mysterious children, First Communion traditions, and an enigmatic girl with a tambourine. Dive into the stories behind these historic photographs and their connection to a rapidly changing city.

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More scanned photos from the turn of the century St. Louis Photographers

More scanned photos from the turn of the century St. Louis Photographers

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Discover a selection of turn-of-the-century photographs from St. Louis studios like When Studio, Crescent Studios, and J. Haas. This collection includes a mysterious unmarked photo, formal headshots of young men, and an intriguing bridal portrait featuring a black wedding dress. Explore the history, fashion, and social customs captured in these historic cabinet cards and vintage portrait styles.

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History of Photographers in St. Louis

History of Photographers in St. Louis

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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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Turn of the Century Wedding, couple, and baby photo scans

Turn of the Century Wedding, couple, and baby photo scans

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I’ve been immersed in vintage history lately, scanning stunning cabinet cards and old photos dating from 1880 to 1910 for the Carondelet Historical Society. These remarkable artifacts include wedding portraits, baby photos, and couple pictures, offering a window into St. Louis life at the turn of the century. The intricate fashion details and local studio imprints bring these timeless memories to life, preserving them for generations to come!

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1800s baby photos

1800s baby photos

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Here are some baby photos from the 1800s, that were mixed in with an envelop! I don’t think that the baby photo, by St. Louis Photographer Bell Studios, came in the envelop as it’s postmarked from Miss A. Schenkel in Detroit (and sent to Henry Kellogg St. Louis). Whatever correspondence it once contained has been lost. The baby, presumably E..? Warren Kellogg, looks rather crazy in the eyes, giving that unfocused gaze just past the camera.

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Cabinet Cards of Young Men, Children, and Couples

Cabinet Cards of Young Men, Children, and Couples

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Here are the rest of the 1800s cabinet cards I digitized for the Carondelet Historical Society. I really like the young lady wearing a hat, as shot by Polensky of Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. That photo, of any, gives me some ideas on historical re-creation. The background is so cool, and could probably be made into a photoshop texture or something!

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A woman in a WAC uniform reading a newspaper during WWII.

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