Discover the past through our Photo Scans category, featuring an extensive collection of digital scans from the Civil War era, turn-of-the-century cabinet card photos by renowned St. Louis photographers, and a diverse array of preserved old photos. Each scan offers a unique glimpse into history, capturing moments frozen in time from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore our digital archive for a deep dive into the visual history of America’s past, meticulously curated for historians, genealogists, and photography enthusiasts.
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.
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!
I found a date on these turn of the century children's and family photos I scanned. On the back of the photo of the young woman in a white dress by St. Louis photographer J. Hass, was written "1906"...
Here are a few of my latest old photo scans. The family photo in the white frame was dated 1913 on the back. The last one is clearly a class photo that some small child or angsty teen has drawn thru...
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.
The picture that grips me most from this set of old photo scans is the turn of the century picture of the little blonde toddler next to a chair taken by Hans Jaggli from Winterthur Sweden. The back...
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 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...
These pictures were inserted into archival plastic sleeves with no apparent order! There is a very pretty young girl, and on the back it's dated "Christmas 1885". Another, from 1889 by Hagendorff of...
J. Haas shot a very lovely looking portrait of a young couple, which I am guessing (but not sure) would be around 1908-ish because of her high necked long tulip flared gown and poofed sleeves....
I wish I could date this un-credited photo of a worried young soldier... was it the 1890s, or earlier? I also can't date the un-credited family photo, which is fading. Here is an interesting scan of...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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...
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!
