Old Photo Scans

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.

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.

read more
Turn of the century firefighter pictures

Turn of the century firefighter pictures

Here are pictures of firemen, a hose cart, and the Carondelet Heights Fire Association at the turn of the century.It looks like they’re showing off the new fire hose cart and maybe the fire hose, since the men are posed holding the hose unwound, on ladders against the next door building. The fire fighters are also shown acting like they’re pulling the fire cart, and there are no horses.

read more
1930s nun and family photos

1930s nun and family photos

Discover a unique collection of 1930s photo scans featuring family moments, children, and Catholic nuns. These images offer a window into Great Depression-era fashion, faith, and middle-class life in the Midwest. Explore how modest clothing, short waved hairstyles, and community resilience defined this pivotal moment in history. Dive into this vintage family album for a glimpse into the past.

read more
1930s Wedding Photos, and How to Date old photos by hair style

1930s Wedding Photos, and How to Date old photos by hair style

Take a step back in time with these stunning 1930s wedding photos. Captured by St. Louis photographer J.J. Belka, these portraits reveal timeless elegance during the Great Depression. Learn how hairstyles, like the iconic pin curls, can help date old photos. Discover the fascinating intersection of vintage fashion and history through wedding photography trends of this era.

read more
1950s Wedding Photos: A Glimpse into Post-War Romance and Bridal Fashion

1950s Wedding Photos: A Glimpse into Post-War Romance and Bridal Fashion

Step back in time with these genuine 1950s wedding photos of Mary and her family. Discover post-war bridal fashion trends, the influence of Christian Dior’s New Look on wedding dresses, and how wedding photography evolved during this romantic era. These authentic vintage photographs, spanning from 1913 to the 1950s, reveal three generations of changing wedding customs, fashion, and American culture.

read more
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

,

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.

read more
Pictures from the 1927 St. Louis Tornado

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.

read more
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!

read more
Old photos in cool old cardboard frames

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.

read more
1920s old car and family photos

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...

read more
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.

read more
1800s Photos from St. Louis, MO

1800s Photos from St. Louis, MO

,

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.

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

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

,

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.

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

Get 10% Off Your First Vintage Find

Subscribe to receive a 10% off welcome coupon by email, plus early access to new vintage drops, behind-the-scenes sourcing notes, and scans of the old photos, programs, and paper ephemera I uncover and digitize.

Almost there! Please check your email inbox right now and click the link in our confirmation message to complete your subscription. (If you don't see it, check your spam folder!)

Pin It on Pinterest

×