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The Glory of Grandma’s Vintage Photographs

by Anastasia on December 28, 2009 · 16 comments

in History, People, Photos

Old photographs are gorgeous, aren’t they? They’re more than black and white or sepia pictures. Each and every one captures just a little piece of history. Think of all of the things we wouldn’t know — wouldn’t be able to see — if we didn’t have vintage photos. The style offers an interesting contrast to today’s photos as well. Because of the nature of the technology of the time, photos were often much more posed instead of featuring the great number of candid shots we have today. Do you have a favorite old photograph, maybe of older family members or ancestors from a few generations back? Tell us about it in the comments. In the meantime, enjoy this photostream of vintage photos.

March 1945, Classroom picture
vintage

Gefangene Russen die in Ulm (Deutschland), 1917
vintage

Having fun, 1809

vintage

Boy and the dog, 1950′s
vintage

vintage

Somewhere between 1890 and 1930
vintage

vintage

Butchering day
vintage

vintage

Taken at David Beans, Bean’s Settlement
vintage

II Vedovo. Bologna, 1922
vintage

Paramount, 1933. Directed by Arthur Ripley
vintage

Amazing toy car

vintage

High Wheel Bicycle Club Group Photo – circa 1895
vintage

Studio portrait of a Prussian infantryman. Hamburg 1915
vintage

Four Landsturmmänner from Landsturm Bataillon 44 out and about
vintage

Family teatime, 1885
vintage

Family shot, 1900
vintage

Jolly hockeyers
vintage

vintage

Group of some play, 1912
vintage

Nana Angel
vintage

1950s. Hungary. Obligatory Demonstration of 1st May
vintage

Laundry delivery truck: Worthington, Ohio 1939
vintage

Guardian Cookware. A wedding present, 1939
vintage

vintage

Lucky Wishbone in Tucson – Circa 1956
vintage

1968 Eastridge
vintage

Kingwood Pharmacy
vintage

ER School patrol
vintage

A Woman And Her Dog, Harlem, 1943
vintage

{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }

Yls Novak January 1, 2010 at 7:44 am

“Having fun, 1809″, Seriously ?

Great pictures, thancks for sharing ! (happy New Year)

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john in co January 1, 2010 at 1:57 pm

I could be wrong, but I highly doubt the third photo was taken in 1809, I think it was probably taken in the 30′s or 40′s. Great post, otherwise.

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Schahryar Fekri January 1, 2010 at 11:57 pm

Wonderful … thanks for post

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Emiliano Zapata January 2, 2010 at 12:39 am

I had one grunch but the eggplant over there.

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Tom January 2, 2010 at 1:04 pm

Bologna is one of the most amazing places in Italy!

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mmm doughnuts January 9, 2010 at 10:01 pm

50+ years later and Krispy Kreams and pit stains are still synonymous.

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Dick January 10, 2010 at 9:48 am

Great pictures and I’m sure great memories for those involved. I agree with the one comment about picture #3. It definitey looks 1930-1940′s not 1800′s.

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waro January 11, 2010 at 1:22 am

thank you great pictures

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Red January 11, 2010 at 7:35 am

If you honestly think a picture containing an airplane was taken in the 1890s you’re gonna want to think about another try at elementary school.

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Bo January 11, 2010 at 5:09 pm

Since the earliest surviving photograph was taken in the 1820′s i seriously doubt the date on the third picture.

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Bo January 11, 2010 at 5:50 pm

Oh, and the sixth picture could not have been taken before 1916, as the airplane in the picture most centainly is a french SPAD (earliest possible one would be SPAD S.VII from 1916)

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Jef January 21, 2010 at 9:02 am

There’s a word (or more) missing here: “Gefangene Russen die in Ulm (Deutschland), 1917″. The caption translates “Russian prisoners who in Ulm (Germany) ….. ” Who did what?

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Bynrdskynrd January 22, 2010 at 3:03 pm

The picture with the Acting Troupe–why is Carol Burnett standing with her mop?

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Gabriel Gadfly August 28, 2010 at 11:50 am

These are fantastic. I love old photographs.

Reply

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