In 1953, the biggest vessel to travel the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway (at the time) managed to wind its way downtown on the Chicago River. This steel hull behemoth was nearly 634 feet long (193m) and 70 feet wide (21.3m) and according to a Chica…
These remarkable photographs provide probably the only surviving images of veterans of the Grande Armée and the Guard actually wearing their original uniforms and insignia, although some of the uniforms have obviously been recut by tailors of the 1850s. …
Thanksgiving in the 1950s and 1960s carried a warmth that still echoes through the photographs left behind. These vintage snapshots reveal families gathering around crowded tables, kitchens alive with activity, and living rooms filled with familiar rituals …
Jane Russell remains one of the most captivating figures of Hollywood’s golden age—a woman whose appeal, talent, and confidence defined an era. With her smoky voice, striking figure, and unmistakable screen presence, she became an emblem of 1940s and 1950s …
When the Consumer Electronics Show first opened its doors in June 1967, few could have predicted the influence it would have on the future of technology. Hosted in New York City, the inaugural event gathered 17,500 attendees and more than 100 exhibitors eag…
Before the internet made it effortless to delete a name, block a profile, or erase a face from the digital record, “unfriending” looked very different. It was a messy, physical act that required scissors, ink, or whatever tools were at hand. A falling out w…
Cheerleading has long been a fixture of American sports culture, combining energy, performance, and a sense of tradition. What began as simple chants from the stands gradually evolved into an organized activity that blended athleticism with entertainment. …
In the 1980s, Italy moved to its own rhythm—unhurried, sun-soaked, and rich with everyday beauty. The country had not yet been swept up in the fast pace of globalization. Instead, its cities and towns carried a lived-in elegance, where life unfolded in piaz…
The Soviet Union was many things at once: a superpower, a planned economy, a tightly controlled state, and a society of more than 280 million individuals spread across vast and varied territories. Between the 1950s and the 1980s, the USSR projected strength…
Long before today’s video calls became part of daily life, videophones were the stuff of science fiction, futuristic devices imagined in movies, magazines, and the minds of tech visionaries. The ability to see and speak with someone in real time across vast…
Cyd Charisse was more than just a dazzling presence in Hollywood’s Golden Age, she was a force of elegance and precision, a dancer whose every movement seemed effortlessly fluid yet impossibly precise. In the 1950s, she became one of the most sought-after s…
The evolution of swimwear underwent a dramatic transformation in the 20th century as fashion trends rapidly shifted and the restrictive conventions of the Victorian era gave way to new ideals of freedom and functionality. Early in the century, one-piece swi…
In 1976, a unique destination for dining, meeting, and entertainment opened in the heart of New York City: Windows on the World. Situated on the 107th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, it became widely celebrated for its floor-to-ceili…
Motorcycles have a fascinating origin story rooted in the technological advancements of the 19th century. Their lineage can be traced back to the "safety bicycle," which featured equally sized front and rear wheels and a pedal-crank mechanism to propel the …
Fashion has always played a central role in holiday celebrations, from timeless little black dresses to whimsical, tacky sweaters and the excitement of shopping for new festive outfits. Yet some Christmas fashion trends stand out as especially curious—like …
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, hair salons were more than just places to perfect the era’s iconic bouffants and big hairstyles—they were a central part of social life. Even as these elaborate hairdos faded in popularity, giving way to more relaxed and m…
The Volkswagen classic van, nearly seventy years since its introduction, remains one of the most beloved and recognizable vehicles in automotive history. With its engine positioned at the back, the van offered drivers a clear, expansive view of the road ahe…
Go-go boots burst onto the fashion scene in the 1960s and 1970s, capturing the attention of a generation eager to embrace daring, new styles. Originally popularized in the mid-60s by French designer André Courrèges, these sleek, knee-high boots with low hee…
Historically, dog-drawn carts were a common sight in Belgium and the Netherlands, employed for the transportation of milk, bread, and other goods. These vehicles, typically pulled by a pair or more of canines, were a practical and efficient mode of delivery…
Maxwell Street Market, an iconic and vibrant marketplace, played a important role in the cultural and economic landscape of Chicago from the late 19th century until its closure in 1994. Established by newly arrived Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, thi…