October 18, 2009

Saturday Snapshots {October 17, 2009}


“I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging the future but by the past.” ~ Patrick Henry



{Four family members pose in front of their car en route home from a fishing trip in this great slice of life shot from 1949. Is it just my perception, or does the man holding up the wee little fish bear a vague resemblance to Bill Murray?}



{A mother and daughter, each dressed in lovely outfits, gaze slightly to the side but still at the lens, in contrast to the two workmen perched atop a truckload of pumpkins in the background. This pleasant – and fantastically autumnal shot – hails from 1953 and was taken in Burton, Ohio at an event with the delightful name of the “Apple Butter Festival”.}



{Aside from a first name (Dorothy) no information whatsoever if given about the identity of this woman or as to where – or when – this strikingly pretty portrait was shot. I like to imagine that Dorothy had this photo taken to send to her beloved who was overseas fighting the good fight, while she in turn was doing her indispensable part on the home front.}



{Though it was taken fifty five years ago, there is a distinctly razor sharp clarity to this Vegas nightlife photo. The vibrant neon signs and figure of a gold miner panning atop the roof of the Lucky Strike Club look vivid enough to have been snapped this week.}



{I feel as though there's eally wonderful about this candid shot, the two women actively engaged in a lively conversation, the young child giving off an expression that almost seems to say, “Do they ever stop gabbing?”. Perhaps what I love most about this image though, is the large, beautiful Frigidaire refrigerator standing off to the right almost like a third participant in the spirited chat.}



{A handsome young GI and an equally pretty gal stroll down the sidewalk, their arms tucked around one another’s backs in this undated shot that I would peg to be from the 40s. At first glance I wondered if perhaps she was wearing white because they’d just tied the knot, however upon closer inspection, I feel her outfit looks a bit like a nurse’s uniform. What do you think, had she just gotten off work or is she headed off into married life?}



{Four women sharply dressed women gather for a photo in this lovely shot, taken in San Jose (California), from 1954. From left to right they’re identified as being Patricia, “Mom”, Gladys, and Mildred – don’t you just adore their curly updos and sensible yet still wonderfully pretty outfits?}



{There is something deeply engaging – and perhaps far more artistic than the photographer had knowingly intended – about this beautiful Washington, D.C. street shot. A lone young woman hurries down the sidewalk with a dog in tow, the bare branches of the tree almost seeming to beckon out to her as she rushes past the quaint, autumn toned buildings.}


{Time, which has a propensity for doing such things, has faded this photo snapped during a family outing to the golf course, but we can still make out the unflinching expression on the mother’s face and sense of anxious boredom which may have been setting in with the two youngsters. While you can almost hear the mom thinking to herself, “I swear, if Bob drags me and the kids to one more golf game with the boss, so help me, he’ll have to press his own socks from now on!”, one can’t help but be smitten with her adorable bow bedecked, strapless summer top – which, I’m quite sure, beat the pants off of whatever ensemble Bob was wearing that day ;D}



{A sizable gang of people (predominately young women) pose for a group shot in this 1930s Italian image, about which little background information is provided. I wonder if perhaps they were students and teachers on a trip, as the bus to the far left of the photo might indicate.}

{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}


I have always believed that we live not only through memories, but by them. A negative or painful memory can become a ghost, a taskmaster, an inner demon of sorts; it can also work to ensure we do all that we can to make certain history never repeats itself. A positive one can build confidence, help overshadow the bad, and bring us peace in moments of strife. Both are vital though to the tapestry of our lives, both teach and inspire, lead us into the abyss of tomorrow and shine a light for what lies ahead.

20 comments:

  1. These shots are perfect. I too love the Washington street photograph and the two women talking in the kitchen with the child between them. I always feel like there's something somber about the onset of fall that makes me stop and take notice more often...the pics remind me of that feeling. Thanks once again for the snapshots.

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  2. Hey Jessica! I thought the same thing about that first fella' lookin' like Bill Murray! Great pics!

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  3. I love that lady's snazzy sense of style! Combining the classic navy with a splash of fire engine red is a sure sign of a fashionista, imho.

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  4. Such an amazing group of pictures. I just love old pictures, it's so interesting to look through them and think about the people in them and their lives.
    I especially love the photo of the women talking by the refrigerator and the soldier and the girl with each others arms around their waist. When I first glanced I thought it was a just got married shot, but her hat looks pretty nurse-like.
    Lovely post, hope you had a wonderful weekend :)

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  5. Your blog is excellent! I have been looking for a good vintage-inspired blog! I love the Washington photo and the golf course.

    xoxo
    Rachel

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  6. i love how you at once narrate and deconstruct these historical fragments. reminds me a bit of walter benjamin's style :)

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  7. Good Morning Jessica.. I love these photos.. especially the GI and his girl.. reminds me that it could be my parents, my dad was in the military and mom was a nurse. I also have to agree about the woman walking along the street in DC.. it could have been painted, it looks so remarkable. Great pics and love this post!

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  8. Oh wow, the forth last .. the colours are just so gorgeous. Gosh they had style.
    xxx

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  9. What a lovely collection yet again - I just adore the kitchen image - I can really empathise with that little girl! Thanks doll x

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  10. Those shots are just wonderful! I love looking into the past through old photos.

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  11. Thanx 4 sharing these wonderful photos, I enjoyed them all! Stay sweet my lady ;-)

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  12. Incredible photos!! There is something so amazing about vintage photographs- they tell such a wonderful story. Oh and definitely Bill Murray- Definitely! LOL

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  13. I love your snapshots my dear Jessica ! So inspiring !

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  14. I always love seeing your selection of snapshots. What an great parting sentiment, too. Thanks, Jessica! (The golf cart shot is one of my favorites, but I enjoy each of them tremendously...keep on keepin' on.)

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  15. These are great. I do so love seeing vintage photos. Thanks for sharing these with us. I hope you will have a fantastic week. Cheers!

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  16. Jessica, your blog is so amazing! I too love all things vintage and spent hours on your blog! These pictures are amazing. You have inspired me to dig out my old family photos! Take care! Kori xoxo

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  17. Loved all the vintage photos...oh they make you yearn for those times...

    Stay Cozy, Carrie

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  18. Beautiful photos.
    I think the girl in white was just married - the dress looks sort of lacy to me (especially the sleeves)

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  19. I have this thing for old pictures of men in military uniforms, so I especially love the one of the GI. (I have loads of pictures of sailors in my flickr favourites.)
    -Andi x

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  20. Joyful Thursday greetings, wonderful dears, thank you each so much for your excellent comments. I truly enjoy reading what the vintage photos I post make you think of, and greatly appreciate all of your comments.

    Huge hugs & wishes of October bliss to you all,
    ♥ Jessica

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