Monday, September 14, 2009

Kohler Studios, Milwaukee Wisconsin


A nice studio portrait of a middle aged woman taken at Kohler Studios, 275 WEST WATER STREET MILWAUKEE. From the teens, I would guess.

Post War





















































































































































































I'm 54 and I've lived through too many wars. For people my age, though, when the term "post war" is used, it means the ten to fifteen years right after World War 2. It's when our parents rebuilt their lives, and when we were born. Some would say that the period ended with Korea, others with Vietnam. Written on the back of the photo of the single figure standing on the ship deck, "Yours truly on board ship. Avoiding some detail no doubt. Love Ralph." The two guys sitting on ship, "Gen. McCrae, A fellow from Detroit and myself on board ship. Love Ralph." The closer of the two shots of Ralph standing in front of the tent, "Verdun, Yours truly in the doorway of the tent I lived in when I first got to Verdun. Love Ralph." The barracks building, "Home away from home." The store front with the confederate flag and tires, "Save your Confederate money, boys. The south will rise again." Ralph on the swing, smiling, "Cute boy!" With face covered, "You name it." The lake, "Lake Mitchell June 7, 1954." The only other dated photo is of the children, printed on the front, right border, OCT 62. No locations or dates written on the European shots, but it does remind me that my father once told me that both the great depression and the war were good in one way, it forced Americans to get out of their small towns. Ralph may still be alive, and if he is, I hope he leaves a comment.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Hell Divers


Lloyd Adkins, sky writer, hell diver. My guess is that this photo was taken during the 1930's. This young lady is wearing pants, daring in those days. After World War 1, lots of surplus airplanes supplied an air show circuit.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Group Photo With Bicycle


I don't know why, but I get a feeling that this picture is from Europe. I think American kids from the fifties or sixties, the two most likely decades for this image, wouldn't have been caught dead in those shorts.

High School Portrait


She looks like a high school girl from the World War 2 era. Maybe a college girl, or someone out in the world for the first time. A studio portrait. No identification or date.

Minor League San Diego Padres







Purchased here in California, I'm going to go out on a limb and write that the SD seen in the out of focus print is for the San Diego Padres of the Pacific Coast League. Written on the back of the print where the player is not wearing a uniform, "This is Hugh in a ball position. Some brother!"

Monday, September 7, 2009

Small Woman, Big Bike


If you're a bicycle fan, you've got to love this picture. This bike is way too big for the rider. From the thirties, I'd guess.