Before the late 1800s, tools for recording images of important historical events did not exist. Paintings and illustrations were used to commemorate significant people and occurrences. However, while these artworks were indeed magnificent, they could occasionally be inaccurate. Luckily, the invention of the first camera, known as the Kodak, in the 20th century changed this. With these optical devices, memorable historical moments could be captured in print and preserved forever. Today, we have the incredible opportunity to walk down memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic black-and-white moments captured on camera.
Harry “Handcuff” Houdini
You can’t mention magic without talking about Harry Houdini. Due to his remarkable escape skills, his name is now linked with magic. Originally from Hungary, Houdini moved to the United States to pursue a career as a magician. He started with nothing but eventually became arguably the most renowned and best-paid magician of his time.
Houdini’s performances mainly featured escapes from various objects, including handcuffs, straitjackets, ropes, and even a large milk can. He astounded thousands on three occasions by escaping after being buried alive.
The Notorious Luxury Ship
When you think of “Titanic,” you likely picture the blockbuster film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, directed by James Cameron, where the massive ship strikes an iceberg, breaks in two, and sinks into the sea.
While older generations are familiar with the real story, many young people may not realize that the Titanic was actually a luxurious 5-star hotel on the water, catering to some of the nation’s wealthiest individuals. Among them was John Jacob Astor, the ship’s richest passenger, who unfortunately did not survive the disaster. When his body was recovered, $2440 was found in his pocket. This picture shows one of the ship’s most luxurious cabins.
Dorothy Counts-Scoggins
This entry is an award-winning photo taken by Douglas Martin in 1957, showing Dorothy Counts-Scoggin being taunted by students behind her. It vividly portrays racism in a school that was once exclusively white. The passing of the Pearsall Plan ended racial segregation in schools, but it could not compel students to be accepting. Fifteen-year-old Dorothy was enrolled at Harry Harding High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, but withdrew after a few days due to severe harassment.
An official from the White Citizens Council even convinced her classmates to spit on her and throw rocks at her. The only two friends she made were also bullied, with eggs thrown at them. Dorothy transferred and completed her high school education in Philadelphia, earning her degree from Johnson C. Smith University. She mentioned that her faith in God was what kept her strong despite her struggles.
The importance of location
At times, it’s the place rather than the individuals that makes a picture truly remarkable. Although these two divers and their daring jumps might not have the same renown as the other people mentioned in this list, the photograph is still worth seeing.
The renown of the body of water in this image compensates for the lack of recognition of the divers. As you might have inferred from the skyline in the background, this is the River Thames in London. Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament are visible in the distance. The bold leap of this duo, along with the impressive setting, makes this a moment to remember. It was undoubtedly a unique opportunity for the spectators as well.
Einstein Moves to the United States
Einstein visited the United States in 1933 as he considered joining Caltech. During his stay, Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany, making it unsafe for Einstein to return home due to his Jewish heritage. This prompted him to permanently emigrate to the US. While there as a visitor, Einstein went to the Hopi House near the Grand Canyon. The native tribe welcomed him warmly and even allowed him to wear a traditional Hopi headdress. This image shows Einstein and his wife, Elsa, with some members of the Hopi tribe, highlighting how open-minded the theoretical physicist was.
A Hendrix-inspired Christmas
Jimi Hendrix is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated musicians and the greatest electric guitarists of all time. Though his career only lasted four years, his influence on music is unmatched. Known for performing at Woodstock, the era’s most famous music festival, Jimi amazed the audience with his remarkable talent, unique psychedelic style, and guitar-smashing stunts.
Considering how astonishing his performances always were, it’s no surprise to come across a photo of the musician in a Santa outfit, displaying the psychedelic cover art of his album. This Santa costume was for an advertisement in
Record Mirror
, a magazine that is no longer in publication. Given Jimi’s unique personality, it’s easy to confuse this for a casual ensemble!
Presley in private
Today, we recognize Elvis Presley as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and one of the most significant icons of his era. He rose to fame in the 1950s, winning over millions of fans with his talent and charm. Although his less conventional hip-swaying and pelvic thrusting moves attracted some criticism, they did not hinder his spectacular success. However, not many people know that Elvis joined the army in 1958. Indeed, staying true to his title, the King served his country in the Korean-American War. Unfortunately, his service was cut short due to the passing of his mother, who sadly died from a heart attack.
The Most Unsettling Pageant in the World
This unsettling photo has not been altered in any way. Although it appears spooky, there once was a Miss Lovely Eyes beauty contest. This event occurred in the 1930s, between World War I and World War II, and was held in Florida.
In contrast to typical beauty contests, this one focused solely on the beauty of the contestants’ eyes, which explains the bags concealing the other parts of these women’s faces. So, no, this isn’t a group of bank robbers in form-fitting attire; these are some of the participants in this very unusual pageant.
Exercising the Monroe Way
Marilyn Monroe was an alluring icon, who took great care to preserve her stunning figure. To achieve this, Marilyn frequently engaged in weightlifting exercises. Here’s an uncommon photo of the charming star pausing from her workout routine.
Even though she was a global symbol of beauty who encouraged body confidence, did you know that Norma Jeane struggled with low self-esteem? To satisfy the expectations of her fans, she underwent different cosmetic procedures, including adjustments to her overbite, a rhinoplasty, and a chin implant.
The Uncommon Pet of Audrey Hepburn
Whether you have a small dog peeking out from your purse or a large St. Bernard accompanying you on the streets, having a pet dog has become common worldwide. However, for movie star Audrey Hepburn, owning a dog wasn’t thrilling enough.
She chose to have a deer as a pet instead! Yes, this picture of Audrey grocery shopping with a deer is entirely real. She encountered this deer during the filming of the movie.
Green Mansions
The film’s producers suggested that she spend some quality time with the little creature to create an authentic connection in the movie. Audrey affectionately named her new friend Pippin.
Hemingway’s Preferred Location
Ernest Hemingway is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in American literature. His brilliance is evident in several of his works, including the well-known
Old Man and the Sea
He was still able to have his work published posthumously. He authored seven novels and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
If you picture Hemingway at his most creative sitting at a desk, you’re wrong. It seems that many of his best ideas came to him as he relaxed in the bathtub. I wonder which novel he was contemplating when this photo was taken?
Frank Sinatra is Just Like Everyone Else
Frank Sinatra might have been considered a “manly man,” but he still valued good hygiene. For him, looking and feeling good were important, which is why he indulged in a thorough shaving routine as seen in this photo. This picture was captured in 1965 by photographer John Dominis.
Life
To capture candid and personal moments of the renowned musician, Dominis followed Sinatra for a whole month.
The result is this deeply personal and special moment of the singer shaving. When the photo was released, it quickly became iconic. The fact that he was doing something so relatable made fans adore him even more. Even Sinatra himself appreciated the photo.
Tenzin Gyatso
Tenzin Gyatso, known to most as the 14th (and current) Dalai Lama, has gained worldwide recognition as a monk for his significant efforts to promote peace. Throughout his tenure as a Tibetan religious leader, he has interacted with many notable figures, including U.S. Presidents and Hollywood stars.
Given his impressive advocacies and wisdom, it is difficult to picture the Dalai Lama as a young child. Tenzin was born in 1935 to a family of farmers in Tibet. At the young age of 15, he ascended to the status of Holiness and has led Tibet ever since, although much of this time has been spent in exile in India.
Romantic Affairs of Presidents
Former US President Bill Clinton and former New York State Senator Hillary Clinton have experienced more highs and lows than most couples throughout their marriage. In this photo, however, we see a young couple joyfully in love, relishing the early stages of their relationship. This picture was taken in 1970, many years before the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.
The two met at Yale University while studying law. Bill was captivated by Hillary’s self-assurance and strength. He had to ask Hillary to marry him twice before she finally agreed. On his first attempt, Bill was turned down as Hillary said she needed more time. She eventually accepted his proposal the second time he asked.
André René Roussimoff
Andre Rene Roussimoff was a professional wrestler from France, better known as Andre the Giant due to his towering height of 7 feet 4 inches. Andre had a condition called gigantism, which results in excessive growth hormones in the body. His enormous stature led to him being dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world.” He participated in the inaugural
WrestleMania
hosted by WWE, where he faced Hulk Hogan. In 1993, he was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame. He also ventured into acting, playing the role of Fezzik in the film.
The Princess Bride
This photo was captured while Andre the Giant was at a fashion exhibition in Paris.
The Lady of the Matinee
Actress Carol Wayne became well-known for her appearances as a guest on the
Tonight Show
She appeared frequently on late-night shows hosted by Johnny Carson, earning the nickname “Matinee Lady” during their golden age. She was well-loved, but her widespread popularity came to a sudden halt with her tragic demise.
Carol passed away under mysterious conditions while touring Mexico with her partner, Edward Durston. The reason for her death remains unknown, leading to numerous speculations. Although many suspect foul play by Durston, there was not enough evidence to hold her partner accountable.
Lucille’s False Nose
Everyone who experienced the 1950s became familiar with and cherished the iconic duo of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, thanks to their sitcom.
I Love Lucy
It was one of the most popular shows of its era, largely due to the comedic pair. Although Lucille might appear to require urgent help in this picture, there’s no cause for concern; it’s merely a still from an episode of the series. In this scene, Lucy is wearing a fake nose as a disguise after inadvertently hitting William Holden in the face with a custard pie. Oops.
The Blonde Beauty
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most fascinating and intriguing celebrities of all time. People loved her and enjoyed watching her in films. Throughout her career, she appeared in nearly 30 movies. While she was undoubtedly attractive, the “blonde bombshell” didn’t have it all. Numerous individuals have mentioned having challenging working relationships with her.
Her ADHD and dependence on prescription medication made it hard for her to memorize lines. For example, her short line, “It’s me, Sugar,” required 47 attempts to get a usable take. Witnesses claim Marilyn kept mistakenly saying, “Sugar, it’s me.” In this photo, director Billy Wilder is guiding her.
The Ultimate Example of Friendship
When you hear the names Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, it’s hard to picture anyone other than two muscular, testosterone-fueled men. And who could fault you for that? These two actors were featured in some of the most legendary action movies ever made, like
Rambo, The Terminator,
and
Rocky
If you look carefully, you’ll notice these two actually resemble each other a bit. Ask Danish model and actress Brigitte Nielsen, who seems to have a type, as she dated both men. Even though they dated the same woman, their friendship was not affected in the least. They are still close today, as evidenced by this charming photo—a clear example of brotherly affection at its best.
Growl
In the 1920s, there was no CGI or modern technology. So, how did MGM, a production company, manage to capture that iconic clip of a lion’s roar? It turns out that the famous opening credit was created with the help of a lion named Leo, who was a real lion.
Indeed, no special effects were used in filming the scene. Instead, a real lion was used. The riskiness of the situation was heightened by the need to provoke the lion to produce a loud roar. It was a very dangerous and risky task, but it definitely paid off. Thankfully, no one was harmed during the filming of the video!
If a picture paints a thousand words, then these snapshots of history’s most iconic moments certainly tell millions. We’ve saved the most spectacular ones for last; take a look and decide if you agree.
A man’s most loyal companion
People have repeatedly shared remarkable experiences with dogs that have saved their lives. It’s an understatement to say “a dog is a man’s best friend.” Sometimes, dogs truly act as our protectors in various ways. This photo exemplifies the loyalty dogs have towards their owners.
In the image, a dog is holding onto a young boy’s shirt to prevent him from falling into the river as he tries to retrieve his golf ball. If this isn’t an example of intelligence and genuine love, I’m not sure what is. This clearly shows that if you give your dog the love and attention it deserves, you can expect the same in return.
The Swimsuit
Being a successful fashion designer requires more than simply attaching your name to a garment; it’s a difficult endeavor. For example, Louis Réard faced significant challenges when he introduced a new item of clothing to the public.
The French designer launched the bikini in 1946, but unfortunately, it was not embraced at the time. The conservative and traditional market of the era was largely to blame. However, a few decades later, his efforts were rewarded. The fashion community, with a more open-minded attitude, accepted the bikini as a legitimate piece of clothing. Since then, the iconic swimsuit has continued to grow in popularity.
Marilyn Participates in Soccer
In case it hasn’t been obvious from the numerous rare photos of the icon in this list, I’m a big fan of Marilyn Monroe. Besides being a successful actress and singer, Marilyn also had a strong interest in soccer. Therefore, when the blonde bombshell was invited to be a guest at a soccer match between the US National Soccer Team and the Israeli Hapoel Tel Aviv team, she joyfully accepted.
On the field, she exhibited so much enthusiasm and passion for the sport that the referees allowed her to play with the ball for a bit before the official start of the game. That joyful smile on her face is truly priceless.
The Encounter of Two Stars
In the 1960s, The Beatles and Muhammad Ali achieved unprecedented fame with remarkable speed and fervor. Despite their fame arising from different talents, their popularity was equally staggering. The Beatles gained fame through the “British Invasion,” bringing English pop music to the U.S. Conversely, Muhammad Ali’s exceptional boxing prowess gained worldwide recognition.
Ali was also known for expressing his political views, especially in his refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War. In this unique and heartwarming photo, these iconic figures are meeting for the first time. With so much star power in one room, it’s a wonder it didn’t burst.
Frida, The Handsome… Boy?
Can you identify which one is Frida Kahlo in this photo? We all know the renowned Mexican painter had a very unique personality, but did you know her eccentricities date back to her childhood? This picture was taken in 1924 when Frida was a 17-year-old. Her father Guillermo asked all the children to pose for the camera, and pose they did.
Frida, however, had the clever idea to dress up differently. If you still can’t spot her, take a closer look at the person in the middle with the confident demeanor. That’s not really a guy, that’s Frida. That intense look in her eyes combined with a three-piece suit certainly made her appear quite masculine.
The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon
Throughout history, women have advanced the cause of equal rights in a male-dominated society. Key figures in the fight for women’s rights include Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst. In the realm of sports, German marathon runner Kathrine Switzer challenged the status quo by becoming the first woman to participate in the Boston Marathon. In 1967, women were prohibited from entering the race.
Despite this ban, Switzer was not deterred. When race official Jock Semple attempted to stop her by trying to remove her race bib, she remained resolute. Her boyfriend, Thomas Miller, who was also competing, assisted by pushing the interfering official aside. Fast forward five years to 1972, and women were officially allowed to compete in the race.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is a name that does not require rephrasing as it is a proper noun and is typically not altered in translations or rephrasings.
Long before Mahatma Gandhi led his nation to independence from the British Empire, he commenced his journey as a simple man striving for a law degree. This photograph was taken in April 1893, when he was just 23 years old. Gandhi decided to reside in South Africa as he began his career as a lawyer.
Over the course of twenty years, he developed his ideals of non-violence, civil rights, and freedom. He eventually became one of the most significant historical figures advocating for peace. The title Mahatma, meaning “venerable,” has been used to describe him. In India, he is regarded as the Father of the Nation.
The Statue from France
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York. Many people do not realize that, despite being a symbol of America, it was not made in the United States. The large statue was actually constructed in Paris and then given to the United States as a gift.
A French sculptor named Frederic Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue. Gustave Eiffel, known for building the Eiffel Tower, was responsible for creating the statue’s metal framework. This photograph shows the final stages of the statue’s construction, taken in 1884, around the time the cornerstone was being laid.
Mr. Bob and his son
When the name Robert DeNiro is mentioned, you probably instantly picture a serious man with a tough attitude. This is not unexpected since he has portrayed many masculine roles in numerous classic films like
Raging Bull, Taxi Driving,
naturally
,
Who could forget him in
The Godfather
Although it’s difficult to picture him as a small and innocent baby, he was indeed once just a little child, like everyone else.
In this photo, the toddler, already somewhat resembling a gangster, is spending time with his affectionate dad, the internationally renowned painter Robert DeNiro Sr. Back then, Bob Jr. had a close bond with his father. When he received numerous acting awards, he ensured that he dedicated one of them to his beloved father.
General Elizabeth
If you have seen the historical drama,
The Crown
If you’ve watched Netflix, you would know that Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), a women’s army branch. There’s much more to her than what appears on the surface.
During World War II, the queen didn’t just remain on her throne; she actively contributed to her nation’s efforts by working as an auto mechanic. Contrary to common assumptions about royalty, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Praise to this remarkable woman who is both a queen and a skilled mechanic!
A Challenging History
Did I mention I’m a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe? This is the last entry about her, I promise. Norma-Jeane may have been one of the most beautiful women alive, but behind all that success was a pretty rough and toxic childhood. At a very young age, both her parents passed away, leaving her little choice but to live in an orphanage.
At 16, she married her neighbor just to escape her dreadful life. As her then-husband went off to fight in World War II, she started working in a factory in Van Nuys. The photo we have here is said to be the same image that made her famous.
Albert and Charlie: A Budding Friendship
I never considered connecting these two individuals in any way, but it turns out that they were actually really good friends. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and silent film actor Charlie Chaplin might not seem to have anything in common; after all, they came from completely different fields.
Nevertheless, both men were of European origin (Chaplin from England and Einstein from Germany) and both decided to move to the United States. They instantly clicked when they met during Chaplin’s tour of the country. They enjoyed each other’s company so much that Chaplin invited Einstein for dinner, resulting in one of the first true bromances of the 19th century.
The Vengeance of Jayne Mansfield
That intense glare says it all. Jayne Mansfield and Sophia Loren were both actresses in the 1950s who were competing for the same roles. This naturally led to a fierce rivalry between the two. Sophia was a sultry brunette, while Jayne was a blonde bombshell. However, because Hollywood at the time could only offer a limited number of roles for women, conflict was inevitable. The animosity towards Jayne is evident in Sophia’s eyes in this photo.
As it turned out, this was all a publicity stunt by Jayne Mansfield. The photo was taken at an event to welcome the Italian Loren to Hollywood. Mansfield was not invited but decided to crash the party wearing a low-cut dress and no bra. As this iconic photo was taken, she also deliberately hunched her shoulders and leaned forward to reveal her cleavage.
Walt Disney’s Meal
Over the years, the name Disney has become a symbol of entertainment. From classic movies like
Snow White
and
Bambi
to traditional favorites such as
The Lion King
and
Aladdin
Disney is essentially the epitome of entertainment, especially with the beloved Disneyland theme parks.
Given the company’s tremendous success, it might be challenging to remember that Disney actually began with black and white cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse. The magic started with the humble founder, Walt Disney. Take a look at this photo of cartoonist Walt enjoying a piece of fried chicken for lunch. He has certainly come a long way.