Before the late 1800s, there were no devices capable of recording images of significant historical moments. People had to depend on paintings and drawings to remember important events and individuals. Although these artistic representations were impressive, they could also be unreliable at times. Thankfully, in the 20th century, the Kodak camera was developed, marking the beginning of photography. Thanks to cameras, important historical moments are now preserved in photographs and will always be remembered. Nowadays, we have the chance to reminisce and revisit iconic black and white photos captured throughout history.
Harry Handcuff Houdini
It is impossible to discuss magic without mentioning Harry Houdini, who is renowned for his exceptional ability to escape. He is closely associated with the world of magic due to his impressive skills. Hailing from Hungary, Houdini ventured to the United States in pursuit of a career as a magician. Despite starting with no money, he rose to fame and became one of the most well-known and well-compensated magicians of his time.
Houdini’s performances mainly revolved around freeing himself from different restraints like handcuffs, straitjackets, ropes, and even a large milk can. He amazed audiences on three separate occasions by successfully escaping after being buried alive.
The Infamous Luxury Liner
Upon mention of the term “Titanic,” most likely you immediately think of the popular movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, helmed by director James Cameron. The film portrays the massive ship colliding with a huge iceberg, leading to its split and eventual submersion into the sea.
Despite the fact that older individuals are knowledgeable, a lot of young people are not aware that this enormous vessel served as a luxurious 5-star hotel accommodating some of the wealthiest individuals in the country. The most affluent passenger aboard the ship was John Jacob Astor, who tragically did not survive the disaster. His body was found in the wreckage with $2440 in his pocket. The picture depicts one of the most lavish cabins on the ship.
Dorothy Counts-Scoggin
This award-winning photograph, taken by Douglas Martin in 1957, showcases Dorothy Counts-Scoggin being ridiculed by other students in the background. It serves as a stark portrayal of racism in a previously all-white school. The implementation of the Pearsall Plan marked the end of segregation in schools, yet it couldn’t compel the students to demonstrate acceptance. Dorothy, a 15-year-old student at Harry Harding High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, ultimately withdrew from the school shortly after enrollment due to the relentless and unbearable harassment she faced.
A member of the White Citizens Council managed to convince her peers to spit on her and pelt her with rocks. The only companions she found were also targets of harassment, facing eggs being hurled at them. Dorothy relocated and completed her high school studies in Philadelphia, ultimately obtaining her degree from Johnson C. Smith University. She revealed that her unwavering faith in God provided her with the strength to endure the challenges she faced.
Location, Location, Location
Occasionally, it’s not just the individuals, but the setting that can elevate an image to greatness. While these two men and their brave diving endeavors may not be as well-known as others on this list, the photograph is definitely worth viewing.
The recognition of the river captured in this photo compensates for the unknown identities of the divers. From the cityscape visible in the background, it is evident that the location is the River Thames in London. Standing out in the scene are Westminster Bridge and the House of Parliament. The bold plunge of this pair, set against the magnificent backdrop, creates a memorable and impressive moment. This was surely a unique experience for those who witnessed it, a moment to be cherished.
Einstein Emigrates to the US
In 1933, Einstein visited the United States while considering the possibility of joining Caltech. But as he stayed in the country, Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. Because of his Jewish heritage, it was no longer safe for Einstein to go back home, leading him to permanently move to the US. During his time as a tourist, he made a visit to the Hopi House near the Grand Canyon.
The indigenous community warmly greeted him, going as far as permitting him to wear a traditional Hopi headdress. This photograph shows Einstein and his wife, Elsa, alongside several members of the Hopi tribe, serving as tangible proof of the theoretical physicist’s remarkable open-mindedness.
A Very Hendrix christmas
Jimi Hendrix is unquestionably one of the most renowned musicians and finest electric guitar players in history. Though his musical journey lasted just four years, his impact on the music scene is incomparable. Recognized for his iconic performance at Woodstock, the era’s premier music festival, Jimi mesmerized the crowd with his exceptional skills, distinctive psychedelic flair, and dramatic guitar techniques.
Given how jaw-dropping his antics always were, it comes as no surprise to encounter such a photo of the musician, donning a Santa outfit and showing off the trippy cover art of his album. This Saint Nick get-up was for an advertisement in Record Mirror, a now-defunct magazine. With Jimi’s eccentric character, though, it’s easy to mistake this for a casual outfit!
Private Presley
In present times, Elvis Presley is widely recognized as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and a highly influential figure of his era. He rose to fame in the 1950s, captivating a vast audience with his musical abilities and charismatic appearance. Despite facing scrutiny for his unconventional dance moves involving hip sways and pelvic thrusts, Presley persevered and achieved tremendous success.
Few people are aware that Elvis joined the army in 1958. True to his nickname, the King served in the Korean-American war. Unfortunately, his military service was ended prematurely due to the tragic death of his mother, who passed away from a heart attack.
The Creepiest Pageant on Earth
Regrettably, this eerie image remains unaltered. It may appear unsettling, but in the past, there existed a competition known as the Miss Lovely Eyes beauty pageant. This event occurred during the 1930s, spanning the period between World War I and World War II, and was held in Florida.
In contrast to typical beauty contests, this particular one focused solely on the beauty of the contestants’ eyes, leading to them wearing bags to conceal the rest of their faces. Therefore, they are not a gang of thieves in form-fitting attire, but rather participants in a highly unusual pageant.
Working Out, Monroe-Style
Marilyn Monroe was a seductive woman who was dedicated to keeping her divine figure. She would frequently exercise with weights to achieve this goal. In this unique photo, we see the lovely icon pausing her workout to relax her arm muscles.
Even though she was widely admired as a sex symbol worldwide and championed body acceptance, it may come as a surprise that Norma-Jeane struggled with feelings of inadequacy. To satisfy the expectations of her fans, she underwent several cosmetic procedures, including fixing her overbite, getting a nose job, and adding a chin implant.
Audrey Hepburn’s Unusual Pet
From a small canine companion nestled in your bag to a large St. Bernard faithfully trailing behind you on your city strolls, keeping a pet dog is now a common practice globally. However, for iconic actress Audrey Hepburn, mere dog ownership didn’t quite cut it in terms of excitement.
Instead, she decided to have a deer for a pet! Yup, this photo of Audrey doing some grocery shopping with a deer is not at all Photoshopped. She met this deer while shooting the film, Green Mansions. The movie’s producers recommended that she spend some quality time with the tiny creature to reflect a real bond in the movie. Audrey fondly called her newfound friend Pippin.
Hemingway’s Favorite Spot
Ernest Hemingway is truly one of the most significant figures in American literature. He was so brilliant that some of his works, such as the famous Old Man and the Sea, still managed to get published even after his death. He wrote a total of seven novels and received the Nobel Prize in literature in 1954.
If you think Hemingway was most creative while seated at a desk, you’re mistaken. It seems that his best ideas often occurred while he was leisurely soaking in his bathtub. I am curious as to which novel he may have been contemplating in this photo.
Frank Sinatra is Just Like the Rest of Us
Frank Sinatra may have been a “man’s man,” but he did still adhere to proper hygiene. It was important for him to both look and feel good, hence the serious shaving session happening in this photo. The image was taken in 1965 by John Dominis, a photographer from Life. In order to capture genuine and personal moments of the famous musician, Dominis spent an entire month shadowing Sinatra.
The result is a very personal and unique moment when the singer is seen shaving his face. After the photo was shared, it became an instant classic. Fans adored the relatability of his actions, which further endeared him to them. Even Sinatra himself expressed admiration for the photo.
Tenzin Gyatso
Tenzin Gyatso, also recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama, has gained global recognition as a revered monk due to his significant endeavors in advocating for peace. Throughout his tenure as a spiritual leader of Tibet, he has had the opportunity to engage with various influential individuals from around the world, including leaders of the United States and celebrities from Hollywood.
It’s difficult to picture the Dalai Lama as a young, innocent child considering his impressive beliefs and profound insights. Tenzin was born in 1935 to a farming family in Tibet, and at the young age of 15, he was recognized as a figure of great spiritual importance. He has led Tibet (mostly from exile in India) with wisdom and compassion ever since.
Presidential Romance
Bill Clinton, the ex-President of the United States, and Hillary Clinton, who previously served as a Senator from New York, have experienced a rollercoaster of events throughout their marriage. Yet in this picture, we witness a content young duo deeply in love, relishing the initial phases of their romance. This snapshot was taken in 1970, long before the infamous Clinton-Lewinski controversy unfolded.
They first crossed paths at Yale University where they were both pursuing Law degrees. Bill was captivated by Hillary’s unwavering confidence and inner fortitude. It took two proposals for Hillary to agree to marry him. Initially, she turned down Bill’s first proposal, citing the need for more time. However, she eventually said yes when Bill asked her again.
Andre Rene Roussimoff
Andre Rene Roussimoff, a professional wrestler originating from France, is better recognized as Andre the Giant due to his towering height of 7 feet 4 inches. Affected by gigantism, a condition characterized by excessive growth hormones, Andre was also famously referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world” because of his enormous stature.
He competed in the very first WrestleMania hosted by WWE, where he fought against Hulk Hogan. In 1993, he was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame. He also tried his hand at acting, starring as Fezzik in the film, The Princess Bride. Andre the Giant was attending a fashion exhibit in Paris when this picture was taken.
The Matinee Lady
Actress Carol Wayne rose to fame in her guest appearances on the Tonight Show, hosted by Johnny Carson. She rose during the golden age of late-night shows, and her consistent guest spots earned her the title of “Matinee Lady.” She was adored and loved by many, but her massive popularity met an abrupt end as she suffered a tragic fate.
Carol passed away under suspicious circumstances during a Mexico trip alongside her partner, Edward Durston. The exact reason for her death remains a mystery, leading to various theories being proposed. Although many suspect foul play from Durston, there was not enough evidence to incriminate him in her demise.
Lucille’s Fake Nose
Everyone who lived through the 1950s came to know and love the perfect pairing that was Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Their sitcom, I Love Lucy, was one of the most-watched shows of their time. The show was so adored because of the hilarious duo.
In this image, Lucille appears to require urgent help, but there’s no cause for concern; it’s simply a scene from a TV show. In this instance, Lucy is wearing a faux nose as part of a disguise after inadvertently hitting William Holden with a custard pie. Oops!
The Blonde Bombshell
Marilyn Monroe is widely regarded as one of the most enchanting and charismatic stars in history. She was beloved by many and audiences were captivated by her performances on the silver screen. Throughout her professional journey, she appeared in nearly 30 movies. Despite her beauty, it seems that the iconic “blonde bombshell” was lacking in some areas. Numerous individuals have shared challenges in their working dynamics with the actress.
Having both ADHD and a dependence on prescription drugs proved to be a difficulty for her in remembering her lines. One example is when she struggled to deliver the simple line, “It’s me, Sugar,” requiring 47 repetitions to achieve a satisfactory take. Observers reported that Marilyn repeatedly said, “Sugar, it’s me,” by mistake. In the picture, Marilyn can be seen receiving guidance from director Billy Wilder.
The Epitome of Bromance
When the names Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are uttered, one cannot imagine anything other than a pair of muscular and testosterone-filled men. And who can blame you? These gentlemen starred in some of the most iconic guy flicks of all time, such as Rambo, The Terminator, and Rocky. And, if you look closely, these two actually look somewhat alike.
If you need evidence, you can always turn to Danish model and actress Brigitte Nielsen, who seems to have a preference since she has been in relationships with both men. Even though they were involved with the same woman, their close friendship was not affected at all. In truth, their bond remains strong even now. This heartwarming picture captures a beautiful display of true brotherly affection.
Roar
In the 1920s, CGI and advanced technology did not exist. This raises the question of how MGM, a movie company, managed to record the famous clip of a lion roaring. Interestingly, the memorable opening credits featured a genuine lion named Leo, and not any special effects.
Indeed, no special effects were utilized during the filming of the scene. Instead, a real lion was employed, increasing the peril of the situation as they had to agitate the animal to elicit a powerful roar. While it was a highly risky and hazardous undertaking, the outcome was undoubtedly successful. Thankfully, there were no casualties during the production of the video.
If a single image conveys a multitude of meanings, then these photographs capturing history’s most significant events likely evoke countless emotions. The most extraordinary ones are featured at the end; take a moment to view them and form your own opinion.
Man’s Bestfriend
Repeatedly, individuals have experienced remarkable interactions with dogs that have rescued them. Therefore, it is truly inadequate to simply refer to dogs as “man’s best friend.” Occasionally, dogs genuinely act as our rescuers, in various ways. The image exemplifies the unwavering loyalty dogs show towards their owners.
The dog is using its teeth to grab onto the boy’s shirt to prevent him from falling into the river while he reaches for his golf ball. This act demonstrates intelligence and genuine love, highlighting the importance of showing your dog love and care in return for their loyalty and protection.
The Bikini
Achieving success as a fashion designer is no easy task and goes beyond simply attaching your name to a garment. Take Louis Réard, for example, who faced significant challenges when introducing a new clothing item to the market.
The bikini was first introduced by a French designer in 1946, but unfortunately, it did not receive a positive reception due to the conservative and traditional attitudes prevailing at that time. Nevertheless, after some years, the bikini gained acceptance from a more progressive fashion industry as a respected piece of clothing. Since then, the iconic swimsuit has enjoyed increasing popularity and success.
Marilyn Plays Soccer
It might not be evident to you yet from the numerous uncommon photographs of the legend featured in this compilation, but I am a devoted admirer of Marilyn Monroe. Besides her accomplishments as an actress and singer, Marilyn also displayed a keen interest in soccer. Therefore, when she was invited to attend a soccer match between the US National Soccer Team and the Israeli Hapoel Tel Aviv team, the blonde bombshell enthusiastically accepted the invitation.
She displayed a great deal of excitement and love for the sport while on the field, which led the referees to permit her to interact with the ball prior to the game’s official kickoff. The joyous expression on her face is truly invaluable.
The Meeting Of Two Stars
During the 1960s, The Beatles and Muhammad Ali shot to fame quickly and intensely, with unparalleled speed. Although they were renowned for different reasons, their popularity was equally astounding. The Beatles made waves with the “British Invasion,” bringing English pop music to the United States. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali gained global fame for his unbeatable boxing prowess.
Ali was outspoken about his political beliefs, leading to his decision to resist being drafted for the Vietnam War. In this unique and heartwarming image, the legendary individuals come together for the first time. The room was filled with numerous prominent personalities, making it seem like it could burst from the sheer brilliance.
Frida, The Beautiful… Boy?
Can you identify Frida Kahlo in this image? It is well-known that the renowned Mexican artist had an unusual personality, but it may surprise you to learn that her quirks dated back to her early years. This photo, taken in 1924 when Frida was just 17 years old, captures a moment when her father Guillermo requested all the children to pose for a photograph, and they enthusiastically complied.
Frida came up with a clever plan to change her outfit. If you’re still having trouble spotting her, pay attention to the person in the center who exudes confidence. Surprisingly, that individual is actually Frida, not a man. With her determined gaze and stylish three-piece suit, she appeared quite masculine.
The First Female Boston Marathon Runner
Throughout history, women have made progress in advancing equal rights in a male-dominated society. Figures such as Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst have played pivotal roles in the fight for women’s rights. In the realm of sports, Kathrine Switzer, a German marathon athlete, challenged conventional beliefs by becoming the first woman to compete in the Boston Marathon in 1967, breaking barriers as women were initially excluded from the race.
Despite facing adversity, Switzer did not lose heart. In a pivotal moment during the race, race official Jock Semple attempted to hinder her progress by forcefully grabbing her race bib. Unfazed, she exhibited unwavering determination. With the support of her boyfriend, Thomas Miller, also participating in the race, she overcame the obstacle as he intervened by forcefully pushing the unruly race official to the ground. It was not until five years later, in 1972, that women were formally permitted to take part in the race.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Long before Mahatma Gandhi guided his nation to freedom from British colonial rule, he began his journey as an ordinary individual aspiring to obtain a law degree. This photograph captures him at the age of 23 in April of 1893. Gandhi opted to settle in South Africa where he commenced his career as a lawyer.
Over a period of two decades, he cultivated his ideas about non-violence, civil liberties, and autonomy. Subsequently, he emerged as a significant advocate for peace in history. The title Mahatma, which signifies “respectable,” has been employed to describe him. He is revered as the Father of the Nation in India.
The French Statue
Located on Liberty Island in New York, the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of America. Surprisingly, many are unaware that she was not made in America but was instead constructed in Paris and later given as a gift to the United States.
The design of the statue was conceived by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, a sculptor from France. Gustave Eiffel, the architect behind the Eiffel Tower, was entrusted with building the statue’s metal framework. This image shows the final phases of the iconic lady’s fabrication, circa 1884, as the cornerstone was being set in place.
Bob Senior and Junior
When you hear the name Robert DeNiro, you most likely immediately imagine a serious guy with a tough demeanor. This comes as no surprise as he did play many manly roles in various classic movies such as Raging Bull, Taxi Driving, and of course, who could forget him in The Godfather? While it’s hard to imagine him as a cute and innocent baby, he was indeed once a tiny little kid, like we all were.
In the image, we see a toddler who appears somewhat like a gangster spending time with his affectionate father, the renowned painter Robert DeNiro Sr. In the past, Bob Jr. shared a close bond with his father. Upon receiving numerous acting accolades, he made a point to dedicate one of them to his beloved dad.
General Elizabeth
If you watched the historical drama, The Crown on Netflix, then you would know that the United Kingdom’s reigning queen, Elizabeth II was part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service or ATS, an army branch for women. See, there is so much more to her than meets the eye.
Throughout World War II, instead of remaining idle on her throne, the queen actively fulfilled her duty by working as an auto mechanic to assist her people. She demonstrated a willingness to work hands-on, defying common perceptions of royalty. Admirations to this remarkable individual who embodies both regality and mechanical expertise!
A Difficult Past
Have I told you that I absolutely adore Marilyn Monroe? This will be the final time I bring her up, I promise. Norma-Jeane might have been considered one of the most beautiful women in existence, but hidden beneath all her achievements was a challenging and unhealthy upbringing. When she was very young, her parents both died, forcing her to reside in an orphanage with few alternatives.
When she was 16 years old, she married her neighbor as a means to escape her difficult circumstances. While her husband was away serving in World War II, she began working at a factory in Van Nuys. The photograph displayed here is believed to be the same image that brought her fame.
Albert and Charlie: An Early Bromance
I had never considered connecting these two individuals before, but it turns out that the famous figures were, in fact, very close friends. Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist, and Charlie Chaplin, a silent film star, may appear to have nothing in common at first glance due to their divergent professions.
Nonetheless, both individuals were European by heritage (Chaplin hailing from England and Einstein from Germany) and chose to relocate to the United States. They clicked immediately upon their initial encounter during Chaplin’s excursion across the nation. Enjoying each other’s company, Chaplin extended an invitation to Albert for a dinner, sparking one of the earliest genuine bromances of the 19th century.
Jayne Mansfield’s Revenge
The intense gaze clearly communicates everything. Jayne Mansfield and Sophia Loren, both actresses in the 1950s, found themselves vying for the same roles, leading to a fierce competition between them. With Sophia’s alluring brunette appearance contrasting Jayne’s blonde beauty, and a limited number of opportunities for women in Hollywood back then, tension between them was bound to arise. The animosity towards Jayne is evident in the piercing look from Sophia captured in this image.
It appears that the situation was orchestrated by Jayne Mansfield as a publicity stunt. The photograph was captured during a gathering to celebrate the arrival of the Italian actress Loren in Hollywood. Despite not being officially invited, Mansfield crashed the event in a revealing outfit without a bra. In a deliberate move, she leaned forward and hunched her shoulders to emphasize her cleavage in the now-iconic photo.
Walt Disney’s Lunch
Over the years, the Disney name has become synonymous with entertainment. From iconic films such as Snow White and Bambi to classics like The Lion King and Aladdin, and of course the well-loved Disneyland theme parks, Disney is pretty much the gold standard of entertainment.
It may be challenging to remember that Disney’s phenomenal success started with black and white cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse. The journey began with the humble founder of the company, Walt Disney. Take a look at this image of animator Walt enjoying a fried chicken lunch. It’s clear that he has truly come a remarkable distance.