Embark on a mesmerizing journey through history, as we delve into moments of poignant drama, cultural shifts and worldwide phenomenons. From early 20th century events to captivating scenes from the mid-70s – History up close.
Gavrilo Princip (1914)
Gavrilo Princip’s 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand ignited WWI. The infamous moment wasn’t photographed, so pictures of Princip are primarily mugshots, contributing to his symbolization as the face of political fanaticism and the tragic catalyst for global conflict.
Hippy at Waterloo (1970)
A shoeless 1970s hippy, letting go societal norms, embarked on a journey to the iconic Isle of Wight Festival, underscoring the era’s countercultural revolution, all planned from London’s bustling Waterloo Station in August.
Ezekiel’s Tomb, Iraq (1932)
The tomb in Al-Kifel, Iraq, revered as Prophet Ezekiel’s resting place, features complex structure, Hebrew inscriptions and synagogues, symbolizing centuries-old religious interactions and mutual respect between Jewish and Islamic communities (1932).
First Marvel Film: Captain America (1944)
“Captain America, 1944” was a 15-part black-and-white serial film by Republic Pictures, not a Marvel production. It was the first adaptation of a Marvel character to screen but the protagonist wasn’t the superhero Steve Rogers, but District Attorney Grant Gardner.
Toronto’s War End Celebration (1945)
On May 7, 1945, Toronto erupted in joyous celebration marking the end of World War II in Europe, a momentous event filled with spontaneity, parades, dancing, and street rallies, unifying the city in relief and shared happiness.
Bridlington Beach (1913)
In 1913, Bridlington beach was a bustling social hub. Mixed bathing was a novelty and debuted then, while modest bathing machines preserved Victorian decorum. Donkey rides and minstrel shows were common attractions, turning a beach visit into a delightful day out.
MacArthur’s PT-490 Voyage (1945)
On June 7, 1945, PT-490 from MTB Squadron 33, transported General Douglas MacArthur from Iloilo to Bacolod in Philippines, supporting the Allied liberation of Philippines from Japanese occupation during WWII.
Harrow & Wealdstone Train Crash (1952)
The Harrow & Wealdstone train crash of 1952 was the deadliest in UK history, killing 112 people and injuring 340 when three trains collided due to a combination of driver error, foggy weather, and outdated safety measures.
Ros-Rols Cafe (1941)
During WWII, a London cafe popularized frugality by selling “Ros-Rols”, biscuits made from leftovers like stale bread and cake, highlighting British resilient spirit amidst resource scarcity. They cost two old pence, demonstrating affordability during tough times.
Tree Camo Soldier (1917)
In 1917, “ghost soldiers” from Company F, 24th Engineers, showed innovative camouflage skills, blending seamlessly into environments. Their black and white uniforms helped them blend into trees, while houses were disguised as fences and trees.
ABBA in Edmonton (1979)
ABBA’s 1979 Northlands Coliseum performance marked their North American debut. The concert, featuring iconic pop harmonies and flamboyant costumes, placed Edmonton on the global music map, reflecting ABBA’s phenomenal global popularity.
Marian Anderson’s Concert (1939)
In 1939, Marian Anderson, African American opera singer, performed to an integrated audience of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial, after being denied by the segregated DAR Constitution Hall, marking a pivotal moment in Civil Rights history.
Leg Beauty, Turkey (1971)
In 1971, Istanbul hosted an unusual leg beauty contest, where only the lower part of the contestant’s body was visible. The objective was to focus solely on the beauty of the legs, criticizing conventional beauty standards.
“Babe Ruth Mourns Gehrig (1941)”
Despite a rough relationship, Babe Ruth attended Lou Gehrig’s funeral in June 1941. The open-casket service was a final tribute to the “Iron Horse”, reflecting a respect for his career and marking reconciliation between two baseball giants.
Hell’s Angels Matriarchs (1965)
In 1965, the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club attracted various admirers, notably some older women. Despite their age, these “old ladies” braved the rough atmosphere, actively breaking societal norms to express rebellious solidarity with this infamous biker group.
Paris Liberation Kiss (1944)
In 1944, jubilation marked Paris’ liberation from Nazi occupation. In iconic photographs, Allied soldiers, seen kissing babies, reflect the immense relief and joy permeating the city, symbolizing hope reborn after four long years of hardship.
Post-WWII Parade (1945)
In 1945, celebrating both the end of WW II and Armistice Day commemorating WWI, citizens flooded streets worldwide with immense relief and jubilation, signifying unity and the universal longing for peace after devastating global conflicts.
Parisian War Fund (1916)
In 1916, Parisian girls and women aided the Great War effort, collecting funds at metro entrances for casualties. This showcased societal unity during wartime and the vital role of women in the home front war effort.
Circus Walk, London (1953)
In 1953, Hammersmith Broadway was brought to a standstill as two members of Bertram Mills Circus performed a spectacular head-to-head tightrope walk, captivating the public and fostering the era’s fascination with live circus entertainment.
Building Sydney Bridge (1930s)
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, during its construction in 1930, was a marvel of its time. Designed by John Bradfield, over 1,400 men worked for eight years with 6 million hand-driven rivets to complete this iconic Australian landmark.
