Category: Photography

Mirror, Mirror, On This Blade…

Per the late Dominick Dunne (who took this picture), Natalie Wood (with whom he often supped at Hollywood parties) had the habit of reapplying lipstick after dinner, using the blade of her knife as a mirror.

Folksinging Club Of ’65

The students at Hammond High School in Alexandria, Virginia sure seemed to enjoy their folksinging. And they must have been on the cutting edge of the term, as “folk rock” wasn’t used in the U.S. music press until June of 1965 to describe The Byrds’ music.

Perhaps Bill was singing Peter, Paul, and Mary. But maybe he was hammering out “Mr. Tambourine Man,” much to their delight.

Some fellows gave private sessions.

And maybe, just maybe, they might reach the critical acclaim of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan.

http://www.mojo4music.com

Jill In ’87

By the fall of 1987, I was well-acquainted with the new supermodel faces across my fashion magazines: Cindy, Linda, Naomi, etc. As I had curly hair at the time, I could relate to Jill Goodacre, whose mane poured down her neck with all of the high-volume tousles that a headbanging 1987 demanded. I think you will understand why Harry Connick Jr married her.

And this next one, well … I can’t even explain it. And that’s why this blog is called “I Don’t Get It.”

Nowadays, the 55-year-old has her straightened (as most of us do) for a more polished, less unruly look. She and Harry have been married for 25 years.

Hot Summer Trend: Sealskin Trouser Thigh Panel

Nat Geo, 10/49

This 70-year-old National Geographic states that the thigh panel on tight sealskin trousers are “a fashion must in Greenland.” Composed of bits of brightly-dyed leather in mosaic patterns, they add pop to any thighs, and compliment the two pounds of beaded collar forcing their shoulders down.

These Eskimo women are cited as Angmagssalik in the article. That’s a rough word, folks. You know how it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople nowadays? Well, in this case, it’s Tasiilaq, not the antiquated term Angmagssalik. So Tasiilaq it is!! If that’s too much for your brain on a Tuesday, I feel you.

 

 

More 1935 Goodness From West Texas

Today we continue with more amazing pics from West Texas Teachers College. I may not be a fan of West Texas, but I sure like their yearbooks.

The first image was captioned, “The Ruff Nex in Edmund.” Well, I tell you what, if I had been born during the first world war, I gladly would have joined one of these fellows for a ride in his Packard and a Clark Gable movie. And if it were the one second from the right, we might even go get a gin fizz afterwards.

The next foursome of gals were called “Four inmates of Randall Hall.” Did you ever see a group of folks more comfortable in their own skin? Again, remember to click to enlarge.

George and Rena

Willy and Dizzy
“Nonchalant Faulkner”

Return To 1935

Yesterday, we visited West Texas State Teachers College for a glimpse of campus life. As you can imagine, with images ranging in size from a stamp to a business card, the resolution can be sketchy. But amazingly, some images are crisp as a kettle chip. Feel free to click to enlarge.

 

So Maybe 1935 Wasn’t Entirely Unpleasant

Prohibition was over, yes. But the Depression was still in full swing, with 20% unemployment, compared to today’s 3.8%. Not being able to support a family might be a justifiable reason to drink, which probably contributed to the formation of a group called Alcoholics Anonymous that year. In addition, The Social Security Act was signed. Wikipedia fun facts include these bits of trivia:

  • Airplanes were banned from flying over the White House.
  • Porky Pig made his debut in Looney Tunes’s I Haven’t Got a Hat.
  • The world’s first parking meters were installed in Oklahoma City. Really? OKC?
  • Humorist Will Rogers was killed when his plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Barrow, Alaska.
  • The China Clipper took off from Alameda, California to deliver the first airmail cargo across the Pacific Ocean; the aircraft reached its destination, Manila, and delivered over 110,000 pieces of mail.

Meanwhile, fortunate young Americans still attended college, like these students at West Texas State Teachers College. As you know, my favorite parts of my many yearbooks are the candid shots. Many of them are only two inches high in brittle paper collages, but with the power of zoom, we can get a great sense of the campus culture.

Come back soon for more 1935 pics; this yearbook is a treasure trove!