“Me, Babe and Elliot.” Oct 11, 1947. Camp Drake. Tokyo.
This is one of those where the message is half the photograph. Got me laughing some!
Me, Babe and T-5 Elliot.
Place, our club.
Time, ?
and after, ???
Boy, what a night. HA HA.
Elliot and his buddies were of the 1st Cavalry Division and he was a Technician, a rank discontinued in 1948 but with the equivalent today of Specialist.
And it looks like “Babe” earned his nickname when he lied about his age on his recruitment form!
Showing off the monkey. 1920s-30s snapshot. Private Collection. Click for larger image.
Was it Family Day on this USS? Here two sailors are happy to show off their pet monkey to a group of civilians, the one on the left distracting it while the one on the right is at a control board’s commands…but to what purpose? Also, I have trouble believing sailors were allowed to have a pet monkey, but it’s looking like that one got a free pass aboard!
The young girl to the right is tired, rubbing her eyes while the lady behind looks like she was in the middle of saying something, maybe about that monkey. The gentleman in suit and boater is the lone soul of the group who caught the photographer in time for the snapshot, and he isn’t shy to smile big.
I’m not familiar with the history of the U.S Navy ships, but going by the man’s suit and detachable collar, and the women’s big flowery hats I’m thinking this was taken in the late 10’s, 20’s, or at the very latest the early 30’s…and I’m only mentioning the 30’s because I have no idea what USS Navy ships looked like then, but to me those canons look like they were going to be used in WW2.
I love how busy this photograph is; everyone seems to have had a good time on board. And the curled tail of the monkey around the sailor’s neck.
The wife, sailor brother and a far cousin?
“I’m just going to pretend she’s not here.” 1/6th plate tintype. Private Collection.
In fact, posing like this I’m sure these two had the best of relationships. They weren’t going to pose like all the others; too boring! I think this is a small horse whip she’s teasingly tickling him with from behind the tree, or is it an arrow? But what is he reading, a love letter? For his own sake it better be hers!
How would you caption this one?
Staying late at the office. 1900s. Postcard. Private Collection.
Mixing business with pleasure? There’s much implied on this daring postcard. At least there are no wedding rings on display! Sometimes those Edwardians seem to be surprisingly forward with their sense of humor, and the determined smile on the brunette is scary!
Publisher: Davidson Bros.
I find old photo strips so endearing and humorous. On the first one this streetcar driver is holding a bamboo stick in a big hat with a neck scarf like a cowboy or farmer. Then you get a plain, serious front portrait of him. On the third he’s holding what I believe may be a pack of cigarettes. On the fourth he’s playing with a candlestick telephone, and on the fifth he’s checking the time on his pocket watch.
This strip reminds me of another one I have of this American gentleman from the same period, he’s also playing with a similar phone.
Bowlers And High Collars 