Before the late 1800s, there were no image recording tools to capture significant historical moments. People depended on paintings and illustrations to honor important figures and events. Although these artworks are indeed remarkable, they could occasionally be inaccurate. Thankfully, in the 20th century, the first camera, known as the Kodak, was invented. These optical devices have allowed memorable historical moments to be captured and preserved for posterity. Today, we have the privilege of looking back and revisiting some of the most iconic black and white moments captured on camera.
Houdini, the Master of Handcuffs
It’s impossible to discuss magic without mentioning Harry Houdini. Due to his exceptional escape techniques, his name is now synonymous with magic. Houdini was born in Hungary and moved to the United States to pursue a career as a magician. He began with nothing but eventually became possibly the most renowned and highest-paid magician of his time.
Houdini’s performances mainly focused on escaping from different objects like handcuffs, straitjackets, ropes, and even a large milk can. On three separate occasions, he captivated thousands by successfully escaping after being buried alive.
The Notorious Luxury Ship
When you think of the word “Titanic,” you likely remember the blockbuster movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, directed by James Cameron. It’s the film where the enormous ship strikes a large iceberg, causing it to break apart and sink into the sea.
While older generations are familiar with this, many young people may not realize that the Titanic was actually a luxurious 5-star hotel on the sea, accommodating some of the wealthiest individuals of the time. The wealthiest passenger on the ship was John Jacob Astor, who, unfortunately, did not survive the disaster. When his body was recovered, $2440 was found in his pocket. This image shows one of the ship’s most luxurious cabins.
Dorothy Counts-Scoggins
This image, taken by Douglas Martin in 1957, is an award-winning photograph that shows Dorothy Counts-Scoggin being ridiculed by students behind her. It vividly illustrates racism at a school that was once exclusively for white students. The Pearsall Plan had ended racial segregation in schools, but it couldn’t compel acceptance among the students. At 15, Dorothy enrolled at Harry Harding High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, but left after just a few days due to severe harassment.
A White Citizens Council official encouraged her classmates to spit on her and throw rocks. The only two friends she made also faced bullying, having eggs thrown at them. Dorothy later transferred to a school in Philadelphia where she completed her high school education and graduated from Johnson C. Smith University. She credited her faith in God for giving her strength through these challenges.
Place, Place, Place
Sometimes, it’s not the individuals but the setting that makes a photo truly remarkable. These two men, with their daring dives, may not be as well-known as others on this list, but the photo is still worth seeing.
The renowned body of water in this image compensates for the unknown identities of the divers. As you might have deduced from the skyline in the distance, it is the River Thames in London. Westminster Bridge and the House of Parliament are visible in the background. The daring leap of this pair, set against such a grand scene, makes this moment unforgettable. It was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the spectators as well.
Einstein Moves to the United States
In 1933, Einstein visited the United States while considering joining Caltech. During his visit, Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. As someone of Jewish descent, returning home became unsafe for Einstein, prompting him to permanently emigrate to the US. While touring, Einstein visited the Hopi House near the Grand Canyon.
The Native American tribe received him warmly, even letting him wear a traditional Hopi headdress. The photograph shows Einstein and his wife Elsa with some members of the Hopi tribe, serving as clear proof of the theoretical physicist’s open-minded nature.
A Hendrix-inspired Christmas
Jimi Hendrix is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated musicians and greatest electric guitarists of all time. Though his career lasted only four years, his influence on music is unmatched. Known for performing at Woodstock, the most famous music festival of the era, Jimi amazed the audience with his extraordinary talent, unique psychedelic style, and guitar-smashing stunts.
Considering how astonishing his performances always were, it’s no wonder to come across a photo of the musician wearing a Santa outfit and displaying the trippy cover art of his album. This Santa Claus attire was for an advertisement in
Record Mirror
, a magazine that is no longer in circulation. Given Jimi’s quirky personality, however, it’s easy to confuse this with a laid-back ensemble!
Presley, the Private
Today, Elvis Presley is recognized as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and a major icon of his era. He rose to fame in the 1950s, captivating millions with his talent and charisma. Despite facing criticism for his unconventional hip-swaying and pelvic-thrusting performances, he achieved immense success.
However, many are unaware that Elvis joined the army in 1958. Indeed, the King served in the Korean-American war, although his service was shortened following the death of his mother, who unfortunately died of a heart attack.
The Most Eerie Pageant in the World
This haunting photo hasn’t been altered in any way. Although it seems eerie, there used to be a beauty pageant called Miss Lovely Eyes. This competition took place in the 1930s, between World War I and World War II, in Florida.
Unlike typical beauty pageants, this one focused only on the contestants’ eyes, which is why the other parts of these women’s faces are covered with bags. So, no, this isn’t a group of bank robbers in tight clothing. Instead, they are contestants in a very unusual pageant.
Exercising, Monroe Fashion
Marilyn Monroe was a captivating vixen, and she was dedicated to keeping her goddess-like figure. To achieve this, Marilyn consistently exercised with weights. Here is a rare photo of the charming beauty pausing from strengthening her biceps.
Even though she was a global sex symbol who advocated for body positivity, did you know that our beloved Norma-Jeane struggled with low self-esteem? To satisfy the high expectations of her fans, she underwent several cosmetic procedures including an overbite correction, rhinoplasty, and chin augmentation.
The Unconventional Pet of Audrey Hepburn
No matter if you have a small dog peeking out from your bag or a large St. Bernard walking with you down the street, having a pet dog is considered normal worldwide. However, for movie star Audrey Hepburn, having a dog simply didn’t provide enough excitement.
She opted to have a deer as a pet! Yes, this picture of Audrey doing grocery shopping with a deer isn’t edited at all. She became acquainted with this deer while filming the movie.
Green Mansions
The filmmakers suggested that she spend some quality time with the little creature to create a genuine connection in the film. Audrey affectionately named her new friend Pippin.
Hemingway’s Preferred Place
Ernest Hemingway is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in American literature. His brilliance is evident in works like the renowned
Old Man and the Sea
Even after his passing, his works were still published. He authored seven novels and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
If you picture Hemingway at his creative peak sitting at a desk, you’re wrong. It seems many of his greatest ideas came to him while he was lounging in his bathtub. I wonder which novel he was working on in his mind when this photo was taken?
Frank Sinatra is No Different from the Rest of Us
Although Frank Sinatra was considered a “man’s man,” he still maintained good hygiene habits. Looking and feeling good were essential for him, which is why he is thoroughly engaged in a shaving session in this photo. The picture was captured in 1965 by photographer John Dominis.
Life
To capture authentic and personal moments of the renowned musician, Dominis spent a whole month following Sinatra.
The result is this deeply intimate and unique moment of the singer shaving his face. When the photo was released, it quickly became a classic. The fact that he was doing something so relatable made him even more beloved by fans. Even Sinatra himself loved the photo.
The name “Tenzin Gyatso.”
Tenzin Gyatso, widely recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama, has gained international fame for his significant efforts in promoting peace. As a Tibetan religious leader, he has met various notable global personalities, including US Presidents and Hollywood stars.
Given his impressive advocacies and wisdom, it is difficult to picture the Dalai Lama as a young, innocent child. Tenzin was born into a farming family in Tibet in 1935. At the age of just 15, he rose to the status of Holiness and has led Tibet since then (although much of this time has been spent in exile in India).
Romance involving a president
Former US President Bill Clinton and former New York Senator Hillary Clinton have experienced more highs and lows than most couples in their marriage. In this photo, however, we see a young couple in love, enjoying the early stages of their relationship. This image was taken in 1970, long before the Clinton-Lewinski scandal.
The two met at Yale University while studying law. Bill was captivated by Hillary’s sense of certainty and strength. He had to propose to her twice before she finally accepted. On his first attempt, Bill was turned down as Hillary said she needed more time. She eventually accepted Bill’s proposal when he asked again.
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. He had a condition known as gigantism, which leads to an excess of growth hormones in the body. His immense stature also earned him the title of the “eighth wonder of the world.” He participated in the inaugural
WrestleMania
He was hosted by WWE for a match against Hulk Hogan. In 1993, he was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame. He also ventured into acting and played the role of Fezzik in the movie.
The Princess Bride
This photograph was taken while Andre the Giant attended a fashion exhibition in Paris.
The Afternoon Lady
Actress Carol Wayne became famous for her guest appearances on the
Tonight Show
Carol was a regular guest on a show hosted by Johnny Carson during the golden era of late-night television, earning her the nickname “Matinee Lady.” She was beloved by many, but her tremendous popularity came to a sudden halt when she faced a tragic end.
Carol died under mysterious circumstances while on a trip to Mexico with her partner Edward Durston. The cause of her death remains unknown and has given rise to many theories. Although many people suspect foul play by Durston, there was not enough evidence to hold him accountable.
Lucille’s Artificial Nose
Everyone who experienced the 1950s became familiar with and fond of the ideal partnership of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Their sitcom,
I Love Lucy
It was one of the most popular shows of its era, loved for its comedic duo. Although it may appear that Lucille needs urgent help in this image, there’s no cause for worry, as this was merely a scene from an episode. In that scene, Lucy wore a fake nose as a disguise after she accidentally hit William Holden in the face with a custard pie. Oops.
The Golden-Haired Sensation
Marilyn Monroe is considered one of the most captivating and alluring celebrities ever. Audiences loved her and enjoyed seeing her on the big screen. Throughout her career, she appeared in nearly 30 films. Although she was very attractive, the “blonde bombshell” was reportedly not the complete package. Several individuals have mentioned having challenging working experiences with her.
Her ADHD and addiction to prescription drugs made it difficult for her to learn her lines. For example, her simple line “It’s me, Sugar” required 47 takes to get a usable shot. Witnesses noted that Marilyn kept unintentionally saying, “Sugar, it’s me.” In this image, Marilyn is being guided by director Billy Wilder.
The Ideal Example of a Close Male Friendship
When you hear the names Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, you can’t help but picture two muscular, testosterone-fueled men. And who could fault you for that? These actors starred in some of the most legendary action movies for men, such as
Rambo, The Terminator,
and
Rocky
If you take a close look, these two actually resemble each other a bit. You can ask Danish model and actress Brigitte Nielsen, as she seems to have a type, since she dated both of them. Even though they both dated the same woman, their friendship wasn’t affected at all. In fact, they’re still close even now. Check out this lovely photo: a clear example of true brotherly love.
Sound of a roar
In the 1920s, there was no CGI or modern technology. This raises the question of how MGM, a production company, was able to capture that iconic lion’s roar. As it turns out, the famous opening credit was thanks to a lion named Leo, who was indeed a real, live lion.
That’s right. No special effects were used in filming the scene; instead, a real lion was involved. The danger was heightened by the need to provoke the lion to produce a loud roar. It was an extremely risky undertaking, but it certainly paid off. Thankfully, no one was harmed during the making of the video!
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these images of history’s most iconic moments surely are worth a million each. We’ve reserved the most remarkable ones for last; take a look and decide if you agree.
A man’s closest companion
People often recount remarkable experiences with dogs who have saved their lives, emphasizing that calling dogs “man’s best friend” is quite an understatement. Sometimes, our canine companions truly become our saviors in various ways. This photo perfectly illustrates the loyalty dogs have for their owners.
In this image, you can see the dog holding onto a little boy’s shirt to prevent him from falling into the river as he tries to retrieve his golf ball. If that’s not a sign of intelligence and genuine love, I’m not sure what is. This is a testament to the fact that if you give your dog the love and affection it deserves, you can expect to receive the same in return.
The Swimsuit
Achieving success as a fashion designer is a challenging task that involves much more than just attaching your name to a piece of clothing. For example, Louis Réard faced significant difficulties when introducing a new fashion item to the world.
In 1946, the French designer launched the bikini, but unfortunately, it was not well-received. This could be attributed to the conservative and traditional market at that time. However, several decades later, his efforts finally bore fruit. The bikini was accepted by a more progressive fashion community as a legitimate piece of clothing. Since then, it has enjoyed continuous success as an iconic swimsuit.
Marilyn Participates in Soccer
If it hasn’t been obvious from the many rare photos of the icon in this list, I am a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe. Besides being a successful actress and singer, Marilyn had a strong interest in soccer. So, when she was invited to attend a soccer match between the US National Soccer Team and the Israeli Hapoel Tel Aviv team, she was thrilled to accept.
On the field, she demonstrated so much enthusiasm and passion for the sport that the referees allowed her to kick the ball around a bit before the game officially began. The joyful smile on her face was truly priceless.
The Encounter of Two Stars
During the 1960s, the rapid and intense rise to superstardom of both The Beatles and Muhammad Ali was unmatched. Although they were famous for different reasons, their popularity soared to the same wild heights. The Beatles gained fame for the “British Invasion,” bringing English pop music to America. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali’s unparalleled boxing skills made him famous worldwide.
Ali was also outspoken about his political views, which included his refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War. In this unique and incredibly charming photo, these iconic figures meet for the very first time. With so many bright stars in one room, it’s surprising it didn’t burst from the brilliance.
Frida, The Handsome… Boy?
Can you identify which one is Frida Kahlo in this picture? We know the famous Mexican painter had a unique personality, but did you know her peculiarities began in childhood? This photo was taken in 1924 when Frida was just 17 years 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 a confident attitude. That’s not actually a guy, that’s Frida. Her intense gaze combined with a three-piece suit definitely gave her a masculine appearance.
The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon
Throughout the years, women have advanced in advocating for equal rights in a male-dominated society. Notable contributors to women’s rights include Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst. In the sports arena, German marathon runner Kathrine Switzer broke barriers by becoming the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. This was in 1967, a time when women were prohibited from competing in the race.
Nevertheless, Switzer wasn’t deterred. Even when a race official named Jock Semple attempted to stop her by seizing her race bib, she stayed resolute. Her boyfriend, Thomas Miller, who was also participating in the race, assisted her by pushing the unruly official to the ground. In 1972, five years later, women were finally officially allowed to enter the race.
Mahatma Gandhi
Long before Mahatma Gandhi led his country to independence from British colonial rule, he began his journey as a simple man aspiring to earn a law degree. This photo was taken in April 1893, when he was just 23 years old. Gandhi chose to live in South Africa when he began working as a lawyer.
Over the next twenty years, he developed his principles of non-violence, civil rights, and freedom. He eventually became one of the most influential historical figures advocating for peace. The title Mahatma, meaning “venerable,” is often used to refer to him. In India, he is regarded as the Father of the Nation.
The Statue from France
The Statue of Liberty is situated on Liberty Island in New York. Although she is an iconic symbol of America, many people don’t realize that she wasn’t made in America. This enormous statue was actually constructed in Paris and then presented as a gift to the United States.
The design of the statue was conceived by a French sculptor named Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Gustave Eiffel, the engineer responsible for the Eiffel Tower, constructed the statue’s metal framework. This photograph shows the final stages of the creation of this famous statue, captured in 1884, around the time the cornerstone was being put in place.
Senior Bob and Junior Bob
When you think of the name Robert DeNiro, you probably envision a serious man with a tough attitude. This isn’t unexpected given his numerous performances in rugged roles across various classic films like
Raging Bull, Taxi Driving,
naturally
,
Who could forget him in
The Godfather
Though it’s difficult to picture him as a cute and innocent baby, he was indeed once a small child, just like all of us. In this photo, the slightly gangster-looking toddler is with his affectionate dad, the internationally recognized painter Robert DeNiro Sr. In the past, Bob Jr. was very close to his dad. When he received numerous acting awards, he took the time to dedicate one of them to his beloved father.
General Elizabeth
If you saw the historical drama,
The Crown
If you’ve watched Netflix, you’re likely aware that Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), a women’s branch of the army. This shows there’s much more to her than appears at first glance.
During World War II, the queen didn’t just idly sit on the throne; she contributed to her country’s efforts by working as an auto mechanic. Despite common assumptions about royalty, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Applause for this remarkable woman who is both a queen and a proficient mechanic!
A Challenging History
Did I mention I’m a huge Marilyn Monroe fan? This is the last entry about her, though, I promise. Norma-Jeane may have been one of the most beautiful women ever, but behind all that success was a pretty rough and toxic childhood. At a very young age, both of her parents passed away, leaving her with little choice but to live in an orphanage.
At 16, she married her neighbor just to escape her terrible life. As her then-husband went off to fight for the country in World War II, she started working in a factory for 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 imagined linking these two individuals, but it turns out the famous figures were actually very good friends. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein and silent film actor Charlie Chaplin might appear to have nothing in common since they came from such different fields.
However, both men were of European origin (Chaplin from England and Einstein from Germany), and both chose to move to the United States. The two immediately got along well when they first met during Chaplin’s tour of the country. They enjoyed each other’s company so much that Chaplin invited Albert for dinner, leading to one of the earliest true friendships of the 19th century.
The Revenge of Jayne Mansfield
That intense glare says everything. Jayne Mansfield and Sophia Loren, both actresses in the 1950s, competed for similar roles, leading to a strong rivalry between them. Sophia was a sultry brunette while Jayne was a blonde bombshell. However, due to Hollywood’s limited number of roles for women at the time, conflict was bound to happen. Sophia’s eyes reveal her disdain for Jayne in this photograph.
In reality, this was a publicity stunt orchestrated by Jayne Mansfield. The picture was captured at an event intended to welcome the Italian star Loren to Hollywood. Mansfield, who wasn’t invited, decided to attend the party anyway, wearing a low-cut dress with no bra. As the iconic photo was being taken, she purposely hunched and leaned forward to expose her cleavage.
Lunch of Walt Disney
Throughout the years, the Disney brand has become synonymous with entertainment. From legendary movies like
Snow White
and
Bambi
to timeless favorites such as
The Lion King
and
Aladdin
Disney is essentially the benchmark for entertainment, notably with its beloved Disneyland theme parks. Given the company’s incredible success, it’s easy to forget that Disney’s beginnings were modest, featuring simple black and white cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse. The magic started with Walt Disney, the company’s humble founder. Look at this photo of Walt, the cartoonist, having a piece of fried chicken for lunch. He’s certainly made significant progress.