It occurs to me I have never posted a carte de visite photograph, so here is a bunch! CDV photos were an albumen print on small cards, about the size of a small tintype (2.5" x 3.5")They became the predominant form of photography following the "hard" images of dags, ambros and tintypes and were popular from 1860 to 1900 or so...a few were produced earlier and a few later.
They were common, and they were cute. Many were tinted by hand, and many were popular figures of the day...show folk, authors, politicians...and in this case, Canadians!S.A. Spencer was born in Connecticut but headed west to find gold. How he happened upon photography is unknown to me, but he was a bit better than most...and being on the West Coast of Canada early means his work is valuable for genealogy and Canadian history. The sitters might not look it, but they were pioneers. They dressed for the camera...but trust British Columbia was frontier when he produced these images.
One is dated on the reverse 1874, I suppose from his peak. Stephen Allen Spencer passed away in 1911.
Group of CDV photographs by S.A. Spencer, circa 1870-1880 Collection Jim LindermanDull Tool Dim Bulb Books HERE
I searched "Peter the Hermit" to find the story of this fellow, lo and behold, he's become something of an internet sensation! Full of lengthy posts, Hollywood legend, considerable remembrances and the "I am sure more photos will appear" comment. Well, two more just did. I am happy to add these to the public legacy of the legendary Hollywood loon who lived on Lookout Road...or at least was supposed to until some creep scammed his dough.Thanks to Luc Sante, who reminded me I had these tucked away in a shoe box...I am working on a story about a similar white bearded eccentric who is a "separated at birth" look-alike from the same era. I do not think my fellow was ever BRONZED!It appears Peter the Hermit was an acquaintance of Joan Crawford and Lana Turner, and has generated much interest among the Hollywood hoi polloi. He spent his time posing as a biblical character on the streets of tinsel town, and since he appears to have aged little in the 13 years between these photos, it must have been a pretty good life.We could TRY for Jeff Bridges. I hear he is playing music now, but he might be coaxed.The site of documentary filmmaker Hope Anderson "Under the Hollywood Sign" has plenty to say about Peter and is where I cribbed the bronze photo. I thought New York was the place of 8 million stories! Two Original Press Photographs of "Peter the Hermit" AKA "Mystery Man of the Mountains" AKA "Peter Howard" 1925 - 1938 Collection Jim LindermanSee DULL TOOL DIM BULB BOOKS HERE
Untitled Anonymous Snapshot circa 1935? Collection Jim Linderman
Madam Fortune knows ALLThat will be twenty dollars please.
Joe Barta picks a nice, sunny day to chisel his spear and shield carrying African warrior boy, who will soon be placed in the "Suffer the Children" exhibit inside his curious shaped museum building in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. I am going to guess the extension to the building is where the massive Last Supper is displayed, but you shouldn't take my word for it. The museum is open May through October, so wait for a thaw. Joe carved 100 life-sized figures and 400 miniatures.
For those of you who do not know where Shell Lake is, go to Spooner and you will be close. In the old days, say 5 years ago...you could stop at the local gas station and ask Gomer "Is there any good stuff to do around here" and probably learn about his dog and the time he fell into the grease pit while giving directions, THAT was quite a day...but today there is a better way.Trip Advisor® (A website which provides information on things one used to "happen upon") kindly gives not only numerous links to travel and reservation sites but tons of aggregated information you don't really need like Weather Underground® average rainfall in August (5 inches) , the "top rated" restaurants nearby (Bistro 63...7.4 miles down Highway 63 from the museum, so skip the restroom) it also allows all to contribute their OWN reviews of the attraction! (In case you are one of those people who can't mind their own business)
I will let you read the detailed reviews from your peers yourself while you plan your trip HERE.
Joe Barta Museum of Woodcarving Real Photo Post Card collection Jim Linderman
(DO CLICK TO ENLARGE!)Browsing around to find some background about this photograph, I came across a plaintive and heart-wrenching comment on "Behind the Curtain" the wonderful photographic blog of the State Journal Register, the oldest Newspaper in Illinois. The comment comes from the daughter of the woman shown above. I am leaving the name off the comment to protect her privacy in what must be a difficult time. The comment is dated February 20, 2011."This is my mother and she is the most wonderful woman I know!! She is 93 and on her last days of life what a blessing she is!"
I own many photographs but several of my favorites turn out to be photographs of Betty Fox. I treasure the second here particularly as I found it among the possessions of my late father, who likely took it himself. As you can see, he was impressed by Betty as well. He took several, I would have too...and I posted some of them earlier HERE, they are among the most beautiful photos you can imagine. I am afraid this wasn't due to my father's skill, it was due to Betty and Benny. God Speed to the wondrous woman named Betty Fox. Many have entertained others, but few with such daring, grace and form. With all the offensive, slimy, divisive (and frequently, Rush Limbaugh inspired) crud clogging "comment" boards today, it is a splendid thing indeed to see such a heartfelt, honest and pleasing contribution from someone who actually has something to say. It made my day.
I don't want to turn my tribute into a screed against "entertainer" Limbaugh, but that fat clown could not begin to touch the toes of this splendid, striking and amazing woman, much less his own.
Thank you Betty Fox for entertaining and astounding so many good people over the years, including my family.
Original Press Photo and clipping, 1968 Collection Jim Linderman
Betty Fox Snapshot, circa 1940 Collection Jim Linderman
A 1923 Newspaper Morgue Photograph of Linsenmeyer's big one...a three and one half ton camera. Hold on to your hat when the bellows moves!
See my previous post HERE for some other giant photographic constructions.Original Press service photograph 1923 Collection Jim Linderman
Are contemporary artists and cartoonists influenced by vintage sleaze? Of course they are! Contemporary artists and cartoonists are influenced by everything! And as long as one person is attracted to (or repelled by) another, there will be situations requiring a piece of work or a gag. In this spirit, Vintage Sleaze (Brother and Sister blog to this site) is proud to announce a new series: CONTEMPORARY VINTAGE SLEAZE
Select artists of TODAY influenced by pinup and risque gag artists of the past are celebrated here with a unique work they have created especially for Vintage Sleaze the Blog! A showcase for (and a tribute to) talented artists who draw today. (Who may just draw upon the drawings of past Sleazy Cheesecake Pinup Masters) PLEASE also take the time to follow links to the individual artist sites! Not only will you see some outstanding work, you might be compelled to purchase, commission or follow the artist. Each and every site is a delight.Submissions are welcome but we can not post everything. If you draw and enjoy Vintage Sleaze please participate!
We begin the series with the work of Lena H. Chandhok. Other notables are participating including Gary Panter, Vanessa Davis, Paul Swartz and many others. The series will run weekly on Vintage Sleaze. Make sure to follow and share!
A Book Review from the Past and a Web site review from the Present!
One of the most amazing books (make that a series of books) ever is the astounding Household Physician published originally in 1905 with copyright in England by F. S. Woodruff, the book was republished ten years later in the United States, and again in 1923 by J.A. Brown. If you have the slightest interest in medical Illustration, homeopathic medicine, folk medicine or even art, this is an amazing source and SITE...the entire volumes are available online HERE.
A compendium unmatched! The site is sponsored by J. Crow's, a source of herbal medicinals, folk medicines and such.
The claim is made within the preface that "No one who reads this book thoroughly will be often imposed upon thereafter by quack nostrums..." I'm not sure about you, but I have had my fill of quack nostrums, and thus recommend this book.
Now I am not sure I would start here rather then, say, WebMD if I had a medical emergency... but if the bleeding has subsided and the poison has been purged, this makes for an entertaining afternoon. In many cases, the Household Physician is spot on...other times? Eh. Let's just say medicine has progressed a bit since the late 19th century, and bar Republican efforts, it will continue. Speaking of Republican efforts...how come they aren't suing because we are forced to buy AUTO insurance? Isn't that "unconstitutional" too? I'm just asking.
The illustrations are, as you can see. simply extraordinary and I suspect hold up to modern medicine better than the text. No artist is credited in the book, which contains 500 line drawings in addition to the remarkable color plates above (tipped in as a folded group) allowing all to play "invisible man" and marvel. All manner of pompous physicians are credited, but the artists? Not a thing. I loaded "Man" here in reverse so you can put him back together! Anyway, the illustrations and hundreds more are available online HERE.
Have fun...but talk to your doctor first! Numerous copies of the chunky bigassed multi- volume set are available from used book dealers. If you purchase one or all, make sure the inserted color plates have not been torn out. Especially in the Veterinary volume, as the cow is great!
