3/09/2012

When having electricity was a sales argument

Some photographers used the back of the photographs to advertise for more customers. Some only stated name and address while others used graphic art and sales pitches. My favourite is on a photograph from my great-grandparents shoebox.


Here comes a translation for those of you whose Danish is a bit rusty:

"The Only Studio in Denmark
that offers Picture Taking by Electrical Light
in the Studio if Ordered in Advance
untill 11 P.M.

V. Jensen & Co"

The address and then at the very bottom it states:

"Original Waiting Rooms"
"Toilet and Dressing Rooms"

I would also draw your attention to the half-naked lady, standing on a globe while holding a gigantic light bulp in her hand. Advertising really hasn't changed that much in a 100+ years.

3/07/2012

Three pretty girls and a cool moustache

Inspired by Sepia Saturday I rummaged through my great-grandparents photographs and found these two pictures that both fit the Hair theme.

The girls and the man I believe to be friends of my great-grandparents. The picture of the girls is from ca. 1908. The man's photograph might be a little earlier.



3/04/2012

Hollywood Plaza Hotel, Hollywood, Calif.

This is an old postcard I found in a small antique store in Davis, CA some years ago. I don't know how old it really is, but judging by the cars it might be from the 1930s? I wonder if the building is still there.


Printed by Tichnor Quality Views.

Oh, to be a shoe sales person

The postcard below was sent to me in 1995, but obviously the card itself is much older than that. On the back it says:

"Yes! We are ready to carefully fit boys and girls with their back-to-school shoes! At Value-Rite Family Shoes! Using the latest in foot science and employing the "friendliest shoe staff in the state" we get the right shoe for the right child. (And of course we have a present for your child!)"

What's not to like?  They certainly look friendly. And they know all about foot science - and come bearing gifts too.


The card was printed by Klutz Press, CA.

3/01/2012

Cards from the 1970s

These two cards are among a bunch of cards I found when my grand-parents moved from their house. I find the drawings and color choices quite charming. The cards are from the 1970s - and they are in Danish.