Yesteryear

Outtakes From The Doors’ “Waiting for the Sun” Album Cover Photoshoot in Los Angeles, 1968

Outtakes From The Doors’ “Waiting for the Sun” Album Cover Photoshoot in Los Angeles, 1968

Waiting for the Sun is the third studio album by The Doors, released by Elektra Records on July 3, 1968. It became the band’s only number one album, topping the Billboard 200 for four weeks, while also including their second US number one single, “Hello, I Love You.”

The cover art for the album Waiting for the Sun.
The album cover for Waiting for the Sun was shot in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles in February 1968 by photographer Paul Ferrara, a longtime friend of Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek from their days at UCLA. The photos were taken on a cliff, utilizing natural light. The set-up wasn’t elaborate: no big crew, no fancy staging—just the band and the photographer, sharing a familiar outdoor spot. Ferrara used a station wagon as a platform for his camera.
Fun anecdote from Dennis Dunaway (the original Alice Cooper bassist): “Glen Buxton (original Alice Cooper guitarist) and him (Jim Morrison) used to go out drinking a lot. As a matter of fact, they stayed up all night drinking at a Mexican restaurant. Then Jim Morrison flipped out because he remembered he had a photo shoot for the album cover Waiting for the Sun. They had set up a shoot so they could have the sun coming up behind the band. He freaked out because he didn’t have anything to wear, so Glen took his black sweater off and gave it to him and that’s what he’s wearing in that picture.”

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The Master of Suspense: Rarely Seen Photos of a Very Young Alfred Hitchcock in the 1920s

The Master of Suspense: Rarely Seen Photos of a Very Young Alfred Hitchcock in the 1920s

Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock (August 13, 1899 – April 29, 1980) was an English film director. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. In a career spanning six decades, he directed over 50 feature films, many of which are still widely watched and studied today.

In the 1920s, Alfred Hitchcock was just beginning to shape the career that would make him the “Master of Suspense,” and he spent much of the decade learning every aspect of filmmaking from the ground up.

Hitchcock entered the film industry in 1920 at age 20, starting as a title card designer for the London branch of the American company Famous Players–Lasky. He quickly became fascinated with all stages of production and worked in multiple departments — including art direction, editing, and assistant directing — gaining an unusually broad knowledge of filmmaking for someone so young. His artistic training (he had studied at the London County Council School of Engineering and Navigation) helped him excel in visual storytelling, even in silent films.
When Famous Players–Lasky closed its London branch in 1922, Hitchcock joined Gainsborough Pictures. By 1923, he was working as an assistant director and screenwriter for Graham Cutts, learning about pacing, set design, and how to manage a film crew. He made his directorial debut in 1925 with The Pleasure Garden, shot partly in Germany — where he absorbed lessons from German Expressionist cinema, such as dramatic lighting and psychological set design.
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) became his first critical success, establishing the recurring theme of the “wrongly accused man” and his signature visual flair. Hitchcock experimented with camera movement, point-of-view shots, and symbolic visual motifs, techniques that would define his later thrillers. Other late-1920s works included The Ring (1927), The Farmer’s Wife (1928), and Blackmail (1929) — the latter being Britain’s first full-length talkie.
By the end of the 1920s, Hitchcock had gone from designing silent-film title cards to being recognized as one of Britain’s most innovative young directors, already showing the visual precision and psychological tension that would make him famous.

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Marisa Mell: The Timeless Icon of European Cinema

Marisa Mell: The Timeless Icon of European Cinema

Born 1939 as Marlies Theres Moitzi in Graz, Austrian actress Marisa Mell whose beauty, charisma, and sensual screen presence made her an icon of European cinema in the 1960s and 1970s.

Mell achieved international fame with her role as Eva Kant in Danger: Diabolik (1968), directed by Mario Bava, in which she starred opposite John Phillip Law. Her career encompassed a wide range of genres, from giallo and crime dramas to romantic adventures, often portraying glamorous, mysterious, and seductive women.
Despite her success on screen, Mell faced personal and financial struggles later in life. She died in Vienna at the age of 53, but remains a cult figure for fans of European genre cinema, remembered for her striking looks, fearless performances, and enduring presence in pop culture. Take a look at these stunning photos to see the beauty of Marisa Mell in the 1960s and 1970s. 

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Couple Getting Some Worms From the Machine in Eastlake, Ohio, 1957

Couple Getting Some Worms From the Machine in Eastlake, Ohio, 1957

In 1957, the worm vending machine emerged as a novel solution for anglers needing live bait. These machines, often placed near fishing spots, allowed fishermen to conveniently purchase worms at any hour, eliminating the need to visit a bait shop. This invention reflected the post-war trend towards automation and the growing popularity of fishing as a leisure activity.

The worm vending machine was a quirky yet practical innovation of its time. It provided a 24/7 solution for a specific niche market, demonstrating the era’s fascination with convenience and automation. By simply inserting coins, anglers could retrieve a container of live worms, ready for use.

Beyond its functional aspect, the worm vending machine also symbolized the cultural trends of the 1950s.

The machine’s appearance and purpose tapped into the desire for efficiency and accessibility in leisure activities, making it a memorable piece of mid-century American ingenuity.
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The Romantic Norwegian Landscapes of Anders Askevold

The Romantic Norwegian Landscapes of Anders Askevold

Anders Askevold (1834–1900) was a Norwegian painter celebrated for his luminous landscapes and serene animal studies, particularly of cattle in pastoral settings. Born in Askvoll, Norway, Askevold trained first in Bergen before studying in Düsseldorf under the influence of the Düsseldorf School, which emphasized detailed, romanticized depictions of nature.

Askevold’s works often combined dramatic Norwegian scenery—fjords, mountains, and valleys—with tranquil rural life, creating a harmonious balance between grandeur and intimacy. He achieved considerable success in Europe, exhibiting in Paris, Berlin, and other cultural capitals, and was awarded medals at several international exhibitions.
Askevold’s paintings, marked by soft light, meticulous detail, and a sense of calm, remain significant representations of 19th-century Norwegian art, reflecting both national identity and the era’s romantic vision of nature.
Anchored Sailing-Vessels in a Fjord

A Fjord in Norway

At Dalen in the Nærøyfjord

At the Watering Place

Bakka in the Nærøyfjord

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The Story of the Monroe Six, Also Known as the Marilyn Six

The Story of the Monroe Six, Also Known as the Marilyn Six

The Monroe Six, also known as the Marilyn Six, comprised six dedicated teenage fans in New York City who tracked Marilyn Monroe’s appearances throughout the city. The group included John Reilly, siblings Eileen and James (Jimmy) Collins, Edith Pitts, Frieda Hull, and Gloria Milone.
They shared tips on Marilyn’s whereabouts—hotels, events, work sessions—and met regularly to catch glimpses of her. They even gave her a sweet nickname “Mazzie.” Marilyn appreciated their loyalty and friendly approach, often greeting them by name, consenting to photos or autographs, and even inviting them for a soda at her New York apartment, where she lived with Arthur Miller.
In 1955 alone, they spotted Marilyn at various locations: outside the Waldorf-Astoria, at the Times Square premiere of The Seven Year Itch, heading to Paula Strasberg’s acting studio, attending a performance of Damn Yankees, and walking to the Inherit the Wind play on Broadway. 
Members of the Monroe Six captured numerous candid photos—color and black and white—of Marilyn. Among them, James Collins later sold a collection of 183 rare and signed photographs at auction in 2016. Frieda Hull, in particular, amassed over 550 photos and even joined Pan Am Airlines to travel after Marilyn, continuing their fan-idol bond.
After the death of Marilyn in 1962, the Six were in mourning then lost sight of each other a little. Below are a few candid photographs of Marilyn Monroe taken by Frieda Hull on July 8, 1960, outside Fox Studios in New York City.

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Children Asleep in the Playground of a Day Nursery in the Notting Hill Area of West London, ca. 1958

Children Asleep in the Playground of a Day Nursery in the Notting Hill Area of West London, ca. 1958

This evocative black and white image shows young children sleeping peacefully on small cots arranged outdoors, wrapped in blankets. The photograph was taken around 1958 in the Notting Hill area of West London, and it captures a once-common practice at the time: outdoor naps for children in day nurseries.

During the mid-20th century, many nurseries and childcare facilities in the UK (and other parts of Europe) believed that fresh air was essential for healthy child development, even during nap time. As a result, children would often be placed outside to sleep, even in colder weather, bundled up warmly in blankets and coats. This practice was rooted in public health beliefs aimed at preventing illnesses like tuberculosis, which was a serious concern in earlier decades.
This particular image is especially moving and symbolic, showing a diverse group of children napping side by side in a quiet moment amid post-war London life. Notting Hill in the 1950s was undergoing major social changes, with increasing immigration, racial tension, and evolving community structures. The photo reflects a moment of innocence, equality, and calm, contrasting with the social unrest and inequality that often characterized the adult world around them.
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Rare Portraits of Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits in the Late 1970s

Rare Portraits of Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits in the Late 1970s

Mark Freuder Knopfler was born in Glasgow on August 12, 1949 and raised in Newcastle. By the early 1970s, he had moved to Leeds to study English at Leeds University, playing in local bands on the side. After graduating, he worked briefly as a teacher and journalist, all the while honing his distinctive fingerpicking guitar style influenced by artists like Chet Atkins and J.J. Cale. In 1973, he recorded a demo with a short-lived band called The Duolian String Pickers.
In 1977, Knopfler founded Dire Straits in London with his younger brother David (rhythm guitar), John Illsley (bass), and Pick Withers (drums). The band’s name was a nod to their financial situation at the time. The band recorded a demo tape that included “Sultans of Swing,” which gained traction after being played on BBC Radio London. This led to a record deal and, in 1978, the release of their self-titled debut album. The album was a commercial success, thanks in large part to the popularity of “Sultans of Swing.”
Knopfler quickly gained recognition for his unique fingerstyle guitar technique and his distinctive, clean, melodic sound. As the band’s frontman, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter, he was responsible for many of their early hits. His songwriting, often delivered in a laconic drawl, featured evocative storytelling and a blend of folk, blues, and country influences.
Knopfler’s talent was noticed by other musicians, most notably Bob Dylan. After seeing Dire Straits perform, Dylan was so impressed that he invited Knopfler and drummer Pick Withers to play on his 1979 album, Slow Train Coming. This collaboration further cemented Knopfler’s reputation as a gifted guitarist.

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35 Historic Postcard Photos From the Mexican Revolution

35 Historic Postcard Photos From the Mexican Revolution

Hundreds of commercial and amateur photographers recorded imagery during the tumultuous Mexican Revolution (Revolución Mexicana), which began in 1910 with an uprising led by Francisco I. Madero (1873–1913) against Porfirio Díaz (1830–1915), the President of Mexico.

Many of the photos were printed on postcard stock and marketed by commercial photographers to soldiers and civilians on either side of the international border between Mexico and the United States. Other photographic postcards in this collection created by amateur photographers document their personal experience in the conflict.
Military funeral in tent-camp at Fort Bliss (prior to First World War). Troop B, 15th Cavalry, 1910-14

Military funeral en route to Ft. Bliss post cemetery (prior to First World War). Troop B, 15th Cavalry, 1910-14

On the firing line, February 8, 1911

Efectos del bombardeo, 1914

5000 U.S. troops in Military Parade, El Paso, 1915

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Hulkamania: 16 Amazing Studio Portraits of Hulk Hogan in the 1980s

Hulkamania: 16 Amazing Studio Portraits of Hulk Hogan in the 1980s

Hulk Hogan (August 11, 1953 – July 24, 2025) was an American professional wrestler and media personality. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest and globally most recognized wrestling stars of all time. He won multiple championships worldwide, most notably being a six-time WWF Champion.

Hogan’s wrestling career in the 1980s was a phenomenon that helped transform professional wrestling from a regional spectacle into a global pop culture powerhouse. This period is widely known as the “Hulkamania” era, and it saw him become the face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, returned to the WWF in late 1983. His persona was quickly recast as a patriotic, all-American hero. The “Hulkamania” movement began in earnest on January 23, 1984, when he defeated the Iron Sheik to win his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship. He successfully broke out of the Sheik’s submission move, the “camel clutch,” and won the title, solidifying his heroic status.
Hogan’s character was defined by his signature look (red and yellow gear, a bandana, and a horseshoe mustache) and his catchphrases, most notably his advice to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins.” He was a larger-than-life figure who captivated audiences, especially children, with his inspiring message and superhuman strength.
Throughout the 1980s, Hogan’s matches followed a recognizable pattern: he’d take a beating, “Hulk up” (shaking his head, no-selling punches), point at his opponent, land a big boot, and finish with the leg drop. This formula, along with his red-and-yellow color scheme, became as much a part of ’80s wrestling as the WWF logo itself.
The 1980s were filled with iconic feuds and championship reigns for Hulk Hogan.
  • André the Giant: The rivalry with André the Giant was perhaps the most significant of the decade. Their feud culminated in the main event of WrestleMania III in 1987, where Hogan famously body-slammed the nearly 520-pound giant. This moment, often called the “slam heard ‘round the world,” is one of the most memorable in wrestling history.
  • “Rowdy” Roddy Piper: Hogan’s feud with the villainous “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was central to the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection” era, which saw the WWF integrate with mainstream pop culture. Their rivalry headlined the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985, where Hogan teamed with actor Mr. T to defeat Piper and Paul Orndorff.
  • “Macho Man” Randy Savage: Hogan’s partnership and subsequent rivalry with Randy Savage dominated the late 1980s. They initially formed a popular tag team known as “The Mega Powers.” However, their alliance disintegrated due to Savage’s jealousy over Hogan’s relationship with Savage’s manager, Miss Elizabeth. This led to a high-profile match at WrestleMania V in 1989, where Hogan defeated Savage to regain the WWF Championship.
Hogan’s first WWF Championship reign lasted an astounding 1,474 days, from January 1984 to February 1988, establishing him as the unquestioned top star of the company. He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, a testament to his dominance and popularity.

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