Yesteryear

O.J. Simpson Chase (17 June 1994)

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

As with President Kennedy’s assassination or the moon landing, ask pretty much any American what they were doing when former American football star O J Simpson was driving down the highway on 17 June 1994, and they will be able to tell you. Viewers and networks alike couldn’t believe what they were seeing when pictures […]

David Blaine – “Above the Below” (2003)

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

On 5 September 2003, American magician and illusionist David Blaine began an endurance stunt in which he was sealed inside a transparent 3 feet (0.9 metres) by 7 feet (2.1 metres) by 7 feet (2.1 metres) Plexiglas box suspended by a crane 30 feet (9.1 metres) in the air on the south bank of the […]

Bijou Barrington: The Epitome of 1940s Elegance

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

Bijou Barrington was a celebrated American fashion model who rose to prominence in the 1940s. Known for her sophisticated and graceful presence, she was a favorite subject for legendary photographers like Louise Dahl-Wolfe and John Rawlings. Her career is best remembered for her frequent appearances in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, where she showcased the works of pioneering designers like Claire McCardell.

One of her most famous moments occurred during a 1942 shoot in Arizona; after Barrington suffered from heatstroke, the iconic editor Diana Vreeland famously stepped in to model in her place. She remains a symbol of the refined, “classic” elegance that defined mid-century American fashion.

Let’s take a look back at these vintage glimpses of Bijou Barrington, a woman who perfectly embodied the golden age of American high fashion.

Bijou Barrington in skirt and halter top by Jay Thorpe, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, January 1942

Bijou Barrington in pants and top by Jay Thorpe, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, January 1942

Bijou Barrington wearing a high-waisted skirt of Botany wool flannel, a simple black blouse with a cocoa scarf, all at B. Altman, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, February 1, 1943

Bijou Barrington wearing a white cotton madras tucked peplum dress from Henri Bendel’s Young Timers, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue 1943

Bijou Barrington near sliding glass door wearing polka-dot square neck dress of rayon crêpe, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue 1943

American Civil War Soldier Clowning Around for the Camera, ca. 1863

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

This image of an unidentified Union officer clowning around is a rare and famous departure from the typically stoic military portraits of the 1860s. Captured around 1863, this quarter-plate tintype shows the soldier performing a classic gesture of mockery or “thumbing his nose.”

Photography in the 1860s was still relatively new and technically demanding. Most portraits required long exposure times (several seconds or more), so subjects had to hold perfectly still, which is why so many Civil War photos show stiff, serious expressions. Humorous or candid shots like this one are quite rare because holding a silly face steady without laughing or moving was challenging.

Soldiers (especially in camp) often had downtime between battles or during sieges, and photography studios or traveling photographers near camps allowed them to send portraits home. This unknown officer clearly decided to have some fun instead of the standard stoic pose. It humanizes the era, reminding us that even amid one of America’s bloodiest conflicts, soldiers found moments of levity, boredom relief, and personality.

The photo’s exact location isn’t definitively recorded in most sources, though some mentions loosely associate similar images with places like the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia (1864–65). The identity of the officer remains unknown, it’s one of those charming “anonymous” artifacts of history that pops up frequently in collections, books, and social media posts about Civil War photography.

It’s a great example of how tintypes captured not just the gravity of war, but also the everyday humanity and humor of the people living through it. The image has circulated widely online precisely because it’s so relatable and unexpected from that period.

30 Iconic Saturday Evening Post Covers From the Early 1900s

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

In the early 1900s, The Saturday Evening Post emerged as one of America’s most beloved and influential magazines, famous for its iconic illustrated covers that captured the spirit of the nation. From 1900 to the 1920s, the magazine’s covers served as vibrant windows into everyday American life, reflecting the optimism, humor, and rapid social changes of the Edwardian and Progressive eras.

Renowned artists such as J.C. Leyendecker, Norman Rockwell (who began contributing in 1916), and other talented illustrators created memorable scenes filled with warmth, nostalgia, and gentle storytelling. Whether depicting bustling city streets, idyllic small-town life, romantic moments, or humorous slices of daily existence, these covers blended masterful artistry with mass appeal. Bold colors, dynamic compositions, and relatable characters made each issue something readers eagerly anticipated every Saturday.

These early 1900s covers not only defined the golden age of American magazine illustration but also became enduring cultural artifacts, beautifully preserving the hopes, dreams, and everyday joys of a transforming America.

Saturday Evening Post magazine cover, December 7, 1901

Saturday Evening Post magazine cover, July 20, 1901

Saturday Evening Post magazine cover, May 25, 1901

Saturday Evening Post magazine cover, October 26, 1901

Saturday Evening Post magazine cover, June 21, 1902

Catherine O’Hara’s Wardrobe Polaroids From the Canadian Sketch Comedy Second City Television

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

The collection of wardrobe polaroids featuring Catherine O’Hara from 1983 captures the actress during her tenure with the Canadian sketch comedy troupe Second City Television (SCTV). These images, often used for continuity and makeup testing, showcase the wide array of eccentric characters she portrayed, including the legendary Lola Heatherton.

The 1983 set is particularly notable for featuring several “alternate” looks and makeup tests that were later circulated by various archives. Many of these photos include her frequent collaborator John Candy, documenting their work during SCTV’s peak years.

These Polaroids were primary tools for the wardrobe and makeup departments, including designers Linda Matheson and Juul Haalmeyer, to maintain consistent looks across different filming dates.

Vintage Snapshots of People Posing on the Crocodile Rock in Millport, Scotland

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

Crocodile Rock is a quirky, beloved landmark on the beach in Millport, the main town on the Isle of Great Cumbrae (often just called Cumbrae) in North Ayrshire, Scotland. It’s a natural rock formation on the shoreline that has been painted to resemble a crocodile, complete with a toothy grin and eyes, and has been delighting visitors for over a century.

The stone itself is millions of years old, formed from the local geology along the Firth of Clyde. What makes it special is the way the craggy outcrop naturally suggests the shape of a reptile’s head and body when viewed from certain angles.

The crocodile “artwork” dates back to around 1913–1914. Local man Robert Brown (sometimes described as an artist or retired architect) is credited with the original paint job. The popular story goes that Brown was walking home after a lunchtime visit to the pub (with a few drinks involved) when he spotted the rock formation and imagined it looked like a crocodile. He returned with paint and a brush to bring the idea to life, adding the distinctive features that turned it into the “Crocodile Rock.”

In 1913, the Millport Town Council publicly thanked Robert Brown for his work, marking the earliest recorded mention. Some accounts note it was already established by 1914.

The rock is regularly repainted every few years by locals or volunteers, always staying true to the original playful design. This community upkeep has helped it remain vibrant and iconic. In 2013, Millport celebrated its centenary with a party.

Crocodile Rock sits on Millport Beach (near the Dancing Midge Café) and is a favorite spot for photos, especially with children who love climbing on it (though it can be slippery). It’s one of several painted rocks on the island (including Lion Rock and Indian Rock), but by far the most famous.

Look Around You

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

2 0 0 2 (UK) 9 x 10 minute episodes 2 0 0 5 (UK) 6 x 30 minute episodes “Birds. What are birds? We just don’t know” This series – the brainchild of Peter Serafinowicz and Robert Popper – set out to parody the educational programmes that appeared on British television in the 1970s and […]

Tallulah Bankhead: The Flamboyant Legend of Broadway

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

Tallulah Bankhead (1902–1968) was a legendary American actress known as much for her gravelly voice and sharp wit as for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen.

Born into a prominent political family in Alabama, Bankhead defied social norms to pursue a career in acting, eventually becoming a sensation on Broadway and in London’s West End. She is best remembered for her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock’s film Lifeboat (1944) and her acclaimed stage performance in The Little Foxes.

Beyond her talent, Bankhead was a true free spirit who lived life on her own terms, famous for her flamboyant personality and her tendency to call everyone “dahling” because, as she admitted, she was terrible at remembering names. These striking portraits capture the magnetic charm and fearless personality of Tallulah Bankhead, one of the most outrageous and unforgettable stars of her generation.

Elvis Presley’s 1966 Dodge D200 Sweptline

by editor@creativeunderworld.com | Yesteryear | 0 Comments

In February 1967, Elvis purchased the Circle G Ranch in Horn Lake, Mississippi, a secluded property about 18 miles south of Graceland. It became something of a personal retreat (and later a honeymoon cottage after Elvis and Priscilla married in May 1967). To work the ranch and care for the 25 horses that eventually lived there, Elvis needed real working trucks.

Among the vehicles at the ranch was a 1966 Dodge D200 Sweptline, notable for being a four-door “Crew Cab” configuration. At the time, four-door pickups were quite rare and primarily used by utility crews or construction teams, rather than as personal vehicles.

Elvis didn’t just buy one; he reportedly went on a spending spree, buying a fleet of Dodge and Chevrolet trucks for himself, his “Memphis Mafia” buddies, and the ranch staff so they could all work the land together. Many of these trucks featured the “Circle G” logo on the doors, identifying them as part of the ranch’s operations.

For a short window in 1967, Elvis traded his flashy Cadillacs for these Dodge trucks. He was frequently spotted by local fans and neighbors driving the D200 around Horn Lake, wearing a cowboy hat and boots. He used the D200 specifically to haul horse trailers and move supplies.

Friends recalled this era as one of the happiest for Elvis, as the truck and the ranch offered him a sense of normalcy and a physical outlet away from the pressures of Hollywood.

While many of Elvis’s vehicles ended up in the Presley Motors Automobile Museum at Graceland, his ranch trucks were often sold or given away after he sold the Circle G Ranch in the late 1960s. However, the 1966 Dodge D200 has surfaced at various high-end auctions over the years, often recognized by its rare crew cab body and documented history with the King.