Yesteryear

Backstage at 1985 Live Aid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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This iconic image was taken backstage at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It features some of the biggest music stars of the era including: Keith Richards, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Ron Wood, Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Madonna and Bob Dylan.

Live Aid was a monumental dual-venue benefit concert (held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia) organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. It was one of the largest broadcast events in history, viewed by an estimated 1.9 billion people across 150 countries.

The image captures a rare moment of many legendary artists gathered together, highlighting the incredible star power and collaborative spirit of the event. Tina Turner had an explosive performance with Mick Jagger during the concert, and Bob Dylan performed with Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. Madonna also performed a set.

35 Vintage Photos of Anne Bancroft During the Filming of ‘The Graduate’ (1967)

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The Graduate is a 1967 American independent romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, based on the 1963 novella by Charles Webb. It stars Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate who is seduced by an older married woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), but falls for her daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross). The soundtrack was recorded by Simon & Garfunkel, and featured the hit single “Mrs Robinson”.

The Graduate was released December 21, 1967. It grossed $104.9 million in the United States and Canada, making it the highest-grossing film of 1967 in North America. Adjusted for inflation (as of 2021), its gross is $857 million, making it the 22nd-highest-grossing film in the United States and Canada. It received seven nominations at the 40th Academy Awards, and won for Best Director.

In 1996, The Graduate was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. In 1997, the American Film Institute ranked it the 7th-greatest American film and the 17th-greatest in 2007. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films.

“Try to lift me off the ground, I dare you!” – The Amazing Story of Johnny Coulon, the Unliftable Man

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Johnny Coulon, born in Toronto, Canada, in 1889, was a professional boxer who rose to fame not only for his impressive boxing career as a world bantamweight champion but also for a peculiar vaudeville act that earned him the moniker “The Unliftable Man.” Despite his small stature (around 5 feet tall and weighing about 110 pounds), Coulon mystified audiences and even strongmen, wrestlers, and later, legendary boxers like Muhammad Ali, who were unable to lift him off the ground.

Coulon’s boxing career spanned from 1905 to 1920. He became the world bantamweight champion in 1910, holding the title for four years. After retiring from the ring, he transitioned to the vaudeville circuit, where his “unliftable” act became a sensation.

The act was simple; the tiny Coulon would first allow himself to be lifted by his “opponent,” typically a big heavyweight boxer, wrestler or weightlifter. The opponent would initially have no difficulty at all hoisting the smaller man into the air, especially as Coulon would tense his body into a straight vertical line and bear down upon the lifter’s wrists, effectively assisting in the lift.

Coulon would then apply his special counter-grip, in which he lightly seized the would-be lifter’s right wrist (over the pulse-point) with his left hand and placed his right index finger on the left side of the lifter’s neck, near the carotid artery. The results were always the same; regardless of how much he strained and struggled, the lifter couldn’t budge Coulon from the floor.

45 Vintage Photographs of the Dionne Quintuplets, the First Quintuplets Known to Have Survived Infancy

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The Dionne quintuplets—Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie—were born on May 28, 1934, near Callander, Ontario, Canada. They were the first known set of quintuplets to survive infancy, and their story became a global phenomenon during the Great Depression, filled with both fame and exploitation.

The quintuplets were born to Elzire and Oliva Dionne, a poor French-Canadian farming couple. Their premature birth (two months early) and survival stunned the world. At birth, the five girls weighed a combined total of just over 13 pounds (6 kg). They were delivered in a modest farmhouse without electricity or running water.

In the midst of the Great Depression, their survival captured worldwide attention, offering a beacon of hope. News outlets, photographers, and even movie studios flocked to the remote farm.

Fearing exploitation by private promoters (including an offer to display them at the Chicago World’s Fair), the Ontario government intervened. In 1935, they were made wards of the Crown until age 18, effectively removing them from their parents’ care.

A specially built hospital and nursery, dubbed “Quintland,” was constructed across the road from their family home. Here, under the care of the attending physician, Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe, the girls were put on daily public display. Millions of tourists from around the globe visited to watch them play behind a one-way screen.

Their images were used to endorse numerous products, from corn syrup to typewriters, and dolls resembling them outsold Shirley Temple dolls. They even starred in three Hollywood films. While the province profited immensely, the girls’ own trust fund grew, though they had no control over it.

In 1943, after a lengthy legal battle, their father regained custody, and the quintuplets moved back with their family. However, this transition was far from ideal. The surviving sisters later alleged physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents, and described being treated as a “five-part unit” rather than individuals.

Upon turning 18 in 1952, the sisters largely distanced themselves from their parents. Émilie entered a convent and tragically died at age 20 in 1954 from an epileptic seizure; Marie died in 1970 from a blood clot in her brain at age 35; Yvonne passed away from cancer in 2001 at age 67; Annette and Cécile married and had children.

In the late 1990s, the three surviving sisters (Annette, Cécile, and Yvonne) revealed their struggles and launched a campaign for the Ontario government to address the mismanagement of their trust fund and their exploitation. In 1998, they received a $4 million compensation settlement from the Ontario government, along with an apology.

As of 2025, Annette and Cécile Dionne are still living and celebrated their 91st birthday on May 28th. Their birth home in North Bay, Ontario, has been preserved as a museum, serving as a reminder of their unique and often tragic story, and highlighting important issues related to children’s rights.

40 Glamorous Photos of American Model Donna Mitchell in the 1960s

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Donna Mitchell is an American model and actress who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for her poised elegance, striking bone structure, and ability to convey both strength and vulnerability on camera, she became a favorite among top fashion photographers and magazines of the era.

Mitchell appeared in major publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, often featured in editorial spreads that captured the refined, modern aesthetic of the time. Photographers like Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and David Montgomery frequently worked with her, drawn to her expressive presence and versatility.

Take a look at these glamorous photos to see portraits of a young model Donna Mitchell in the 1960s.

Donna Mitchell, Harper’s Bazaar, 1963

Donna Mitchell, used for cover of Harper’s Bazaar, November 1963

Donna Mitchell is wearing a 68.12 carat emerald surrounded by diamonds and pearl necklace by Harry Winston, lipstick and nail polish from Dorothy Gray, photo by Bert Stern, Vogue, March 1, 1964

Donna Mitchell, 1964

Donna Mitchell, Wells Jewelry ad, Vogue, September 1, 1964

Mae West Choosing the Winner in a “Mr. Hercules” Contest in 1958

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Actress Mae West, who always had a good eye for men, chose Reg Lewis as “Mr. Hercules,” in a contest held at the Bert Goodrich Gym in Hollywood on May 25, 1958.

Lewis, “Mr. Universe” of 1958, was selected as contestant most closely resembling the legendary Greek strong man, (portrayed in a new movie, Hercules, by another former Mr. Universe, Steve Reeves), and received a trophy, $100 in cash, a transistor portable radio, gym membership and interviews with the movie and TV casting heads of Warner Brothers.

Second place was won by actor, Ed Fury, who received $50 in cash plus merchandise awards, and a three-way tie for third place – Sam Calhoun, Kenichi Yokogama, and Dick Tasse – was decided by audience acclaim, at Miss West’s request, in favor of Calhoun. Twelve finalists went into the competition, all award-winners in previous physical culture events.

Mae West said: “Here are the things I never can resist: tall, dark handsome men, diamonds, writing stories in bed, reading, calling policemen by their christian names, and food, more food!”

The Elegant World of Georges Gaudy: Posters from the Belle Époque

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Georges Gaudy (1872–1940) was a Belgian painter, illustrator, and poster artist active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his work in the Art Nouveau style, particularly his richly colored and dynamic posters promoting bicycles, automobiles, and various commercial products during the golden age of advertising in Europe.

Originally trained as an architect, Gaudy later turned to graphic design and painting, becoming one of the prominent figures in Belgium’s vibrant poster art scene. His work often featured flowing lines, strong typography, and a keen sense of movement—elements that made his posters both eye-catching and memorable.

Many of his designs celebrated the energy and speed of modern life, especially in his iconic advertisements for bicycle and motor vehicle brands. Take a look at this collection of vintage posters illustrated by Georges Gaudy between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ligue Vélocipédique Belge, 1896

Ville de Spa, Concours d’automobiles, Automobile Club de Belgique, 1896

Automobile Club de Belgique, Course Bruxelles-Spa, 1898

Cycles et Automobiles Legia, 1898

Cycles Georges Richard, Le Tr`fle à Quatre Feuilles, circa 1898

40 Amazing Photos From the Set of American Drama Film “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979)

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Kramer vs. Kramer is a highly acclaimed 1979 drama film that delves into the emotional complexities of divorce, parenting, and changing gender roles in the late 1970s.

The story centers on Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman), a high-powered advertising executive, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), announces she is leaving him and their young son, Billy (Justin Henry), to find herself and regain her sense of self.

Initially, Ted struggles immensely with the demands of single fatherhood, balancing his demanding career with the responsibilities of caring for Billy, who is also struggling with his mother’s departure. Over time, however, Ted and Billy develop a deep and loving bond as they adapt to their new life.

Fifteen months later, Joanna returns, having found a job and therapy that helped her gain confidence and self-esteem. She now seeks full custody of Billy, leading to a bitter and emotionally charged courtroom battle between her and Ted. The film meticulously portrays both parents’ perspectives, highlighting their flaws and virtues, and the devastating impact of the legal fight on everyone involved, especially Billy.

Ultimately, despite the court ruling in Joanna’s favor, she makes a difficult decision, realizing that Billy’s happiness and stability are paramount, and allows him to remain with Ted.

Kramer vs. Kramer was theatrically released December 19, 1979, by Columbia Pictures. The film emerged as a major commercial success at the box office, grossing more than $173 million on an $8 million budget, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1979 in the United States and Canada. It received widespread critical acclaim upon release, with high praise for its direction, story, screenplay and performances of the cast, with major praise directed towards Hoffman and Streep’s performances.

The film received a leading 9 nominations at the 52nd Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor (for Henry) and Best Supporting Actress (for Alexander and Streep), and won a leading 5 awards – Best Picture, Best Director (for Benton), Best Actor (for Hoffman), Best Supporting Actress (for Streep) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

At the 37th Golden Globe Awards, Kramer vs. Kramer received a leading 8 nominations, including Best Director (for Benton), Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (for Henry) and Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (for Alexander), and won a leading 4 awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (for Hoffman) and Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (for Streep).

Below is a collection of 40 amazing photos from the set of the film:

Maurice and Maralyn Bailey: A British Couple Who Survived for 118 Days on a Rubber Raft in the Pacific Ocean in 1973

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Maurice and Maralyn Bailey were a British married couple who survived an extraordinary ordeal at sea in 1973. Their survival story is known as 117 Days Adrift despite the duration actually being longer (118 days) because initial news reports were wrong and it was decided to keep this name for consistency.

The Baileys’ journey began in June 1972 when they left Southampton, England, in their 31-foot (9.4 m) yacht Auralyn. Their intended destination was New Zealand. They passed safely through the Panama Canal in February and were on their way to the Galapagos Islands.

At dawn on March 4, 1973, their yacht was struck by a whale and severely damaged. After transferring some supplies to an inflated life raft and dinghy and salvaging some food, a compass, and other supplies, the Baileys watched as Auralyn disappeared beneath the waves.

To survive, they collected rainwater to drink and, when their meager food supplies ran out, were forced to catch and eat sea creatures like turtles, seabirds, and fish, often using makeshift hooks made from safety pins. They had been vegetarians before their ordeal and found this necessary act deeply difficult.

They faced numerous hardships, including severe storms that repeatedly capsized their dinghy, the constant need to bail water from their deteriorating raft, and saltwater sores that caused immense pain. They also endured the crushing disappointment of seeing seven ships pass by without spotting them, as their flares failed and they lacked a signaling mirror.

Despite the dire circumstances, they supported each other. Maralyn, in particular, maintained a positive outlook and her faith, while Maurice, initially more pessimistic, was encouraged by her. They would try to distract themselves by reading and playing card games, though these activities became increasingly difficult as they weakened.

After drifting some 1,500 miles (2,400 km), the Baileys were rescued by the crew of the South Korean fishing boat Weolmi 306 on June 30, 1973. Sailors on the ship spotted the raft after initially passing it by. The couple was brought aboard in an emaciated state, having lost some 40 pounds (18 kg) apiece and with their legs barely able to support their weight. Weolmi 306 took them to Honolulu, Hawaii.

1984 Blue Moon Festival Through Fascinating Photos

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These fascinating photos from Simon Evans captured people at the Blue Moon Festival in 1984. This was one of those little local festivals that used to appear from time to time. This was held in the hills around Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire, Wales.