21 Historical Photos that are a WEIRD Blast from the Past

Back in the day, phones were mounted to the wall. Rotary phones were used to activate the prayer list, not take a picture.

Thank goodness we are now able to preview photos (and delete them!) before shipping them off to the photo lab. Photographers of the past didn’t have that luxury, which resulted in some odd or unexpected pictures—and we’re glad these survived!

1. Hog Wild

His parents wouldn’t buy him a pony.

2. Michelin Man and the Band

A vintage photo of a group of people posing for the camera

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Do you think anyone ever got tired of hearing them play?

3. Ready for a Close-Up

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MGM built a lion’s cage inside a sound stage to record the iconic lion’s roar at the beginning of their films.

4. Elevated Parking Garage

A sign on the side of a building

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Chicago is known for the “L” train. The city was also home to the “L” garage for Model T’s.

5. Alcoholic Walking Stick

A group of people sitting in a chair

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It’s handy because you can use the cane to keep your balance after getting a little tipsy.
(Photo courtesy of The Vintage News) 

6. Church Directory Photo

A vintage photo of a group of people posing for the camera

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If your tie has a stain on it, you can always borrow your infant child’s tie. No one will notice the difference.

7. Dinner To Go

A group of people standing next to a body of water

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Is this a picnic for the patrons, or for the alligators?
(Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library)

8. A Regular Day at the Fair

It’s unclear if this couple was patronizing the fair or performing in one of the side shows. Is she wearing a cactus necklace?

9. Hot Yoga

A person posing for a photo

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This extremely flexible couple was actually part of a circus freak show.

10. First Botox Patient?

A black and white photo of a girl

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Or maybe an unfortunate pair of bee stings.

11. Union Labor “Stripes”

A group of people riding horses on a city street

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When horses go on strike, head to the zoo and grab a zebra.

12. Lung Cancer Efficiency

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This device is perfect for when inhaling the smoke of 19 cigarettes at once just doesn’t cut it anymore. Now you can smoke 20 at a time!

13.  First Tiny Home?

So many questions. How many people does it sleep? Is there a toilet? Do the curtains stay open while driving?

14. Oversized Load

A person riding a horse drawn carriage

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Wife: “Take out the trash.”
Husband: “There’s more room. I just need to smash it down a little.”

15. Other Duties as Assigned

A group of people standing in front of a fruit stand

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Tear gas bombs or onions—you decide.

16. Early Dental Practices

Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing.
(Photo courtesy of Wellcome Library, London)

17. Wrestling Club?

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Actually, these kids are practicing swimming techniques out of the water.

18. Yes, ladies. We are single.

A group of people on a beach posing for the camera

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What gave it away? The overalls turned into swimwear, or the bathing suit held up by suspenders

19. Hold Still

A vintage photo of a group of people posing for the camera

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And stop touching my neck.

20. Before Tide Pods…

A group of people standing next to a person wearing a suit and tie

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Kids ate live goldfish. Will they ever learn?
(Photo courtesy of Life)

21. It takes two

A person standing in front of a group of people posing for the camera

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It’s not clear whether these parents are taking their child for a stroll, or preparing to deliver him to Grandma’s via slingshot.