ca. 1870-1900’s, [studio tintype portrait of a couple in swim wear] via Cowan’s Auctions

ca. 1870-1900’s, [studio tintype portrait of a couple in swim wear]

via Cowan’s Auctions

ca. 1880-90, [cabinet card, portrait of a young lady superimposed over a sea-shell and beach motif], J. P. Ball & Son via the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

ca. 1880-90, [cabinet card, portrait of a young lady superimposed over a sea-shell and beach motif], J. P. Ball & Son

via the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

ca. 1890’s, [tintype portrait of a prototypical tacky tourist, in fancy beach clothing and holding a white conch shell with an inset figurine. A beach resort is depicted on the studio backdrop.] via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery #34

ca. 1890’s, [tintype portrait of a prototypical tacky tourist, in fancy beach clothing and holding a white conch shell with an inset figurine. A beach resort is depicted on the studio backdrop.]

via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery #34

ca. 1880, [portrait of a woman with binoculars, showing off her luscious locks at the “beach”] via the International Center of Photography Happy New Year, everyone!

ca. 1880, [portrait of a woman with binoculars, showing off her luscious locks at the “beach”]

via the International Center of Photography

Happy New Year, everyone!

ca. 1887, [New Brighton beach with photo-tents and waterside swing-sets] via Victorian Seaside: Photographic Memories from the Frances Frith Collection, Terence Sackett

ca. 1887, [New Brighton beach with photo-tents and waterside swing-sets]

via Victorian Seaside: Photographic Memories from the Frances Frith Collection, Terence Sackett

ca. 1901, “Claudia and William at the Beach” via Sandi Gammon, Nameless.Ship’s photostream on Flickr

ca. 1901, “Claudia and William at the Beach”

via Sandi Gammon, Nameless.Ship’s photostream on Flickr

ca. 1896, [Bathers at Coney Island] via the Museum of the City of New York, Byron Company Collection

ca. 1896, [Bathers at Coney Island]

via the Museum of the City of New York, Byron Company Collection

"Until the handkerchief of history covers us with its Times New Roman black and white post script..."

This blog is a collection of vernacular photography and ephemera focused mainly within the curious and often misunderstood realm of 19th century America. I have a soft spot for all things silly, antiquated, macabre, and grotesque. The content is from a variety of collections; public, academic, and private. In addition, there's an occasional emphasis on Ulysses S Grant and the Civil War, as well.

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Browse by Photograph Type: Tintypes, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Carte de visites, Albumen prints, Cabinet cards, Silver prints

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My Other Blogs & Websites: Heck Yes, Americana - Fuck Yeah, American Art - Decorative Indulgences - Frowzy Indulgences - Etsy