ca. 1875, [outdoor tintype portrait of newsboys waiting in front of a hotel] via the International Center of Photography

ca. 1875, [outdoor tintype portrait of newsboys waiting in front of a hotel]

via the International Center of Photography

ca. 1880-1910’s, [albumen print, outdoor portrait of a child with collection of dolls and stuffed animals] via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery #34

ca. 1880-1910’s, [albumen print, outdoor portrait of a child with collection of dolls and stuffed animals]

via Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs, Skylight Gallery #34

ca. 1860-1880’s, [tintype portrait of a smokey, wooded campsite, possibly a Union or Confederate encampment] via Ebay

ca. 1860-1880’s, [tintype portrait of a smokey, wooded campsite, possibly a Union or Confederate encampment]

via Ebay

ca. 1858, [ambrotype portrait of a gentleman at Niagara Falls] via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Art, Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography

ca. 1858, [ambrotype portrait of a gentleman at Niagara Falls]

via Harvard University’s Houghton Library, Department of Printing and Graphic Art, Harrison D. Horblit Collection of Early Photography

"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

Popular Tags: Black history, Medicine, Emotive, Post Mortem, Occupational, Civil War, The Original Hipsters, Spirit photography, Circus, Sideshow

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