Devin Jacobs
History isn’t just about dates and names—it’s about the moments that slipped through the cracks, the stories hidden in plain sight. Every now and then, we uncover a treasure trove of photographs that pull us into the very fabric of the past. These images, long forgotten or never widely seen, capture the essence of times gone by.
First Modern Olympics Marathon
The men’s marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics was a groundbreaking event with seventeen participants. Stamata Revithi sought to make history as the first woman to compete among them. However, her official entry was denied because she missed the deadline, but unofficially, it was because she was a woman.
First Woman in Boston Marathon
In 1967, Kathrine Switzer officially became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Her entry was groundbreaking, not just because she completed the race, but because she did it despite the race officials’ less-than-welcoming attitude. One even tried to rip her bib off mid-run. Kathrine? She just kept running.
Tutankhamun’s Unbroken Seal
Before the days of Indiana Jones, there was Howard Carter. In 1922, Carter uncovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, which revealed a 3,000-year-old seal that had remained unbroken since the boy king’s burial. Imagine the patience required not to break into that thing immediately!
Harlem Peace March
Harlem in the 1960s was a crucible of change, and this moment of the Harlem Peace March in 1967 is proof that the power of the people was alive and well. Thousands gathered to march against the Vietnam War, united in their desire for peace and equality. The passion in this photo is palpable—it’s a reminder that even in times of turmoil, hope can march on.
Tesla’s Lab
Nikola Tesla’s lab was the birthplace of countless inventions that still power our lives today (pun intended). This rare image of Tesla in his Colorado Springs lab shows the man deep in thought, surrounded by the tools of his genius. It is claimed that Tesla effectively sent around 40,000 watts of electricity wirelessly in this very same lab.
Hepburn and Her Deer
During the filming of her 1959 movie Green Mansions, Hepburn was advised by an animal trainer to bring home her on-screen companion, a baby deer named Pippin (affectionately called “Ip”), to strengthen their bond. The result? Hepburn and Pippin became inseparable, with the duo even spotted shopping together in Beverly Hills.
Eiffel Tower Painters
Imagine having a job that takes you 324 meters above the ground, with nothing but a brush and a bit of nerve to keep you going. That’s exactly what these painters did in 1932 when they were tasked with refreshing the Eiffel Tower’s iconic look. Suspended high above Paris, these fearless workers tackled the monumental task of painting the world’s most famous landmark.
Last Titanic Photo
This haunting photo, taken just days before disaster struck, captures the RMS Titanic as it embarked on its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. Three days later, the ship collided with an iceberg, leading to the tragic loss of 1,514 lives and marking one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.
First Metro Ride
The first metro journey at Edgware Road Station in London in 1862 was designed to ease the congested streets above. This underground system was an instant success, even as horse-drawn carriages still clattered across the cobblestones. By 1863, passengers were already zipping beneath London’s busy streets.
Early Beatles Performance
Before the Beatles became the biggest band on the planet, they were just four lads from Liverpool trying to make it big. The early performance nabs this humble beginning perfectly: playing to a nearly empty venue at the Aldershot Club. Despite the lack of an audience—thanks to an ad mix-up—the band powered through their set.
Sweden’s Road Change
In 1967, Sweden decided to flip the script—literally—by switching from driving on the left side of the road to the right. The chaotic yet fascinating image nails the confusion on “H Day,” as nearly two million registered vehicles tried to maneuver the newly reversed roads. This disarray was expected, given the sheer number of cars.
Che and Castro Fishing
During a break from their world-changing efforts in 1960, Che Guevara and Fidel Castro went fishing together. Their strong partnership, forged in the heat of revolution and solidified by the toppling of Batista’s regime, became a symbol of resistance and social justice movements worldwide.
Titanic Newsboy
Ned Parfett, the young newsboy captured in this iconic 1912 photo, stands with his evening paper, headlines blaring the tragic sinking of the Titanic. The image not only immortalizes a moment of global shock but also foreshadows Ned’s own tragic fate. Just a few years later, Ned would lose his life in France during a German bombardment.
Winnie the Pooh was Real
A.A. Milne’s son, Christopher Robin, first spotted the young bear, named Winnipeg (or “Winnie” for short), during a visit to the London Zoo. Christopher was so captivated by the bear that the encounter sparked Milne’s inspiration to compose a poem, which eventually blossomed into the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh tales.
Bathing Suit Length Policing
Ah, the roaring twenties—a time when fashion was all about flapper dresses, cloche hats, and apparently, very strict beachwear rules. This photo from 1922 shows a woman getting her bathing suit length checked by the “fashion police” on a U.S. beach. Too short? Off you go!