I collect photographs dating from the 1840s to the 1940s. I am drawn to these images as irreplaceable and almost magical glimpses into our collective history, time capsules of past moments preserved only on fragile glass and paper. These are not for sale. I’ve digitally imaged them here to increase the chance of their survival and to share them with others who may enjoy them as well. I’m not an expert, but I’ve identified people, places, and ages of the images to the best of my ability based on occasional notes on the backs, paper and printing, and on the contents of the images.
- Robert Beauford
1940s Photographs
Men riding a 1939 Harley Davidson and several 1940-1946 Harley Davidson Motorcycles with spectators watching. A man standing center back may be wearing a Navy hat.
1940s Boy on Pony. This photo was probably taken by a 'traveling pony man,' a door-to-door photographer that would pass through neighborhoods in the 1940s and 1950s with a pony and cowboy/cowgirl costumes, taking pictures of children on the ponies and selling the photographs to parents.
Three women riding 1940-1946 Harley Davidson motorcycles on what appears to be a racetrack. One of the women (left) and the man standing to the left look as if they may be wearing military or similar clothing. Their ties and tie bars match. The woman in the center is wearing a ribbon on her shirt, and the woman on the right has a feathered hat
"X-mas 1949 Nyssa, Ore." is written on the back of this Christmas scene. There are so many wonderful details here, the tinsel on the tree, the girl with her new doll, and the wrapping paper carefully folded and set aside. Perhaps what strikes me most is how much it is like Christmas was for me in the 1970s.
1940s photograph of two women resting on a porch with laundry and cleaning equipment stacked around.
Photograph of a police officer with two children in front of a circa 1946-1948 Ford Tudor Police Car.
Photograph of what appears to be a 1948 Plymouth Special De Luxe in a line of stopped traffic. 2 kids are on top of the automobile, apparently feeding a bear. Multiple people have exited their vehicles to look on or take pictures.
Photograph of 4 women and 4 men in front of a tin-roofed shed. Sleeping cots are visible under the awning, and a window is raised in the side of the shed. 1940s cars are parked behind them. There is a propane tank to the left, and a small wooden tower behind the cars. One man is holding up a set of deer antlers, and another has a pet raccoon on his shoulders.
Detail of raccoon on man's shoulders from previous photograph.
"Vera June, 1946. In her Corn Patch" Late summer photograph of an older woman standing in a field with tall corn around her and beans (possibly purple hulled peas) in front of her.