Funny Vintage Pictures of Mobile Phones' Evolution From the Past

A motorcycle fitted out to look like a giant telephone in an effort by the GPO to bring home to the public the importance of the phone. The dial on the wheel bears the slogan, “The World at Your Finger Tips”. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images). 20th June 1932

A telephone operator at the Central Office wears a portable headset made by the American Bell Telephone Company, 1923. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

From left to right, British Commander Sir John Dill (1881–1944), US General George Marshall (1880–1959) and Admiral Louis Mountbatten (1900–1979) during World War II, circa 1942. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The GPO Mobile Call Office Unit, primarily designed to meet emergency needs, in the car park of the Royal Festival Hall, London. (Photo by Monty Fresco Jnr/Getty Images). 1955

A portable radio-telephone which can dial into telephone systems, developed by Pye Telecommunications, being demonstrated at an exhibition “Communications Today, Tomorrow and the Future'” at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. (Photo by Stacey/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 11th April 1972

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30 Wonderful Color Photographs of New York City in the Summer of 1969

In 1969, LIFE photographer Vernon Merritt III captured both the energy and the misery of a hot summer day in New York City.

Regardless of the unbearable humidity, these New Yorkers were able to brave the heat with impeccable style. Whether stomping down the street, relaxing at Bethesda Terrace, lunching on the steps of the New York Public Library, posing in Central Park, flirting on the Staten Island Ferry, or dancing the night away at a nightclub, these New Yorkers put their best fashion foot forward.

Here’s some wonderful photographs from the sweltering heat of New York in 1969, a look back on the free spirit, fashion and individuals that defined an era.

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The First Police Car, 1899

Akron, Ohio claims to be the home of the country’s first police car in the form of a motorized police patrol wagon built in 1899. Designed by Frank Loomis and manufactured by Akron’s “Collins Buggy Co.” for $2,400, the vehicle was powered by two 4hp electric motors. It could go up to 18 mph on level ground and had enough power to travel about 30 miles before having to recharge. Equipped with electric lights, a bell and a stretcher, the wagon weighed around 2½ tons with a seating capacity for 12 prisoners. Its first inaugurate act was to pick up a drunken, disorderly citizen.

The term “squad car” likely came from early patrol days, when agencies used wagons to transport the whole squad. (Photo: Akron Police Department)

A year later, on August 22, 1900 during a Akron riot, the wagon was stolen and pushed into the Ohio Canal by a mob. The next day, the vehicle was pulled out, cleaned and repaired. The country’s first police car was used until 1905 when it was then sold as scrap for $25.

Akron’s first patrol car. (Photo: Akron & Summit County Blog)

(History of America’s First Motorized Patrol Vehicle, Police Magazine, May 18, 2010, via History By Zim)

Memoirs of the Geisha: Vintage Photographs Document Everyday Life of Japanese 'Female Entertainers' in the 1950s

Geisha are traditional Japanese entertainers, known for their elegant dance and demure conversation. First appearing in the mid-18th century, geisha have long filled the role of a 'persons of the arts' and even trendsetters.

Traditional geisha - heavily made-up, immaculately dressed and coquettish entertainers - emerged in 18th century Japan, and these women did not officially sell sex - that being the preserve of a different group of female entertainers known as Oiran.

But this stunning collection of photographs of geisha during the second half of the 20th century shows how the ancient Japanese art found its place in a more modern world full of businessmen, beer and steam baths.

Two Geisha girls, professional Japanese entertainers, practising their art; one is playing a samisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, circa 1950. (Photo by Three Lions)

A typical Japanese Geisha wearing a kimono, circa 1950. (Photo by Evans/Three Lions)

A Japanese Geisha wearing a kimono and sitting with her Samisen, a traditional string instrument, circa 1950. (Photo by Evans/Three Lions)

Japanese Geisha girls without their wigs, circa 1950. (Photo by Three Lions)

A young girl wearing a typical Japanese Geisha kimono sits playing the “Samisen”, a traditional Japanese string instrument, circa 1950. (Photo by Evans/Three Lions)

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From African-Americans, Mexicans, Scots, Chinese, to Native Americans, Here Are 18 of the Most Racist Vintage Ads

African-Americans, Mexicans, Scots, Chinese, Japanese, Native Americans - it’s a melting pot of stereotypes...

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Old Photos of New York City in the Early 1900s

New York, like most older American cities, has changed plenty over the centuries. But one ever-present trait is the city's photogenic nature: it's the backdrop of many a tourist photo, Hollywood movie, and music video.

This urban beauty even extends back to the early 1900s. The Library of Congress affords us the opportunity to look back at New York when it was just entering the 20th century.

Times Square

Prospect Park

South Street Seaport

Statue of Liberty, from the torch

The Brooklyn Bridge

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Vintage Kodak Camera Ads From the 1910s and 1920s

There’s no doubt that Eastman Kodak will forever be remembered as a photography pioneer, but its legacy certainly involves more than that. Aside from its line of films and cameras, part of the company’s heritage are the countless creative advertisements with catchy taglines and slogans that they published through the years.

From the early ones like “If it isn’t an Eastman, it isn’t a Kodak,” and “You push the button – we do the rest,” to the more recent “Share Moments. Share Life,” we have all been enticed and encouraged to make Kodak a part of our daily lives.

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