History in Pictures

History in Pictures Rare historical photos and the stories behind them.

Michael Franzese and the gasoline scam crew in 1982. Micheal was at the peak of his earning when this pic was taken.
09/29/2025

Michael Franzese and the gasoline scam crew in 1982. Micheal was at the peak of his earning when this pic was taken.

Three ladies enjoy a sidewalk stroll in Marshall, Texas (1899).
09/29/2025

Three ladies enjoy a sidewalk stroll in Marshall, Texas (1899).

Don't forget to enjoy each other more than your daily technology and material possessions.
09/28/2025

Don't forget to enjoy each other more than your daily technology and material possessions.

Maurice and Harrold King were eccentric millionaire brothers who, despite owning land valued at over \$6 million, chose ...
09/27/2025

Maurice and Harrold King were eccentric millionaire brothers who, despite owning land valued at over \$6 million, chose to live in extreme poverty their entire lives. Born and raised in the early 20th century in rural Texas, the King brothers became known for their reclusive lifestyle and unusual choices. They lived in a dilapidated shack without electricity or running water, refusing to modernize or change their ways, even as their wealth quietly grew through wise real estate investments.

Neither Maurice nor Harrold ever attended school. Instead, they taught themselves everything—from reading and writing to carpentry, farming, and land trading. It was through buying and selling land that they amassed their fortune, carefully managing deals with a quiet intelligence that often went unnoticed by those around them. Locals thought they were odd or even mentally unstable, given their refusal to enjoy the comforts their fortune could easily afford. But the brothers had no interest in luxury—they were content to live simply and independently, by their own rules.

Maurice died in 1995, and Harrold passed away shortly after. When the full extent of their fortune was revealed, many were stunned. They had lived as if they had nothing, but in truth, they had everything—just no desire to spend it. Their story remains a testament to how wealth doesn't always mean extravagance, and how true independence can sometimes look a lot like poverty to the outside world.

Roy Lee Dennis was born on December 4, 1961, to Florence "Rusty" Tallis and Roy Dennis, entering the world with a rare a...
09/27/2025

Roy Lee Dennis was born on December 4, 1961, to Florence "Rusty" Tallis and Roy Dennis, entering the world with a rare and devastating condition known as craniodiaphyseal dysplasia. Affecting only one in hundreds of millions, the disorder caused his facial bones to thicken and expand dramatically, leading doctors to predict a life filled with medical complications and limitations. Despite the warnings—loss of vision, hearing, and a drastically shortened lifespan—Roy’s spirit defied every grim prognosis. He became affectionately known as "Rocky" and faced life’s challenges head-on with quiet strength.

From an early age, Roy showed a deep curiosity and a fierce will to live a full life. Though academics didn’t come easily and he repeated first grade twice, he worked hard, learned to read, and made friends who saw beyond his appearance. When offered the chance to undergo plastic surgery, Roy declined, choosing instead to embrace who he was without apology. His resilience was matched by a deep empathy for others, making him a beloved figure not just in his school, but in his community. Through humor, compassion, and perseverance, he lived with purpose well beyond his years.

Roy passed away at just 16 years old on October 4, 1978, but his legacy lived on. His case was studied at UCLA’s medical center to advance research, and in 1985, his life became the heart of the film *Mask*, with Eric Stoltz portraying Roy and Cher playing his fiercely devoted mother. The film brought national attention to Roy’s story—celebrating his courage, individuality, and the strength of unconditional love. More than four decades later, Roy Dennis remains a powerful symbol of dignity in the face of adversity.

Chicago Bootlegger Jim Basile was taken for a ride and killed in March of 1931.
09/27/2025

Chicago Bootlegger Jim Basile was taken for a ride and killed in March of 1931.

North Koreans react to watching Mr. Bean at the Pyongyang International Film Festival in 1987.The universality of humor,...
09/26/2025

North Koreans react to watching Mr. Bean at the Pyongyang International Film Festival in 1987.

The universality of humor, something that can transcend borders, politics, and even language.

Rowan Atkinson’s character, Mr. Bean, relies heavily on physical comedy and visual gags rather than dialogue, making his humor accessible to people across cultures.

In North Korea, where exposure to international media is heavily restricted and censored, such moments of shared joy are uncommon and remarkable. The Pyongyang International Film Festival, established in 1987, is one of the few events where carefully selected foreign films are screened for local audiences. While the regime tightly controls which films are shown, comedic works like Mr. Bean highlight the subtle ways in which global culture seeps into even the most isolated societies.

Fun Fact: Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean series has been broadcast in over 190 countries and is often cited as one of the most universally recognized comedy characters in television history, proof of the power of nonverbal storytelling.

Do you think humor has the unique ability to connect people even in the most divided parts of the world?

Covered mortuary trolley, c.1895. Underneath this stained canopy was the body of a deceased person before removal to a m...
09/26/2025

Covered mortuary trolley, c.1895. Underneath this stained canopy was the body of a deceased person before removal to a mortuary. The stretcher can be used separately from the wheeled base and it would have been secured upon the metal frame before being manoeuvred to the mortuary. The trolley is made of wood and metal and has solid rubber wheels. It dates to the late 19th century and has been well used because the front wheels have been replaced with more modern equivalents. The trolley was donated to the Science Museum in London in 1979 by King Edward VII Hospital - which, incidentally, is where I received excellent care for breast cancer in 2022/2023!

In 1816, one of Sir Isaac Newton's teeth was sold for $3,633, a substantial amount that reflects its historical and pers...
09/25/2025

In 1816, one of Sir Isaac Newton's teeth was sold for $3,633, a substantial amount that reflects its historical and personal significance.

Today, this rare and valuable artifact, now transformed into an elegant ring, is worth around $62,000. The transformation of Newton's tooth into a ring underscores the unique appeal of personal items associated with iconic figures like Newton, whose scientific contributions continue to inspire generations.

Max Schreck relaxes on the set of Nosferatu in 1922.
09/24/2025

Max Schreck relaxes on the set of Nosferatu in 1922.

Wilson Chin, an escaped Louisiana slave, was photographed as the "Branded Slave" with his owner's initials imprinted on ...
09/23/2025

Wilson Chin, an escaped Louisiana slave, was photographed as the "Branded Slave" with his owner's initials imprinted on his forehead and punishment devices. The image spread widely during the Civil War abolitionist movement.

On this day in 1975, decorated U.S. Marine Oliver Sipple disarmed a gunman who shot at President Gerald Ford outside of ...
09/22/2025

On this day in 1975, decorated U.S. Marine Oliver Sipple disarmed a gunman who shot at President Gerald Ford outside of San Francisco's St. Francis Hotel. Despite having saved the president's life, he was later outed as gay by the national media. The unwanted exposure would destroy Sipple's life.

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