A selection of interesting and unusual photos from the USA (21 photos)

Life in the United States in the 20th century is a story of dramatic change, technological advances, social revolutions, and cultural achievements.





A spearfish and two fish jaws, 1940s.

The spearfish, or spearfish, is a marlin-like fish that can reach 4 meters in length and swim at speeds of 110 km/h.



A special mask to hide your emotions while playing poker, 1937.





Captain A. C. Townsend (left to right), U.S. Marshal Palmer Anderson, U.S. Marshal A. J. Jostock, and a laborer inspect confiscated alcohol at a federal warehouse, 1925. Townsend and his men were ordered to clear the federal government warehouse of confiscated alcohol to make room for the Army.



A window washer working on the Empire State Building, 1936.

An unusual photo of one of the brave window washers working on the Empire State Building (the world's tallest skyscraper at the time) stopping to rest.



Daffodils, a car, and Mount Rainier, 1929.

Mount Rainier is one of the most majestic volcanoes in North America, located in Washington State, United States. It is the highest point in the state and the centerpiece of Rainier National Park, known for its unique nature and breathtaking views. The mountain attracts hikers, climbers, and explorers from all over the world.



Photographer: Marvin D. Boland

A 1959 Buick LeSabre convertible freezes after firefighters cleared out a factory fire during the freezing winter of 1961 in New York City.



Portrait of a miner in Omar, West Virginia, USA, 1938.

The state of West Virginia was one of the key centers of coal mining in the United States in the early 20th century. The city of Omar became an important hub for railroad lines transporting coal from nearby mines. The miners of this region provided the country with energy resources that were critical for the development of industry and transportation.

By the 1930s, the coal industry was experiencing serious difficulties due to the Great Depression. Decreased demand for coal, falling prices, and the closing of mines left many workers facing unemployment and poverty. However, even in these difficult times, miners continued to work, risking their lives to support their families.



Theodore Roosevelt III rides an elephant in a circus, 1924.



Car accident. Washington, D.C., 1923.



Inuit and bear cubs. Alaska, 1955.

The Inuit are an indigenous people living in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Greenland and parts of Siberia. They are known for their unique culture, their adaptability to extreme Arctic conditions and their close connection with the natural environment. In our country they are often called Eskimos.



Photographer: Philippe Charbonnier

Mrs. J. R. Band with a pet rabbit. Washington, D.C., 1911.



Coney Island Beach. New York City, 1946.

Coney Island Beach in New York City is one of the most famous and legendary beaches in the United States. Situated in southern Brooklyn, this beach has become a symbol of summer fun from the late 19th century to the present day. In the early 20th century, Coney Island became a true Mecca of entertainment. The first amusement parks appeared here.



At a party, 1956.

Actors Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay (husband and wife) appeared at a party in Los Angeles in 1956 as Jane and Tarzan.



A quiet night in Seven Mile Ford, Virginia, 1957.



Photographer: O. Winston Link

Woman in a convertible, 1950s.



A brother and sister pose in front of a makeshift backdrop made from a blanket. USA, 1905.



A shoe shiner on the street in New York City, 1950s.

The 1950s were a period of economic growth and stability in the United States following the Great Depression and World War II. New York City became a center of business, culture, and fashion. However, not all residents of the city could benefit from this growth. Shoe shiners, many of whom were immigrants or teenagers from poor families, performed an important but often underappreciated job.



Photographer: Vivian Maier

Fashion show aboard the New York-New Haven-Hartford train, 1949.

Fashion shows on the trains of this route were a popular business in those days, with many models employed, and this is practically the only surviving photograph of just one of them.



Car accident. USA, 1940s.



American B-36 bomber leaves contrails during a high-altitude flight over Carswell Air Force Base, 1951.

Judging by the contrails, the plane is not flying on all engines, which is more likely the norm for it due to its specific multi-engine configuration (6 piston engines and 4 turbojet engines, which often failed in flight). The photo was taken from another aircraft flying nearby.



Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White