10 Bizarre Historical Photos That Need Some Explanation (11 photos)
It can be hard to fathom what life was like decades—or even centuries—ago, and to modern eyes, the past often seems downright strange. Fortunately, history has left behind a wealth of compelling photographs tied to major events that tell a much bigger story than meets the eye. 
John Lennon’s Glasses After His Assassination
Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, shared this haunting archival photo on Twitter. These are the actual blood-stained glasses John Lennon was wearing the day he was fatally shot. 
Lyndon B. Johnson and His Amphibious Car
The man behind the wheel of this vehicle is none other than U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. He was famous for terrifying guests at his ranch by speeding down the hill straight into the lake, pretending the brakes had failed before revealing the car could float. 
A Ku Klux Klan Carnival
This isn't a scene from a horror film or a staged nightmare. It is a genuine photo of Ku Klux Klan members enjoying a day out at a carnival in Cañon City, Colorado, in 1925. 
Hitler: Before and After
During World War II, Adolf Hitler was widely regarded as the ultimate villain, and for obvious reasons. The German dictator had an instantly recognizable appearance (pictured right), but in 1944, U.S. intelligence agencies distributed these photo mockups showing what Hitler might look like if he went into hiding and altered his appearance (left). 
Ronald McDonald, 1963
If you find the modern version of Ronald McDonald a bit creepy, take a look at how the mascot debuted back in 1963. This original look is guaranteed to haunt your dreams. 
Women’s Archery, 1908
Female athletes wore strikingly heavy, full-length dresses while competing in archery at the 1908 London Olympics. Judging by the empty stands, the event didn't prove to be much of a crowd-pleaser. 
Testing a Bulletproof Vest
Someone had to test early armor designs, right? This brave volunteer stepped up to be shot at point-blank range for the sake of science and military defense. 
The Earliest Known Photo of Abraham Lincoln
This is the earliest surviving photograph of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, taken around 1846. Without his signature stovepipe hat and iconic beard, he is almost unrecognizable. 
Che Guevara and Fidel Castro
While Che Guevara is often remembered as a revolutionary icon and Fidel Castro as a dictator, both joined forces to lead the overthrow of the Cuban government beginning in 1956. 
Elvis Presley in the Army
No, this isn't a film still. Elvis Presley was actually drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, right as his music career was exploding. It was no publicity stunt either: the King of Rock 'n' Roll took his military service seriously, serving two years on active duty.
