Alan Mays' photos

"Presented by C. B. Winchell, Harrisburg, Pa." This inscription, handwritten in elaborate Spencerian script , appears on the reverse of a business card for "E. R. Parker, manufacturer and dealer in new hardware specialties, 227½ Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, Pa."

"Kendall Tourist Camp - 1½ miles west of Silver Creek, N.Y. Motor route U.S. 20 - phone Silver Creek 40-J. 4A-H572." For additional information and images, see the Kendall Tourist Camp page on the Chautauqua County, New York, web site.

A photo of tents, including wigwams, yurts, etc. for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. A photo from the early days of automobile camping.

Spring Opening on Saturday, April 22d, 1871. On the above day the subscriber will have her Spring Opening, when she will display a large variety of bonnets, hats, flowers, ribbons, silk, guipure and cotton laces, crapes, veils, nets, collars, cuffs, &c. Ladies are cordially invited to call and examine her assortment, whether they purchase or not. Mrs. M. A. Zinn, Main Street, West of Penn, Shippensburg, Pa.

"A barrel of fun at the Steeplechase Pier, Atlantic City."

A real photo postcard showing three dapper gentlemen in suits, ties, and straw hats pretending to ride in an airship in a photo studio located in Douglas, Isle of Man. Notice how the pilot is carefully operating the fake control lever as a cigarette dangles from his mouth. I just hope that the gas bag above him doesn't contain dangerously flammable hydrogen! Printed on the back: "F. Johnson, Fort William, Douglas, I.O.M."

Honk!

Novelty real photo postcard, date and location unknown.

"April Fool. Ha ha." A nineteenth-century calling card printed on marbled paper that has faded over time. Instead of a typical calling card with a name printed on it, some Victorian-era prankster handed out this card as an April Fools' Day joke. For another Victorian calling card printed on marbled paper, see Marian Reynolds .

A photo of flowers in the garden for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. Handwritten note (above left): "Eleanor Henderson, Eva, Texas Co., Okla., Oct. 24, 1914." There's no message or address on the back of this real photo postcard. Little Eleanor posed with her dog among the flowers and plants, all rendered in blue due to the cyanotype photo processing.

Found photo—no date or location.

"Excursion to Ft. Madison, given by Benevolent Union. Steamer W. W. Saturday, June 29, 1907. Adults, 50c."

A smoking photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. I hope that match didn't burn his fingers as he waited for the photographer to take his picture!

"Jennie R. Baker. My card and my compliments. Please give yours in exchange."

"Mitchell's Carpet Cleaning House, 21st & Race Sts. Carpets stored."

Printed on the back of this real photo postcard: "Souvenir of Salt Air Beach , Dave Levene, mgr., season 1915."

An elephant on a vintage postcard.

"A grand entertainment will be held on Saturday even., April 3, '97, in Cooper's Hall, for the benefit of the Salunga Cornet Band. The comedy-drama 'Tatters' is one of the finest amateur plays that has been written, abounding in the most pathetic and humorous scenes. Good music will add largely to the night's entertainment. Don't fail to come; rain or shine. Admission, 15 cents. Reserved seat, 20 cents. Committee. Pluck Print, 38 East Chestnut Street, Lancaster, Pa."