William Jennings Bryan (seated at left) being interrogated by Clarence Seward Darrow, during the trial of the State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, July 20, 1925.
Clarence S. Darrow (center) standing near Rhea County Courthouse with unidentified man (left) and Arthur Garfield Hays (right), Dayton, Tennessee, probably July 20, 1925.
George Washington Rappleyea
Fred E. Robinson (at right) owned the drugstore where local business leaders persuaded schoolteacher John Thomas Scopes to consent to be charged with violating state law by teaching about evolution. The sign on the tabletop says: “AT THIS TABLE THE SCOPES EVOLUTION CASE WAS STARTED MAY 5, 1925.”
Levi Strauss (February 26, 1829 – September 26, 1902)
Today, 181 years ago, Levi Strauss was born Löb Strauss in the Franconian region of Bavaria. In 1853, he became a US citizen and moved to San Francisco from New York, where he had immigrated at the age of 18. In 1870, a tailor from Nevada named Jacob Davis started making the famous trousers and in 1873, he and Levi were granted a patent for rivet-reinforced pockets on denim work-pants. And, that is how one of the truly American fashion icons was created …
In 2006, Western Union sent its last telegram. A 150-year-old method for sending congratulations, announcements or greetings; it was the IM precursor in fast communication with the benefit of a hard-copy record for future generations to appreciate. Wishing you had known to use it before it was gone? Looking to add a touch of old-world style to your special occasion? Just want a fun, unique look for your correspondence? These letterpress telegram blanks are the answer. Handset with lead type from the early 20th century, my cards are printed on Crane’s Lettra “Pearl White” paper, using a foot-powered 1889 press. Each card measures 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches and comes with a matching envelope, in a set of 10. $16.00 per set.
Recently, I have been looking at getting some business cards printed and was intrigued by letterpress options. While searching for low-cost letterpress printers, I came across the Lucky Duck Press on Etsy.com – who does business cards – and these cool note cards. Don’t they look perfect for little random notes or for any number of other uses?
This 1958 Mark 6 Saracen is now for sale. It has only 205 miles on the clock from new! There were a group of these Saracens sold by the British MOD that were “cold war reserve” meaning they were stored in a shed and never used unless war usage required.
This vehicle is equipped with the optional machine gun turret on top and has all of the modern factory updates found on Saracens of its age. It has reverse flow cooling, which pushes the hot air forward rather than into the crew compartment like many of the early models. It has the large comfortable driver’s seat with a tall back and reclines. The interior is fitted with foam insulation that is covered by vinyl to keep the crew compartment cool and quiet. This Saracen even has the “up-armor” package. This means that it was upgraded with even MORE armor by the British Government. This Saracen even has the original pick axe and shovel mounted on the fender.
This Saracen is in excellent shape especially for being over 50 years old and all original! The best part of the Saracen is that they are street legal. They have headlights, turn signals, horn, and four way flashers. A Saracen can be registered as a motor vehicle or if you would rather drive on your acreage, skip that part. Either way this Saracen is sure to be 10 tons of fun.
Historians of science and technology may like to know that a selection of special issues and articles that have been published in Notes and Records of the Royal Society since the 1960s is freely available online here. The items will be accessible until 28 February 2010.
The quintessential British country squire wears tweed and the classic image of a stuffy old professor generally includes a tweed coat, but tweed is, in my opinion, cool! Originally woven by small crofters for their personal use, tweed is one of the original working man’s fabrics. In the early 19th century, the surplus of these crofters made its way into the London shops with ‘tweel’ (the pattern in which it is woven) being misread as tweed (a famous Scottish river). Under this name, it was advertised and after the death of the 6th Earl of Dunmore in 1843, his widow commissioned a pair of sisters, known as the Paisley Sisters, to weave fabric in the family tartan. This fabric was then made into uniforms for the staff of the Dunmore estate. Being hardwearing, water-resistant, and warm, it was ideal for the gamewardens and the Countess quickly realized that it was ideal for a range of other outdoor pursuits. By the late 1840s, with the Countess’s constant promotion, Harris Tweed was the fabric of choice for the landed gentry and the aristocracy. Read more »
The Smallest Car in the Largest City in the World (1913):
Queen Alexandra ordered a miniature Cadillac car for Crown Prince Olav (later King) of Norway and – never ones to miss an advertising opportunity – the manufacturers arranged the filming of the car’s departure from the factory, where it is waved out by an enthusiastic male crowd.
This mini marvel continues its jubilant journey through the streets of London – past the Bank of England, around Trafalgar Square and on to Hyde Park. As crowds cheer and leap in front of the camera, desperate to be preserved on film, the driver’s composure and deadpan facial expression remains one of the most entertaining aspects of this Edwardian glimpse of British pride.
The film ends with some charming footage of a tea party, in which three children run into trouble with the law for speeding!
Again, posted by the BFI.
Jeremy drives the smallest car in the world at the BBC – Top Gear (2007):
Jeremy drives the Peel P-50 through central London and into the BBC offices. From Top Gear.
Taken from ‘Mining Review 12th Year No.10′, this lovely story shows how coal, rather spuriously, contributes to the brewing of beer, featuring some gorgeous shots inside the Charrington Brewery in the Mile End Road. Posted by the BFI.
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