Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

Here's a photo of the 19th century French painter Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Best known for his landscapes, he is seen as a precursor to impressionism. This photo was taken in 1875, the year of Corot's death. The photo is a Woodburytype, the result of a photomechanical process. This technique was only used for a few years between 1870 and 1900.

Mexican Water Works

Here's a "real photo postcard", made around 1904-1918. It shows the way in which some residents of Laredo, Texas received their water back then. At one time, there were several towns near the border with Mexico that failed to provide adequate services (such as municipal water) to areas where Mexican-Americans lived.

An Old Cowhand

When I was a kid, I used to know a lot of old guys like that looked kind of like this guy. Used up, worn out old cowboys. Some of them told great stories about the old days, when the ranges were still open. But things changed, as tends to happen. The old guys had to shift around for work, sometimes failing at it.

Speakeasy

It's probably safe to assume that this photograph was taken during the prohibition era. The clothing is a clue. Those unmarked jugs of hooch are strong evidence. Perhaps the scene is a "speakeasy" in the basement of a Chicago brownstone, and these folks are part of the booming rum trade under someone like Al Capone, in violation of the Volstead Act. Click on the image for an enlargement.

Found Photograph

I have a box-full of photos like this one that I have found over the years...in the trash, at flea markets, etc. It should be easy to make up a good story about this.