I have two photos to share with you today.  Our first is a photo postcard.

On back is an area for a name and address and a message, much like the postcards of today.  Notice the area for the stamp.  There are the letters AZO on all four sides with upward pointed triangles in each corner – this dates the postcard to 1904-1918.

How does the date correspond to the dress of the woman?  During the early days of the twentieth century women were still very modest in their dress, from the floor-length gowns of the first days to a slight hike in hemlines by 1918.  But a knee length dress?  And short sleeves?  Perhaps this woman was an actress or singer?

Also notice the name of the photo studio printed on the side – the first time I’ve seen a name on a photo postcard.  Astoria Photo Studio, 32 Flushing Avenue, Astoria, Long Island.  I could find nothing on the studio.  Online I did find that Flushing Avenue is now known as Astoria Boulevard.

Our second photo was perhaps taken a little earlier.  I think both women look very similar – could this be the same person?  In the first photo she would be a little plumper.  Probably not the same, but interesting.  Here again is a much shorter dress – in an earlier time period.  I would date this photo to 1900.  She strikes an interesting pose!

This photo is on a very stiff card, with no information on back.

Always interesting to look back at old photos.