Vintage Photos

20 Photos That Sum Up Life 100 Years Ago (1926)

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On the left, a woman with vintage makeup sits at a table with a drink, appearing pensive. On the right, two men in 1920s attire walk on a street, hands in pockets, dressed in suits with plus fours and hats.

Life in 1926 was very different from today. Cities and towns were alive with energy, but daily life was slower, harder, and shaped by routines we can hardly imagine. People traveled by horse-drawn carts or early automobiles, sent letters instead of texts, and lived in a world without the technology we take for granted. These photographs capture moments both ordinary and remarkable, offering a window into how people lived and connected a century ago.

Each photo shows the small joys that filled everyday life. Each photo tells a story of resilience and community, and looking at them is like stepping back in time. They remind us that while tools and surroundings change, the human experience remains constant. Let’s dive into 20 photos that sum up life 100 years ago.

1. Bootleggers used this truck to smuggle liquor during prohibition, 1926

Two policemen inspect the back of a truck filled with bricks, revealing a hidden compartment. One officer holds a brick, while another examines the vehicle. A warehouse sign is visible in the background.
deathakissaway/VIA Reddit.com

2. The original Michelin Man with his advertising vehicle in Santa Clara, 1926

A person dressed in a vintage Michelin Man costume, made of stacked, rounded segments, stands next to an old car covered with advertising text and posters.
tweaktweakin/VIA Reddit.com

3. Greta Garbo with Leo the Lion at an MGM photoshoot, 1926

A woman in 1920s clothing sits on a wooden chair with fur trim, looking to the side, while a lion stands on a log next to her inside a fenced enclosure.
niknaktoo/VIA Reddit.com

4. Airmail pilot William Hopson in his winter flying clothing, 1926

A man in a vintage aviator outfit, including goggles, fur-lined coat, and heavy boots, stands against a weathered wooden wall, holding a cigarette in his right hand.

5. Nikola Tesla describing a cell phone, 1926

A black-and-white portrait of Nikola Tesla is shown beside a quote predicting wireless communication, describing a device like a cell phone, its global connectivity, and its small, portable size, dated 1926.
brderdispute/VIA Reddit.com

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6. John Wayne on the set of his first movie, 1926

A young man stands outdoors wearing an old-fashioned American football uniform with a dark long-sleeve shirt, padded pants, long socks, and laced boots. The background is out of focus and sunlit.
cobb_salad/VIA Reddit.com

7. Taking a family road trip to Stone Mountain, 1926

Four people sit in a vintage open-top car parked on grass, looking toward a large rocky hill in the background under a clear sky. The image appears to be from the early 20th century.
versalina/VIA Reddit.com

8. Mugshots were cooler in 1926

A vintage mugshot shows a man in a suit and tie. The left side is a close-up of his face, while the right side shows him standing, holding a cigarette, wearing a fedora, and posing beside a chair. Writing appears next to his face.
alkarakhboy/VIA Reddit.com

9. Clyde Barrow’s mugshot, 1926

Black and white mugshot photo of a young man shown in profile and front view. He wears a jacket and collared shirt. Above him is a sign reading “DALLAS 6048.” The image is worn and slightly damaged.
asamd/VIA Reddit.com

10. Flappers enjoying some milkshakes in 1926

Four young women in 1920s attire sit at a soda fountain counter, smiling and drinking milkshakes with straws. The background shows shelves, glassware, and a window with signage.
aegiltheugly/VIA Reddit.com

11. Cambridge undergraduates, 1926

Two men in baggy suits, ties, and hats walk side by side on a city sidewalk in the early 20th century. Both have hands in pockets, and a cyclist is visible in the background.
celebmani/VIA Reddit.com

12. Myrna Loy, 1926

A woman with dark, wavy hair kneels on a patterned rug, wearing a black bandeau top and high-waisted floral shorts. A ukulele lies on the floor beside her; the backdrop features geometric patterns.
ryansmith/VIA Reddit.com

13. A mobile home in 1926

A black-and-white photo of an old car with a small wooden house structure built on top, including windows with curtains and a door, parked outdoors near a hillside.
userdeleted/VIA Reddit.com

14. Bette Davis as a lifeguard in 1926, before becoming one of Hollywood’s most famous actresses

A young woman in a vintage swimsuit kneels and smiles on a sandy beach. Behind her are old-fashioned buildings, a car, and people in period clothing, suggesting the photo is from the early 20th century.
ismiseprinceton/VIA Reddit.com

15. Greta Garbo, 1926

A woman in a vintage dress sits at a table with a cocktail and glass, elegantly holding a cigarette near her lips. The scene is dimly lit, with flowers and a lamp in the background, capturing a classic, glamorous mood.
myipodstillworks/VIA Reddit.com

16. Harry Houdini, performing for a large group in 1926

A man in a fitted suit, bound in chains, stands barefoot on a pier beside onlookers. A bridge and a crowd are visible in the background near the water.
eightpennypie/VIA Reddit.com

17. Asking a stranger for directions in Questa, New Mexico, 1926

Two men stand by a vintage car, looking at a map near a sign that reads, “You are leaving New Mexico. Adios, come again.” Mountains and buildings are in the background; a small dog sits nearby.
rachmaninoffkills/VIA Reddit.com

18. Babe Ruth’s homerun ball goes over the stadium and smashes a window, 1926

Black-and-white photo of Babe Ruth posing with a bat and a car under a sign at Wells Motor Co., noting a broken window caused by Ruth hitting a home run. Several men in hats stand nearby, and the building is labeled Chevrolet.
55pilot/VIA Reddit.com

19. Bad to the bone, 1926

A young child wearing a coat and hat rides a tricycle on grass near a large tree, with a house and road visible in the background. The photo is in sepia tone, giving it a vintage feel.
leeannlongsocks/VIA Reddit.com

20. Children playing in the water, NYC, 1926

Children play and splash in water on a busy city street lined with apartment buildings, laundry hanging from balconies, and people watching on a warm day, likely in the early to mid-20th century.
xxharleen_quinzelxx/VIA Reddit.com

Want to see more content from the 1920s?

Check out 20 Famous Female Silent Film Stars from the 1920s, or take a look at 15 Strange Dining Etiquette Rules From the 1920s. Finally, if you want to see colorized photos from the 1920s, check out 15 Colorized Photos That Capture the Wild Side of the 1920s.

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Meet the Writer


Patrick Nichols

Patrick is a writer based in upstate New York, where he grew up and still calls home. Over the past year, he’s been diving deep into storytelling, especially tales rooted in history, the Wild West, lost treasures, and ancient artifacts. He’s also drawn to unsolved mysteries and whatever the internet can’t stop talking about.

Whether it’s a centuries-old legend or a bizarre internet rabbit hole, Patrick is always chasing the threads of a compelling story. When he’s not chasing stories, Pat’s probably hiking mountain trails with his dog, exploring new corners of the U.S., or doom-scrolling between hangouts with friends and family. He finds inspiration in nature, forgotten places, and random conversations—anything that sparks curiosity. Whether it’s city streets or backcountry paths, Patrick’s always on the lookout for the next great story.



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