Hop on the way back machine once again for a trip back in time to the corner of 13th and Market Streets in Phila. circa 1971.
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I’m tempted to title this photo “march of the zombies” — not a smile to be seen. The photo zeroes in on the grumpy looking guy in the business suit. Imagine how the people in this image would collapse into heaps on the ground if the aliens animating their movements turned the zombies loose?
I’m not being fair. These folks are ordinary big city, wary of strangers people going about their business on a typical day (brrr).
Look at the building behind those folks. The Wanamaker’s department store was a Phila. landmark for many years. It belongs to Macy’s now. Did you know this store houses the largest operating pipe organ in the world? And this marvelous instrument has been fully restored.
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This is a fun photo. I haven’t seen one of those lumber carriers for many years. I remember seeing them often when I was a kid. This one is empty, but you can imagine one of these vehicles trundling down the street with a full load of lumber.
If you look carefully you can see the Linton’s sign in the background. Linton’s is another long gone Phila. institution. Linton’s had restaurants all over the city. I ate breakfast in our neighborhood Linton’s many times. Scrapple, eggs and coffee. Yes!
When I was in high school, we would go to the Linton’s in So. Philly just over the Passyunk Ave. Bridge and sit for hours drinking coffee and eating grilled stickies.
These old street photos stir up the memories. I’ll dig through my archives to see if any more turn up.
Personal space must be maintained, even when walking on a busy sidewalk, and don’t make eye contact!
Grilled stickies–you mean sticky buns? Yum!
Fun seeing photos of the city I now live in! Very cool!
You have a treasure trove of great photos. Please keep sharing. And maybe there’s another coffee table book in your future, eh?
I was 10 years old when you took these pictures. When was the last time you saw a woman on the street carrying a purse the way the lady in the center photo (the one with the newspaper) is carrying hers? These photos remind me of my childhood impressions of “the big city” (Milwaukee, Wi).
And the lady with the purse and newspaper is wearing stockings with seams down the back.
I enjoy seeing how much the times have changed!
Oh, what a fun look back!! And zombies they are! Such a hoot! I love it! I had just given birth to my youngest son in 1971 and, oh yes, how times have changed!! Come to think of it, he’s changed considerably, too, from that little baby I brought home from the hospital in Montana!! Terrific post for the day as always! Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
It was about that year that I walked down 99 blocks of NYC with the express purpose of eliciting a smile and got one, yes, one! More recent visits have been friendlier. A nice flashback, John.
I love it when you photographers dig out photos from your archives. This one is wonderful, and yes, the man does look to be in a grumpy mood.Now the log mover…I have never seen one of those. It is a really interesting piece of machinery. These shots are wonderful in black and white. Genie
I love your street scenes; Were we really dressed that way in the 70ies?.. It does not seem very far in my mind, but when I see this picture I realise how far it is! i was 10 years old in 1971! an other world, in all means ..
Once again it’s a pleasure to come here and step back in time. It’s funny that you almost titled your photo “March of the Zombies” because that’s the same title that I almost gave to to a very similar photo that I took in downtown Dallas a few years ago. Wonder shots John!
Used to live in Bucks County and traveled into Philly often. I enjoy seeing these photos and yes, have heard that big pipe organ-at Christmas time.
And should I say “go Eagles!”?
I enjoy your photographs moving back in time a great deal. These are both good ones for that.
I like seeing the space and people from another time. Really interesting shot.
Another cool trip in the wayback machine…
Ya know, I completely forgot about those lumber carriers, thanks for reviving that brain cell. And how about that ‘Tose’ truck? (aka Leonard Tose). Never went to a Linton’s. I really enjoy these street shots!!
I haven’t been born at that time, but I enjoy to see these old black and white photos.
I’m waiting your others photos
Regards!
Such marvelous photos, the first really was a time of IBM blue shirts and buttoned down collars, nice to see we have evolved – somewhat – into a more friendly society.
I´ve enver seen one of those lumber carriers. Maybe we did not have them in Sweden.
Another one of your fantastic slices of everyday life. That’s what photography is all about!
You’re apt to find the lumber carrier at the lumberyard, but not on the streets.
Great action shot. Everyone is obviously in the middle of a step, but no one is blurred. I also noticed the seam in the back of the woman’s stocking; that takes me back.
An interesting, atypical reflection.
Very Vintage!!!
More great street photography! I’ve never seen a lumber carrier before – what a sight that must have been.
Thank you for your comment. I had a great weekend
Street candids are my favorite photos. These are fantastic examples.
Thanks!
I’m so glad we are no longer expected to get quite so dressed up to go shopping! Have never seen a lumber crane before.
Enjoy images from this era.
Esther