Galleries by James Rogers

Kayla O'Grady is a history intern from the University of Colorado-Denver, working in WHG this summer on various projects. She put together a very interesting exhibit about Camp Amache in our monthly rotating exhibit case. Please read her blog describing the origins of the camp, then come in and check it out! It will be on display until the beginning of August.

Kayla O'Grady: 

"World War II is a crucial component of modern history discourse. Major discussions about WWII involve the actual fighting itself; however, there are plenty of aspects other than combat that make the story of WWII a fascinating and important part of world history. While the war encompassed lands far and wide, did you know that the state of Colorado itself played a prominent role during WWII? After President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, Camp Amache, located in southeastern Colorado, housed nearly 8,000 people of Japanese descent during the large campaign known as internment. Under Japanese Internment, the United States military was authorized to remove any person of Japanese descent forcibly from their homes on the West coast after fears of another Pearl Harbor-like attack sparked national outcry for Japanese detention and removal.

Learn more for yourself by coming to the Western History and Genealogy Department at the Denver Public Library. For more information about Camp Amache, be sure to visit our exhibit case and/or speak with our knowledgeable librarians about available resources to aid your learning."

Today's Weird Photo Wednesday brings you a strange parade float, loaded with young ladies, flags, pennants, and elk heads! Our country has always celebrated July 4th, Independence day, with gusto. Whether celebrated with weird parade floats, strange costumes, loud fireworks, or just enjoying time with family and friends, July 4th is a day to remember how our nation came to be, and how lucky we are to live in this country. Happy 4th of July from all of the staff at Western History/Genealogy! For more information about this photograph, click here. For more weird yet patriotic photos, check out our Digital Collections. 

Is this the Attack of the 50 Foot Woman? Has the old "B" movie (arguably one of the worst science fiction movies ever) come to life? Fear not gentle reader, it is only Weird Photo Wednesday. And what may look like giants are really normal sized people in a Tiny Town! For more information about this photograph, click here. For more strange images, see our Digital Collections. 

Collection development for libraries has always been fraught with difficult choices. What do we buy so our customers can obtain the latest and greatest literature out there? One reader’s favorite book or movie may be another’s most hated. So libraries have always walked a tight rope to make sure all customers and readers are happy. Since libraries are forums for information and ideas, and promote open and uncensored exchange of information as well as provide enlightenment, we have a big responsibility on our shoulders. This is evidenced in the American Library Association “Library Bill of Rights” that is still followed in 2014. 

So how about in 1929? Libraries were much different then, as well as the times. In this photograph, on the bottom right, you can see that libraries were guided to NOT buy fiction books for “morbid people or for the sex-y minded.” If that rule were in effect today, we would not, dear readers, have copies of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

If you would like to see other unique items such as “The Library Talkie,” come to the Western History/Genealogy department, or peruse our online catalog or Digital Collections.

We've had quite a few requests to bring back some of our (and your) favorite Weird Photo Wednesday images. So we went back to our WPW archives and pulled out our dirty laundry, to bring you a photo of...well, wet, if not dirty laundry! As you can see, lots of things got wet after a big flood. Either that, or the apartment dwellers decided to set a world's record for "Tide" or "Cheer" usage. We'll be bringing you more of our Wayback Weird Photo Wednesday images every once in awhile. For more information about this image, click here. For more weird photographs, see our Digital Collections. 

For today's Weird Photo Wednesday, we have a copy of a dress worn by Margaret Tobin Brown, or Molly Brown as she's known by many. It's made out of fur, lace and jewelry. Weird or not? Today's fashions are just as strange. For more information about this photo, click here. Check out more weird photographs from our Digital Collections. 

The women working in this cracker factory seem to be working pretty hard. Are they the precursors to the Keebler elves? While magical dust, rainbows and chocolate goodies don't seem to be appearing, what is evident is that this place, the Lindquist Cracker Company in Denver, Colorado, is bustling! For more information about this photo, click here. For more unique and strange photographs, see our Digital Collections. 

We can all see the profile in today's Weird Photo Wednesday, but what does the profile look like to you? George Washington? Your boss? Your high school teacher? Your mother? All of us see differently and we'd like to know what face you see. For more information about today's photograph, click here. For more weird, strange and unique photos, see the Digital Collections. 

Since Easter is approaching, you may see more bunnies around. Keep your eyes open, because you never know when you might see one, even in your local library! Here we have an Easter bunny at the Decker branch of the Denver Public Library in 2003. It looks like the young man is a bit unsure of what to do! Creepy Bunny! For more information about this photo, click here. For more unique, strange and even weird photographs, see our Digital Collections. 

Today's Weird Photo Wednesday shows another entry in the Sunflower Carnival Parade in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His floating bike is a real winner! Well, we sure hope it floats. And don't try turning quickly!

For more information about this photograph, click here. For more weird photos, see our Digital Collections.

Let's hope that this wagon doesn't get into a race with anyone! The paper flowers would go a'flyin! This unique and strange photograph shows some participants of the Sunflower Carnival Parade in Colorado Springs, sometime between 1893 and 1906. For more information about this photograph, click here. For more weird, and not so weird photographs, see our Digital Collections. 

Be my Valentine and happy Weird Photo Wednesday. Take a look at today's Valentine's day card. It's addressed to the loving wife, but the card, though undated, looks more like a tribute to the husband than the wife. Though we don't know when the card was printed, it seems to represent the June and Ward Cleaver era. Times have sure changed! For more information about this photograph, click here. For more strange and unique photographs, see our Digital Collections. 

Today's Weird Photo Wednesday is in celebration of the Superbowl this Sunday. Who is going to win? No, not the football teams...the burro or the football player? For more information about this photograph, click here. For more strange and unusual photos, see our Digital Collections.

Now, who's going to win... go Broncos!

Are you on Twitter? Help us with a friendly little wager we're having with The Seattle Public Library:

We already know who’s winning the SuperBowl (Broncos!) But, who reads more? Denver or Seattle? Add your voice to the discussion on Twitter. Tweet what you're currently reading and include the hashtags #DENreads and #ReadingBowl. Every tweet counts!

Play along and help us show Seattle who has the better--and more well read--fans!

Start pedaling, because this dirigible or blimp is not going to get you flying very high! Not sure what "I Will Jump Sunday Nit" means, but hey, if the young man can do it, more power to him. All and all, a weird get-up, but I have to say a very imaginative one at that. For more information about this photo, click here. For more weird and imaginative photographs, see our Digital Collections. 

that there is nothing weird today! Just wishing our customers and followers Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. Since Weird Photo Wednesday for the next two weeks falls on Christmas and New Years day, we will take a hiatus and see you all in 2014! For information about this photograph, please click here. 

Happy Holidays to all!

Several months ago, Larry Johnson called the Western History reference phone line and asked for permission to use several photographs in our collection. He was very excited about using our photos and matching them with images that he and his son had taken all over Colorado. Not only was he excited about our photographs, but he wanted to write a book along with his son. I had the pleasure to speak with him and told him to come in and discuss his idea with us, as well as help him find appropriate photographs. And that he did! Here, in his own words, is the story behind their publishing efforts:

"The vision began with one photograph - the old town site of Buckskin Joe. Cassandra, my wife, surprised me with the amazing old photo and immediately Stephen, my son, asked "Can we go there?" We stopped on the way to a high mountain hike, thinking we may be able to find the original town. Once we did, we then decided to match up the photo simply to see if we could - and we did. The results were fantastic and the idea blossomed from there to find, explore, match up - and write about each location.

My son took the lead in finding the locations once we were nearby with an uncanny knack of lining up the mountains, buildings, and trees to the old photographs. Due to his persistence we were able to stand on the same spot as the frontier photographer we were following. My wife took the lead in ensuring the photo's were perfect - taking as many as needed and going back as necessary to get that perfect shot.

As we trekked across the state, we saw amazing sights and met special people. From the bear running through Aspen, to the young man living the true Colorado spirit by riding a mountain pass daily just to get to work, to the people who allowed us access to their property - the summer of 2013 was truly epic for our family!"

Congratulations, Larry and Stephen! You have created a truly wonderful book. Our department was very happy to help you with your endeavor and creating a tighter bond with your son!

If you'd like to purchase this book, it can be found on Amazon, search for "A Century of Change in Colorado, Then and Now - A Photographic History." 

Why is he always leaving me here on this cold sleigh? He takes presents inside and just leaves me here in charge. He keeps bragging about all the cookies, milk and other goodies he gets. You'd think he'd bring me some...but oh no! I think fat man has had one too many goodies. I love the old guy, but sometimes all he does is think about all of those little people with the funny pointed hats and his beloved, oh-can-do-no-wrong, reindeer. And always talking about the one with the red nose. To me, it just looks like a big red pimple! Oh well, here he comes, looks like he got back out of that chimney faster than I thought. What? What is that in his hand? Cookies! Oh boy, fat man brought me some cookies! I love that guy! Happy Holidays everyone! For more information about this photograph, click here. And remember to like us on facebook! 

Did you know that YOUR Library is a great source of holiday gifts? With over 90 thousand photograph images in our Digital Collections catalog, you will find the right gift for your friends and loved ones!

We have photographs of the Old West, Colorado, Colorado Towns, Denver, Railroads, Cowboys, Native Americans, Mines and Miners, Scenic Mountain Scenes, and much, much more! 

We can print sizes from 5x7 to 16x20 and larger! All on archival paper and ink! You can also order high resolution digital files.

Go to digital.denverlibrary.org to browse our photograph collections. Mention “gift13” and get 10% OFF your full order! (10% discount applies only to non-commercial/personal use only, sorry!)

Want to win a free 16x20 print? Text WHGPHOTO to 82257 to enter to win a 16x20 archival print of your choice! Winner will be announced on or after 12/24/13. (Library staff not eligible)

Please take a look at our price list and call or email our Photo Sales department to order a print or digital image today! For orders in time for Christmas, please order by 12/16. Mastercard and Visa accepted.

720.865.1818

photosales@denverlibrary.org

Need fast last minute gifts? Come to the Level 5 reference desk and check out the Ye Olde Photo Shoppe, with packaged prints available for sale. 

Thin Mints, Samoas, Peanut Butter Patties...they're all good! And I'm sure the special guest in this photograph likes them all. Who wouldn't? And she's also selling Russell Stover candies. Yum! Today's Weird Photo Wednesday comes from the Rocky Mountain News photo archives. For more information about our Rocky Mountain News collection, click here. To check out more fun, weird, or strange photographs, browse our Digital Collections. 

Now which part goes where? Matching doll heads to torsos is not as easy as it seems. Here a Denver Fire Department fireman is working with doll heads. We don't really know why, but for more information about this photo, click here. For more weird photos, see our Digital Collections. 

Happy Halloween and welcome to this week's Weird Photo Wednesday! One of our colleagues found this photograph in the AVERY-MEAD FAMILY PAPERS, 1877-1985 collection, WH564. The photograph is not viewable online, but here is the information we have about the photo, though it does not give an explanation of what they were actually doing: 

"Franklin Capen Avery (1849-1923) assisted in surveying and platting the Colorado towns of Greeley and Ft. Collins; developed the Avery block in downtown Ft. Collins. His sister, Louise Avery, married Alexander Mead, Jr., a well known irrigationist and early settler of Greeley, Colo.  Their son, Edgar Avery Mead (1872-1961) was born in Ledyard, N.Y.; graduate of Colo. Agricultural and Mechanical College; rancher and Mayor of Ault, Colo. Edgar Mead enlisted with the 1st Colorado Volunteer Infantry Regiment and served in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War (1898)."

It seems like there was a bit of extra time on these soldiers hands! Make sure you check out the Digital Collections for more strange and unique photographs! If you like these blogs, make sure you like us on Facebook! And watch out for the ghosts and goblins! 

Let's not monkey around, I think this man loves his monkey. Now don't read anymore into this! For Weird Photo Wednesday we have this cute Harry Rhoads photograph. For more information about this photo, click here. For more photos of love and stranger things, see our Digital Collections. 

Boo! The Denver Public Library Zombie Drill Team participated in the 2013 Denver Zombie Crawl, giving away books and candy...for Brains! WHG and other library staff had a great time! Our Motto: We Feed Minds with books! And if you really like to find more fun things like the Zombie Crawl, follow or like us on facebook!

Congress has an approximate approval rating of 5%. In today's Weird Photo Wednesday, I found a great small book in our closed stacks area and took a photo of the front cover. "The Rules and Regulations of the Colorado Insane Asylum". What caught my eye was the line below the title, "Adopted by the Board of Lunacy Commissioners". Can you imagine someone asking what your job title is and you respond, I'm a Commissioner of the Lunacy Board! Now, close you eyes and imagine a new book, with the title, "The Rules and Regulations of the U.S. Congress Insane Asylum, Adopted by the Board of Lunacy Congress". Now you know why the government shutdown may drive all of us crazy!

This person must really be hurt to have this many bandages on them! Or the person is a good sport, being wrapped up like this. When you zoom in on the photograph, it looks like they even bandaged his shoes! For more real information about this photo, click here. Check out more strange images from the Digital Collections.

Three exotic dancers having fun! These women seem to take delight in their wonderful and exotic costumes. In this Harry Rhoads photograph we see them showing off their costumes. We don't know if they bought or made them, but they are strange and delightful. For more info about this photo, click here. For more strange and unique photographs, see our Digital Collections.

We've all seen and heard about corn on a stick. And there are various other meats and vegetables on a stick, but a snake on a stick is a bit scary! This is a big stick (pole) and a big snake. If you ran across this guy (gal?) what would you do? I hope the photographer had a zoom lens! For more information about this photo, click here. For more weird and strange photographs, see our Digital Collections. 

Hey, horses aren't dogs, but these cute creatures sure do act like them! How do you get a horse to sit like that? Most people have enough trouble getting their dogs to sit and behave, much less large animals such as these. For more information about this photo, click here. For more unusual and weird photographs, see our Digital Collections.

Custom clothes, custom handlers, all you can eat buffet, living the life! A movie star? Nope! Welcome to the Buffalo Bill Wild West show where you can see all types of shows and performers, like this fat man seated here. He probably needed the two gentlemen to help him get up from the box. You can imagine that he was one of the big hits of the show! 

For more information about this photograph, click here. For more unique and weird photos, please see our Digital Collections.

It's been awhile since Weird Macabre Wednesday has poked it's head up. Speaking of heads, today's photograph shows a bit of Wild West justice. You'll have to click here to see today's photo. But beware, this may not be the kind of justice you want to see. For more of Denver and Colorado's Dark Side, see our Digital Collections.