Rare And Captivating Historic Photos They Didn’t Show Us in Class

CR Staff - JA - May 17, 2023

San Francisco in 1964

This photo of San Francisco in 1964 is a bit mind-boggling. This photo truly captures the steep inclines of the city, taking it to a whole other level. In fact, some people have compared it to scenes from the movie Inception, where cityscapes bend and twist in impossible ways. However, this photo is very much the real deal, and it shows a pretty famous street in the city.

Instagram

Although you can still ride a trolley down the street today, walking down it is not recommended unless you are accustomed to steep treks. You also probably shouldn’t drive a manual up this street.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

The Twin Towers in 1979

This photograph captures the New York skyline in the 1970s, giving us a glimpse of what the city looked like before the tragic events that led to the fall of the Twin Towers. The towers are domineering and huge compared to the surrounding buildings. There is also quite a bit of smog obscuring the city. This indicates the relatively lenient regulations on pollution during that time period, but the smog does contribute to the eerie atmosphere of the photo.

Instagram

Today, the city looks much different, and not just because the towers are no longer there but because everything else is also built up and pretty tall in comparison to the two towers.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire in 1989

It’s worth noting that the two kids seen bowling in this photo are no ordinary children – they happen to be a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire. They were both trying to make as child actors in the 1980s in Los Angeles, and it would turn out that they both would. It’s unlikely that anyone could have predicted the immense success that both Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire would achieve decades after this photo was taken.

Instagram

Their appearance also hasn’t changed much over the years, despite this photo being taken in the 1980s. It’s actually kind of hard to imagine that the two are that old.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Brenda Spencer in 1979

This rare photo shows Brenda Spencer being escorted by police. In 1979, she was arrested for shooting at children and adults in the schoolyard across the street from her home. She injured eight kids and killed two adults as they were trying to shield the children. She was later sentenced to life in prison and remained there to this day. Before the 1970s, school shootings were relatively uncommon, unlike today where they unfortunately occur frequently in the US.

Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images

While Spencer was still hiding out in her house after the shooting, a reporter had managed to find her number and ask her why she did it. When asked why she did it, her infamous reply was, “I don’t like Mondays.” The line became the inspiration for a popular song.

<< Previous