Photo 1: A view of pedestrians on a street corner in Los Angeles during WWII

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The “Vine St.” street sign, along with “Hollywood,” suggests a location tied to Los Angeles. The store advertises “The Owl Drug Co,” a prominent chain in California during this era.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The cars and style of storefronts, especially with the Art Deco and streamlined designs, are characteristic of the 1930s to early 1940s.

• Crowd and Attire: Many people wear hats and formal attire typical of the late 1930s and early 1940s, including men in fedoras and women in dresses with padded shoulders.

• Geographical Features: There are no prominent natural features, but the urban setting aligns with a bustling, recognizable intersection in Los Angeles.

• General Context: Given the recognizable street name, architectural style, and attire, this image likely captures an intersection in Los Angeles, particularly in Hollywood.

Year:

• This photograph is likely from 1940.

• The clothing style reflects the late 1930s, with men’s hats and women’s structured dresses being common. The vehicles in the image, such as the streamlined sedan, support a late 1930s production era.

• The newstand has the headline “"BRITISH TROOPS CROSS CHANNEL ATTACKS NAZIS” this narrows the years down to WW2.

• The presence of the Owl Drug Co., which was active in Hollywood during the 1930s, also aids in narrowing the timeframe to this period.

Location:

• The photo was likely taken at Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles, California, USA.

• The street sign for Vine St. and Hollywood is iconic for this area. Owl Drug Co., a well-known California pharmacy, further confirms the Los Angeles setting, specifically this popular Hollywood intersection.

• This location became particularly famous in the 1930s as a bustling hub for Hollywood’s entertainment scene.

Photo 2: A street scene in Tajikistan's capital city Dushanbe

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The use of Tajik text on billboards indicates a location in Tajikistan, with advertisements promoting cellular networks and local services.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: Soviet-style architecture, common in Central Asia, indicates a setting in a former Soviet republic, specifically Tajikistan.

• Crowd and Attire: Modern clothing, mixed with some traditional styles, reflects contemporary Central Asian fashion trends.

• Geographical Features: The city’s dense signage and mountainous backdrop fit the landscape typical of Tajikistan’s capital.

• General Context: The licnese plates on the vars all have the initals “TJ” underneath

Year:

• The photo was likely taken in 2016.

• The presence of modern cellular advertisements, especially for “Tcell,” aligns with the 2010s when cellular networks were widely promoted. Car models and the attire also support this timeframe.

• The spread of mobile technology ads became common in Tajikistan by this period.

Location:

• The photo was likely taken in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

• The Cyrillic signage in Tajik, along with the Soviet-style architecture, points to Dushanbe. This mix of commercial and local life is typical of Tajikistan’s capital city.

• Dushanbe, with its bustling streets and dense advertisements, is a fitting match for this scene.

Photo 3: A view towards Flinders Street Station Clock Tower in Melbourne, Australia

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: “ANA Health Benefits” and other urban signage suggest a commercial district in Melbourne, Australia, particularly near Flinders Street.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The clock tower and trams are iconic to Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station area, a landmark in the city’s center.

• Crowd and Attire: People in flared trousers and casual jackets align with late 1970s fashion trends in urban Australia.

• Geographical Features: The prominent clock tower and tram lines are unmistakable markers of Melbourne’s urban core.

• General Context: The tram, architecture, and fashion align with Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station, a recognizable city landmark.

Year:

• The photo appears to be from 1979.

• The style of cars, such as boxy sedans, reflects late 1970s models, and the clothing matches popular fashion from this period. The street signage and store advertising align with Melbourne in this era.

• This timeframe coincides with Melbourne’s busy commercial growth in the late 1970s.

Location:

• The photo was likely taken at Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

• The combination of trams, the clock tower, and specific architecture confirms this as Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station area, a major hub for transport and commerce.

• Flinders Street Station is one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, easily recognizable in this image.

Photo 4: A group of 'Cabezudos' (processional giants) performing on a street in San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: The Puerto Rican flag and local advertising hint at a cultural event in Puerto Rico, possibly in the historic district of Old San Juan.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: Spanish colonial-style buildings and cobblestone streets are typical of Old San Juan, known for its colorful historic buildings.

• Crowd and Attire: Casual attire and the presence of oversized masks are indicative of a Puerto Rican festival, with participants celebrating in the streets.

• Geographical Features: The crowded, narrow street scene aligns with Old San Juan’s festive gatherings, where space is limited in this historic area.

• General Context: The Puerto Rican flag, festive masks, and colonial architecture point to a cultural event in Old San Juan, known for its vibrant festivals.

Year:

• This photo was likely taken in 2024.

• The abundance of smartphones and modern clothing, coupled with the vibrant festival setting, indicates a current-day timeframe. The presence of branded merchandise and event signage further supports this year.

• Old San Juan’s festivals continue to attract large crowds into the 2020s.

Location:

• The photo was taken in Old San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• The colonial buildings, Puerto Rican flag, and festive masks are iconic of Old San Juan. This location is renowned for its lively street festivals and traditional Puerto Rican celebrations.

• Old San Juan remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Photo 5: French actress Jane Birkin buying magazines from a newsstand in Paris

Summary of Analysis:

• Signage: French magazines, including “L’Express” and “Le Nouvel Observateur,” suggest a French-speaking location, likely France.

• Architecture and Infrastructure: The newsstand setup and magazine display are classic features of Paris, where such kiosks are part of the city’s street culture.

• Crowd and Attire: The woman’s bell-bottom pants and relaxed top are emblematic of late 1960s to early 1970s fashion.

• Geographical Features: The newsstand and magazine selection, coupled with the woman’s attire, indicate a Parisian street scene.

• General Context: The fashion, language, and kiosk setup point to a Parisian setting, with the woman’s attire reflecting a specific cultural moment in French style.

Year:

• This photo was likely taken in 1970, featuring Jane Birkin.

• Jane Birkin, a British-French actress and singer, was iconic in France during this period. Her attire, particularly the high-waisted, flared pants, mirrors the fashion of 1970, a defining year for her style influence.

• This image captures her characteristic look that inspired French fashion in the 1970s.

Location:

• The photo was likely taken in Paris, France.

• The setup of the newsstand with French publications is a classic Parisian element. Jane Birkin’s presence further affirms this as Paris, where she was a cultural icon.

• Paris is famous for its magazine kiosks, which line its streets and contribute to its unique character.