NotSoLeftCoast

(via Long Tall Mama - Big Bill Broonzy (1932)

Taken in 1877, this brave Civil War veteran and free man, Lewis Martin (1840 - 1892) was in an unmarked grave for 121 years until a community effort was made to mark his grave with a tombstone on November 2, 2013.   Lewis was born an enslaved person in Arkansas, escaped slavery, and then moved to Springfield Illinois where he enlisted in a black regiment in the Civil War. A few months later, in the Battle of the Crater, he lost his right arm and left leg.   After the war, he wasn’t able to work because he couldn’t read or write and was unable to perform manual labor. Lewis lived his life in pain due to his injuries, and leveraged alcohol to dull his senses. Resting in an unmarked grave for over 110 years, Lewis will always be remembered on AncientFaces.

Brothers Fayard (1914 - 2006) and Harold (1921 - 2000) Nicholas were perhaps the greatest dancing duo ever known. They performed on Broadway, in clubs, on vaudeville and in films. They were known for their athletic and acrobatic style - an inspiration to other dancers such as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly .   Nearly 100 years ago, however, their reach was limited. In films, their performances were recorded by themselves so that the scenes could be eliminated in the segregated South. Today, clips of their fabulous dancing are all over Facebook and Instagram.   Fayard and Harold and their amazing talent will always be remembered on AncientFaces.

“When the righteous do nothing about the wicked, the wicked assume they are righteous”

A California teacher teaching the physics of surfing, 1970.

Tom Petty (1950 -2017)  Runnin’ Down A Dream

Black Snake Moan

Edvard Munch, The Day After, 1895