Author: TheKnowOwl

This vintage WPA poster, “Smoke over Des Moines – WHY,” highlights the environmental challenges Des Moines faced in the 1930s. The poster’s bold, block letters and dark, swirling smog backdrop effectively capture the issue at hand. Created as part of the WPA’s art program, the poster aimed to educate and engage citizens on pressing community matters.

Step Back in Time with Beautifully Restored Map of Des Moines, Iowa from 1868

Explore the streets and landmarks of Des Moines as they appeared in 1868. This meticulously restored map by A. Ruger showcases the city’s early development, including the Capitol, schools, churches, and transportation hubs.

Albert Ruger’s Legacy: Capturing the Growth of 19th-Century American Cities

Born in 1829 in Prussia, Albert Ruger emigrated to the United States and transformed his career...

Restored Vintage Map of Decorah, Iowa from 1870

This vintage map of Decorah, Iowa was created in 1870 and has been lovingly restored by KNOWOL. Click to zoom in on a high resolution version and purchase reproductions.

Historical Map of Elgin, Illinois from 1930

Illinois

This vintage map is titled “Elgin Past and Present, and was produced in 1930 by the Elgin Branch of the American Association of Women. This animated historical map was created ninety five years after the town was formed, and highlights historical sights and landmarks.

Beautifully Detailed Map of Barre, MA from 1891

Massachusetts

Step back in time to 1891 Barre, Massachusetts, with this captivating bird’s-eye view map. Discover the town’s booming granite industry, iconic landmarks, and bustling community life. Explore historical details, from factories and railroads to cemeteries and public squares. Own a piece of Barre’s history and uncover the fascinating story of this once-thriving town.

New Mexico Like Never Before: 1939 Map Brings History to Life with a Laugh

New Mexico

Rediscover the charm of the Southwest with this playful 1939 Cartoon Map of New Mexico. Perfect for locals who love a side of humor with their history!

Migrant laborer’s family near Canal Point Packinghouse, Florida

A glimpse into the past: Marion Post Wolcott’s 1939 photo captures the quiet strength of a migrant family in Florida, highlighting the realities of rural American life during the Great Depression.

Lakeland, Florida – Shopping for fruit at the market, 1939

This historic photo shows a young woman shopping in Lakeland, Florida in 1939. Lakeland was...

Belle Glade, Florida: Migratory workers fishing, Jan. 1939

This snapshot captures a rare moment of respite for four African American workers, fishing not their next meal in the waters near Belle Glade, Florida, 1939

Who was Marion Post Wolcott? FSA Photographer Who Captured Hearts and Minds

Marion Post Wolcott was a notable American photographer known for her work during the Great...

Belle Glade, Florida: Migratory laborers cut celery, January 1941

January 1941: Migratory workers harvest celery in Belle Glade, Florida. During this era, migratory laborers were the backbone of local agriculture, pivotal to the economy of small Floridian towns. These workers’ efforts helped feed America as the nation prepared for the challenges of World War II.

No life is worth leading if it is always an easy life

Quotes

Nothing in this world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…

Alfred Adler’s Teachings and Advice for Personal Growth and Well-Being

Discover the profound teachings and insightful advice of Alfred Adler, the renowned psychologist and founder of individual psychology. Explore how Adler’s revolutionary concepts can guide you towards personal growth, improved mental health, and meaningful relationships. Gain valuable insights into social interest, striving for superiority, and a holistic perspective that integrates physical, psychological, and social aspects. Learn how Adler’s teachings can help you overcome an inferiority complex, find purpose, and make positive lifestyle changes. Dive into the wisdom of Adlerian psychology and embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, resilience, and fulfillment. Uncover the timeless relevance of Adler’s teachings and apply them to enhance your well-being and thrive in all areas of your life.

Map of Texas and Loyal Colonies, sometimes referred to as the United States

Texas

The historic map of Texas is a nostalgic and humorous representation of the state created in the...

1880 Plan for U.S. Treasury Building on St. Paul Island, Alaska

Alaska

Vintage illustration of Saint Paul Island, Alaska. The image was originally created in 1880 and shows the preliminary sketches for the building. Sourced from the National Archives.

Vintage Map of Columbia, Missouri from 1869

Missouri

Historic bird’s eye view of Columbia, Missouri from 1869

Vintage Property Map of Easton, Connecticut from 1867

Connecticut

This vintage landowners map of Easton, Connecticut was created in 1867 by Frederick W. Beers. a prominent 19th century map maker. Beers was a prominent American map maker and publisher during the 19th century. He began his career as a civil engineer and surveyor, and later established the firm of F.W. Beers, A.D. Ellis & Co. in 1866.

“Emptiness is a symptom that you are not living creatively…”

Quotes, Wisdom

“Emptiness is a symptom that you are not living creatively. You either have no goal that is...

“The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which…”

Quotes, Wisdom

“The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me.” – Meister Eckhart

Vintage Map of Rochester, Minnesota from 1869

Minnesota

Historic Rochester landmarks on the map include Bear Creek, Lumbro River, Rochester Railroad Depot, Public School, Court House, and Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, German Methodist, Presbyteria, Universalist, and Roman Catholic Churches.

Vintage Map of Beverly, Massachusetts from 1886

Massachusetts

Vintage Map of Beverly, Massachusetts from 1886

Vintage map of Georgia, one page history dedicated to the Old Timers

Georgia

Vintage pictorial map of Georgia with amazing hand drawn historical images

45 Patriotic Quotes from Presidents of the United States

Series of 45 patriotic quotes, one from each U.S. President.

Vintage Map of Florida, a one page history dedicated to the Old Timers, 1951

This vintage map of Florida was created in 1951 and is titled “a pictorial chart of romantic...

Historic bird’s eye view of Belleville, Illinois in 1867

Illinois

Historic bird’s eye view of Belleville, Illinois from 1867

Killenworth Mansion, Russia’s Hidden Long Island Paradise

New York

On the crest of a hill in Glen Cove, New York sits Killenworth, one of the country’s finest mansions

Map of Historic Michigan, a one page history dedicated to the Old Timers, 1935

Michigan

Dive into the historic grandeur of the Great Lake State with this Pictorial Map of Michigan from...

Beautifully restored map of Columbus, Georgia from 1886

Georgia

Historic old map of Columbus, Georgia from 1886

Historic map of Chattanooga, Tennessee from 1871

Tennessee

Historic old map shows bird’s eye view of Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1871

Beautifully restored map of Topeka, Kansas from 1869

Kansas

Historic bird’s eye view of Topeka, Kansas from 1869

Detailed map of Saint Paul, Minnesota from 1867

Minnesota

Historic old map of Saint Paul, Minnesota from 1867

Historic old map of Appleton, Wisconsin from 1867

Wisconsin

Historic bird’s eye view of Appleton, Wisconsin from 1867

My business is not to remake myself, but to…

My business is not to remake myself, But to make the absolute best of what God made. – Robert Browning

Get out and do something. Work, sweat, hike, push yourself…

“Get out and do something – work, sweat, hike, push yourself – starve if need be – but dig on and deliver. Then talk if you want to, but the chances are you won’t feel so much like it.”

I AM bigger than anything that can happen to me…

“I AM bigger than anything that can happen to me. All these things: sorrow, misfortune and suffering, are outside my door. I am in the house and I have the key.”

Genius is talent set on fire by courage…

“Genius is talent set on fire by courage. Fidelity is simply daring to be true in small things as well as great. Courage is the standing army of the soul which keeps it from conquest, pillage and slavery.”

The lives of truest heroism are those in which…

“The lives of truest heroism are those in which there are no great deeds to look back upon. It is the little things well done that go to make up a successful and truly good life.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

Knowledge makes a scholar, virtue makes a saint, noble action makes…

“Hungering and striving after knowledge is what makes a scholar; hungering and striving after virtue is what makes a Saint; hungering and striving after noble action is what makes a hero and a man.”

The ideal life is in our blood and never will be lost…

Sad will be the day for any man when he becomes contented with the thoughts he is thinking and the deeds he is doing – where there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do.”

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength…

You are distinctly assured that in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength…

There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time…

– J.G. Holland

The best work is accomplished by men of poise and self-control…

Prudent planning prevents haste, waste, and inconvenience. When you have work to do…

Imagination is more powerful than knowledge. Knowledge is limited…

I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important…

Begin each day with good intentions, and apply yourself…

Right desires and aspirations bring increased happiness. When you begin the day with…

Top WWI fighter pilot explains why you should not fear death

“No one should fear death. I know, because I have come face to face with death several times”

Quality Over Quantity: Let your guiding rule be not how much…

Cultivate finer tastes and discrimination in your choice of things. Get a right idea of values....

Eleanor Roosevelt explains how she developed courage

“I craved attention all through my childhood, because I was made to feel so conscious of…

Good is eternal and indestructible, evil is…

Good is constructive, evil is destructive. Good elevates, encourages, and sustains; evil saddens,...

Greatness of life is largely the product of definite purpose and…

There are larger possibilities for you. Greatness of life is largely the product of definite…

Before man made us citizens, great Nature made us men…

– J.R. Lowell

Childhood may do without a grand purpose, but manhood cannot…

– J.G. Holland

Henry Ford’s Advice to Young Men: “Look for what makes you unique”

Every new life is a new thing under the sun; there has never been anything just like it before, and never will be again.

How Abraham Lincoln’s log-splitting led him to the Presidency

Abraham Lincoln was elected President largely because he was a rail-splitter.

Look around you, and you will behold a universe full of energy…

Action is, so to speak, the genius of nature.

Thank God every morning that you have something to do that day…

Thank God every morning that you have something to do that day which must be done

The Eternal Benefits of Living a Righteous Life

The student of Esoteric thought who truly desires to overcome the evils, must bear in mind that…

From the lowest depth there is a path to the loftiest height…

– Thomas Carlyle

A Contrast – Words of Advice For New Fathers

One morning, a short time ago, a distinguished professional gentleman was in a horsecar, on his...

Success comes from constant and quiet focus on your goal

The successful man is not the man who works by fits and starts, but he who keeps constantly and quietly on his way, with his purpose like a guiding star ever in view. To be sure you are right, and then go ahead, and keep going ahead, is the true spirit.

The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of work…

We find success by adding value to the lives of others. Think of how you can do that, and do it.

Whimsical Paint-Brush Map of Wyoming from 1938

Wyoming

Historic Wyoming landmarks on the map include Kaycee, Gillette, Big Horn Mountains, Dinosaur Beds, Cody, Jackson, Yellowstone, and more.

Vintage Map of Atlanta, Georgia from 1871

Georgia

Vintage bird’s eye view map of Atlanta, Georgia from 1871

Longwood Mansion, the unfinished gem of Mississippi

Mississippi

Longwood, also known as Nutt’s folly, is a grand antebellum mansion in Natchez…

Historic Beauty of Connecticut’s Merritt Parkway Bridges

Connecticut

The Merritt Parkway was the first divided-lane, limited-access highway in Connecticut.

Beautifully detailed map of Texas Railroads from 1876

Texas

Compiled from Actual Surveys, and containing all changes in Lines of Counties up to Sept. 1st, 1876.

Historic old map of Green Bay, Wisconsin from 1867

Wisconsin

Historic bird’s eye view of Green Bay, Wisconsin from 1867

Detailed map of Independence, Missouri from 1868

Missouri

Historic bird’s eye view of Independence, Missouri from 1868.

100 inspirational quotes to help you through each day

“Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.”

Colorized and Restored Map of Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1880

Michigan

Historic bird’s eye view of Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1880

Theodore Roosevelt: “Train yourself to be fearless”

He says that at the outset almost every man is frightened when he goes into action, but…

Map of Frontier Montana, a one page history dedicated to the Old Timers

Montana

Historic map of Frontier & Pioneer Montana from 1936

Every new life is a new thing under the sun…

Duty and faith – they are the main things.

Beautifully Illustrated Pictorial Map of Richmond, VA from 1937

Virginia

This historic map of Richmond, Virginia was created in 1937 by W.M. Lewis, and shows a beautifully...

Douglas MacArthur, WWII Five-Star General, on the Future of the USA

I am concerned for the security of our great nation, not so much because of any…

New York City’s pneumatic subway, the original “Hyperloop”

New York

New York City’s first underground railway used pressurized air to propel train cars…

9 beautifully restored vintage beer advertising posters

This collection of vintage beer advertising posters shows how beer and breweries were marketed in the 19th and 20th century.

Beautifully restored map of Salinas, California from 1875

California

Historic bird’s eye view of Salinas City, California from 1875

Beautifully restored map of Plymouth, Wisconsin from 1870

Wisconsin

Historic bird’s eye view of Plymouth, Wisconsin from 1870

Historic Street Map of Charleston, South Carolina from 1912

South Carolina

This beautifully detailed map shows Charleston, South Carolina as it looked in 1912

Beautifully restored Geological Map of the United States from 1872

American History

This historic geological map of the United States was created in 1872 by C.H. Hitchcock and W.P....

Beautifully detailed map of the White Mountains from 1890

New Hampshire

Historic bird’s eye view of New Hampshire’s White Mountains from 1890

5 secrets of success from Elon Musk’s USC commencement speech

Elon Musk had 5 minutes to give USC students some advice on success…

Beautifully detailed map of Billings, Montana from 1904

Montana

Historic bird’s eye view of Billings, Montana in 1904

Beautifully restored map of Abilene, TX from 1883

Texas

Historic bird’s eye view of Abilene, Texas from 1883

Beautifully restored map of Muskegon, MI from 1874

Michigan

Historic bird’s eye view of Muskegon, Michigan from 1874

Beautifully restored map of Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1886

New Mexico

Historic bird’s eye view of Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1886

Beautifully restored map of Exeter, New Hampshire from 1884

New Hampshire

Historic bird’s eye view of Exeter, New Hampshire from 1884

Vintage bird’s eye view art print of Sydney, Australia from 1888

Australia

Historic bird’s eye view of Sydney, Australia from 1888

Beautifully restored map of Patterson (Mifflin), PA from 1895

Pennsylvania

Historic bird’s eye view of Patterson, Pennsylvania in 1895

Beautifully restored map of St. Augustine, Florida from 1885

Historic bird’s eye view of St. Augustine, Florida from 1885

Beautifully detailed map of Winter Park, FL from 1885

Historic bird’s eye view of Winter Park, Florida in 1885

Beautifully restored map of Kansas City, Missouri from 1869

Missouri

Historic bird’s eye view of Kansas City, Missouri from 1869

Beautifully restored map of Westford, MA from 1886

Massachusetts

Historic bird’s eye view of Westford, Massachusetts from 1886

Beautifully restored map of Marshalltown, Iowa from 1868

Historic bird’s eye view of Marshalltown, Iowa from 1868

Beautifully restored map of Frankfort, Kentucky from 1871

Kentucky

Historic bird’s eye view of Frankfort, Kentucky in 1871

Beautifully restored map of Warren, Ohio from 1870

Ohio

Historic bird’s eye view of Warren, Ohio in 1870

Beautifully restored map of Jackson, Tennessee from 1870