The French SNECMA Coléoptère vertical take-off aircraft, which first flew on 6 May 1959.

On 6 May 1959, French aircraft manufacturer SNECMA created aviation history with the successful test flight of their revolutionary Coléoptère vertical take-off aircraft. Unveiled in the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s (FAI) official report, the flight marked the first successful test of a vectored thrust aircraft that was able to take off vertically, hover and land in the same spot. The Coléoptère was powered by two SNECMA Atar 101G engines which produced 4.98 kN (1,125 lbf) of thrust each. The aircraft was able to reach a maximum altitude of 7,800 feet, with a maximum speed of 250 mph. After its initial test … The French SNECMA Coléoptère vertical take-off aircraft, which first flew on 6 May 1959. részletei…

Interior of a Pullman train car, 1860.

Traveling in 1860 was a far cry from today’s modern transportation, but the interior of a Pullman train car was luxurious by the standards of its day. The Pullman Company, founded in 1867, revolutionized train travel by providing the first luxurious carriages designed for the comfort of long-distance passengers. The interior of a Pullman car was designed to be elegant, functional, and accommodating. It featured plush velvet seating, richly stained wood paneling, and ornate fixtures. There were separate compartments for men and women, and an array of amenities such as lavatories, dining rooms, and reading rooms. Traveling in a Pullman … Interior of a Pullman train car, 1860. részletei…

Hollywood Marrieds Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, 1950.

Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis were one of Hollywood’s most beloved married couples in the 1950s. The two met in 1949 on the set of the movie Houdini, and were married the following year in 1950. The couple had two children together, Kelly and Jamie Lee Curtis. They were both active in the film industry, with Leigh starring in films such as Psycho and Curtis appearing in films like Some Like It Hot. The two were devoted to one another and remained together for 15 years until their divorce in 1962. They both fondly remembered their time together, with Curtis … Hollywood Marrieds Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, 1950. részletei…

The high jump at Olympics games in London, 1908.

The Olympics games in London, 1908, were groundbreaking in more ways than one. One of the standout events of the games was the high jump, which was the first time a jump over two metres had been achieved at the Olympics. American athlete, Meyer Prinstein, achieved this feat, easily clearing the bar at a height of 2.03 metres. The high jump event captured the imagination of the world, with Prinstein’s achievement going down in history. The event was not without controversy however, as Prinstein was initially disqualified after a protest was lodged over a violation of the ‘straight take-off’ rule. … The high jump at Olympics games in London, 1908. részletei…

The New Pramobile made by Dunckley, London, England, 1930.

Dunckley of London, England, created the revolutionary Pramobile in 1930. This unique vehicle was designed to be a convenient mode of transportation for parents and their young children. The Pramobile was a hybrid of a pram and a tricycle, and was equipped with a basket for carrying items, a brake system, and a low seat that was comfortable for both the parent and the child. It was the perfect combination of convenience and safety for those who needed to get around the city. The Pramobile was popular with parents in London and the surrounding areas, and it was also sold … The New Pramobile made by Dunckley, London, England, 1930. részletei…

JFK meeting Frank Sinatra Las Vegas, 1960.

The year was 1960, and the place was Las Vegas. It was a typical night in the city that never sleeps; the lights were bright, the energy was high, and the music was loud. But on this night, something was different. Little did the people of Las Vegas know, but two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century were in town—Frank Sinatra and John F. Kennedy. The two had met earlier in the year when JFK was campaigning for the presidency, and after JFK’s victory, Sinatra had invited him to come visit him in Las Vegas. So, on … JFK meeting Frank Sinatra Las Vegas, 1960. részletei…

Ham is the first chimpanzee astronaut to return from his legendary 16-hour flight in 1961.

On January 31, 1961, history was made when Ham the chimpanzee became the first ever non-human primate to fly in space. Ham was shot into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in a Mercury-Redstone 2 rocket as part of the first U.S. crewed spaceflight program. He spent 16 hours in space before returning to Earth, becoming the first chimpanzee astronaut in the process! Though Ham was just a passenger on the journey, his successful mission was a major milestone in space exploration. Ham was an inspiration to many, showing that animals can be trained and trusted to work on complex technological … Ham is the first chimpanzee astronaut to return from his legendary 16-hour flight in 1961. részletei…

Salon de Locomotion Aerienne (Air Locomotion Show), Grand Palais, Paris, 1909.

On October 25th 1909, the first ever Salon de Locomotion Aerienne (Air Locomotion Show) opened at the Grand Palais in Paris. The show was a great success, with over 500,000 people attending over the course of the two-week event. The show featured a number of different aircraft, from the first powered flight of Wilbur and Orville Wright to the first dirigible to fly from Paris to London. The Salon de Locomotion Aerienne was a groundbreaking event, marking the first time that aircraft had ever been displayed in public. It was a major milestone in the development of aviation technology and … Salon de Locomotion Aerienne (Air Locomotion Show), Grand Palais, Paris, 1909. részletei…

Frank Zappa and his mom in London, 1975.

In 1975, the legendary musician Frank Zappa and his mother Rose Marie Zappa took a trip to London together. It was part of a tour to promote Frank’s album One Size Fits All, which was released earlier that year. The two visited a variety of places in London, including Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Frank and Rose Marie also went to a few shows and visited some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the London Eye. Their visit to London was a memorable one for the Zappa family. Frank especially seemed to enjoy the time he … Frank Zappa and his mom in London, 1975. részletei…

Flooded Temple of Isis, Philae, Egypt, ca.1920.

The Flooded Temple of Isis in Philae, Egypt is a stunning reminder of the country’s ancient civilization. Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, this temple was once a major place of worship for the cult of Isis, the goddess of health, marriage, and wisdom. It was a focal point of the city of Philae and a source of pride for its citizens. In the early 20th century, the flooding of the temple threatened its survival. In the 1920s, an ambitious project was launched to save the temple, which involved the relocation of its blocks to a nearby island. The … Flooded Temple of Isis, Philae, Egypt, ca.1920. részletei…