Love a good scrapbook? Us too. This is why we love exploring the Library of Congress photo archives. Each trip into the archives reveals a treasure trove of photos that tell the history of the people and things that have shaped America.
While exploring, we stumbled upon several snapshots that left us absolutely puzzled. What were we looking at?
Here are four interesting photos that made us curious — and taught us something new about TBAY’s rich past.
🧸 Teddy in TBAY
Stereograph showing Theodore Roosevelt standing in the shade of a tent with two men inside.
Photo via the U.S. Copyright Office
Hail to the chief. During the summer of 1898, the Rough Riders, led by Theodore Roosevelt, were stationed in Tampa.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the military operation caused the city’s population to triple.
Soldiers pitched tents in the Tampa Heights area, and officers + press stayed at the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel (now the Henry B. Plant Museum). However, Colonel Teddy chose to camp with his men at night.
📽 The Stereo Drive-In
The drive-in closed in 2000 and is now a Wal-Mart.
Photo via John Margolies
Tucked away on US 19, a few blocks north of Gandy Blvd. in Pinellas Park, once lived The Stereo Drive-In.
The outdoor theater opened back in 1959 + and usually played religious films.
Why does it wave a giant colonial flag? We aren’t sure — but maybe you have an idea.
🗞 The Valenti Family
The boys didn’t attend school and likely spent their cash on candy and movies.
Photo via Library of Congress
Let us paint you the picture, TBAY:
It’s 1913. Just before dawn every morning, the Valenti brothers wake up to sell newspapers — aiming to make 25-30 cents a week.
At just four years old, Tony Valenti (pictured in the headlining image) was one of the youngest newsies in Florida, according to photographer Lewis Hine.
The shots of Tony and his siblings capture a moment in time. It shows the country’s laissez-faire approach to child labor laws.
⛑ Clara Barton + the American National Red Cross
There’s a historical marker at Bayshore Blvd. and S. Plant Ave. celebrating Clara’s legacy.
Photo via Library of Congress
We’ve all heard of the American Red Cross. But did you know it started here in TBAY? During the Spanish-American War in 1898, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross + planted its headquarters right on Plant Avenue.
There, she taught nurses how to heal soldiers and civilians and then brought them with her to serve the front lines in Cuba.
Fun fact: December 15 is recognized as Clara Barton Day in the Big Guava.
