I never thought I'd publish a photo essay of cute kittens and puppies ... but here it is. I mean, look at them—these amazingly sharp photographs of kittens and pups are a century old, but their humor and appeal is timeless, as the Internet has proven again and again. Photographer Harry Whittier Frees, born in 1879, began a career in cute-animal photography in 1906, building out a small studio to produce postcards, calendars, and children's books. While I was researching World War I events on the Library of Congress website, I stumbled across a collection of Frees's work from June 1914, and just had to share. The LOLcat is not a new phenomenon.
Cats and Dogs Dressed as People, 100 Years Ago
- Alan Taylor
- May 15, 2014
- 15 Photos
- In Focus
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The Aviator. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
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Ten pins. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
The fiddler. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
Ready for bed. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
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Making a date. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
The cook. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
Weighing the baby. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
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The Wedding. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
Watering the flowers. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
Planting time. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
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When bedtime comes. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
Fire! #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
Hanging up the wash. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
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A hungry bunch. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress -
The Woodcutter. #
Harry Whittier Frees/Library of Congress
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