This is two-year-old Arthur "Butch" Leonard Lindbloom III. Apparently this little tike was stressed out in 1938 (when this photo was taken) because he needs a cigarette break. Curious why the Life photographer and the person who we see in shadow in the picture apparently didn't think it was a big deal.
I couldn't find any info on little "Butch", but apparently this poster is for sale all over the place and even on display in museums.
I can't believe this.. what a funny picture and of course, no one was concerned about underage kids smoking?!! Very bizarre.. like his little short pants lol! Interesting post and love your new header!!
ReplyDeleteThat little boy is so cute! And I think the fact that he is lighting up a smoke is hilarious. I wonder if he was just trying to mimic his parents?
ReplyDeleteThanks doll,
The Glamorous Housewife
Isn't it funny how our perceptions change over time...60 years ago this would have been considered a harmless, funny photo (well, except maybe to a tobacco-is-the-Devils-weed fundamentalist) but today if you put a photo of your toddler smoking out on the Internet, what do you suppose would happen?
ReplyDeleteYou'd be in tons of trouble I imagine. It is very interesting how perceptions of everyday things change.
ReplyDeleteI realize that the hazards of smoking were not as fully or widely understood in the 30s than they are today, but can you really fathom any parent letting a toddler smoke (let alone play with matches)? To ease my mind I'm going to tell myself this photo was stagged, that junior there didn't develop a two pack a day habit by kindergarten and a smoker's cough by seventh grade ;D
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a super lovely weekend, sweetie!
♥ Jessica