Ever seen a funny or poignant photograph and thought “If only I could add a caption…”? This exhibition does just that. The Richmond community was asked to help curate this photography exhibition. We provided the images. The community selected the photographs and gave the cheeky or insightful commentary. Browse through the exhibit to see the winning captions, plus each photograph’s actual description.
The Valentine Richmond History Center’s Richmond Times-Dispatch Photograph Collection consists of approximately 12,000 photographs given to the History Center from 1936 to 1991 by Richmond Newspapers, Inc., publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Richmond News Leader. In this exhibit, see the range of subjects – from silly to serious – that this collection holds.
Want to see more? Through a generous grant from Media General, the Richmond Times-Dispatch Collection is newly digitized and viewable through the History Center’s online database at www.richmondhistorycenter.com.
"There's got to be a genie in ONE of these."
Submitted by Pamela Ehrlich
“Capt. Tompkins' Silver Is Admired By Relative”
Young Benjamin Tompkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Tompkins, polishes a silver tea set owned by his great-great-great aunt, Capt. Sally Tompkins, the only female officer in the Confederate Army.
Richmond, Virginia, July 21, 1966
"Two officers, a police dog and a horse, and they
still did not catch the guy stealing home!"
Submitted by Parker Winborne
“Preparing for a Big Move”
Richmond policeman R.W. Grove steadies his horse Prince as police dog Fritz prepares to leap aboard. The service animal act was presented at Parker Field during the annual Richmond Policeman-Fireman show. Fritz's trainer, O.A. Martin assists Officer Grove.
Richmond, Virginia, July 31, 1969
"Vegetarian speed-dating."
Submitted by Kathryn DiPasqua
“Young Virginians Celebrated In Lively Style At John Marshall”
Warren Keeling, Diane Dumville, Gloria Keeling and John Lockes dance during an inaugural ball for Virginia Governor Linwood Holton at the John Marshall Hotel.
Richmond, Virginia, January 17, 1970
"Poise. Girls use books, guys use bricks."
Submitted by David Martel
Brick worker William Hopkins carries a load of bricks on his head during work on the construction of the Richmond Coliseum.
Richmond, Virginia, February 18, 1970
"Seriously, this is the last time I use Mapquest
for directions."
Submitted by Britt Parrack
Two men inspect the Marshall Street Viaduct in downtown Richmond.
Richmond, Virginia, July 21, 1970
"Edna discovered a clever way to put a stop to her
nail-biting habit."
Submitted by Angelicia Ventura
Mrs. Irving Mann shows off some of the thimbles in her collection during a talk for the Valentine Museum Textile Resource and Research Center.
Richmond, Virginia, October 22, 1970
"Rev. Desmond's fiery sermon was his last."
Submitted by Will Vehrs
“Demolition of Ancient All Saint's Church Begins”
An interior view of the demolition of All Saint's Church, 300 block of West Franklin Street.
Richmond, Virginia, November 1961
"Early strides in GRTC's history."
Submitted by Starlet Knight
A German Shepherd on a leash pulls three small children in a dog cart down a suburban street.
Richmond, Virginia, October 16, 1961
"Are you ready to rock, River Road?!"
Submitted by Jeff Gaynor
“Dinwiddie's Answer to Beatles”
Four members of the Namozine Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary dress as the Beatles for a fundraising event. The women are, left to right: Mrs. Louise Dayvault, Mrs. Flossie Hayes, Mrs. Florence Moon and Mrs. Lucille Mayton.
Dinwiddie, Virginia, March 19, 1964
"It's got color, bouquet and boldness, but
it can't match the jolt of that white lightning in the jar."
Submitted by Barbara Gestwick
“Tasting And Testing A.B.C. Liquor”
J. Bernard Robb, director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's division of chemical analysis, inspects a tumbler of brandy before taking an official sip.
Richmond, Virginia, March 16, 1951
"Long before the Brazilian Wax, there was
the Richmond Burn."
Submitted by Will Vehrs
“…For a 'Blanket' Course”
Clifford W. Roberts, chief of the protective section and safety officer, uses himself as a model during a fire-fighting course for McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital staff members.
Chesterfield County, Virginia, October 5, 1965
"Frank quickly found out that reading the directions would
have been a good idea."
Submitted by Jeff Woodson
Mr. Charles F. Thompson, vice-president of International Rollcall Corporation, repairs a voting machine.
Richmond, Virginia, December 9, 1965
"Gallery 5 has always been known for its cutting edge live
shows."
Submitted by Christopher Munton
Go-go girls Jane Armstrong and Robin Ferguson dance to the guitar music of Chard Haynes and Sandi Fralin during the Valentine Museum live exhibit, “Discotheque, 1967,” part of “Gala Nights in Richmond’s Past.”
Richmond, Virginia, April 12, 1967
"Ralph convinced his wife he came to the park for the fresh
air."
Submitted by Michael Connor
“Warm Weather ‘Warning’”
A couple sits on a bench in Forest Hill Park and watches two sunbathers.
Richmond, Virginia, May 3, 1978
"Yes, you're now a “bride of Christ” but I think
these wedding presents are a little extravagant."
Submitted by Barbara Gestwick
“Gifts Aid Sisters’ Campaign”
Sister Louise, Mrs. Marie Hardy, Sister Ita Mary and Sister Marcelle examine silver service gifts received by the Little Sisters of the Poor during their fund drive to build a new home for the aged in Henrico County.
Richmond, Virginia, September 9, 1972
"I know I saw that kid throw a cracker in here."
Submitted by Mike Tatum
“The Old Ostrich Act”
A small white duck investigates an opening in a Byrd Park fountain.
Richmond, Virginia, August 2, 1976
"The original “To the Bottom and Back Bus.”"
Submitted by Kathy Hamby
“School Bus Saves Gasoline For Richmond Symphony Supporters”
Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Pantele and Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Riley board a West End Transit school bus on River Road, en route to a Richmond Symphony event.
Richmond, Virginia, January 14, 1974
"Dozens line up for Richmond's first hands-free car wash."
Submitted by Kate Mundy
Cars pass cautiously through the flooded Lombardy Street underpass.
Richmond, Virginia, October 29, 1973
"Still from a lost Christmas-themed M*A*S*H episode."
Submitted by Harry Kollatz
“Santa Leaves [Reindeer at Home]”
Santa Claus arrives by helicopter to Hening Elementary School.
Chesterfield County, Virginia, December 10, 1979
"Back in the day, Lucinda cut the grass with her patented
moves."
Submitted by Will Vehrs
“Oh, If Only…”
A woman using a cane watches a group of dancers perform during a preview of June Jubilee events.
Richmond, Virginia, May 18, 1979
"That's him, officer. That's the one who ate my Kibbles and
ran off with my water bowl."
Submitted by Robert Antonelli
A Richmond police officer introduces a toddler to his police dog during a Woodland Heights community event.
Richmond, Virginia, June 12, 1976
"Richmond debuts Synchronized Phone Calling. The Olympic
Committee was not impressed."
Submitted by Richard Hayes
“Hello, Out There”
Davin Daniels and Salina Bates talk on pay phones outside a fast food restaurant at Leigh Street and Chamberlayne Avenue.
Richmond, Virginia, May 20, 1976
"This cookie wants...YOU!"
Submitted by Sharon Lewis
“Cookie Crumbles Into Camp Funds For Girl Scouts”
Girl Scout Johanna Crowder displays a Trefoil cookie.
Richmond, Virginia, January 11, 1971
"To say the least, Hefner was disappointed with the Richmond
Playboy Club."
Submitted by Don Talley
“Easter’s Here”
Members of the Get Together Social Club, Mrs. Mildred B. Norris, Mrs. Agnes B. Lipscombe, Mrs. Maxeine Pervall, Ms. Laverne Norris and Mrs. Virginia Jones, prepare to distribute Easter goodies to children at E. G. Williams Hospital.
Richmond, Virginia, April 9, 1977
"VMI did NOT prepare me for Capitol Cat detail."
Submitted by Starlet Knight
Officer Seawell of the Virginia Capitol Police feeds milk to a kitten.
Richmond, Virginia, January 22, 1971
"eHarmony's greatest success story."
Submitted by Leigh Ann McKelway
“Seeing no shadows”
Ida Currie holds a “nature cake” made for a Groundhog Day party at Westminster-Canterbury House. Hans von Schlieben holds Saucy Woodchuckle, a guinea pig substitute for the groundhog.
Richmond, Virginia, February 2, 1984
"Exhausted, Mike finally understood what “up a creek
without a paddle” meant."
Submitted by Michael Connor
“Hot, dry and tired”
George Bowls stretches out in his canoe on the shore of the James River after traveling from the Huguenot Bridge to Brown's Island.
Richmond, Virginia, August 15, 1983
"The new Broad Street Fountain is not a hit with local
pedestrians."
Submitted by Kate Mundy
“A real gusher”
A broken valve causes water to gush skyward at 7th and Broad Streets.
Richmond, Virginia, August 11, 1983
"Tim Kaine and Mark Warner decide to pair up as Starsky and
Hutch for their Halloween party."
Submitted by Amy Bridge
Male Medical College of Virginia nursing students stand outside the Nursing Education Building.
Richmond, Virginia, May 4, 1973
"Eric Cantor...the forgotten years."
Submitted by Don Talley
Virginia Commonwealth University students Scott Sarter, Mark Maslow and Mike Lickey have a jam session in their dorm room.
Richmond, Virginia
December 1, 1975
"Time machine travelers describe the Richmond of the future as “not that different” than it is now."
Submitted by
Kate Mundy
Caroline Wiley, William A. Patton, Richard H. Jones, Louis Salamonsky, Thomas B. Lawrence and Janet Kane pose during a tour of the Virginia Mutual bank vault.
Richmond, Virginia
September 21, 1977
Bill Lane, photographer
V.85.37.88
"Gee, Dad. Wait ‘til I tell my friends that you
got a haircut from “Weird Al” Yankovic."
Submitted by Richard Hemby
A boy shows concern during his father’s hair cut.
Richmond, Virginia
August 19, 1971
Bob Brown, photographer
V.85.37.935
"Last thing the Mayor said, officer, was “If
I'm lying, may God strike me down!”"
Submitted by Ed Drain
“A hole in one”
A Richmond police officer and a construction supervisor inspect a hole that formed when part of the street collapsed at an intersection in Church Hill.
Richmond, Virginia
July 17, 1985
Bob Brown, photographer
V.86.228.147
"Todd's ability to not get called on was legendary."
Submitted by Jes
Simon
A little boy expresses his disinterest in a June Jubilee event.
Richmond, Virginia
June 10, 1987
Bob Brown, photographer
V.88.68.154
"As an honorary member of the Clean Plate Club,
commitment had taken on a whole new meaning for Little Johnny."
Submitted by Corey Staley
“It's what??!!”
William Fox Elementary School second-grader Lynn Robinson reacts to a sample of sushi he was asked to try during a class on Japanese culture.
Richmond, Virginia
March 11, 1988
Don Long, photographer
V.89.192.269.02
"Fred patiently waited in line at the Emergency
Room."
Submitted by Michael Connor
“No pumpkins here”
Hobgoblins line up along East Cary Street in Shockoe Slip during the Downtown Presents' annual Great Big Pumpkin Party.
Richmond, Virginia
November 1, 1987
Bruce Parker, photographer
V.89.192.300
"Sorry sir, the Navy recruiter got to us first."
Submitted by Leslie Bobb
Douglas Smith, a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, speaks to Wayne Cravey, James Griffin, Gary Lawrence and Robert Tribbey, a group of U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, at a "Patriotism Day" event in Byrd Park.
Richmond, Virginia
September 12, 1987
Lindy Keast Rodman, photographer
V.89.192.451.01
"Club Velvet: The Early Years."
Submitted by Will Vehrs
“Business Boosters”
Freeway, a golden retriever, lies at the back entrance to The Strip Joint, a furniture refinishing shop.
Richmond, Virginia
July 19, 1987
Robin Layton, photographer
V.91.04.12
"Joe did not quite grasp the telework concept."
Submitted by Mike Tatum
“Chair-ity”
Virginia State Senator Onico Barker pushes a leather desk chair across Capitol Square.
Richmond, Virginia
May 22, 1989
Bob Brown, photographer
V.91.04.1263
"Sure, we still have a smoking section, but you've
got to really want to get there."
Submitted by Starlet Knight
“A political mole?”
After completing repair work, Steve Crouch, a Capitol Buildings and Grounds employee, crawls out of a passageway underneath a pay phone in the Virginia State Capitol building.
Richmond, Virginia
January 29, 1990
Bob Brown, photographer
V.91.04.1539
"Ty was self conscious that he had a large nose,
but his winning smile was always what most people noticed first."
Submitted by Monty McFadden
“Head-ing to work”
An unidentified person walks along Robinson Street wearing a carved jack-o-lantern head.
Richmond, Virginia
October 31, 1988
Gary Burns, photographer
V.91.04.396
"Sometimes it was hard to tell if the legislature
was in session or if the circus had come to town."
Submitted by
Will Vehrs
A parade of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus elephants travels north on 9th Street toward the Richmond Coliseum.
Richmond, Virginia
March 6, 1990
Wallace Huey Clark, photographer
V.91.04.566
"Hold on! Hold on! I KNOW that receipt is in here
somewhere!"
Submitted by Sharon Lewis
Lorraine Hardware's store cat Hero investigates a customer's purse sitting on the counter, while store employee Mark Robertson talks to a customer on the telephone.
Richmond, Virginia
July 19, 1987
Robin Layton, photographer
V.91.04.06
"Sadness grips construction worker as he realizes
that he left his hammer in his truck."
Submitted by John Norton
“High iron rest”
A workman sits on a pier for the new Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge.
Richmond, Virginia
August 14, 1986
Gary Burns, photographer
V.91.04.66
"Converting the CFB tower into Facebook's North American
headquarters was a relatively simple operation."
Submitted by Harry Kollatz
“Landmark letters take off”
A helicopter removes the last “C” from the top of the CFB building as Central Fidelity Bank becomes Signet Bank.
Richmond, Virginia
April 27, 1986
Don Long, photographer
V.91.04.79
"Sure the badges are fun...but the ladies loooove
the uniform. Booyah!"
Submitted by David Martel
“New Scouts Register On Day Age Limits Drop”
Charles Wheatley, Sterling Harrison and Jimmy Holder were the first Boy Scouts in their age groups to register for the year.
Richmond, Virginia
September 2, 1949
V.50.01.102
"Members of City Council engage in their favorite
tie-breaking measure."
Submitted by
Robert Sobecke
“Heave Ho In A Tug Of War”
F.J.D. Mackay, James Bolton and Richmond Mayor Sterling King pull on a rope on the docks of the Richmond Intermediate Terminal.
Richmond, Virginia
October 19, 1949
V.50.01.176
"Seriously? I pull Timmy out of the well every
week and you think I'm the one who needs training?"
Submitted by Eric Jarrard
“There Are Also School Days Ahead For City's Dogs”
Jacqueline Powell and Cary Gibson prepare for dog training classes while Connie the Dachshund and Lance the Collie look on.
Richmond, Virginia
September 10, 1949
V.50.01.99
"Been in an accident? Call Allen & Allen."
Submitted by Judy Duarte
“Would You Drive Your Car Off the Central National Bank Building's Sixteenth Floor?”
The imagined path of a car driven off the 16th floor of the Central National Bank building.
Richmond, Virginia
December 3, 1950
V.51.94.84
"Richmond spends $57 million dollars to try and
set “World Record Domino Effect.”"
Submitted by
Michael Connor
“Toll Road Swings Around Main Street Station, South Over James River”
Cement pilings mark the projected path of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike bridge over the James River.
Richmond, Virginia
September 22, 1957
V.58.146.15
"No, darling, we
found you under a CABBAGE leaf."
Submitted by
Fred Orelove
“Corner in Tobacco”
Mrs. H. T. Crumley and her daughter admire tobacco plants near the entrance to their apartment.
Henrico County, Virginia
October 2, 1957
V.58.146.151
"The argument over Sally Bell's versus Ukrop's
cupcakes turned ugly."
Submitted by Fred Orelove
“Charge! Lancer Ray Jackson…Knight Edwin Wolfe, Go Full Tilt”
Two men on horseback joust during the half-time show of a football game at Parker Field.
Richmond, Virginia
November 30, 1957
V.58.146.162
"Just pretend you like it, Harry."
Submitted by Susan Bower
“Unique Form of Continuity…”
Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Winston of Detroit admire an abstract sculpture from their collection on loan to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Richmond, Virginia
December 14, 1957
V.58.146.193
"Psst. Did you hear what happened to Rudolph in
last year's parade?"
Submitted by
Leigh Ann McKelway
Two inflated bears and a skunk are readied for the annual Thalhimers Toy Parade.
Richmond, Virginia
November 19, 1957
V.58.202.32
"Mr. Smith didn't have the heart to tell Jimmy he had caught
someone else’s bait."
Submitted by Yvette Goudelock
“Smile Weighs More Than Fish”
Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation official Norman Hood weighs a fish caught by Alvin Glenn. The fish was the first caught at the annual fishing rodeo sponsored by the Richmond Junior Chamber of Commerce at Swan Lake in Byrd Park.
August 19, 1957
Richmond, Virginia
V.58.91.23
"Listen up, shepherds. We had complaints after
last year's pageant, so let's do a bit more tending to your flocks and a lot
less fraternizing with the angels."
Submitted by Leigh Ann McKelway
Mrs. Banks prepares the cast of the annual Christmas Eve pageant at the Carillon in Byrd Park. Richmond, Virginia
December 24, 1959
V.60.38.72
"The Bev's Homemade Ice Cream eating contest came
down to the wire as the two women above attempted to finish their 60th cone."
Submitted by Kate Mundy
“Fun For All”
Miss Virginia Withers and Mrs. Hunsdon Cary enjoy ice cream cones underneath a Japanese umbrella.
Richmond, Virginia
June 17, 1960
V.61.16.42
"So, what's the horsepower under that hood,
'cause I think I can take you."
Submitted by Mair Downing
“Milkman's Horse Resents Invasion of Motorized Deliveries On Few Remaining Truckless Routes”
Prince, the milk wagon horse, meets his replacement, the milk truck.
Richmond, Virginia
February 18, 1941
X.46.01.249
"I wish the budget allowed for more park benches
around here."
Submitted by Pamela Ehrlich
Colonel Mills Neal, director of Virginia's Selective Service, exercises in Capitol Square.
Richmond, Virginia
June 8, 1942
X.47.05.156
"Untimely sneeze from onlooker has devastating
consequences."
Submitted by John Norton
“You Hit The Nail On The Head”
Virginia’s First Lady Mrs. Colgate W. Darden drives the first spike into a model of the U.S.S. Merrimac being built as a recruitment headquarters for the Navy’s Lee Volunteer campaign. Lt. Charles L. Kessler holds the gold spike for Mrs. Darden.
Richmond, Virginia
July 16, 1942
X.47.05.372
Sponsor—The Richmond Times-Dispatch
