This is a remarkable and original set of unpublished personal photographs from the 1930s, capturing a candid and humorous narrative of three men on Wabash Avenue in Chicago, before and after drinking. Each photograph measures 6.5cm x 9.5cm, and the set presents a striking visual contrast—showcasing the subjects' transformation from sober to inebriated with authenticity and period charm.
 
The images offer a rare, unscripted glimpse into Prohibition-era or early post-Prohibition social culture in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant and complex relationship with alcohol during this time. The setting on Wabash Avenue, a historic thoroughfare, adds layers of urban context and nostalgia.
 
As original prints, these photographs are not commercial or staged but are personal snapshots, likely taken by a friend or bystander. Their unpublished status and candid nature make them valuable to collectors of Americana, social history, vintage photography, or Chicago-specific memorabilia. The condition reflects age-appropriate wear, which only enhances their authenticity and historical appeal.
 
Key Details:
 
Content: Set of two original photographs (before and after drinking)
 
Subject: Three men on Wabash Avenue, Chicago, 1930s
 
Size: Each measures: 6.5cm x 9.5cm
 
Type: Unpublished personal snapshots, not commercial
 
Era: 1930s (Prohibition or immediate post-Prohibition era)
 
Condition: Aged but clear, with expected minor wear for vintage personal photos
 
Historical Significance: Reflects social attitudes and urban life in Depression-era Chicago
 
Provenance: Original, unpublished, from a private collection
 
Ideal for framing as a paired display or for collectors focused on vernacular photography, this set tells a timeless and relatable story with historical resonance.