Here she is: Miss America Winner Bess Myerson.
She became the first Jewish woman to ever win the pageant in 1945 and
Eisenstaedt was there to capture the historic moment
By
Joshua Gardner
Independence Day is the
quintessential holiday for enjoying the freedoms given all Americans
under the Constitution. Most important among them is the pursuit of
happiness.
LIFE Magazine has avidly documented the American experience, good and bad, over its long and storied history.
Helping them along the way was one of their first four photographers, Alfred Eisenstaedt.
Though not born in America himself, Eisenstaedt became one of the foremost American photojournalists and included here are some of his photos that so perfectly define a bygone American era.
As America celebrates its birth as a nation, it also celebrates what makes it unique.
Eisenstaedt’s photos show Americans doing what they do best: looking hopeful and, of course, pursuing what the forefathers went to battle for: happiness.
Though not born in America himself, Eisenstaedt became one of the foremost American photojournalists and included here are some of his photos that so perfectly define a bygone American era.
As America celebrates its birth as a nation, it also celebrates what makes it unique.
Eisenstaedt’s photos show Americans doing what they do best: looking hopeful and, of course, pursuing what the forefathers went to battle for: happiness.
Strike Up the Band! Celebrating 4th of July, 1940s style
Hut,
hut, hut: Alex Lindsay Jr., 10, in his football gear. Though that gear
has changed, this moment of self-assuredness and giddy fervor can be
recognised by any American
Life of firsts: Long Island teenagers Jane Fest
and Irma Olswang receiving flowers to wear to a formal dress party,
their first. A present-day American girl could certainly relate on the
day of her first prom
Rabid fans: Suits have been replaced with cotton
sweats, but football fans haven't changed otherwise. Thrilled
spectators of the deeply American sport are captured here by Alfred
Eisenstaedt
Life's a beach: Trips to the beach are a sacred part of the American summer, one perfectly captured here by Eisenstaedt
Eisenstaedt, though he was born in German, exemplifies that American spirit.
He
fled his country after the Nazis took power and was able to make a life
for himself in America doing what he loved, photography.
Over his career with LIFE, he produced over 2,500 picture stories and 90 covers.
All or nothing: A Howard University cheerleader leads the squad during a football game with signature American panache
Anythings possible: This small-town girl, no doubt with big dreams, was captured smiling on her tree-lined street by Eisenstaedt
No limits: English major Helen Johnson, 18, at the University of Kansas
He was lauded as the ‘photographer of the defining moment.’
The photos collected here are no exception.
Football
games, first dances, beauty pageants, cheerleaders: you name the
fun-loving American institution and Eisenstaedt had it covered.
Say cheesey: The Winkle family on the stoop of their small town home during World War II
American pastoral: A farmer's son hold a set of
Hampshire piglets in Pennsylvania. The image of the farming family is
indelibly American
Phoning home: A sailor speaks to family on a designated GI phone in New York
Greatest generation: An army private and his bride. War in America is part and parcel to the pursuit of happiness
From canopfor, one from 1924...
Shorpy's Girl
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