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July 1940. Benton Harbor, Michigan. "Mechanic at the House of David, a religious community established in 1903 on the southeast bank of Lake Michigan. Male members are easily distinguished by their long hair and beards." Photo by John Vachon. View full size.
The two section, centerline hinged car hood was truly a blessing for mechanics.
Wow, Dave - the past few days of John Vachon's images of Berrien County and Benton Harbor, Michigan, have been amazing. From a sociological point of view, the history of the House of David, and its schismatic offshoot, Mary's City of David, is fascinating and bizarre, as are the stories of most of the communities that sprang up from the Utopian movement of the mid-1800s through the 1940s. The House of David was an economic force that shaped the region and its role as a major hub for fresh orchard and field produce. The House of David's park and zoo, Eden Springs, which had fallen into disrepair, is in private hands now, and there is a strong volunteer effort underway to restore the park and it's train system.
Historical photos are here: http://www.artgomperz.com/HOD/
Mostly beardless, these baseballers, but quite the hair.
Of all the vintage photos posted here on Shorpy, this is truly one that could have been taken last week! What was highly unusual in 1940 is so common today!
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