Creepy Historical Photos That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

Photography is a great blessing, as we’re able to keep detailed visual records of how the world has changed over the past two centuries.

Of course, some photos are more appealing than others – among the changing trends of photography are plenty of historical images that might be best left forgotten.

From chilling memories of sinister events to otherwise harmless pictures that look disturbing to modern viewers, here are some downright creepy photos that show the darker side of history.

Waxwork Models

This photo is a behind-the-scenes picture from the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum in London. To this day, the museum is a popular attraction, showing off a variety of modern and historical celebrities.

While the exact date of this photo is unknown, some attribute it to around 1925, when the museum burned to the ground, leaving a lot of half-melted statues behind.

The Madame Tussauds Fire

When the Madame Tussauds fire was first reported to the police, many officers were at a nearby theatre, and thus rushed over in their best clothes to help contain the blaze.

The two models here survived with relatively little damage, but certainly look unsettling. The waxwork on the left is a representation of the notorious Victorian murderer, Dr. Crippen, so it’s completely fitting that this photo looks so unnerving.

Full Face Swimming Mask

Believed to be from 1928, this disturbing full face swimming mask protected the wearer both from the water and from the sun, at a time when pale skin was considered very desirable and dark rans hadn’t yet become fashionable.

Masks of this kind are still worn in Asian countries such as China by those who don’t want to accidentally darken their skin while at the beach, and as odd as they may look, they’re probably better for avoiding skin cancer than any sunscreen.

The Original Ronald McDonald

Ronald McDonald debuted all the way back in 1963, and he looked significantly different. It’s not surprising the that character was eventually given a makeover to make him look more appealing (and to fix the fact that his nose is just an ordinary drink cup).

In this incarnation, Ronald McDonald is played by none other than Willard Scott, who would go on to be the weatherman for NBC’s “The Today Show.”