Missionary Photos

Elder Evan Call

The world was enduring the Great Depression, which actually pushed men’s tailoring toward a more "heroic" and structured silhouette to project an image of strength and stability.

Here is a breakdown of the specific style elements:

1. The Overcoat: The "Guards Coat" Influence

The centerpiece of this outfit is a heavy, double-breasted overcoat.

• The Silhouette: Notice the broad, structured shoulders. This was a hallmark of the 1930s, moving away from the slimmer, more natural shoulder of the 1920s.

• The Lapels: These are peak lapels, which point upward toward the shoulders. This was (and still is) considered more formal and authoritative than the standard notch lapel.

• Length: The coat hits well below the knee. In the early 30s, long coats were the standard for both warmth and modesty.

2. The Headwear: The Bowler (Derby) Hat

By 1931, the Bowler hat (also known as a Derby) was in a unique position. While the Fedoras were becoming the "everyman" hat of the decade, the Bowler remained a symbol of the professional middle class, often worn by bankers, clerks, or those on formal "missions" or business.

• It features a rounded crown and a narrow, curled brim.

• Wearing it slightly tilted, as seen here, was a common way to add a bit of personal character to an otherwise rigid uniform.

3. The Neckwear: White Scarf or Ascot

The white fabric visible at the neck is likely a silk or wool dress scarf, tucked neatly into the coat.

• During this era, a white scarf was a high-status accessory, often associated with formal evening wear or high-standard professional attire.

• It serves a dual purpose: protecting the shirt collar from the heavy wool of the overcoat and providing a bright, clean contrast to the dark fabric.

In 1931, clothing was an investment. Men often owned one "good" overcoat that was expected to last a decade.

This image is the cover of an instruction manual for a vintage Voigtländer Rollfilm camera, likely dating from the late 1920s or early 1930s.

Voigtländer is one of the oldest and most prestigious names in photography, and this specific era represents the transition from glass plates to the "modern" roll film that we recognize today.

Key Details from the Cover

• The Manufacturer: Voigtländer & Sohn Aktiengesellschaft, based in Braunschweig, Germany. They were renowned for their high-quality "optical and fine-mechanical works."

• The Camera Type: A folding "Rollfilm" camera. These were popular because they could be collapsed into a relatively flat, portable rectangle when not in use.

• Film Sizes: The manual lists three different image formats supported by this line of cameras:

  • 3 x 2 in.

  • 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in.

  • 4 1/4 x 2 1/2 in.

• Technical Components: The illustration shows a high-end Compur shutter, which was the gold standard for precision timing in that era.

• Personal History: There is a handwritten name, Evan P. Call, scrawled across the middle in purple ink.

Why this is interesting

In the early 20th century, owning a Voigtländer with a Compur shutter was a bit like owning a high-end DSLR or a flagship smartphone today. It was a serious piece of engineering. The code at the bottom left (Nr. 2218/629 Engl.) indicates this specific manual was the English-language version for international export.

James H. Moyle, Eastern States Mission President

President Moyle was known for modernizing missionary methods and his dual career in high-level US politics. 

During his tenure (1928–1933), Moyle oversaw the creation of hundreds of radio programs across various stations in the Northeast. 

Moyle was a strong advocate for using the most modern tools available. He pushed for high standards in announcing and musical quality.

At a time when New England was often "cold" to door-to-door proselyting, Moyle saw radio as a way to reach thousands of people in the privacy of their homes. 

He was the first member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hold a sub-cabinet position in the federal government. He served as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury under President Woodrow Wilson (1917–1921).

His son, Henry D. Moyle, would later become a member of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, continuing the family's legacy of high-level leadership.

From the top of the newly opened Empire State Building

This atmospheric aerial shot captures Midtown Manhattan during a transformative era in New York City's history.

1. The Iconic Centerpiece: The Chrysler Building

The most prominent building in the center is the Chrysler Building, completed in 1930. Its unmistakable Art Deco spire and "sunburst" crown made it the world's tallest building for 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in May 1931. In your photo, it looks brand new, standing as the undisputed king of the East Side skyline.

2. The Perspective

This photo appears to have been taken from the south or southwest, likely from a high floor or the observation deck of the Empire State Building (which opened in 1931).

The Foreground: You can see the dense, "canyon-like" blocks of Midtown.

Surrounding Landmarks: To the left of the Chrysler Building, you can see the Lincoln Building (60 East 42nd St), which was completed in 1930. The shorter, dark-topped building slightly behind and to the right of the Chrysler is likely the Chanin Building.

3. Historical Context: "The Empty State" Era

While this image looks like a bustling metropolis, it was taken in the height of the Great Depression.

Economic Irony: This "skyscraper race" resulted in a massive surplus of office space just as the economy crashed. Many of these buildings, including the Empire State (where this photo may have been taken), were so vacant they were nicknamed the "Empty State Building."

The Haze: The "foggy" or washed-out quality of the sky wasn't just film quality—1930s New York was notoriously smoky due to the widespread use of coal for heating and industry.

A little AI-enhancement.