#Ross Alley

[demospectator]

“161 Street Scene In Chinatown” c. 1885.  Photograph by A.J. McDonald (from the Marilyn Blaisdell collection and the Oakland Museum of California).

Fatherly Images from Old Chinatown

Fatherhood is a timeless concept that transcends borders and cultures. Within the vibrant tapestry of San Francisco’s Chinatown during the pre-1906 era, the fathers of the community played a vital role in shaping the lives of their children and preserving the rich heritage of their ancestral homeland. Through their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, these fathers navigated the often daunting challenges of a hostile, white supremacist polity while preserving their cultural traditions and nurturing a sense of identity within the first of what would be several new native-born generations produced by successive waves of the Chinese American diaspora. 

“A Street Scene in Chinatown.  San Francisco. Cal.” c. 1890.  Stereograph by A.J. McDonald (from the collection of the OMCA).

Life in San Francisco Chinatown during the late 19th and early 20th centuries represented a complex tapestry of adversity and opportunity.  The city’s first Chinese Americans faced discrimination, segregation, and the weight of economic privation. Yet, despite these obstacles, at least the photographic record presents the fathers of old Chinatown as beacons of strength and resilience for their families.

“B 4227 Chinese Tenement house, San Francisco, Cal.” c. 1884. Photograph by Isaiah West Taber (Martin Behrman Negative Collection / Courtesy of the Golden Gate NRA, Park Archives also from the California State Library).  A Chinese father (or, as some viewers have more sinisterly implied, a “guardian”) for seven children and mother, posed on stairs leading to second floor entrance. A second man stands to left of the bottom of the stairs.

“B 5404 An Alley in Chinatown, San Francisco, Cal.” c. 1885.  Photograph by Isaiah West Taber (from the Marilyn Blaisdell collection).  

Cigar-smoking father and child crossing from what appears the northeast corner of Waverly Place and Clay Street, c. 1889.  Photographer unknown (from the Jesse B. Cook collection at the Bancroft Library).  In the background, the lanterns and façade of the Tin How temple appear on the west side of Waverly Place.  

“Exterior View of Chinatown, San Francisco,” c. 1889.  Father and child crossing a street.  Photograph by Sam Cheney Partridge and printed by W.B. Tyler (from the collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco).

“Exterior View of Chinatown, San Francisco,” c. 1889.  Father and child crossing a street, probably Dupont.  Photograph by Sam Cheney Partridge and printed by W.B. Tyler (from the collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco).

Merchants in Chinatown carried the weight of responsibility on their shoulders. They built successful businesses, often establishing general stores, herb shops, or import-export enterprises. These fathers not only provided for their families' needs but also played a significant role in fostering economic stability within the community. They managed the intricate dynamics of trade, built networks, and navigated the challenges of language and cultural barriers. Through their entrepreneurial spirit, these fathers demonstrated perseverance, resourcefulness, and a commitment to creating a better future for their children.

“Children of High Class” c. 1900.  Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  Merchant Lew Kan (a.k.a. Lee Kan) walking with his two sons, Lew Bing You (center) and Lew Bing Yuen (right).  According to historian Jack Tchen, “Lew Kan was a labor manager of Chinese working in the Alaskan canneries.  He also operated a store called Fook On Lung at 714 Sacramento Street between Kearney [sic] and Dupont.  Mr. Lew was known for his great height, being over six feet tall, and his great wealth.  The boys are wearing very formal clothing made of satin with a black velvet overlay.  The double mushroom designs on the boys’ tunics are symbolic of the scepter of Buddha and long life.”

Father and child c. 1889.  Photographer unknown (from the Jesse B. Cook collection at the Bancroft Library).  

On the other hand, fathers working as laborers in Chinatown faced arduous working conditions and limited job opportunities. Many found employment in industries such as laundries, restaurants, or as laborers on the Central Pacific Railroad. These fathers toiled tirelessly to ensure their children had a better life than their own, often enduring long hours and physically demanding work. They displayed immense determination, resilience, and selflessness as they braved harsh conditions and discriminatory practices.

Young girls crossing the cable car tracks on Clay Street at the northeast corner of its intersection with Dupont under the watchful eye of their father, c. 1890.  Photographer unknown (from the Marilyn Blaisdell collection). 

“S.F. Chinatown 1898.”  Photographer unknown (from the Martin Behrmann Collection of the GGNRA).  The daughters’ festive attire suggests that this image was taken during the Chinese New Year holidays.  The incline of the hill, the appearance of the lanterns hanging from the double-balcony façade of the Yoot Hong Low restaurant at the right of the photo, and the cable car tracks in the background indicate that the trio were walking east on Clay Street and crossing Dupont Street from the southwestern to the southeastern corner of the intersection.  

Regardless of their occupation, fathers in Chinatown shared a common goal: providing for their families and instilling values in their children. They recognized that education was the key to unlocking doors of opportunity and breaking free from the confines of poverty, if not segregation. Despite facing language barriers and limited resources, these fathers encouraged their children to pursue knowledge and acquire skills that would help them succeed in the ever-changing landscape of America.

Chinese American men and child in front of building with hanging lanterns, Chinatown, San Francisco, c. 1896 - 1906.  Father and infant conferring with a smoking man on the sidewalk in front of a store.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).

Fatherhood in old Chinatown was also a testament to the unwavering support and sacrifice made for the well-being of the family. Many fathers left their homes and families behind in China, enduring years of separation to seek better opportunities in the United States. Their commitment to their families was demonstrated through their remittances, which provided financial stability and, for a lucky few during the Exclusion era, allowed their loved ones to join them in the new world.

“A Holiday Visit” c. 1897.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  According to historian Jack Tchen:  “The baby is wearing Western shoes.  The girl with the balloon is a member of the SooHoo family.  She was one of three sisters and four brothers.  She later married a Jung and had eight children.  After the earthquake, her father was a carpenter for white families who needed skilled craftsmen to restore their houses.”

Father follows two children with another father and infant seen on the corner in the background, c. 1900.  Photographer unknown (from a private collection). This image has been corrected from the opensfhistory.org website. 

Father and child walking north on Dupont Street, c. 1900.  Photographer unknown (from a private collection).  The darker signage in the upper right reads: 仁安堂衛生鋈酒  (canto: “Yan On Tong wai saang yook jau”; lit. “Benevolent Peace hall hygienic liquor”).

“New Year’s Day in Chinatown” c. 1900.  Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  “Nearly half of Genthe’s Chinatown photographs were taken during some community holiday,” historian Jack Tchen has written.  “The merchant and child are walking westward up Clay Street just above Waverly Place. The lantern directly in line with the boy’s head is a sign for the Siyi [四邑; canto: “sei yap”], or Four Districts, Association located at 820 Clay Street.”

A father holds his child as he converses with two men whose faces are shadowed in front of a sidewalk stall.  No date, photographer unknown (from a private collection).

“Paying New Year’s Calls” c. 1900.  Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  The two men and children appear to be walking south on Dupont Street and crossing to the southeastern corner of its intersection with Clay Street.

One can infer from the many photos that Arnold Genthe and other photographers took of fathers and holiday-garbed children that the photographers captured activities around the second day or “beginning” of Chinese New Year (開年; canto: “hoi nien”; pinyin: “kāinián”), including paying visits (or 拜年; canto: “bye nien”) to relatives for the renewal of family ties and to close friends for relationship-building.

“Scene in Chinatown San Francisco” c. 1900.  Photographer unknown (from a private collection).

Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  Historian Jack Tchen wrote about this image as follows:  “. . . In [Genthe’s book] Old Chinatown this photo was entitled ‘He Belong Me.’  The bull’s-eye sign further down Washington Street indicates a shooting gallery. This block was only half Chinese.”  The window signage seen in the immediate background shows W.D. Hobro, “Gas & Steam Fitting,” at 728 Washington Street, across from Portsmouth Square, ca. 1897.  “Hobro ran a lucrative plumbing business serving the Chinatown area,” Tchen has written.  “Chinese were not allowed into the plumbers’ union until the late 1950s.”

“A Family from the Consulate, Chinatown, San Francisco,” c. 1900-1906.  Photograph by Arnold Genthe from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.  A father and son (with a balloon), attired as befitted a merchant family, walking west on the north side of Clay above Dupont Street. More modestly-dressed passersby stare at the pair, perhaps in recognition of the man’s status as a consular official.  The long vertical signage parallel to the drainpipe in the left-hand part of the image has been damaged.  Other photos from this period show the complete sign as 包辩酒席占点心餅食俱全  (canto: “bow bin jau jik tin dim sum behng sihk geuih chuen”) or 包辦酒席 “= can host banquet;” 點心餅食 “= dim sum bakery;” 俱全 “ = both or complete.”   The writing on the lanterns at the ground floor identifies a restaurant as 悦香酒樓 (canto: “Yuet Heung Low”).  The shuttered storefront of the Yoot Hong Low restaurant’s premises at 810 Clay Street indicates that the building was closed for the New Year holiday.  

A father walks with his family north on Ross Alley, no date.  Photographer unknown (from a private collection).

Ross Alley from Jackson Street, c. 1898.   Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  Historian Jack Tchen:  “The wooden box affixed to the wall on the left was for disposing of paper scraps.  Genthe inaccurately entitled this photograph ‘Reading the Tong Proclamation.’  According to many guide pamphlets and books written during this time, these notices proclaimed who would be the next victim of tong ‘hatchet men.’  In actuality, they reported a variety of community news.”

A Chinese merchant with his two children in Ross Alley of pre-1906 San Francisco Chinatown, c. 1902. Photograph attributed to Charles Weidner (from a private collection).

Chinese merchant and his children.  Photographer possibly by Charles Weidner (from the Cooper Chow collection at the Chinese Historical Society of America).  This image appears to be a continuation shot of the same trio of father, daughter and son Weidner took in Ross Alley.  All three are wearing the same clothes and posing in front of what is probably the father’s business premises. Outside of his store, the merchant shows more of a smile as he looks directly at the camera lens, perhaps more familiar with the photographer.  Even his son has started to show the beginning traces of a smile.  This implies that the photographer either followed the trio from Ross Alley to the father’s place of business or encountered the merchant and his offspring for another photo.  Prominent advertising signage appears above the doorway to the business which reads from right to left as follows:  廣珍號珍珠玉器金銀首飾男女新衣蘇杭發客 or roughly “Guangzhen Pearl Jade Gold and Silver Jewelry Men’s and Women’s New Clothes Suzhou and Hangzhou” (pinyin: “Guǎng zhēn hào zhēnzhū yùqì jīnyín shǒushì nánnǚ xīn yī sūhángfā kè “; canto: “Gwong Zun ho sunjiu yok hay gam ngan sau sik nam neuih sun yee so hong faat haak”).  The barely discernible calligraphy on the upper-right pane of the store window frame bears the probable business name, 廣珍 (“Gwong Zun”).  Magnification of the window reveals at several photographs that can be seen through the window.  At least four framed photos are visible on a wall behind a desk.  On the most discernible of the photos, a figure appears to be seated and holding a fan – a pose commonly used by Chinese subjects in the studio portraiture of the late 19th century.  The figure could be an ancestor or even the merchant’s wife, as photos became essential evidence to overcome the hurdles to the effective denial of entry to the US by Chinese females after the enactment of the Page Act of 1875 which purported to bar the immigration of prostitutes.  A couple of wooden shutters appear behind the merchant and his son.  The panels would have been used to cover the window as a security measure.  A similar set of shutters also appear at the far right of the photo frame, indicating the merchant shared this alleyway or street with other businesses. Unfortunately, the signage (appearing in the upper right-hand corner of the frame), for what appears to be a street number or street name is illegible.  

The fathers of old San Francisco Chinatown were unsung heroes who forged a path for future generations. Whether as successful merchants or hardworking laborers, their contributions to their families and community were immeasurable.  Their legacy is deeply ingrained in the history and fabric of modern-day Chinatown and the mythology of Chinese America itself, where their sacrifices and contributions are remembered and celebrated.  

A father escorts his two children across Dupont Street, heading west down the hill on the south side of Clay Street, c. 1886.  Photographer unknown (from a private collection).  The trees of Portsmouth Square park can be seen in the distance. 

Today, the descendants of these fathers continue to honor their heritage, proudly embracing their Chinese American identity while embodying the resilience and determination that their fathers instilled in them.

“A Proud Father” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  A  father and child are seen crossing Dupont Street at its intersection with Clay Street from the northeastern to northwestern corner.  The lanterns and balconies of the Wauy Sin Low restaurant at 808 Dupont can be seen in the background at right.   According to historian Jack Tchen, “[a] man’s elbow has been etched out of the photograph.  The object hanging above the street is an electric street light attached to a pulley.  When the bulb burned out, the light would be pulled over to the side of the street and changed.”

“Man and boy walking on street” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  Based on his dress, the man appears to be a merchant. The boy’s festive dress indicates that the photo was taken during a holiday. 

“Man and children walking down a street,” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  

“Man and two boys walking along a street,” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  Based on his dress, the man appears to be a merchant. The boy’s festive dress indicates that the photo was taken during a holiday. 

“Man and two children crossing a street,” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  

“Man and a young child walking,” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  

“Man carrying a child accompanied by another child,”  “Man and two children crossing a street,” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  

“Boy and a man smoking a cigar crossing a street,” “Man and two children crossing a street,” c. 1900-1905.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  

“Waiting for the Car” c. 1904.   Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  Historian Jack Tchen writes about this photo as follows: “The Sue family at a Dupont Street corner.  Mrs. Sue is shown with her eldest daughter, Alice, with Elsie sandwiched between them.  Her brother-in-law is holding Harris.  Alice is wearing strings of pearls and semiprecious stones on her head dress.  Mrs. Sue is wearing a black silk-on-silk embroidered outfit.  Married women generally wore dark, subdued clothing that distinguished them from prostitutes.  Elsie and Harris are wearing leather shoes; however, Alice and her mother wear Chinese-style footwear.  Mr. Sue, who died after the 1906 earthquake, ran a doc sic guun, or “boarding house,” which fed male workers at nine in the morning and four in the afternoon, while Mrs. Sue took in sewing.  (Information provided by Alice Sue Fun.)”

Father and two children walking downhill (probably Sacramento Street), c. 1904.  Photo by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division). The girl’s festive dress indicates that the photograph was taken during the New Year holidays.   

A sidewalk store proprietor/operator with his children, c. pre-1906.  Postcard variant of a lithograph (from the collection of the Society of California Pioneers).  Other card variants bear the caption “Chin Kee and family, Chinese Street Merchant, Dupont and Washington Sts. Chinatown, San Francisco”  such as  the card by Britton & Rey, Lithographers, San Francisco 515 (from the private collection of Wong Yuen-ming).  To read more about the sidewalk stalls of old San Francisco Chinatown, go here. 

“Dressed for a Visit”  c. 1896 - 1906.  Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  Historian Jack Tchen:  “This photograph happens to capture the sign for the ‘Chinese Newspaper/War Kee’ at 803 Washington Street, just west of Dupont Street.  The War Kee was founded in 1875.  Although the names J. Hoffman and Chock Wong appear as the publishers of the first issue, a Yee Jenn has been cited as the founder.  The War Kee, which was the first successful Chinese weekly published in Tangrenbu, folded in 1903.  [Note: The Langley directory for 1876 contains a listing in its newspapers section for "Oriental (Chinese) Chock Wong & J. Hoffmann, 817 Washington." This address would have placed its first offices on the south side of Washington Street across from the southern entrance to Ross Alley.]

Chinese American men and three children in traditional dress standing on a street in Chinatown, San Francisco, c. 1896 - 1906.  Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division).  

“The Proud Father” c. 1905.  Photo by Mervyn D. Silberstein (from a private collection).  Silberstein specialized in photography of San Francisco Chinatown residents and producing hand-colored reproductions in “actual Chinese color combinations.”  Silberstein’s own ads for his “Chinee-Graphs”  promoted “[m]ost of these pictures were taken during the Chinese New Year festivities many years ago when the ancient customs were adhered to.”  

[updated 2023-6-30]

[emblazons]

—extra random (literally) post today but: I was looking for details on Ross Duffer and his wife Leigh Janiak (to see if/how he ever took inspiration from her work on Fear Street or other projects she's done) and found….basically an architectural/design magazine piece on the redesign they did on their house in LA?

—I may be a Matt fan when it comes to personality in interviews, but…these two have TASTE lmao. This is right up there with David Harbour's NYC apartment for me in terms of design aesthetics. The combonation of clean lines with whimsy & color is just *chefs kiss*

...still looking for the Leigh / Ross professional commentary tho lmfao

[badmovieihave]

Bad movie I have 100 Girls 2000

[pastafossa]

Omg I could be so off, but is the military benefactor Ross??? Project Beagle sounds like the kind of dick thing Ross would pull.

[onedegreeofsoniccomics]

Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew #1: "The Pluto Syndrome"

Cover Art

Pencils: Scott Shaw! with Ross Andru (Superman)

Inks: Bob Smith

Colors: unknown

Story Credits

Writer: Roy Thomas

Pencils: Scott Shaw! with Ross Andru (Superman)

Inks: Bob Smith

Colors: Carl Gafford

[bobdylan-n-jonimitchell]

undefined

Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross “Charleston Alley” Lambert, Hendricks, & Ross! August 6, 1959.

“When I was in high school, my friends were a little older than me, and they all went off to college and I used to go to college parties and it was at somebody's house and they played “The Hottest New Sound In Jazz.” They played that album and it was one of those musical epiphanies for me—there were only three or four in my life—I had to have that album and it was out of print. So I finally found somebody that would sell it to me for $25.”  

“Wow, that's a lot of money.”

“In the fifties it was. I bought that album for...and I learned every song on it. And I've covered a couple of them on my albums—"Centerpiece" and "My analyst told me..."—Joni Mitchell on Elton John’s Rocket Hour, Nov. 12, 2022.

[hellonew-yorkgirl]

6. Es geht mit dem Bus nach Philadelphia

[dickgraysonass]

Shatter me in pieces.

Batfam x neglected reader. Part 2

Warning: neglect

Summary: what went wrong and when did it get this bad.

( forgive me if its cringe and the mistakes it might have and also im sososo sorry if the time line doesnt make sense but just imagine it does )

The first time you realized that you had became invisible in the eyes of everyone was actually surprisingly at a gala. Dick was 18 or so , jason was around 15 and you about 12 or 13( close to the same age as Tim) .

The gala was supposed to be for a promotion and advertisement . It was one of those important galas , where batman had to take a rest for the night. you cant even remember what it was really for but it got swarmed by the paparazzi as soon as they got wind that both of the adopted Wayne sons would be their making it their first public appearance together , something that the tabloids would eat up.

It wasn’t your first gala or public appearance but you still tried to look your best , wearing a stunning black dress that shimmered because of all the sparkles you so longingly begged bruce to get you.

Matching with bruce and your brothers which all had matching black suits with a red ross on the left breast pocket . you added a red ross perfectly place behind between your ears with the help of Alfred. Before you guys left for the gala bruce told all of you to enjoy the night and to be on your behavior .

when guys arrive you were swarmed by the flashing lights and clicks of the greedy cameras, well at least they were. You on the other hand were being pushed and accidentally shoving you out of the way, the only thing holding you in place was the lessening hand on dick but it didn’t take long before your hand broke off, sweeping you into the sea of paparazzi. The only one to notice your disappearance was dick and he couldn’t really do much because of all the eyes on him. You also couldn’t try and squeeze your way back in with them so sat idly on the side eating some food while you waited for them to be done. You didn’t think about it too much at the time but your heart ached for some reason. Each bite you took brung you closer to tears but you couldn’t cry even when most of the attention was focused towards them . Not right now. Not when the very few eyes that were on you looked at you with something you couldn’t really explain. It was like A mix of pity and mockery.

As your eyes swelled up with tears and your finally broke you couldn’t take it anymore . you ran out onto the streets of Gotham before anyone could see you cry . Luckly the people outside were too busy with their own life to notice a little kid running out of a giant building in tears . You ran until you reached the nearest alleyway scouring deep into the alley . finally relaxing you sat down on the dirty floor covered in dirt and other stuff , your legs collapse, giving your already flowing tears to spill faster and more intensely. It was nice to let tour feeling out for bit , not letting the expectations of being a Wayne hold you down.

At that moment you felt helpless , kind of scared , angry and disappointed. You didn’t know if the disappointment and anger was directed toward your father and your brothers or yourself. You felt angry because he left you alone , anger toward the paparazzi , your dad and anger towards dick for not holding your hand tighter. Maybe , just maybe if he had held your hand a bit tighter you wouldn’t be here, on the dangerous streets of Gotham on the dirty floor crying like a stray waiting for a miracle to happen and to get adopted. But you couldn’t stay angry at them , it wasn’t their fault the paparazzi pushed you away , its not their fault you are here in an alley all alone and crying .

Its not their fault , its yours , all yours.

It was pointless to wish( just look how it turned out for you, both in adoption and wishing).

You sat there for a few minutes with no plan of getting up anytime soon . You just listen to the rumbling of faraway engine and the busy life of padestrians as they walk by never noticing you huddled at the very end of the alleyway. It was oddly soothing and relaxing in a way.

You don’t know for how you sat the there or what you where even still doing there. Maybe you wished for one of your brothers to notice you were gone from the crowd of riches and snobs and come looking for you.

Holding on to the little bit of hope you had you stayed for a bit longer waiting for their footsteps offerone of them to call out your name. Your head had been between tour legs so when you heard footsteps you couldn’t see who had come but you had hoped it was them intil you released that the footsteps came from the dead end of the alley and not from the entrance of it. Too scared to look up you tried staying as still as you as if trying to magically blend into the background , shutting your eyes as if that would hell. Your breath became raged and unstable. You had always known that Gotham was never the safest place to be especially at night and alone and you knew that on your own you could never fight them you had seen the injuries and havoc they have caused, shown by your brothers and father with their daily bruses and cuts . This was definitely a time where you wished to be as good as jason in combat or as good as dick in acrobatics to escape from here. the person was now right infront of you, and curiously you peak your eyes open to find a pair of shoes in front of you. You tried to quickly figure out who they belonged to to be able to make the best decision of how to escape the situation till you were interrupted by their voice. You quickly looked to find……..

Part 3

Again im so sorry if the timeline doesn’t make if you guys have any idea on how old they actually have by this time pls tell( its a flashback)

[polkadotmotmot]

Nate Ross - Alley Sun, 2024 - Oil, Acrylic, and Graphite on Panel

[demospectator]

Ross Alley, pre-1906, no date. Photographer unknown (from a private collection).

Legendary Ross Alley

Telling any story about Ross Alley remains difficult because so much material has been written or produced about one of the most iconic small streets of San Francisco’s pre-1906 Chinatown. The Chinese referred to the old Stouts or Ross Alley as “old Spanish lane” or 舊呂宋巷 (canto: “Gauh Leuih Sung Hong”). The literal translation today would be “Old Luzon Lane.” This may have represented the use of a Chinese colonial name for the Philippine archipelago in referring to the Spanish-speaking residents who inhabited this part of the city before the Chinese became the dominant population of today's Chinatown neighborhood.

An urban pioneer family of four walks north on Ross Alley toward Jackson Street, no date. Photographer unknown (from a private collection). Wooden planks covered the alleyway's surface during the 1870's.

Unfortunately, the origins of Ross Alley have been muddled, even by mythologizing by Chinatown organizations in the 20th century when Ross and other alleyways were remodeled and several historical plaques were installed. Contrary to Chinatown revisionism, the Chinese did not create and construct Ross Alley.

Street in Chinatown, San Francisco. Completely Burned. No. 2168,” published c. 1906. Photographer unknown for the Photo. Co. of America, Chicago. The street is the pre-1906 pawnshop row along the north side of Washington Street at the southern entrance to Ross Alley. The pawnshop signage for the On Wing (安榮) store at 828 Washington appears in the center of the photo.

In an attempt to dispel the confusion about the alleyway's origin story, Hudson Bell writes in his walking tour blog as follows:

“While it is true that an exploration of Chinatown reveals a maze of alleys unlike other districts of San Francisco, the reason has nothing to do with the factors mentioned on Ross [Alley’s historical] plaque. The truth is that most all of the alleyways in Chinatown date back to the time of the California Gold Rush of 1849, when the exploding population was centered around and pushing out from the Plaza, that is Portsmouth Square, otherwise known as ‘the cradle of San Francisco.’ “Ross Alley is named for Charles L. Ross, one of the city’s pioneer merchants, who built a house next to where the alley is all the way back in 1847, when the town was still known as Yerba Buena. The alley itself was not instituted until the later part of 1849 however, and was originally called Stout’s Alley, as at the time Dr. Arthur Breese Stout, one of San Francisco’s pioneer physicians, had turned the old Ross residence into a hospital.”

Bell’s concise article about Ross Alley’s origins may be read here: https://fernhilltours.com/2016/06/28/ross-alley-the-truth-about-chinatowns-side-streets/

The southern entrance to Ross Alley on the north side of Washington Street, flanked by pawnshops. Photographer unknown, no date (from a private collection).

The alley was a hub of activity for Chinatown’s underground economy, with at least 21 gambling houses operating openly by the time the City of San Francisco released its “vice map” in July of 1885.

Ross Alley as depicted on the July 1885 map commissioned by the San Francisco board of Supervisors (from the Cooper Chow collection at the Chinese Historical Society of America).

“The Street of the Gamblers (by day)” c. 1896 -1906. Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division). For this southerly view of Ross Alley from Jackson Street, historian Jack Tchen wrote as follows: “As evidenced by the traditional papier-mache garlands hanging above the doorway on the building to the right, this photograph was taken around New Year’s, when seasonal workers were laid off, inundating Chinatown streets with thousands of idle workers. Their cotton tunic tops and cloth shoes are Chinese, but the pants and felt homburg-style hats are strictly Western. Genthe’s title . . . is accurate insofar as Ross Alley had many gambling rooms, but it unfairly ascribes a sinister quality to these men.”

“The Street of the Gamblers (by night), c. 1896 – 1906. Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division). Based on the position of the lanterns and small awning structures, the nocturnal view of Ross Alley appears to look northerly toward Jackson Street. As befitting the gambling locale in Chinatown, Genthe captured in the lower left corner of the frame small signage bearing the Chinese maxim: 接財梅引財神, literally “receive the God of Wealth” (canto: “zeep3 choy mui yan choy sun”). Historian Jack Tchen writes about this photo as follows: “Genthe tried to capture scenes of Chinatown’s active nightlife with shots like this of Ross Alley. Here he was able to photograph who were obviously in a relaxed, happy mood. In [his book] As I Remember, Genthe writes about Ross Alley’s ‘rows sliding solid iron doors to be clanked swiftly shut at the approach of the police’.”

“Dupont St. Wood Carriers of Chinatown Sf Cal.” c. 1890. Photograph by A.J. McDonald (from the Marilyn Blaisdell collection). Wood carriers appear poised to turn left onto Ross Alley from Washington Street. The signage in the upper left-hand corner of the frame advertise the location of the Hang Lee & Co. pawnshop or “Pervasive Profit” pawnshop (亨利押; canto: “hung lei aap”), at 830 Washington Street, at the northwest corner of Washington Street and Stouts (or Ross) Alley. Also, the barely discernible signage for the On Wing (安榮) pawnshop slightly down the eastern incline of the street at 828 Washington can be seen in the upper center of the photo.

The residents of old Chinatown preferred to hold liquid assets in the form of gold or gems because of the relative ease with which they could arrange loans from pawnshops when they needed cash urgently. The neighborhood’s pawnbrokers located their shops in strategic proximity to houses of gambling and/or prostitution, with particular concentrations of shops on Washington and Jackson Streets.

The below-street grade location of the Hang Lee & Co. pawnshop at 830 Washington Street on the northwest corner of the intersection of Washington Street and Ross Alley, c. 1900. Photograph by Henry H. Dobbin (from the Marilyn Blaisdell collection).

“Ross Alley from Washington Street (Arnold Genthe’s title: “The Alley”). A pawnshop’s sign appears at the right of the image. Historian Jack Tchen wrote about this image as follows:

An underground culture flourished along the narrow alleys and in the back rooms of Tangrenbu.[*] While the merchants controlled the major avenues of commerce and transportation, the tongs controlled the alleys. Ross Alley was lined with establishments for playing popular gambling games, such as pi gow* (baigepiao) – lottery tickets, or the “the white pigeon ticket,” much like the American game of keno – fantan [*], in which bets were waged on how many of a pile of beads would be left when reduced by fours; and caifa, a riddle guessing game. . . . For many outsiders, this underground culture had an air of the sinister about it. For the Chinese it was simply an everyday fact of life, bound up with the survival of the community.” -- From Genthe’s Photographs of San Francisco’s Old Chinatown, Selection and Text by John Kuo Wei Tchen. [Notes: * 牌九 = (canto) paai4 gau2; ** 唐人埠 = (canto) tong4 yan4 faauh; *** 番攤 = (canto) fan1tan1]

“Ross Alley Chinatown 1904.” Photograph by Henry H. Dobbin (from the collection of the California State Library). At right, the sign for the 巨興 (canto: “Geuih Hing”) or “Great Prosperity” pawnshop can be seen.

The sheer volume of press accounts of gambling and homicides occurring on Ross Alley complicates understanding of the alley’s history. Throughout the early 1900s, Ross Alley remained embroiled in gang-related activities, including several high-profile assassinations and robberies involving prominent members of the Chinese community. The alley was a hotspot for gambling dens and opium use, which attracted the attention of law enforcement, leading to numerous raids and arrests.

As documented in a representative sampling by Andy Chan (a former CHSA.org registrar) from news articles from the San Francisco Call newspaper between 1900 and 1906, Ross Alley became the focal point of conflicts between the Hop Sing Tong and Suey Sing Tong, two rival Chinese organizations vying for power and influence. Police collusion with the criminal combines hampered public safety management of the escalating feud, as the police were suspected of accepting bribes from Chinese men, leading to the suspension of patrolmen.

In March 1900, a high-profile murder occurred in Ross Alley when Chin Ah Suey, a member of one of the Tongs, was assassinated by a “highbinder” (a non-Chinese term for Chinese gangsters). This incident brought attention to the growing violence and crime within the Chinese community. The tensions between different Chinese factions and the police corruption issues in Chinatown came to a head in 1903 when several Chinese merchants and community members filed lawsuits against the Chief of Police, accusing him of being involved in fraudulent activities related to gambling dens.

“164 Highbinders’ Retreat SF. Calif”c. 1890. Photographer unknown (from the collection of the San Francisco Public Library).

In 1904, another major event occurred in Ross Alley when Lee San Bow, who claimed to have information about a Chinatown scandal, disappeared mysteriously. In 1905, a tong war erupted between the Hop Sing Tong and the Hep [sic] Sing Tong, resulting in several murders and a wave of violence in the area. The police were implicated in providing protection for gambling dens, thereby fomenting more distrust between the Chinese community and law enforcement. The Louie Poy homicide as reported in the San Francisco Call on September 27, 1905, typified the cases in this era (and also illuminated one of the occupational hazards to pawnbrokers who advanced bail money).

From the San Francisco Call of September 27, 1905:

Louis Poy, one of the most desperate and feared Highbinders in Chinatown, was shot and instantly killed last night in Ross Alley near Jackson Street by Highbinders. The murders had their plans well laid and made their escape without leaving a clue.

Poy was walking along Ross alley at about 7 o'clock in the evening when two highbinders stepped out of a doorway, and one of them fired point blank into the victim's head. The bullet entered his right temple and he fell face forward to the street. To be sure of their prey they stood over their victim and fired two more shots at Poy as he lay lifeless on the sidewalk. One of them entered his back and the other penetrated his hand. The highbinders made their escape through a pawnshop nearby. Detective McMahon, Sergeant Ross and Policeman George Downey were on the scene a few minutes afterward. It was evident that the plot was well laid as the homicides made good their escape. The only evidence left behind was the 44-caliber revolver which was used to do the deed. Poy lived with his mother and sister at 742 Washington street, and was 26 years old. He was considered one of the most desperate Highbinders and had been one of the ringleaders in many tong wars that have occurred in the Chinese quarter for the last eight years. He was a member of the Suey Sing Tong for many years until a few months ago, when he and twenty other Highbinders were expelled from the organization. The police believe he was murdered by Suey Sing Tong highbinders. Though they called a meeting last night and offered a reward for his layers it is though that this is done to mislead the police. He recently testified for the prosecution in a case the Educational Society was prosecuting and this is believed to have led to his death. In March 5, 1900, in the trouble with the Suey Sings and Sing Luey Yings, Poy was a ringleader. A Sing man was killed by a Ying highbinder and a suspect was arrested. He was afterward released on bail. The Suey Sings suspected Tuck Wo, a Jackson street pawnbroker, as having furnished the bail money. Wo was killed shortly afterward and Poy was suspected of having done the deed. In March 29, 1904, Poy and another highbinder, Quan Yim, fought a pitched battle with Low Ying and Low Sing on Baker alley, in which fifty shots were exchanged, but no one was wounded. Poy was accused of having shot at Yup Sing last January. The police have connected him with numerous murders in Chinatown, but were unable to convict him. Invariably when a good case was against him the witnesses were bought off and would leave the city or refuse to testify.

Despite law enforcement efforts to combat gambling and other illegal activities in Chinatown, the situation persisted, leading to further arrests and clashes between different Chinese factions. The history of Ross Alley during this period is characterized by a complex web of rivalries, violence, police corruption, and illegal activities, making it a notorious part of San Francisco's Chinatown. It serves as a reflection of the challenges faced by the Chinese community in the city during the early 20th century, as they struggled to maintain their cultural identity while dealing with exclusion, segregation, discrimination in virtually all aspects of American life, and the resulting social and political pressures.

“Ross Alley from Jackson Street,” c. 1898. Photograph by Arnold Genthe (from the Genthe photograph collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division). Historian Jack Tchen has written about this photo as follows: “The wooden box affixed to the wall on the left was for disposing of paper scraps. [Arnold] Genthe inaccurately entitled this photograph “Reading the Tong Proclamation.” According to many guide pamphlets and books written during this time, these notices proclaimed who would be the next victims of tong “hatchet men.”* In actuality, they reported a variety of community news.” [*斧頭仔; canto: “foo tau jai”]

Chinese merchant with his two children in Ross Alley of pre-1906 San Francisco Chinatown, c. 1902. Photograph attributed to Charles Weidner. This image would be often be reproduced with the growth of the tourist postcard industry.

In 1906, the San Francisco earthquake and fire devastated the city, including Chinatown. The neighborhood was slow to recover, and Ross Alley was no exception. Practically all of the buildings were destroyed. In the years that followed, the neighborhood struggled to regain its former vibrancy.

The northerly view on Ross Alley toward Jackson Street, March 28, 2024. Photo by Doug Chan.

Today, Ross Alley is not only a means for Chinatown residents to move efficiently to the neighborhood’s principal streets but also a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the vibrancy of San Francisco Chinatown's once and future street life.

Southerly view of Ross Alley, July 22, 2023. Photo by Doug Chan. Today, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory draws visitors to the alley and Chinatown from around the world.

Coda: Ross Alley's Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

The northerly view of Ross Alley from mid-block during tourist season, July 22, 2023. Photo by Doug Chan. Patrons line up to experience the Golden Gate Fortune Factory. At center, red-colored saw horses used for lion dance routines help maintain pedestrian circulation through the alleyway.

In his book, San Francisco Chinatown: A Guide to its History & Architecture, the late historian Philip P. Choy wrote about the precursors to Ross Alley’s most prominent business in the late 20th and 21st centuries, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co., as follows:

“Today Ross Alley is famous for the Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co. [sic], where the only remaining old-fashioned fortune cookie machine in Chinatown is still use [sic]. This is a “must-see” for tourists. “With the popularity of Chinese dining came the fortune cookie. Like “chop suey,” no one knows when it was introduced into Chinatown. Both the Chinese and Japanese take credit. Thus the legend of the Chinese fortune cookie crumbles. “Jennifer B. Lee, in her article in the New York Times (1/16/08), reported the researcher in Japanese confectioneries Yasuko Nakamachi uncovered an 1878 book illustrating a man attending multiple round iron molds with long handles resting on a rectangular grill over a bed of charcoal, much like the way fortune cookies were made for generations by small family bakeries near the Shinto shrine outside Kyoto, Japan. “Confectionery shop owners Gary Ono of the Benkyodo Co. (founded 1906) and Brian Kito of Fugetsu-do of Los Angeles (founded 1903) claim their grandfathers introduced the fortune cookie to America. Erik Hagiware-Nagata mentioned his grandfather Makato Hagiware [sic] made the cookie at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. The daughter of David Jung claims her father the cookie at their Hong Kong Noodle Co. founded in 1906 in Los Angeles."

Locals and tourist mix outside the Golden Gate Fortune Coookie Factory, the last of its kind in San Francisco Chinatown, July 26, 2023. Photo by Doug Chan.

“At one hundred years old, Eva Lim remembered that while visiting the Tea Garden in the 1920s, her father bought her a package of the cookies but they were flat, not folded, without the fortune. She was fascinated watching a woman baking the cookies with two waffle-like irons through the window of a market at the northeast corner of Dupont and Pacific Avenue. “Originally the batter was baked in individual molds made In Japan, and the cookie was folded by hand when it hardened. The late dentist Dr. Gene Poon described his father’s home operation in the early 1930s, with seven to ten electrically heated units set in a U-shaped assembly line. Each unit was like a waffle iron with two round castings. During World War II, his father, Bing Cheong Poon, went to work in the shipyard but continued making cookies at night. Gene used to deliver them Fong Fong Bakery (established 1937), Eastern (established 1924), and the sidewalk stalls. “Apparently in Chinatown, fortune cookies were a homemade commodity until the mechanized carousal [sic] machine was invented by the Japanese and manufactured in Los Angeles. Kay Heung Noodle on Beckett Alley (founded 1933) by Charles Harry Soo Hoo used such a machine, which had multiple molds placed in a roughly seven-foot-diameter circle. Workers sat outside the circle, individually picked the soft pliable cookie, and folded the fortune. Eastern Bakery bought the machine began to make its own cookies in 1940. “Coming to America in 1952, Franklin Yee worked for ten years before saving enough money to go into business for himself. Yee started his Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co. in 1962, when most existing fortune cookie bakeries had already switched to a completely automatic system. Lacking funds, Yee stayed with the old-fashioned machine. He remembers clearly that in his initial operation, his sales were only $5.00 a day. From this humble beginning, he turned the business into a main tourist attraction. “How and when the Chinese fortune cookie remains a mystery but it is clear that the Chinese made the cookie.”

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory proprietor Kevin Chan (in ball cap) poses with (l. to r.) CHSA president Doug Chan, Myron Lee, and documentary producer Contessa Gayles during filming of the Vox documentary about San Francisco Chinatown’s aesthetic as part of its “Missing Chapter” series. (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiX3hTPGoCg)

As old as Chinese America itself, Ross Alley remains a testament to the resilience of the city's Chinese community and a reminder of the important role that Chinatown played in the history of San Francisco.

“Ross Alley, Chinatown” 1886. Oil painting by Edwin Deakin. The painting depicts a Chinese New Year’s celebration at the southern end of Ross Alley as viewed from Washington Street and the pawnshops flanking the entrance to the alleyway. Deakin included at the top of the painting the triangular standard of the Qing emperor flying from atop a building on Jackson Street.

In its latest incarnation, legendary Ross Alley is known now as one of Chinatown's "cute date" venues. See reporter Han Li's feature here: (or go to the following URL: https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/15/chinatown-date-ideas-san-francisco-cookie-boba-art/?fbclid=IwAR2IHBKCMJff2QZWEA7_3u5m9jKcjpv-3gTnRYl8P9vhsN4EQjGqAARh1vI)

[gam8ligant]

Me: I am a ship sinking into the Atlantic with no help on the way for hours. I am a 8urning skyscraper. I am a cracked piece of concrete ready to 8r8k apart. My individuality is not 8arred 8y life or 8irth. My individuality persists when life cannot, even when there is no soul in sight. I am every cricket that sings a choir for you in the night. I'm trauma in a 8ack alley. I'm trauma in a 8ar 8athroom. I'm doomsday. I'm forever.

Guy named Ross: My name's Ross and you're cringe 😂

[terrorcamp]

Terror Camp 2023's Panel Lineup Announcement is here!

We are so excited to hear from all of these amazing presenters over two days in December 🤩👏

Posters, artists alley tablers, and keynote speakers will be announced over the next few weeks, as well as the link to RSVP, so make sure you sign up for our mailing list on our website!

Without further ado:

Terror Day -  Saturday, December 9

Panel A: Primary Sources

"old Harvey (a mulatto)": Sailors of Colour on British Arctic Expeditions (1848-1859), Edmund Wuyts

"Do attend to your orthography": spelling as history in Franklin Expedition Letters, Reg

Relic or Artefact; an Analysis of Polar Artefacts in Museum Catalogues, Ash

Panel B: Historical Persons

Thomas Holloway: Pills, Palaces, and The Accursed Bears, Verity Holloway

"Scarface" Charley Tong Sing: A Chinese-American on the Jeannette, In the Papers, and Afterwards, Han

Failsons of Hudson Bay,  Jas Bevan Niss

“Nor will it yield to Norway or the Pole”: Roald Amundsen as Shakespearean Tragedy, Ireny

Panel C: Cultural Understandings and the Arctic

How Fares the Raft of the Medusa?: Mutiny, Cannibalism, and the Portrayal of History, Brianna Lou

“This Place Wants Us Dead”: The Terror and Folk Horror, Allison Raper

Icebound, Not Down, Hester Blum

Erebus Day - Sunday, December 10

Panel D: Death and Narratives of Death

"Known to all the youth of the Nation": Scott's Sacrifice in Children's Literature, Branwell

What We Talk About When We Talk About Quest, Caitlin Brandon

Funny to think of it as coming home: football, exploration, and the stories we tell ourselves, Rach

Panel E: The Allure of the Antarctic

From the South Pole to the Stars, Emma

The Feminine(?) Antarctic, Sam Botz

There and Back Again: In the Antarctic with Ross and Crozier, Phil Mikulski

Antarctic Roundtable

Out of the Rookery: An exploration of science and survival on Shackleton's Endurance, with Rebecca, Meg, and Avery

[musicalcastingideas]

Dropout Does The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals

So my theory about overlap of Dropout and Team Starkid seems to be accurate, and people seemed to like my Dropout does Nerdy Prudes Must Die post, so I'm back for another. Same method and criteria as my previous post, you can go see that if you want to know what they are. Also, I have previously done a similar list with Internet Personalities that included a handful of Dropout people, but I'm gonna try to make this one different.

Also spoilers for potentially anything in the Hatchetfield verse

Paul: Ross Bryant

Ross is a great straight man (in the comedy sense, I don't know his sexuality) while being very funny in his own right, and I think, while Paul has a lot of his own funny moments, it's very important that his character is also the more normal guy reacting to the madness around him. Also, he would slay the Jekyll and Hyde homage that is Let it Out.

Emma : Siobhan Thompson

I think one of the essential parts of Emma's character is an underlying exhaustion with the world, and that is very Adaine Abernant and Ruby Rocks, so I think Siobhan would embody that very well.

Charlotte: Vic Michaelis

I don't think I've ever heard them do a transatlantic accent before, but I just have this gut feeling they'd be so good at it.

Ted: Ify Nwadiwe

While I do genuinely think Ify would be great in the part, if I'm being fully honest, this casting is because I (despite my better judgment) find Ted Spankoffski hot, so casting arguably the hottest man in Dropout in this part makes me seem less damaged for being attracted to the self-proclaimed sleazeball. Also him and Vic seem like they would be great playing off each other.

Bill: Brian "Murph" Murphy

He just has "refuses to drink during the apocalypse so he can be the DD" energy.

Mr Davidson: Brian David Gilbert

Since I'm splitting up all the parts, this basically turns Mr Davidson into a Princess Track where the actor just shows up, sings about desire and being choked while he jerks off, but laments how he can never achieve his dreams, and then pretty much leaves, and I don't know why, but that seems right up BDG's alley.

Melissa: Lisa Gilroy

Lisa Gilroy seems nice, but also kinda scares me, and those are the correct vibes for Melissa (#heymelissacore)

Sam: Jacob Wysoki

My only concern about this casting is that he'd go SO HARD in You Tied Up My Heart that he would keep breaking the handcuffs and/or chair, but that's fine, it would be worth it.

Nora: Katie Marovitch

The "Decaf?" parts of Cup of Roasted Coffee already sounds a bit like her TBH.

Zoey: Rehka Shankar

I feel like Zoey is such an underrated, funny side character in the show (I know she's a very small part, but like every line she has is a banger) and I feel like Rehka is a very underrated performer, so this is a good match.

Greenpeace Girl: Persephone Valentine

Making up the Save the Sea Turtles campaign is such a Sam Nightengale move, and also she would eat up Lah Dee Dah Dah Day.

Alice: Surena Marie

She's got a bit of a baby face (I thought she was like 25) and I think she would handle the change from Alice to Hivemind Alice really well.

Deb: Emily Axford

I'm definitely not just casting this because I want Emily to be my protective and caring girlfriend...

Professor Hidgens: Josh Ruben

I don't have an explanation for this one, this is vibes alone.

General MacNamara: Brennan Lee Mulligan

"Wear a Watch" and a song highlighting how the hivemind is essentially fascist and using the military to destroy any resistance to their regime is so Brennan core.

Homeless Man: Ally Beardlsey

I just feel like this is the part they'd want.

Dan Reynolds: Lou Wilson

Icons play Icons.

Donna: Aabria Iyengar

Icons play Icons

Hard Cuts:

Jacob Wysoki as Ted

Mike Trapp as Paul

Emily Axford as Emma

Jess Ross as Charlotte

Lily Du as Zoey

Grant O'Brien as Professor Hidgens

Grant O'Brien as Ted

Ally Beardlsey as Ted

[mayisgoingnuts]

THE OC IS FINALLY DONE!!

She's an amazing person guys. You can trust her in a dark alley/j

Spoiler: She wasn't created to end up with Ross 👀

[stranger-fanfiction-n-things]

CHAPTER 6: THE MONSTER

This is an Original Character fanfiction. All Stranger Things characters and content are owned by Netflix and The Duffer Brothers.

a/n: We have the long awaited alley scene! (P.S. This is the outfit I picture Diana wearing except her hair is out, big and curly like Diana Ross)

Warnings: Homophobic and sexual slurs. Violence.

Word Count: 4245

Masterlist

PART I || PART II || PART III || PART IV

HUNTING & CAMPING

The Hunting & Camping store smells like wet wood, dust and metal. I examine the watermark stains on the ceiling and the thin layer of dust coating almost everything as I stroll down an aisle with different types of lights and lanterns. Different styles of fishing rods line the right side of the wall while taxidermies of beavers and bears line the left side. I peer behind a set of glass lanterns at the clerk standing behind the front counter. The bored expression on his face makes me wonder how many customers have come in since opening because Nancy, Jonathan, and I are the only people here on a Saturday morning. 

I continue down the aisle avoiding the creepy taxidermies. It’s all bizarre. Not once did I ever think I’d be shopping at this store for weapons and traps for a monster I never knew existed in efforts to find my best friend who went missing four days ago. I hum along to the old country song playing in the store approaching a new aisle with hardware items where Nancy stands at the other end skimming through different sledge hammers. A set of nails catch my eye. They’re about five-inches in length and three-centimeters thick. I grab the set making my way toward Nancy just as she assess a sledge hammer in her hands. Upon sensing my presence, she turns toward me holding it up. 

“What do you think of this?” she muses. 

“Take it.” I reply, putting the nails in the shopping basket in the crook of her arm. Nancy nods her head adding the sledge hammer. 

“Anything else you think we need?” Nancy asks, eyes darting between rows. 

I turn toward the creepy taxidermies at the end of the row and squint at the set of items alongside the wall. I motion for Nancy to follow me as I walk toward a small section filled with various bear traps. A large steel trap catches my eye. It’s a perfect size to capture the thing and strong enough to at least cause some damage assuming it doesn’t have impenetrable skin. I’m not sure how much the creature can endure, but this should do. Jonathan approaches us holding a small gas tank and lighter fluid. I tilt my head to the side and turn to look at him. He makes a noise nodding his head. Nancy and I shrug. Sounds like a yes to us. I take the bear trap. 

After a few minutes of grabbing a couple more things, Jonathan, Nancy and I approach the front counter, setting everything down. The clerk looks over the nails, lighter fluid, gas tank, steel bear trap, sledge hammer, matches, and flashlight, arching his brow in suspicion. 

“And I’ll have four boxes of the .38s.” Jonathan adds. The clerk picks up four boxes adding it to the pile of items. He looks at the three of us, down at the counter and back at us. Three teenagers buying weapons on a Saturday morning is definitely a cause for caution. I try my best to look as innocent and unassuming as possible and put on my best smile, tucking a curl behind my ear. 

“What you kids doin’ with all this?” The clerk asks. I look at Jonathan and Nancy not sure of what to tell him. 

“Monster hunting.” Nancy answers.

The clerk scoffs ringing up the bill. I snort, covering my mouth with my hand. It wasn’t a lie, but I never expected her to say it. From the corner of my eye, Jonathan is trying to hold his laughter. 

“Monster Hunting?” Jonathan says, as we all walk to his car carrying the items we bought. 

“I can’t believe you said that, Nance!” 

I help Jonathan hold the box while he opens the trunk of his car. Nancy smiles shaking her head, lifting the gas tank into the trunk. Jonathan and I carefully place the cardboard box in the trunk too. 

“Last week I was shopping for a new top I thought Steve might like.” Nancy says. I remember listening to her gush to me on the phone about the shopping trip and the top she bought to wear to school. I had an impromptu rehearsal so I couldn’t go. “It took me and Barb all weekend. It seemed like life of death, you know? And now—” 

“You’re shopping for bear traps with Jonathan Byers.” Jonathan teases, slamming the trunk closed. 

Nancy looks at him and nods her head. “Yeah.” 

“What’s the weirdest part? Me or bear trap?” 

“You. Definitely, you.” 

“We do enjoy your company though.” I tease, grinning up at him.  

Jonathan nudges my arm and we all laugh. For a moment, it all feels normal. Like we are just a couple of friends hanging out on a Saturday morning. Not monster hunting or solving mysterious disappearances in our town. Normal. But I know this isn’t normal. Nothing that has happened the past four days is. Will this be my new normal? A car honks popping our bubble. I turn around to find out who is honking and what is going on. A maroon-coloured Mustang turns the corner and a boy who I don’t know smiles at us hanging out window. 

“Hey, Nance, can’t wait to see your movie.” He laughs as his friend speeds off down the road. 

“What the hell was that?” 

Jonathan takes the words right out of my mouth. That boy was definitely someone who went to Hawkins High. How else would he know who Nancy is. How does he know who Nancy is? I frown, tucking a curl behind my ear. Hawkins High wasn’t a big school; it was the only high school in town, but it isn’t small enough for that guy to know who Nancy is unless…I rub my lips together feeling a sense of dread crash over me. Something is wrong. Nancy looks frantic, blue eyes darting in every direction. She stops, standing straight. I watch her eyes widen in realization and reach out to her. 

“What’s wrong?” 

Nancy whips around staring down the road. I turn around too trying to see what has her on edge. I don’t see anything out of the ordinary, only townsfolk walking to and from their destinations. Suddenly Nancy is sprinting down the road.  

“Nancy? Where are you going?” I shout, running after her. “Nancy! What’s wrong? What’s going on?”

“Nancy!” Jonathan shouts behind me. “Nancy, wait!” 

I see it before I slow down to a jog, stopping beside her. It feels like a trapdoor is inside my stomach, opening wide enough for me to fall through. My hands fly to my mouth, muffling my gasp. There up on the marquee at Hawkins Cinema, is a big and bold sign premiering the new Tom Cruise movie, All The Right Moves, but spray painted in bright red letters it says “STARRING NANCY THE SLUT WHEELER”. 

HAWKINS CINEMA 

I’m trying to process the unbelievable sight in front of me, but my mind is struggling to reconcile reality. Nancy looks at me, eyes brimming with tears. I feel helpless and I don’t know what to do. Her eyes search for confirmation, seeking reassurance that what she had witnessed was not a figment of her imagination. All I do is stare back at her. 

“Shit.” Jonathan gasps, staring up at the sign in disbelief. 

Nancy’s breathing becomes shallow and I fear she is going to have an emotional breakdown. I rush to hug her squeezing her in my arms. Nancy squeezes back. I hear her sniffle and instantly my eyes start to burn as I fight back tears. I can’t believe someone would do this to her. Rage bubbles deep in my stomach. I am so angry; I can’t even think straight. From the corner of my eye, I notice a small crowd forming around us. Strangers stare at Nancy and I, some whispering in disgust to each other, others show more compassion, sending us questioning looks instead of repulsion. I stare up at the marquee again, reading the words over and over again until they are etched into my brain. Who would do such a disgusting thing like this? 

A faint sound of laughter perks my interest. Nancy tears herself away from my grasp, frowning. She turns toward the sound and marches down the road to an alleyway. 

"Nance?” I shout, scurrying behind. She continues down the alley her hands balled into tight fists. 

I turn the corner and find Carol, Nicole, Tommy H and Steve Harrington, all laughing, watching Tommy spray paint on the side of a building. Red spray paint. Nancy stomps toward the group and Carol is the first one to notice her. 

“Hey there, princess!” Carol sneers, smiling. 

“Uh-oh, she looks upset.” Tommy teases. A lit cigarette hangs from his lips as he shakes the aluminum can. 

Steve glares at Nancy. I don’t like the way he’s looking at her and walk behind in case something happens. What I don’t expect to see is Nancy’s hand connecting with Steve’s cheek. The slap is so loud, I can hear it from down the alley. 

“Damn!” Tommy exclaims, taking the cigarette out from between his lips. He couldn’t contain the grin on his face even if he tried. He’s so disgusting. 

Everyone gasps from the initial shock but soon Tommy, Carol and Nicole are laughing. I scoff in disgust. This is all some game to them. Steve clenches his jaw, giving Nancy the dirtiest look I’ve ever seen him give. 

“What is wrong with you?” Nancy shouts. 

“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you?” Steve shouts back. “I was worried about you,” he scoffs shaking his head, laughing bitterly. “I can’t believe I was actually I worried about you.”

Worried? About Nancy? Why? 

Nancy shakes her head. “What are you talking about?” 

“I wouldn’t lie if I were you,” Carol chimes in, smiling condescendingly. “You don’t want to be known as the lying slut now, do you?”  

“Don’t call her that!” I snap, approaching the crowd. I stand protectively behind Nancy, glaring at Carol.  

“Why am I not surprised to see you, Sinclair?” Tommy jumps down from the ledge, smirking as he takes a drag of his cigarette. He intentionally blows the smoke in my face and I back away repulsed. Tommy’s lips spread to a grin. “Freaks, perverts, now sluts. Always associating yourself with such garbage.” 

My eyes narrow as I try to decipher the cryptic message. This is the second time this week Tommy has said something like that to me. Once before in the parking lot at school and now here in the alley. Who’s the freak? What is he talking about? I think back to Wednesday. Jonathan got caught with those disgusting photos in his backpack, Steve broke his camera. But Tommy mentioned freaks and perverts before all that happened. Who is he talking about? I am distracted by the wall behind Tommy. Written in large red letters is “BYERS IS A PERV”. I scoff in distaste. Carol notices where my gaze is and grins at me like the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland. 

“Maybe we should add ‘DIANA SINCLAIR LOVES ANAL’” she boasts. Nicole cackles beside her. 

“Leave me alone!” 

“Leave me alone!” Nicole mimics, pouting dramatically. 

“Aw, sounds like Anal Princess is growing a backbone.” Carol taunts. 

“Stop calling me that!” I snap, growing angrier by the second. 

Carol arches a plucked eyebrow at me and tilts her head to the side smiling, clearly enjoying my reactions. “Or what?” she challenges. 

“Speak of the Devil.” Tommy says flicking his cigarette against the wall. “Hi,” he waves at Jonathan. I have a strong feeling they were all waiting for Jonathan to arrive to start their antics. 

“You came by last night?” 

“Ding! Ding! Ding! Does she get a prize?” Carol mocks Nancy, but Steve doesn’t flinch staring down at her with such…resentment. What did he see to have such a vitriol reaction like this?

“Look, I don’t know what you think you saw, but it wasn’t like that.” 

“What, you just let him into your room to…study?” I wince. I know enough to know that studying doesn’t truly mean reviewing school work. 

Tommy steps in front of me and Jonathan. “Or for another pervy photo session?” He laughs as if that's something to laugh about.

I run my fingers through my hair trying to make sense of what the problem was here. Judging by Jonathan’s clothing it is obvious he stayed over at Nancy’s last night after our brief albeit traumatizing encounter with the monster. I know how much Nancy likes Steve; she wouldn’t jeopardize her relationship. But why was Steve at Nancy’s house late at night in the first place? 

"I went to check on my girlfriend!" Steve shouts. I didn't realize I voiced my thoughts out loud.

"But what happened?" Nancy wouldn't do anything compromising.

Steve’s dark brown eyes grow icy and dark. If looks could kill, I’d be dead. “As if you didn’t know from the start, Sinclair!” He motions between Jonathan and I, scowling. “It would explain why you’re always protecting the pervert.” 

“Excuse me? I’m not protecting anyone. I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!” 

Nancy shakes her head furiously. “We were just—” 

“You were just what?” Steve whips his head back. “Finish the sentence.” He demands, stepping closer to her. I prepare myself to step between them. Nancy doesn’t say anything. I mean what could she say? Steve isn’t going to believe her. There’s so much he doesn’t know or understand yet he’s jumping to such harmful conclusions at the expense of her. The silence is loud between everyone. I watch the anger in Steve’s eyes slip to a look of disappointment. The wall is back up in a flash, but I saw it.

“Go to hell, Nancy.” 

“Hey!” I shout, stomping toward him. “You don’t talk to her like that!” I feel someone pulling my arm away but I shake them off standing my ground. Steve has a lot of nerve embarrassing Nancy like this and I’ve had enough of it. I point up at him, the way my mom points at Erica or Lucas when they get in trouble.

“You don’t talk to her like that.” I repeat. Steve’s nostrils flare. 

“You gonna let Sinclair talk to you like that, Steve?” Tommy interjects. Steve doesn’t respond, but I can see in his eyes, the wall he built crack and I catch a glimpse of hurt he feels inside. I blink putting my hand down. Steve’s hurt. Genuinely hurt by all of this.

“Diana, come on.” Jonathan says, pulling me away. “Let’s just leave—” 

“You know what, Byers?” Steve speaks. “I’m actually kind of impressed. I always took you for a queer.” I try to turn around but Jonathan’s grasp on my arm is almost iron clad as he guides me and Nancy away from the situation. I can’t believe Steve would say that, knowing the implications of that word especially in a small town like this. Steve pushes Jonathan. “I guess you’re just a little screw-up like your father. That house is full of screw-ups. I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised.”

Jonathan stops walking. I can hear him panting angrily behind me, his grip on me tightens and I wince. Jonathan immediately removes his hand on me and I turn grabbing his arm, looking into his eyes. Anger radiates off him, I can feel it. I don’t want him to stoop down to their level. He’s better than that. 

“Don’t listen to him, Jonathan.” I plead, tugging on his arm. “Let’s go.” 

“This is rich!” Tommy shouts. “First, I seen you talking to that freak of nature and now you’re back defending this pervert.” 

My eyes widen slightly and my heartbeat picks up speed. Eddie. Tommy is talking about Eddie. I was talking to him by my lockers and we ate lunch together in his van…was Tommy watching us the entire time? How did I not notice? I press my lips together feeling the rage inside my stomach bubble and rise. Eddie is not a freak. Tommy doesn’t even know him the way I do. He has no right to call him that especially when Eddie hasn’t done anything to warrant such a name. Between Tommy and Officer Callahan, even Principal Higgins, I don’t understand why they think so badly about him.  

“You get off on weirdos, Sinclair? Is that your thing?” 

“You’re disgusting!” I yell.

Nancy tugs my arm. “Diana, let’s go. He’s an idiot.”

“Your mom!” Steve continues, pushing Jonathan again. He stumbles into me. “I’m not even surprised what happened to your brother. I’m sorry I have to be the one to say it—” 

“Steve, shut up!” Nancy yells. 

“That’s right, keep walking away, Sinclair!” 

“But the Byers? Their family, it’s a disgrace to the entire—”

Jonathan swings punching Steve in the face. Everyone is stunned to silence, even Tommy. I shriek, jumping out the way when Steve tackles Jonathan onto the car. They tussle until Steve grabs Jonathan by the jacket throwing him to the ground. The sound of Jonathan’s head knocking against the asphalt makes me sick to my stomach. 

“Steve!” Nancy shouts. “Steve, stop it!” 

“Knock it off!” Carol adds. 

“Tommy! Get in there and make them stop!” Nicole shouts. 

“C’mon, Steve!” Tommy encourages. “Kick his ass man!” 

My hands tremble with repressed fury and I curl my fingers into tight fists. I’m so sick of Tommy and his stupid male bravado. Steve climbs on top of Jonathan and starts to punch him in the face delivering heavy blows. No one is doing anything to stop it so I rush over to try to get him off Jonathan. Steve pulls his arm back narrowly missing my face and I scream, stumbling backward.

“Diana!” Nancy screams.

Steve looks back at me and it’s enough for Jonathan to get the upper hand. He punches Steve knocking him to the ground. The sound of skin hitting skin is too much for me to handle. I feel someone grab my waist, hoisting me away. 

“Are you crazy, Sinclair?” Tommy exclaims. “Trying to break up a fight between two men.” He unfortunately has a point but I’m too angry to care. I struggle against him, pushing him away. 

Jonathan and Steve are both standing, faces bloody and bruised. Jonathan swings landing a vicious punch that has Steve stumbling backward. I have never seen Jonathan like this before. So full of rage. Each punch is heavy and forceful, like he’s finally allowing himself to feel all the emotions he tried so hard to hide. His father coming back to town, Will's funeral, having to take care of Miss Byers. Steve ignited a rage so deep; I know he doesn’t have the stamina or skills to hold up on his own. Tommy must have noticed it too because he charges at Jonathan pushing him away. He raises his fist to attack Jonathan but Steve pushes him away. 

“Get out! Get out of here!” 

Tommy reluctantly moves out of the way and Jonathan swings again, but this time Steve sees it coming and ducks, sucker punching Jonathan in the nose. 

“Stop it!” I shout. 

Neither boy listen. Jonathan lands a punch so loud I scream. Steve stumbles backward dazed and confused. He trips over his foot falling to the pavement. I watch Jonathan climb on top of Steve and start beating his face in. A sickening wave of terror wells up from my stomach. Jonathan is going to kill Steve if he doesn’t stop. Frightened tears spill from my eyes. 

“Jonathan! Stop it! You’re gonna kill him!”

I rush toward the boys again reaching out to grab Jonathan’s shirt. Tommy grabs me so fast I trip on my foot falling rather ungracefully into him. 

“Jesus Christ, Sinclair! Stop doing that!” 

“Let go of me!” 

“Shit! The cops!” Tommy exclaims. He pushes me aside charging toward Jonathan and Steve to pry them apart. “He’s had enough! Goddammit! I said he’s had enough!” 

Carol and Nicole flee just as Officer Callahan and Officer Powell jump out the car. Officer Callahan reaches out to grab Jonathan just as his arm recoils back hitting him. He curses falling back against the car, holding his nose. Tommy pulls Steve up, dragging him past me and down the alley. Officer Powell pulls Jonathan away slamming him on top the car. He is in handcuffs before I can blink. Officer Callahan runs after Steve and Tommy as Officer Powell shoves Jonathan in the back of the car. 

“Diana! Are you okay?” Nancy rushes to me, holding my shoulders. 

I tremble watching the specks of blood on the pavement, Jonathan bloody and bruised in the car, and lastly at Nancy. Tears brim my eyes. How did it get to this?  

HAWKINS POLICE STATION

“Are you going to call our parents?” I ask Officer Powell as we reverse out of the alley. 

Encountering police officers twice in one week is an all-time record. After Officer Callahan ran back with blood dripping from his nose. He told Officer Powell that Steve and Tommy got away in a BMW before he can catch them. Nancy and I had to squeeze ourselves into the back seat of the car with Jonathan and accompany him back to the police station for questioning. 

“Do I need a reason to call your parents?” he responds, eying me through the rear-view mirror. I shake my head. “Then I’m not going to call your parents.” 

I let out a breath. Officer Powell and Callahan I can handle. The wrath of Charles and Susan Sinclair are another story. The drive to the station is short since it is down the street from the cinema. I’m annoyed, Tommy, Carol, Nicole, and Steve escape, but Jonathan, Nancy and I are in the back of a cop car to be questioned. This whole mess started because of them. 

Officer Powell and Officer Callahan escort the three of us inside. The police station is much more homely than I thought it would be. It smells strongly of coffee, donuts and paper. Several desks are pushed together in rows, with typewriters, a cup full of stationary, old cups of coffee and name tags. Two police officers stare at us from the far corner as we enter. A small, elder lady jumps up from her chair at her desk rushing toward Officer Callahan. I scrunch my nose in disgust at the dry blood between his fingers. Jonathan must have got him really good. The elder lady mumbles to herself about the dangers of working in the field, tending to Officer Callahan. 

Officer Powell plops Jonathan onto a chair before radioing in Chief Hopper. My eyes widen. Chief Hopper? I don’t think he needs to know about all of this. Miss Byers has been through enough already this week. 

“Wait here.” He instructs, walking away. Nancy and I share a look. How did it get to this? 

I glance at the damage done to Jonathan. It’s not that bad considering. His lip is cut and there’s a horrific bruise darkening on his cheekbone. I pan down to his fists. They’re bloody, bruised and swelling. I can only imagine how Steve looks. The sound of skin hitting skin makes my skin crawl. I can’t sit here. 

“I’m gonna get you some ice.” I mutter, walking away. 

“I’m coming with you,” Nancy says. 

The elder lady I quickly find out is the secretary named Florence “Flo” for short. She helps me with ice for Jonathan. Flo grabs a dish towel and scoops two handfuls of ice onto it. 

“Do you think we’ll be out of here soon?” Nancy asks. 

“You two, yes. Him? No. He assaulted a police officer.” 

“It wasn’t on purpose.” I mumble. Flo gives me a stern look. 

“Well, how long are you gonna keep him?” 

“You and your boyfriend have big plans, do you?” I make a face. Boyfriend? Jonathan and Nancy? 

“He’s not my boyfriend.” Nancy crosses her arms across her chest, laughing uncomfortably. Flo doesn’t look convinced. 

“I think you better tell him that.” 

“What?” Nancy and I say at the same time. Flo gives us both a look as if we were smart enough to tell. 

“Only love makes you that crazy, sweetheart. And that damn stupid.” 

Flo hands me the dishtowel and walks back to her desk. Nancy and I stand there for a moment processing. I scoff. Jonathan didn’t get into a fight with Steve because he loves Nancy. He got into a fight because Steve talked bad about his family, especially Miss Byers and Will. Nancy had nothing to do with that. Unless…I look at Jonathan again. Why else would he take photos of Nancy? Or even try to help us find Barb? No. It doesn’t make any sense. I shake my head scoffing again. Flo doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Yet, a small part of me in the back of my mind thinks different. 

I look around the room, at the police officers, at Flo, at Jonathan and Nancy. A fleeting headache pulses at my temples and I’m about to ask Flo for ice for myself, but that would mean I have to stay in this stuffy room and I can’t stay longer. I need fresh air and space. 

“I’m going for a walk.” I mutter, putting the dishtowel of ice in Nancy’s hand. 

CHAPTER 7: THE BATHTUB

Taglist 🤍: @tinydramatist

[shoshiwrites]

Band of Brothers Ages: IRL vs. Actors

Did you know that according to a 1947 study, almost half the men who served in WWII were still under age 26 by the end of the war?

What this is : A (very long) post comparing the ages of the actors in Band of Brothers vs. the IRL figures they are portraying.

Background: Did I need to do this? No. Did anyone ask for this? Also no. Did I do it anyway? Yes.

Disclaimers: This is SUPER approximate for the most part. I based IRL ages off of D-Day unless otherwise noted, and actor ages off of January 1, 2000, the year filming took place (the latter is where the most variation will be because I didn't try to figure out what month filming started). I also didn't fact-check birthdays beyond googling. Most are sourced from the Band of Brothers and Military Wikis on fandom.com, Wikipedia, and IMDb.

I broke them up into rough categories, which are, again, approximate. I know I often forget how young the real life people were here, and this was a good reminder of that. I also found it interesting to see which actors were actually younger than their roles!

Check it all out under the cut ⬇️

~10+ years older

Dale Dye (55) as Col. Robert F. Sink (39) (~16 years)

Michael Cudlitz (35) as Denver "Bull" Randleman (23) (~12)

Marc Warren (32) as Albert Blithe (20) (~12)

Rocky Marshall (33) as Earl J. McClung (21) (~12)

Frank John Hughes (32) as William J. Guarnere (21) (~11)

Neal McDonough (33) as Lynn D. (Buck) Compton (22) (~11)

Dexter Fletcher (33) as John W. Martin (22) (~11)

~5+ years older

Simon Schatzberger (32) as Joseph A. Lesniewski (23) (~9)

Richard Speight Jr. (30) Warren H. (Skip) Muck (22) (~8)

Jason O'Mara (30) as Thomas Meehan (22) (~8)

Ron Livingston (32) as Lewis Nixon (25) (~7)

Donnie Wahlberg (30) as C. Carwood Lipton (24) (~6)

Matthew Settle (30) as Ronald C. Speirs (24) (~6)

Nolan Hemmings (28) as Charles E. "Chuck" Grant (22) (~6)

Douglas Spain (25) as Antonio C. Garcia (19) (~6)

George Calil (26) as James H. "Mo" Alley Jr. (21) (~5)

Rick Gomez (27) as George Luz (22) (~5 year)

Scott Grimes (28) as Donald G. Malarkey (23) (~5)

Stephen Graham (26) as Myron "Mike" Ranney (21) (~5)

~less than 5 years older

Shane Taylor (25) as Eugene G. Roe (21) (~4)

Tim Matthews (23) as Alex M. Penkala Jr. (19) (~4)

Matthew Leitch (24) as Floyd M. "Tab" Talbert (20) (~4)

Peter O'Meara (30) as Norman S. Dike Jr. (26) (~4)

Tom Hardy (22) as John A. Janovec (18) (~4)

Rick Warden (28) as Harry F. Welsh (25) (~3)

Kirk Acevedo (28) as Joseph D. Toye (25) (~3)

Eion Bailey (25) as David Kenyon Webster (22) (~3)

Craig Heaney (26) as Roy W. Cobb (29) (~3)

Damian Lewis (28) as Richard D. Winters (26) (~2)

Robin Laing as Edward J. "Babe" Heffron (~2, 21/23)

Ben Caplan (26) as Walter S. "Smokey" Gordon Jr. (24) (~2)

David Schwimmer (32) as Herbert M. Sobel (33) (~1 year)

Michael Fassbender (22) as Burton P. "Pat" Christenson (21) (~1)

Colin Hanks (22) as Lt. Henry Jones (21) (~1) (age around Bastogne)

Bart Ruspoli (23) as Edward J. Tipper (22) (~1)

~Same age

Peter Youngblood Hills as Darrell C. "Shifty" Powers (21)

Mark Huberman as Lester "Les" Hashey (19)

Younger

Lucie Jeanne (23) as Renée Lemaire (30) (age around Bastogne) (~7)

Ross McCall (23) as Joseph D. Liebgott (29) (~6)

Simon Pegg (29) as William S. Evans (~33) (~4)

Philip Barantini (19) as Wayne A. "Skinny" Sisk (22) (~3)

James Madio (24) as Frank J. Perconte (27) (~3)

Stephen McCole (25) as Frederick "Moose" Heyliger (27) (~2)

Matt Hickey (~16) as Patrick S. O'Keefe (18) (~2)

Incomplete/not found

Phil McKee as Maj. Robert L. Strayer (34)

Rene L. Moreno as Joseph Ramirez (30)

Doug Allen as Alton M. More (24)

David Nicolle as Lt. Thomas A. Peacock (24)

Rebecca Okot as Anna (Augusta Chiwy) (24) (age around Bastogne)

Alex Sabga-Brady as Francis J. Mellet (23)

Mark Lawrence as William H. Dukeman Jr. (22)

Nicholas Aaron as Robert E. (Popeye) Wynn (22)

Peter McCabe as Donald B. Hoobler (21)

Marcos D'Cruze as Joseph P. Domingus (not found)