19 Vintage Photos of Strongmen and Strongwomen from the 1900s

Last Updated on May 20, 2025 by Matt Staff

Long before there were the wild protein shakes and finely polished gyms of today, the strongmen and strongwomen of the olden days were truly captivating spectacles. This collection of vintage photos serves as a time capsule to an era long since passed. We throw it way back to the early 1900s and then move onward from here.

1. Strongman Mr. Briton in 1945 easily handling a couple of bicycles

2. A strongman gracefully holds a rock on his chest back in 1945

3. The world’s strongest strongman, “Ivan the Great”

4. Circus strongman, Stefan, towing a motorcar with his teeth through the streets of Berlin, 1925

A man in a Roman-style costume pulls a car with a chain attached to his waistband as a crowd of people watches on a city street.

5. Strongman, Eugen Sandow, back in 1900

A vintage black-and-white photo of a muscular man in a sleeveless leotard holding two large, old-fashioned barbells. He stands confidently, looking to the side, with a decorative curtain behind him. — thetimethen

6. A strongman pulling a car with his literal teeth outside the U.S. Capitol building in D.C.

A man in shorts and no shirt pulls a large vehicle with ropes using his teeth, while a group of onlookers in suits and hats watch on a city street near historic buildings. — thetimethen

7. Strongman, Jean Challard putting on a serious show back in 1938

A shirtless man lies on grass with his neck under a wooden cart wheel, appearing to balance the weight on his throat, performing a strength or endurance stunt. — thetimethen

8. Joe Smith a blacksmith and strongman from Gloucester in 1936

A person balances a wooden fence on their chin in a narrow, foggy alleyway with old brick buildings and leafless trees in the background. — thetimethen

9. Swansea tailor, Harry Pelta, winner of the strongest man in Wales in 1935

Two men perform a balancing act on a city street; one man stands on the outstretched hand of the other, while a classic car and buildings are visible in the background. — thetimethen

10. C. Attenborrow of the Royal House Guards, considered to be the strongest man in the British Army in 1927

A group of soldiers watch as one soldier stands on another’s shoulders while playing a banjo, with both smiling and others looking on in amusement in a bare room. — thetimethen

11. Edward Reece showing off his strength back in 1927

Four women in vintage swimsuits stand on top of a man lying across two chairs, demonstrating a strength stunt indoors. The man supports their weight while holding onto one chair. — thetimethen

12. Greek boxer and strongman Just Lessis, 1925

A muscular man in vintage athletic wear bends a thick metal bar across his chest, demonstrating strength. He stands against a plain wall, looking forward with a determined expression. — thetimethen

13. Galen Gotch shocking the onlookers back in 1920

A man lies on the ground in front of a vintage car, arms outstretched, while a group of people, including children and adults, stand around watching on a street. The scene appears to be from the early 20th century. — thetimethen

14. Katie Sandwina gearing up to break a chain over her thigh in 1895

A person wearing a strapless dress, necklace, and boots stands in front of an arched backdrop, lifting their dress to reveal their thigh while adjusting a garter. Photo is in black and white. — thetimethen

15. Joe Price using a 50-pound-hammer to nail up a notice, 1934

A man in a short-sleeved shirt uses a large sledgehammer to drive a small nail into a wall while holding a piece of paper or poster, outdoors near a building with a window in the background. — thetimethen

16. This guy seems utterly unfazed about his current predicament in 1936

Four men stand outdoors; three pull on ropes looped around the arms of a fourth man, who appears to be resisting. They are dressed in early 20th-century clothing, and wooden buildings are visible in the background. — thetimethen

17. I mean, just why is the real question?

A man lies motionless on the ground, partially under a vintage car with a "PF2784" license plate, while another man leans over the car door, appearing to look at him. The scene is on a cobblestone street. — thetimethen

18. Balancing the motorcycle was a serious power move

A man lies on his back on a sidewalk, balancing a bench on his feet while supporting a motorcycle and its rider on the bench. Several people and a dog watch in the background in a park setting. — thetimethen

19. This looks nightmarish, to say the least

Two women in vintage outfits hang from a bar held in the mouth of a strongman, who stands in the center, wearing a sleeveless wrestling costume. The women smile and lift their legs off the ground. — thetimethen

Explore more vintage content:

23 Vintage of 1950s Teenage Rebellion and witness some of that fiery throwback rebellious energy in action. For even more nostalgic content, check out 25 Colorized Photos From The 1890s as well.