Ordinary Vintage Photo Goes Viral: Is Boy Holding An ‘iPad’ In 1941?

A vintage photograph from 1941 has sparked a lively online debate, with some suggesting it might hint at time travel. The image, taken by Edwin Rosskam in Chicago’s South Side, shows a group of well-dressed young people lined up outside a cinema. However, it’s an object in the background that has captured the attention of netizens.

On the far right of the photo, a teenager appears to be holding a rectangular object that resembles a modern tablet or iPad. This has led some to speculate that the young man might have accidentally brought a futuristic device into the past.

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iPad carrying movie goes, all the way to the right
byu/bagelshmear2 intimetravelercaught

The photo was shared on Reddit’s “timetravelerscaught” community, where one user remarked, “iPad carrying moviegoer, all the way to the right.” Another agreed, noting, “If you zoom right in close, that is too big to be a ‘book’ or ‘notepad,’ plus you can see what looks like the iconic Apple logo on the back of it.”

However, others believe the object is likely a notebook. One commenter suggested, “Looks like a book to me.”

Adding historical context, a user mentioned, “In the early days of film, ushers would check for pens and notepads to prevent bootleg copies of movies.”

One commenter humorously questioned, “If I could time travel, had an iPad, and was Black, why on earth would I go to the South Side of Chicago in 1941 to watch a matinee of ‘The Aldrich Family’? Everyone knows the only true Henry Aldrich was played by Jimmy Lydon, not Jackie Cooper.”

Others admired the vintage style, with one noting, “They’re all dressed so nicely. Wearing your Sunday best to the movies must have been a fantastic treat.” Another user agreed, “Part of me wishes we still dressed up like that for the little things, but then I debate whether I’ll even shower today.”

A user suggested, “It’s most likely The Holy Bible. They have their Sunday best on, bless their wee souls. Yes, I definitely think that’s what it is.”