In about a week, residents and visitors in Washington, D.C., will witness the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees given to the nation by Japan over 100 years ago. This annual profusion of pink and white blossoms on the trees encircling the Tidal Basin draws thousands of people. Many stroll along the water to the Jefferson Memorial, rest under the trees and enjoy a picnic, and of course, take photographs of the trees as well as their friends and family under the blooms.

However, taking photographs at cherry blossom time is nothing new, even if people didn’t always have a smartphone in their pocket to whip out and snap pictures. While we wait for the flowers to appear – and spring along with them - enjoy a look back at folks capturing the scene in years past with all manner of cameras.

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