Some photographs are simply puzzles and pose the challenge of constructing plausible contexts and stories. For the moment I'll just open this as a category and see what happens as it accumulates stuff.

This one is from the Joe Wilner box, but is unlike the 200-odd other snapshots in format, content, locale:
(more detail)

Another from the Wilner box:
(more detail)

Another in the "Just walk away..." series:
(more detail)

This one is a bit disturbing. Found in an 1885ish family album, on the back it says "Compliments of La Regalenceta and Palace Theatre 10th and Arch St.":
(more detail and don't miss luscher's comment)