This is mainly California but it's handy for getting old photos (not orthorectified but still useful):
https://www.library.ucsb.edu/src/airphotos
There are a few things you can try, but generally speaking you're still just trying to make yourself feel good about guessing.
If you can determine the elevation of the "corners" of the frame you might have a chance. Then attempt to estimate the altitude and position of the camera from the visible parallax of power poles, structures or something like a water tower. You can then build a mathematical model as to where you think everything was at and how tilted the plate really is. Then try and check some derived horizontal distances that might be possible to field check.
Like I said, it's all still just a educated guess...especially at something like 1"=400'.
talk to https://iwitnessphoto.com/
That software is used in forensics. If you can get a couple of known distances, you might be able to gain useful knowledge from a photo. I am not sure how much is needed, but he would let you know what can and cannot be done.