How X-rays were discovered in the 1890s – momentous Victorian medical tech we still use every day
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How X-rays were discovered in the 1890s – momentous Victorian medical tech we still use every day
Find out how X-rays were discovered, see the earliest X-rays, learn where the name came from, and meet Wilhelm Röntgen - the man behind the innovation.
Victorian fashion trends: Explore the best styles of the late 1800s
What did the stylish, trendsetting women of the late Victorian age wear? Take a look back here at Victorian fashion from 1890, courtesy of the old Bloomingdale's and H. O'Neill and Company catalogs.
Statue of Liberty history: See the landmark like you’ve never seen her before (1886)
Building the Statue of Liberty took years, and it wasn't easy! Look behind the scenes into how it was done, plus see close-up shots from renovations.
Great gazebos: Classic & vintage backyard designs you will love
See how gazebos became one of America's favorite outdoor retreats with a look back at some vintage styles and backyard designs!
See what antique school supplies & educational materials were like in the olden days
Look back at what antique school supplies looked like back in the 1800s, along with popular teaching materials from the Victorian era!
Shades of the past: Authentic Victorian house colors & paint sample cards (1890s)
See several sets of authentic paint sample cards that feature Victorian house colors, showing how people back in the 1800s decorated their home exteriors!
These vintage tips to identify antique silver come from the 1940s - and include diagrams, descriptions and photos of lots of vintage silverwork.
Inside the rambling 160-room Winchester Mystery House, doors lead into blank walls, staircases end in midair, trap doors spring to the floors below, and elevators rise through the roof.
Vintage July 4th: How Americans celebrated Independence Day long ago
How was vintage July 4th celebrated in the past? It varied a lot over the decades, but early on, there was cannon fire, great communal feasts in the village green, and all kinds of noisemakers and thundering sounds.
Juneteenth: What it means, and why it’s still celebrated
Juneteenth is a celebration of Black freedom. The celebration fell out of favor for decades, and has made a couple of comebacks. Find out more here!
Death of an outlaw: First account of Jesse James’ murder (1882)
Get the true story behind 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' from 1882 -- when, Jesse James, the Missouri outlaw, was killed by a boy twenty years old at his temporary residence on Thirteenth and Lafayette streets, in this city.
See the first & last pictures of Abraham Lincoln, plus 24 historic images in between
Since his death more than 150 years ago, people have wanted to know more about our 16th president, and one way to do that is by looking closely at pictures of Abraham Lincoln.
See grand Gilded Age New York mansions on Fifth Avenue during the 1800s & 1900s
Take a stroll back to the late 1800s and early 1900s to see some of the grand homes and New York mansions that lined Fifth Avenue.
Fashion history timeline: 61 of the greatest dress styles in American fashion history
See how dress styles have evolved from the 1600s to the 1990s Explore the evolution of dress styles from the 1640s to the 1990s, beginning
Old-fashioned candy: See dozens of irresistible sweets from the 1940s & earlier
Old-fashioned candy in the US traces its roots from luxury 1800s treats to timeless favorites. See how these sweets have captured the affection of generations.
Tiddlywinks: The history of the old-fashioned game people keep rediscovering
Tiddlywinks (originally Tiddle-dy Winks) seems like a simple kids' game... but there's a lot more to it! Find out about it - including how to play - here.
Explore how vintage drugstores and the pharmacy apothecary once sold not just tonics and elixirs, but also narcotics like cocaine & heroin with ease.
The history of root beer & popular brands: From healing tonic to a favorite soda
Who would've thought humble roots, herbs, and bark could spin such an effervescent tale? The history of root beer is both intriguing and surprising - take a look!
How old toys from the 1930s and earlier are still treasured by collectors today
Old toys collectively reflect the fun & creativity that drove playtime way back when, and we have collected dozens of photo examples for your nostalgic enjoyment!
From ranches to runways, vintage cowboy boots are a Wild West American phenomenon
Cowboy boots are more than just footwear; they symbolize tradition, individuality, and the spirit of adventure. Have a look back at how the styles have evolved.
Crinolines & petticoat skirts were big style in the 1950s… and in the 1850s
In the 1950s, the petticoat crinoline made a triumphant return to the fashion scene for skirts and dresses, with a bounce in its step and a swish in its sway.
Here’s the history of the Ferris Wheel – plus photos of the massive first wheel ever made
The invention of the Ferris Wheel was a jaw-dropping innovation of its time! Find out the history of the Ferris Wheel ride we now know so well, plus see pictures of the HUGE first one.
Toby Jugs came to America in the 1700s and quickly became a favorite collectible. Check out these examples of the art form!
Many well-known serial killers don't quite compare to the exploits of Herman Webster Mudgett, alias Dr H H Holmes, perhaps one of the most fiendish mass murderers in American history. See diagrams of his infamous murder house, and images of his victims.
Millions know 'Say, Say, Oh Playmate' - also known as 'Playmate' - but few today know much about the rhyming song & hand clapping game. Find out more here!
Here’s how to have a festive 4th of July with a vintage vibe!
Here are some fun ideas and recipes to give your July 4th holiday a truly retro vibe, plus a look back at the history of Independence Day!
Cars from the 1900s: See 55 of the earliest automobiles ever manufactured
What were really old cars like around 1900? Here, take a look back at some of the earliest automobiles that were on the market at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.
Antique iceboxes: What they were & how they worked their magic (1850s-1930s)
Before the advent of modern refrigeration, there was the charming, wooden icebox in the corner of the kitchen - the epicenter of cold storage from the mid-19th to early 20th century.
Antique secretary desks: See 30 examples of fancy & functional furniture
Have you ever marveled at the charm and character of antique secretary desks? Let's take a dive into the world of these stunning, multifunctional pieces!
Old streetcars & trolleys were a big deal in the days before cars & buses (1800s)
Old streetcars (aka trolleys or trams) are more than just vintage transportation — they’re a window into our past. Streetcars helped shape American cities, and
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Note: ClickAmericana.com features authentic historical information, and is not intended to represent current best practices on any topic, particularly with regard to health and safety, but also in terms of outdated cultural depictions and social values. Material on this site is provided for purposes of education, criticism, commentary, cultural reporting, entertainment, historical reference, and news reporting/analysis. Also, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Now that you know, have fun looking around!