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The history of Levi's jeans shows that the power of a really good idea - like super-durable clothing that people like to wear - can make for a business that stays strong for more than 160 years.
1940s makeup tips: Secrets to the simple but stunning vintage looks of the decade
Discover 1940s makeup tips that kept women looking fresh and polished despite wartime shortages. Simple routines, soft colors, and smart tricks made all the difference.
Metal ice cube trays: The cold, hard truth about old-school ice-making (1950s)
Before plastic trays, metal ice cube trays were a daily struggle — until a clever lever changed everything. Here’s how they shaped vintage kitchen life.
Slinky toy history: How a simple spring became a classic toy everyone has played with (1945)
The original vintage Slinky toy was an all-metal spring that thrilled kids by 'walking' down stairs. Invented by accident back in the forties, it's one of the classic toys that has stood the test of time.
Prell shampoo: The bold, bright & bouncy history of America’s favorite green bottle (1940s-80s)
Prell shampoo was popular since its introduction in the 1940s, and was best-known for being bright emerald green. Here, see how the product - and the brand's message - changed from the '40s to the '80s!
This original Grasshopper Pie recipe creates a delicious and refreshing no-bake dessert, made up of a chocolate mint cream filling (with alcohol) in what's basically an Oreo crust.
5 vintage chipped beef recipes, including the military’s famous SOS recipe
Creamed chipped beef - dried beef with white gravy - is also known as "s**t on a shingle" (SOS), and was often served to troops during World War II.
Weird retro ways to serve pineapple (and a few good ideas, too) from the 1940s-90s
From meat glazes to unique salads and totally vintage-style jello molds, the most iconic tropical fruit can make itself useful in so many ways. Here are some weird - and some good - retro ways to serve pineapple.
Remember when every girl wanted a Lane hope chest? See 20+ vintage hope chests from the 20th century
Way back when, it's what every girl wanted: A cedar-lined Lane hope chest for linens and her trousseau. In upper-middle-class homes, giving a teen cedar chest was a longstanding tradition -- and practically a requirement for marriage.
Where did those sweet candy heart sayings come from? (1920s to present)
Everyone knows the pastel little Valentine's Day sweets that say Hug Me, Cutie and more. Where did those candy heart sayings come from? Look back here!
This Atomic Energy Lab kit toy was actually a thing for kids in the 50s
In the early 1950s, an atomic energy lab kit for kids hit the toy store shelves. The thing was *actually radioactive*. The set had real uranium ore, and children could conduct real scientific experiments. Here's what they were like!
Join us as we journey through futurism history, exploring predictions made about the future by those from the past!
Hot chocolate: 15 delicious vintage cocoa recipes
Raise your glass for some warm and wonderful classic hot chocolate recipes from across the years! Try cocoa mixtures with a variety of flavors and even some international flair.
See the vintage ‘bullet bra’ look that was big in the ’50s
These vintage bullet bras (also called sweater bras) were considered flattering and sexy around the '50s. Take a look back and see what you think of the style!
Vintage Fostoria glass: 100+ gorgeous patterns, colors & styles of the classic American glassware
Here's a look back at 100 years of vintage Fostoria glass - from candelabra to stemware, in clear crystal or a rainbow of colorful hues - that people have been using and collecting for generations.
Festive Christmas table settings: Ideas for holiday tables with retro style (1900s-1990s)
With a little thought and care - plus the inspiration of these lush holiday table settings of yore - you can create unforgettably nostalgic Christmas table settings that will be remembered for years to come.
Did married couples really sleep in separate beds in the 1950s? The surprising reasons why
For decades, it was considered inappropriate for TV or movies to show a married couple sharing a bed. But did married couples really sleep in separate beds back in the '50s?
Screen legends Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire sang and danced their way into America's hearts in one of the most timeless holiday classics of all time, the Holiday Inn movie, which introduced the classic hit song, White Christmas.
Revisit “A Christmas Story” – the cozy 80s movie that became a legendary holiday classic
To get in the proper holiday spirit, Americana-style, let's revisit some of the most iconic moments from the timeless TV classic, "A Christmas Story" - plus find out where to watch the sequel!
32 fascinating vintage selfies you probably have never seen
These vintage selfies, several of which date back to the 1800s, prove that the desire to capture our own images has been around for a long time. Here's how people took self-portraits with old cameras long ago!
Take a look back at the evolution of Thanksgiving traditions — and holiday meals — from the 1940s through the 1990s, plus see how the best parts of the past have influenced our modern-day celebrations!
50+ vintage sexist ads so shocking, you almost won’t believe they were real
Not only would these vintage sexist ads not sell well today, but they'd also cause a huge social media backlash. See 50 of the most obnoxious examples here.
Vintage shoe stores: See what shoe shopping really used to be like 100 years ago
For more than 100 years, if you needed a new pair of sneakers or sandals, oxfords or saddle shoes, you had to visit one or more vintage shoe stores. Through more than 100 photos, see what it was like!
What did many of our grandparents and great-grandparents look most forward to getting for Christmas? In many cases, trains - like these vintage American Flyer train sets!
See portraits of vintage Halloween pin-up girls from the 1930s and 1940s - themed photos featuring famous actresses and beautiful models.
Vintage Kodak movie cameras for film: Brownies, Instamatics, Super 8 & more
They weren't cheap, but these vintage Kodak movie cameras were really popular, and helped people save moving-picture memories on fiolm.
1940s hats for men: 40 classics that defined the decade’s bold style
Explore the timeless appeal of 1940s hats for men. Discover classic styles in these vintage ads from a fashion era that shaped men's wardrobes.
Vintage View-Master reels offered a trip into another dimension - 'with stereo color pictures so real, you'll feel you are actually part of the scene!' Take a look!
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!
1940s swimsuits: Timeless vintage styles that redefined beachwear & still inspire designs today
Vintage 1940s swimsuits often featured ruching, boy short cuts, and halter straps. This old-fashioned swimwear like modest one-pieces and high waist bikinis had more class than sass.
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!
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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!
