Folk art painting how-to: Simple & fun brushstroke secrets from the 1940s
Folk art painting how-to: Simple & fun brushstroke secrets from the 1940s
Discover how folk art painting uses simple brushstrokes to decorate furniture and home goods, with vintage guides and designs from the 1940s and 1950s.
Fred Astaire’s Puttin’ on the Ritz moment was pure movie magic (1946)
See Fred Astaire in a clip from 1946's 'Blue Skies,' performing 'Puttin' On The Ritz' - a song associated with him like no other - and find out more about the film itself.
WWII Victory gardens from the 1940s: How people planted them, and how you can grow your own even now
During World War II, people needed to help ease the nation's burden by growing as much of their own food as possible in what they called Victory Gardens. Here's how they did it!
Where did vintage brand names like 7-Up, Formula 409 & WD-40 come from?
Have you ever wondered where products like Formula 409, 7-Up, WD-40 and Preparation H got those famous vintage brand names? Find out here.
33 retro yellow kitchens that defined midcentury style in the most cheerful way
These retro yellow kitchens - in all their buttery, warm and sunny splendor - are here for the midcentury home decor enthusiast to appreciate!
Swing dances like the Lindy Hop and jitterbugging swept through America in the 1930s and '40s. Here’s what set them apart and made them unforgettable.
How The Waltons TV show beat the odds to become one of the ’70s biggest TV hits
How The Waltons, a quiet Depression-era family drama, overcame doubts and tough competition to become one of the most beloved shows on 1970s TV.
30+ stunning vintage crystal chandeliers: Sparkle this perfect never goes out of style!
Crystal chandeliers have been a symbol of luxury and opulence since the 18th century. If you’re wondering what crystal chandeliers used to look like, take a peek below at these vintage photos!
The real story of The Sound of Music & 20 ways the popular movie got it wrong
How much does real story of The Sound of Music differ from the movie version of the von Trapp family? Take a look back at the hugely-successful musical based on their lives, and find out both fact and fiction.
These 47 dangerous old playgrounds were risky, chaotic – and totally normal
Old playgrounds were risky, thrilling and full of sharp edges — see how kids from the past played hard and (mostly) survived.
Bambi is pure Disney - a world of fun, beauty and imagination which Disney has made his own. Find out why it took so long to get just right!
Bette Davis 1940s advice column gives no-nonsense takes on wartime love & family drama
Bette Davis gave tough love in a 1940s advice column for Photoplay-Movie Mirror magazine. Here's what she told readers about wartime marriage and more.
40 vintage pinball machines from the 1940s with wild features that brought arcades to life
A whole new era of vintage pinball machines was ushered in by the Humpty Dumpty pinball machine released in 1947 - and then dozens more of the games hit the market. Take a look back!
Whitman’s Chocolates were a big deal for Mother’s Day back in the 1940s
In the early 1940s, Whitman's Chocolates heavily promoted their product as the ideal Mother's Day gift -- and they laid the guilt on thick. "There is no hurt like forgetting."
These 60+ vintage patio furniture sets - charming tables, chairs, chaises and more - were as popular in the 1940s through the 1970s as they are now.
George Burns & Gracie Allen: The wild history of comedy’s quirkiest couple (1930s-50s)
George Burns & Gracie Allen brought laughs from vaudeville to TV. See how their real-life love story made them one of comedy’s most unique duos.
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!
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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!
