Cracker Jack: The sweet history behind Cracker Jack prizes & the popular old popcorn treat
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Cracker Jack: The sweet history behind Cracker Jack prizes & the popular old popcorn treat
Cracker Jack became a pop culture icon with its caramel popcorn, peanuts and surprise prizes. See how this vintage snack won America's heart.
Romper Room made preschool fun before anyone else did
Romper Room brought preschool to TV screens across America -- explore how this unique show shaped early childhood learning for millions of kids.
Keds through the decades: How this cool all-American shoe became a classic (1920s-80s)
Keds sneakers have been a go-to for generations. See how this classic shoe evolved from 1916 to the 1980s with vintage styles, ads and fun throwbacks.
How Candice Bergen made being famous look like the least interesting thing about her
Candice Bergen grew up Hollywood royalty, dodged the spotlight, then became a star on her own terms -- see her early career and offbeat rise to fame.
What were the most popular dog names from the 1950s through the 70s? Find out!
Discover the most popular dog names from the 1950s to the 1970s, collected from vintage records, contests and real-life hero pups.
Instant Quaker oatmeal: How this warm & easy breakfast became a family favorite (1965)
In 1965, Instant Quaker Oatmeal hit grocery store shelves, and so was born a popular hot breakfast cereal that has lasted more than 50 years.
Helen Reddy & the California dream: Her cozy 70s home & star-studded life
In both 1975 and 1978, singer Helen Reddy took national magazine photographers on tours of her California home, which was full of music, plants and country charm. Here's a look inside!
Free to Be… You and Me & the famous friends who made it unforgettable (1970s)
Discover how Free to Be... You and Me brought big stars, bold ideas and timeless songs together to inspire a generation of kids in the 1970s.
Ruby Slipper bundt cake recipe, plus how to make an easy orange jello pound cake (1978)
Ruby Slipper Jello bundt cake is a retro 1970s dessert with raspberry swirls baked in for flavor and fun, topped with a simple powdered sugar finish.
Vintage Breakfast Squares made mornings easier in the 70s (and were basically dessert)
General Mills' vintage Breakfast Squares from the 70s promised a complete meal in two frosted bars — though sugar and shortening topped the ingredient list.
Vintage McDonald’s: See 5 decades of the worlds’ most famous fast food chain
Step back in time with vintage McDonald’s photos, menus and ads from the 1950s through the 1990s, capturing decades of classic fast food history.
Village Lip Lickers: Why this retro lip balm from the 70s & 80s still sparks happy memories
Remember Village Lip Lickers? These retro flavored lip gloss tins from the ‘70s and ‘80s are back in the spotlight with a nostalgic look at their history.
Janis Joplin and the loud, wild ride that changed rock forever (1970)
Janis Joplin's explosive career burned bright and fast. See how her raw voice, blues roots and wild lifestyle shaped a rock era that still echoes today.
WKRP in Cincinnati: The hilarious sitcom that turned radio chaos into comedy gold (1978)
Revisit WKRP in Cincinnati, the classic sitcom about a misfit radio crew, with cast photos, fun facts and a look back at its unforgettable TV moments.
Presidential physical fitness award memories will take you straight back to gym class (1966-1987)
Take a nostalgic look back at the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, the school tests, badges, and certificates that defined PE class from the 1960s to 1980s.
Toot-A-Loop mania: Panasonic’s wild radio bracelet kids wore in the 70s (& other wacky designs)
Far out! Check out these vintage portable radios - like the Panasonic Toot-A-Loop and others from the seventies that came in crazy shapes and colors.
Sour cream pudding pound cake: Retro recipe from 1977
Turn a regular cake mix into a really rich and moist sour cream pudding pound cake with some Jell-o lemon instant pudding mix. Here's the retro recipe!
Dr Pepper history: How the famous soft drink made a big name for itself starting in 1885
Explore Dr Pepper history from its quirky origin story to its fizzy rise as America’s oldest major soft drink.
How to do the bold disco dancing moves from the ’70s: The Hustle, Bump, Walk, Foxy Trot and more
Disco dancing was characterized by a casual, controlled, rhythmic movement of the whole body, with a pulsing vertical motion through the knees. Try some of the top moves!
Battlestar Galactica took off in 1978 with big stars and even bigger ambitions
Battlestar Galactica launched in 1978 with bold ideas and big effects but lasted just one season. See how it made TV history before it was even canceled.
Saturday Night Fever flashback: How John Travolta turned disco into unforgettable movie magic (1977)
John Travolta's charismatic moves in Saturday Night Fever didn't just light up the dance floor -- they ignited a cultural craze. Let's revisit the phenomenon!
Vintage dog food: 40 old ads let you see what’s changed (and hasn’t) over the years
What were mutts and pedigreed pups eating in the '40s-'80s? Here's a look back at vintage dog food print ads & TV commercials you might remember.
Incredible Edibles maker: The wild toy that let kids cook bugs and eat them (1960s)
Incredible Edibles, the candy-making Thingmaker counterpart, said that their Sooper Gooper would mold sugarless liquid Gobble Degoop into chewy gumdrop-like morsels in 4 flavors. Here's how it worked.
Superman movie magic: How Christopher Reeve’s iconic role redefined comic book heroes
One of the most expensive films at the time, the Superman movie, starring Christopher Reeve, was a slick, extremely classy, altogether first-rate production.
Vintage Burger King through the decades: A unique concept & engaging ads (1950s-90s)
Burger King — the nation’s fastest-growing chain of self-service restaurants — is so delightfully different, no wonder it has caught America’s fancy!
40+ adorable celebrity baby pictures from before these stars were famous
From Carrie Fisher to Gene Kelly, explore a gallery of celebrity baby pictures and scenes from childhood that are sure to evoke a collective "Aww!"
Fun summer party menu from 1970 with cheese food, pickles & a side of romance
This summer party menu from 1970 features vintage recipes, themed dishes and party planning tips that turned teen cookouts into charming events.
Whether plain or fancy, antique kerosene lamps like these were more than home decor - they made it possible for people to work and play late into the night. Find out more here!
Donna Summer: The electric rise and timeless impact of the singer behind 14 top dance & disco hits
Donna Summer burst onto the disco scene in the 1970s with a bang - her four #1 singles all reached the top chart spot within 13 months of each other - including 'I Feel Love.'
See 80 beautiful vintage canopy beds
Here, take a look back at this collection of gorgeous designs and styles of vintage canopy beds that were popular the seventies. Some are some classic and elegant, others modern and breezy, and many fabulously frilly.
See how ‘suntan’ became the big beauty buzzword, starting in the ’50s
Companies promoted it. Celebrities touted it. Everyday people paid attention, and then spent hours in the sun, trying to get the perfect suntan.
1918’s Spanish flu: A dark history of the deadly influenza pandemic 100 years ago
The 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic killed an estimated 50 million people - the majority of deaths from pneumonia following an attack of influenza.
The history of root beer & popular old 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!
Wild ceiling wallpaper ideas from the 1970s that might make you rethink your white ceiling
Ceiling wallpaper made bold statements in the 70s -- and it's making a quiet comeback. See vintage looks and get step-by-step how-to tips from the era.
Vintage above-ground pools like these made swimming & summer water fun affordable
Remember these vintage above-ground pools - the kind that were big enough to actually swim in, but that you didn't need to dig a big hole for?
Make DIY tie-dye shirts & other fashions just like hippies did in the 60s & 70s
Here are some vintage tips for how to tie-dye clothes, right from the 60s & 70s. The results are vibrant patterns, from geometric to lush organic effects.
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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!
