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.
The Last Starfighter: The 1984 space movie that turned video gamers into heroes
After a teen gets a record score on a video game called The Last Starfighter, an intergalactic visitor tells him the game was just a test - and asks him to come help fight a space battle.
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.
80s maternity clothes: A glorious era of giant bows & tent-like silhouettes
If you thought 80s style was bad, wait until you see 80s maternity clothes — oversized bows, tent-like dresses and bold patterns galore.
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.
Remember these fun ’80s Playskool toy sets that brought imagination to life?
Step back in time with 80s Playskool toy sets, from Candy Land Kids to Sesame Street playhouses, and see the classic toys that fueled hours of fun.
Retro 80s school supplies you can still buy today: Back-to-school “Stranger Things” style
Some of the most iconic 80s school supplies have been revitalized for a new generation (assuming they ever went away in the first place). Here are some of our sentimental faves that you can buy new even now!
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.
Take a look back at 80s cruises and see how Americans vacationed with Carnival, Princess and more, from buffets to cabins to exotic ports of call.
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.
This delicious Italian zucchini crescent pie won $40,000 in 1980 and totally earned it
This Italian zucchini crescent pie from 1980 won $40,000 at the Pillsbury Bake-Off and still holds up as a fast, hearty retro dinner favorite.
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.
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!"
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.
Spaghetti Romano with meatballs: One pan, big flavor, no fuss (1989)
Homemade meatballs, spaghetti and a rich red sauce make this delicious pasta dinner: Vera's favorite Spaghetti Romano recipe from the '80s.
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!
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?
24 stylish ’80s swimsuits: Shapely, slimming, sexy summer swimwear
Brunette Alison and blonde Larisa show off the newest, sexiest '80s swimsuits for every figure type... yours included. 1986 was time to shine in a swimsuit that makes you look terrific!
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.
Cocktail movie: Behind the bar with Tom Cruise’s most charismatic 80s role
Explore the Cocktail movie's blend of ambition and flair as Tom Cruise takes on the role of a charismatic bartender in 1980s New York City.
Vintage Fisher-Price Little People made their debut in the 1950s, and they have been insanely popular with kids ever since! Let's reminisce.
Hershey’s Best Brownies: Quick, classic & mixed up from scratch in 5 minutes
Hershey's best brownies are a classic fudgy treat made with cocoa and pantry staples in just five minutes. A vintage recipe that still holds up.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock had wild effects, a lot of twists & plenty of 80s flair
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) mixed big effects, familiar faces and lots of twists. Here's why this sequel still sparks debate.
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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!
