Legendary beauty Lillie Langtry was a statuesque blonde with blue eyes, a perfect complexion and a ravishing figure. She was acclaimed by the social set, and became the mistress of The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.
Culture & lifestyle
Vintage entertainment, crafts & pop culture from the past – it’s the retro life!
Made with crepe paper and a few simple craft supplies, these glorious crepe paper flowers are easy to make and inexpensive, and will flourish in any room at any time of year.
Cast an eye on a rare collector’s item: El Camino. Check out vintage ads for several Classic Chevrolet El Camino pickup trucks from the 1960s!
Looking for some DIY ’70s clothes? Here are some quickie, kicky young wearables to make out of this and that for next to nothing!
Here’s an interview with Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter from 1980, when she was just about to star in her own CBS special – and just before she started to model for Maybelline makeup.
The ’68 Cadillacs were huge, lavish and oh so comfortable to ride in. Take a look back at these classic cars — the 1968 Caddy, in 2-door, 4-door and vintage convertible styles!
Just look at it. The sleek lines. The smooth shape. Styling that is destined to become the standard of a new generation. But advanced styling isn’t the only reason the ’80s Oldmobiles are head of their time.
Take a look back at ABC television’s family-friendly Friday night offerings back in 1970, which included the hit sitcoms Brady Bunch, Nanny and the Professor & The Partridge Family… and total of 14 kids between the shows.
The early-70s TV sitcom ‘Nanny and the Professor’ starred Juliet Mills, Richard Long, and a very young Kim Richards – best known now for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Here’s one of the most unforgettable songs from Schoolhouse Rock: Conjunction Junction. One of the first in the “Grammar Rock” series, it made its debut on televisions nationwide in 1973.
See some vintage report cards from San Francisco’s Outer Mission district schools during the ’50s. One of his classmates? Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.
These classic ’65 Chevrolet station wagons were said to handle just as well as sedans – a high bar considering how big some of these Chevy cars were!
In the early ’80s, arcade video games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong started to make millions of dollars – one quarter at a time.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have seemingly boundless energy, and that energy is unharnessed in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ – a startling spectacle, starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones.
Sunday sightseeing around town and afternoon jaunts in the countryside are shiny new adventures when you’re driving a fun-loving ’56 Chevy!
The ’57 Chevy’s new, and shows it – from its daring new grille and stylish lower bonnet to the saucy slant of its rear fenders. It’s longer, too!
New York City has provided entertainment to millions over the years. See vintage seating charts from some of the city’s most famous theaters!
Although the story below was the topic of the 1994 made-for-TV movies Death of a Cheerleader/A Friend to Die For, this story has personal meaning, because I was another teen girl at the same school.
Never having to come up from underground? Cars routinely going 130 MPH? Completely automated cleaning? Solar power dominant? See these and many more predictions from 1906!
The 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado had impressive looks. Elegant interiors. And the incomparable handling of front-wheel drive.
The car of the future will be weather-proof, and that the sides, front, rear, and roof will probably be made of glass. The entire control of the machine will be simplified, and perhaps located in a set of push buttons.
Upon the news of Elvis Presley’s sudden and untimely death, the nation mourned – and the singer’s records charted again after fans across the country immediately started to buy lots of his albums.
For six years, the NBC series St Elsewhere literally set the standard for network programming, offering a consistently high level of realistic writing, ensemble acting, narrative experimentation and outrageous humor.
This TV movie debuted in 1973, and played occasionally in reruns at least until the 1980s. The Incredible, Indelible, Magical, Physical, Mystery Trip: Musical fantasy
Young Jason Bateman’s life sounds like an 18-year-old’s dream an apartment in Brentwood, a Jeep Cherokee, and a private dressing room with a color TV.
Among the major items that sets the ’70 Impala apart from other cars in its class is resale value. So you not only get more car for your money when you buy Impala, but traditionally more money when you sell it.
Originally designed as a show car for General Motors’ Motorama display in early 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette generated so much buzz, GM decided to put the ’53 Corvette into production.
The Great Blizzard of 1888 lasted from March 11 through March 14, 1888, and is considered to be one of the most severe recorded blizzards in American history.
Look at the people driving these Chrysler cars for 1956. Their faces tell they know they couldn’t have made a better choice!
The top-rated TV show, I Love Lucy, ran from 1951 to 1957 – around the time these magazines with Lucille Ball on the cover were published.
The Betty White Show was a snappy, well-executed 1970s comedy TV show that was meant to appeal to anyone who likes to laugh at real humor – witty, cerebral humor.
Motown Records wasn’t just a record label – it was a sound. Thanks to their success, we had stars like Michael Jackson, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder & Marvin Gaye.
After the war, industry was booming, and they needed workers. This 1946 vocational guidance film gives us a little insight into the world of telecommunications at the midpoint of the 20th century, from switchboard operators to engineers.
“How did he propose?” was asked in a series of nationally-syndicated newspaper columns during the early 1920s. Here’s a selection of some of the best engagement stories – from the sweet and simple to the too-cute-for-words.
In a spangled vest and elbow-length gloves, black bikini, black opera hose and steep ankle-strap wedgies, Tim Curry as Dr Frank N Furter, makes his grand entrance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, an outrageous camp musical based on the stage hit.
For Valentine’s Day or any day, you can re-create these pretty heart cross-stitch patterns with these designs and directions from 1955.
A lighthearted look back at the 50s housewife during the sunny days of yesteryear, when a woman’s home was her castle — and her kitchen was the heart of that home.
Take a look back at the most popular names for dogs from the 1870s!
Can you guess what was the #1 evening pastime according to nearly half of the people interviewed in a 1974 Gallup survey?
39 years before the classic movie ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was released, see what people had to say about ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ book back in 1900!
Being the heavyweight champion didn’t exclude Muhammad Ali from the draft during the height of the Vietnam War in 1967 – but it didn’t mean he was going to go willingly.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Sandy Koufax reflected on his life and career back in 1963: ‘Even today, it is hard for me to realize that I won the first and fourth games of the Series, along with 25 games during the regular season.’
The 1957 Ford station wagon gives you more of what you want in a wagon… and for less money. The nine-passenger Country Sedan measures over 17 feet long.
Here’s how you can make vintage stained-glass style Christmas ornaments from hard candy! This crafty project is probably easier than you’d think.
Happy Holidays from some of your favorite characters from newspapers & the TV! These vintage Christmas cards from the ’80s should bring you a little old-school cheer.
Make some retro ornaments for your Christmas tree with these crafts from the ’60s: they’re fanciful birds and butterflies in inexpensive, easy-to-sew felt.
Find out about the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, get some behind-the-scenes from the actual jewelry store, and hear from Audrey Hepburn herself in this collection of articles from the 1960s.
This widely-beloved cartoon music video for ‘I’m Just A Bill’ came out in 1975 as part of Schoolhouse Rock, a memorable series of animated shorts that ran with the Saturday morning cartoons.
Thanksgiving presupposes thankfulness. One cannot give thanks unless he feels thankful, and this feeling is a cultivated habit.
Maxell was long one of the leaders in the cassette tape world, and produced one of the most iconic ad campaigns of the era, featuring the man fondly (now) known as ‘blown away guy.’
Suppose you were a young woman anxious to find a husband, get married and settle down. What would be the best sort of job for you? Here’s what a survbey ?
Anyone who remembers Frankenstein and his monster might think the actors’ favorite recipe would have wolfbane and batwings, but no. Here’s Boris Karloff’s guacamole recipe.
In addition to being the first Indianapolis 500 winner in a rear-engined car, Jim Clark would go on to also win the Formula One World Championship that same year – the only driver to accomplish that feat.
You can create new fashions from old clothing! Here, see how a moth-eaten bathrobe and skirt, an outgrown blouse, knee-worn slacks were converted into sparkling new accessories.
What does it take to be a tip-top vintage full-service gas station service attendant during the 1940s? Find out how customer care went beyond ‘Shall I fill it up with Super Special?’
The roof with a reason for every season SPRING: Rear window slants away from the weather, can be opened for ventilation even on rainy days.
Thomas Edison says people work too hard, but that pleasure is as necessary as food. ‘This is an electric age. The pressure was never heavier, nor the grind harder.’
Here’s a look back from 1984 at the career – and huge success – of Billy Joel, along with some insight into what makes his concerts so memorable.
The band Blondie was discovered one night by some wealthy people out slumming after the theatre, and hired to perform at a party in a posh apartment.
The Hula Hoop fad had millions of children and adults shaking their hips to make the hoop spin. See what the craze was all about – and how to hoop!
Pacific Southwest Airlines executives ‘appreciate beauty and grace in women and, what’s most important, they don’t mind admitting that we are the ones who make them look good.’ Yep, it was the ’60s.
You may never drive like golfer Jack Nicklaus off the tee. But you sure can on the road in the 1976 Grand Prix & the 1979 Pontiac Grand LeMans Safari station wagon.
If you haven’t heard of ‘Rocky’ or Sylvester Stallone, welcome back from Mars – about the only place where you could not see or hear about this movie about a boxer, and the rags-to-riches story of the guy who wrote it.
Mickey Rooney, an actor at the age of 11 months, veteran trooper at 10, and screen star at 16, writes his autobiography.
You liked the side action upstairs in the bedroom during the wedding from the book The Godfather? In the movie, you got it. Liked the horse-head bit? You got it. The restaurant caper with the crooked police captain? You got it, you got it.
This story is about the father of rock ‘n’ roll music. In a decade of American history condemned for its small-mindedness, blandness and apathy, Chuck Berry set the spark. Chuck Berry kindled the flame.
Here’s a creative pineapple treasure chest filled with a delicious fresh fruit salad. It’s easy to make this stunning party centerpiece! Here’s how you can do it.
What is the average lifespan for men and women in America? Among the curious things shown by the census of 1880 is the new data relative to the US life expectancy.
The Jackson Five – explosive soul brothers from Indiana – were the hottest young group in entertainment history, and led to Michael Jackson’s stellar musical career.
Marriage rates rose each year between 1945 and 1949 – more than ever before during a 5-year period – as almost 3,000,000 women swapped the single life for married life.
Whether out for business or pleasure, a lady feels hungry after several hours. To find near at hand a clean, cozy places of refreshment — tea rooms — appeal to the soul of every woman.
In the 1800s, women had to get dressed up for everything, which is why these Victorian dresses for roller skating even exist. It’s hard to imagine rolling down a hill in a long gown.
California – particularly Los Angeles – is notorious for having awful traffic, but as this video and these photos from the 1950s prove, that bumper-to-bumper freeway crawl is nothing new.
Wherever Elvis Presley goes to howl out his combination of hillbilly and rock ‘n’ roll, the lean, 21-year-old Tennessean is beset by teenage girls yelling for him.
An archaeologist discovered that the ‘buffalo wallows’ are actually the ruins of underground dwellings where lived a Native American/American Indian group that vanished thousands of years ago.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 1985 TV season is the success of ABC’s “Growing Pains,” a family sitcom starring former talk-show host Alan Thicke as psychiatrist Jason Seaver.
Bob Crane, a breezy, articulate ex-drummer and recent disc jockey-turned-actor, stars in Hogan’s Heroes, a CBS comedy series which has Col. Hogan (Crane) as the leader of Allied prisoners in a German POW camp in World War II.
What is Pickleball? Is it… (a) an hors d’ouevre on the sour side; (b) a Christmas tree ornament; (c) a delicatessen decoration; (d) none of the above. If you chose (d) give yourself a prize.
Playing off the popularity of the traveling exhibit of the Treasures of Tutankhamen, actor and comedian Steve Martin debuted his parody song ‘King Tut’ on an episode of Saturday Night Live in the spring of 1978.
Trimmed with good-to-eat Oscar Mayer tidbits stuck on with cocktail picks, this Christmas tree with meat ornaments is sure to be the center of attraction at any holiday buffet.
An expert said American dating and courtship is characterized by romance… After a brief, ecstatic acquaintanceship, they believe that they can go on living happily ever after.
It is useless to deny that motion picture stars have been getting the best of it (as to immunity from draft). Some have been given special deferments and choice assignments and have been allowed extra months to finish pictures before having to report for active duty.
Owney, the world’s most popular dog has traveled almost around the globe. He made the journey around the world all alone and with only a tag about his neck — and found friends everywhere. Here’s the story!
What do newly-engaged couples really need to know? Quite a bit! Here are ideas from 1921 for telling your close friends, suggestions for formally announcing your engagement, tips for selecting a ring and more advice.
Airplane! uses disaster movie conventions as platforms to interject humor at every turn. Like a streamlined club act, it’s all over before the welcome gets worn. Stars Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Julie Hagerty, Robert Hayes. Also: See the Airplane movie trailer!
Bewitched ‘is for viewers who want to have the fun of losing themselves in fantasy. Our witches, Samantha and Endora, are believable. The audience can identify with them. They are treated as much as possible as humans with special gifts.’
How DOES a girl win a husband? By tradition, she waits until the right man comes along, then he woos her, pursues her, and leads her to the altar.
Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow grew up in somewhat of a fairytale world on television’s ‘Leave It to Beaver.’ 20 years later, in 1977, both actors talked about what it was like to be childhood stars who had to grow up and cope with the adult world.
James Garner and producer-creator Roy Huggins are having another try at a wry, tongue-in-cheek series, ‘The Rockford Files.’ Jim Rockford is a modern-day private eye, money-hungry, and a man who gets heroic only if he’s forced into it.
Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, with their progeny David and Rick, are synonymous with the American family image both on and off television. The Nelson boys are perhaps the only people who have literally grown up before the eyes of millions of weekly viewers.
Did you ever think that every first or last name must originally have meant something? It originally meant something, and was intended to be applicable to the person who first bore it.
Do you remember these classic TV catchphrases of the ’60s — and are there any that you still find yourself saying sometimes?
Baseball pitcher Walter Johnson, affectionately known as The Big Train, had a fastball that topped out over 90mph, almost entirely unheard of speed in his era. Find out more about him here.
The Dorothy Dot “Around the World” paper doll series ran in newspapers (such as the Los Angeles Herald and Salt Lake Tribune) in 1909. As much as some
Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. Here are some photos from the legendary singer’s childhood! The life of young
These ads showing child star Shirley Temple as a fashionable Hollywood screen siren, were a humorous way to introduce the 6-year-old girl’s film, ‘Baby Take a Bow.’
Discover how Jerry Lee Lewis’s ‘Great Balls of Fire’ set the 1950s music scene ablaze and cemented his legacy in rock and roll history.
What was it like to go looking for a new car more than 100 years ago? Here’s a look at some of the car showrooms that would have greeted automobile buyers!
