Creativity is not something you are either born with or not: it needs to be discovered, nurtured, and expressed for it to grow. Here are 12 tips from the 1980s that are just as helpful today as ever, plus a look at some creative visions from the past.
Books in a home once signaled that the residents were intelligent, worldly, and could afford to collect their favorite volumes. Look back at some vintage bookshelves from the past!
For decades, artist Peter Hunt specialized in upcycling furniture and found objects by renewing them with colorful peasant designs. Here are examples of his work, and tips for how you can create your own folk-art painted furniture!
From the middle of the destruction after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, these detailed accounts of the damage were published in the city’s newspaper the very next morning.
Gorgeous, graceful old-fashioned decorative iron porches & balconies, crafted from intricate metalwork, adorn many homes and other buildings in the Southern states. Here, take a look back at some stunning examples!
Planning a wedding with a classic old-fashioned feel? Check out this collection of beautiful vintage wedding dresses from the first two decades of the 1900s!
These vintage zodiac cross-stitch designs could be used as-is, interspersed and contrasted with plain squares, or the designs adapted to many other uses — such as cross-stitch embroidery for table linens.
Through this rare collection of photographs and other ephemera, see what New York’s classically elegant old Ritz-Carlton Hotel was like once upon a time, starting when it opened in 1911.
Although the most popular vintage 1920s hairstyles were dominated by the bob cut, there were lots of different ways to style bobbed hair. Here’s a look back at short and long haircuts (plus old-fashioned styling tips) from the flapper era!
Onboard these old Deluxe Overland Limited trains, every hotel luxury could be found – including a barber shop, valet service, a library, buffet meals, a mens’ clubroom, and a cafe dining car. Take a look!
Antique early American weathervanes shaped like horses, cows, deer, roosters, angels, ships and even fish were hammered in metal and used as much to decorate rooftops as to note the direction of the wind
What were calling cards, and how were these visiting cards used by polite society back at the turn of the century? Find out!
Come take a stroll through these gated gardens, and lose yourself in another era. These photos show how the walled gardens at Gray Gardens in East Hampton, New York looked in the year 1916.
Inspired by the success of the first modern marathon at the 1896 Olympic games, the Boston Athletic Association decided to stage their own race in April of 1897. Here’s how it went, and the winning time.
Through 75 artistic antique color covers of The Theatre magazine, take a peek back in time from the first decades of the twentieth century to see these classic actors & actresses who performed onstage more than 100 years ago
‘Sliders’ was a sci-fi TV show that told the story of four adventurers who discover a passageway between dimensions that transported them to parallel worlds.
Look back at the experience passengers in the thirties, forties, fifties and sixties could expect when they sailed the high seas in high style on these fabulous old cruise ships.
These vintage images of the 19th century San Francisco skyline vividly portray how the California city by the Bay changed over a few short decades in the 1800s. Take a look back at how the city grew and grew and grew.
If you have a pair of vintage gloves – or even a new pair – and want to know the best way to care for these delicate and elegant classic accessories, this article is for you!
When the old Victrola record players were first introduced, those turntables were some cutting-edge tech. Here’s a look at the history of the famous Victor Talking Machines!
Edward Jenner, the discoverer of vaccination – including the smallpox vaccine – and one of the greatest benefactors of the human race, performed his first test experiment in 1796.
In Classic Cars Adult Coloring Book #1: Early American Automobiles (1895-1919), see dozens of classic car brands dating back to the late Victorian age, including Buick, Cadillac, Chalmers, Chandler, Cole, Davis, Ford, Overland, Packard, Pierce Arrow, Rambler, Stoddard-Dayton and Studebaker.
What kind of sweets did they enjoy more than 100 years ago — especially when ready-made candies were few and far between? People back in
Here are three old-fashioned plum pudding recipes – classic Christmas desserts full of fruit, booze, and other good things that there is little room for the dough.
No doubt that several of these vintage hairstyles for women from the 1910s could be adapted for use today, and would look as elegantly stylish as ever. Take a look!
If you’re looking for tips on doing something just like they did it 100 or more years ago, you’re in the right place! Here are
Think you don’t scare easily? Try taking a creepy detour along the edge of the spirit realm with these tales that have endured for more than a century!
See over 20 historic southern mansions — some tied to slavery, others to politics or education — and how they reflect the South’s changing history.
Campy or vampire spoof, call it what you like – The Lost Boys, a movie starring Kiefer Sutherland – is decidedly offbeat entertainment… with a twist.
Tilting water pitchers were often found on the dining table during the Victorian era. Mounted on a swing pivot, it simplified the task of pouring ice water into cups or glasses, as there was no lifting required.
Decorated vintage bathroom sinks with designs that looked painted or stenciled on had some popularity in the ’60s, until less frilly designs were once again favored.
Here are eight beautiful views of Yellowstone National Park from more than a hundred years ago, as seen by artist Thomas Moran and published in 1875.
Journey back to the turn of the century… to another time and another place. The Grand Floridian Beach Resort. An oasis of elegance that’s the first of its kind since the golden age of pleasure travel.
For the vintage Pompadour hairstyle from the turn of the century, the hair was arranged as to make the head a great fluffy mass, round like a globe – what they called ‘a great ball of beauty.’
Iced Nesselrode Pudding, a chestnut-based chilled sweet, was considered to be very expensive, very fancy, very tasty — and was, consequently, very popular during the Victorian era.
A luxury yesterday, a necessity today The generation of people who locked up their silverware in cupboards and cabinets has given way to the generation
Here, take a look back at old Lake Tahoe – the big, beautiful lake that has been a popular vacation spot for generations.
Famous actor Gary Cooper spent most of his time in sunny California, but he loved snowy Aspen, Colorado so much, he decided to build a house there.
In the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, old-fashioned maternity wear existed – but its main job was to help the mom-to-be hide her pregnancy. Here’s a look back at fashions to help women camouflage that bump!
Even today, there are ships buried under downtown San Francisco that you might walk over, on land reclaimed from the Bay thanks to the Gold Rush.
If you’re remodeling a 1950s home exterior, advice from that decade says to follow a simple, straightforward style. Your house will look better and cost less.
What is a mansard roof home – or a Second Empire-style house? Find out here, and take a look at more than 20 beautiful examples!
Originally played with people in place of the pieces, vintage Parcheesi had a long and unusual history before becoming the popular board game we know today.
Bicycle daredevil Diavolo (Conn Baker) traveled the country performing gravity-defying stunts, like the still-famous loop-the-loop.
These beautiful antique silhouettes were cut by hand by artist Eveline Maydell, whose portrait clients included many of society’s wealthiest men and women.
See how Rosedown mansion in Louisiana was restored to its 1800s glory with care, vision and craftsmanship, as shown in this rare 1964 article and photos.
From the last year of the 1860s – just four years after the end of the Civil War – come these dozen fashion plates showing antique walking dresses.
Back in 1862, a woman wrote to a top fashion magazine to lament the work involved with Civil War-era hairstyles. Here’s what she said – plus see 8 hairdos from the time.
Here’s how to stencil a tray – transforming an inexpensive metal accessory into a family heirloom, with paint and these included vintage stenciling patterns.
Card tables started out as elegant colonial furniture and ended up in nearly every American home. Here’s how they got from one to the other.
See dozens of styles of antique jewelry from 100 years ago and more – including gold and silver bracelets, rings, necklaces and other beautiful pieces.
Why were vintage Biba clothes so popular, even among celebrities like Twiggy and Mia Farrow? Part of it was that its mini-clothes could be bought on a mini-budget.
See clips of past Civil Defense films from the ’50s & ’60s, plus how to make a bomb shelter, what to stock, and more details from the Cold War era.
Here’s a collection of beautiful classic vintage stencil designs from the ’30s and earlier, along with patterns inspired by Greek, Roman, Persian and other classical designs.
The story behind Mrs. Wilson’s Mother’s Hand-me-down chocolate cake: A cake that my mother used to bake was all part of an incident in my childhood that’s as vivid as if it had happened only yesterday.
Every one of the 48 illustrations in this book was especially chosen from of our collection of thousands of antique fashion illustrations. Our goal was to find simpler drawings with dark outlines, so you can get the flavor of vintage clothing styles without worrying about tiny patterns and other elaborate design elements.
The founder of Kodak built the George Eastman House, a 50-room Colonial Revival mansion in upstate New York. Now a museum, here’s what it looks like.
From Bert Bacharach (father of Burt) come dozens of helpful household hints & tips, from cleaning up paint to making cheap cookie cutters.
The 1860s were a time of great conflict and stress, but that didn’t mean that formal Civil War-era dresses were suddenly less extravagant — they were anything but.
Keeping track of the eras, the ages, the generations and more can be confusing – especially when they overlap. Here’s a basic guide to some of the most important eras in American history.
Henry Ford developed assembly lines for automobile factories, and mass production sparked another industrial revolution. See here how Ford churned out Model T cars!
Christmas goes to the dogs! Here are 8 adorable antique Christmas postcards with dogs, plus a tale of how some boys got together and gave their pups their own holiday party.
If you can spare no money, and have no time to make pretty and inexpensive things, give pleasant words and wishes, and rediscover the truest joy of Christmas giving
1847 Rogers Bros made silver plate flatware a middle-class staple. Here’s the history behind the brand, the patterns and the Connecticut company that built it.
What was Thanksgiving dinner like in the Colonial days? Find out how to make roast turkey with pumpkin sauce, Georgia potatoes, succotash, election cake and other classic dishes
Here are seven different ways to make an old-fashioned Christmas wreath craft, for a little festive DIY holiday decor, retro-style!
Meat is the foundation of a dinner, and vegetables, sauces, jellies, preserves and relishes help to make the whole complete. Here are several traditional sauces and sides to serve with meats.
Old-fashioned eggnog recipes come in many varieties, so here are more than a dozen – though definitely take a look at the traditional Southern egg nog how-to, which will apparently allow the spirit of Christmas to descend upon you.
Around the turn of the century, there were a lot of rules and guidelines for women to be ‘proper’ – then there were the additional demands placed on them by men and the business world. Here’s a look back at some ideas of beauty from 1912 and 1913.
Every home has room for a Christmas tree, even if it’s only the tabletop variety. See the festive joy a small tree Christmas tree can bring to your home!
If you’d like to celebrate an proper Edwardian-style Christmas, here are lots of ideas for you! Get inspired by these recipes, decor tips, vintage images and lots more.
The Addams Family TV series portrayed the everyday life of one kooky and spooky family. Although the show had a huge impact on pop culture, it only ran for two seasons – from 1964 to 1966. Meet the cast and hear the snappy theme here!
Whether you’re renovating a 1920s home or just love the aesthetic of the era, here’s a collection of authentic tile patterns and creative designs that come straight from the late twenties.
If you have been looking for the perfect authentic old-fashioned fruitcake, this is for you! Get 20 traditional Southern fruitcake recipes – from Plantation Fruit Cake and beyond – right here.
The 1958 Oldsmobile was offered in 22 different colors, 66 recommended two-tone combinations, and 55 upholstery selections. Find out more here!
Here, see our collection of vintage mid-century 1960s wallpaper, and get insight from that decade about traditional and ‘modern’ home decor and color schemes.
Holly Hobbie was the old-fashioned girl dressed in calico with lace-up boots and an enormous sunbonnet who appeared on everything from curtains to clothing.
Here’s a look at a few dozen type styles from the first part of the 20th century – including a few old-fashioned fonts that have stood the test of time.
Producing by far a larger amount of copper than any other country, the United States is extremely fortunate in being able to supply to a great extent the ever-increasing demand for this useful metal.
Son the crooks and turnings and devious wanderings of Old Boston landmarks and byways would be nothing more than a memory of the past.
Back in 1902 – and despite knowing how painful and unhealthy it was for women – many guys still wanted their wives to have small corseted waists.
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.
Once part of everyday life, now only people of a certain age will remember this stuff. Here are 25 obsolete products most people under 25 have never seen in real life!
Avoid contradicting your husband, do not give your advice till he asks it, and other marriage tips from the 1830s. Because a wife may have more sense than her husband, but she should never seem to know it.
Are you wasting time and energy – and your silver plate – through a vigorous use of polish? Here, get some great old-fashioned tips to clean your silver.
Take a look back at the most popular names for dogs from the 1870s!
For some seriously questionable old-fashioned marital advice from 1861, take a look at one doctor’s sex rules for couples.
In bright and beautiful color, see some of the most beautiful sights in and around Utah’s Salt Lake City in 1900 – including the Mormon Temple, the Tabernacle, the Salt Palace, and the impressive Victorian Saltair Pavilion!
Take look back – way back! – at a few ways that ladies in San Francisco during the Victorian and Edwardian eras used to style and accessorize their vintage hairstyles.
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.
A kitchen remodel portfolio: Help yourself to the inspired ideas – some big, some little, all of them adaptable – in these kitchen makeovers by talented designers! Retro styles from 1978.
In this collection of 1910s women’s hats, you can see that styles were exceedingly lush and extravagant.
Not were the most fashionable vintage hairstyles from 1906 very high, built up of a succession of curls and wavelets galore, but they also held ornaments, combs, feathers, flowers, bows and other stylish additions.
19th century clothes: Fashion’s evolution in one century Shown by Dorothy Tennant, The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California) August 17, 1902 The evolution of
Learn the surprising story of divorce in the 1920s, including women’s rights, divorce rates and social taboos that defined the early 20th century.
What can you eat with your fingers? What needs a fork? Get the answers to these and other questions with etiquette tips from the ’20s!
Here are vintage Victorian directions for a Marie Antoinette dress sewing pattern for a little girl, trimmed with bias ruffles, and headed with a bais band of satin.
