See how the San Francisco Cliff House evolved from 1860s getaway to fiery icon, with rare vintage photos and stories from its most dramatic moments.
1899
Delmonico’s during the Gilded Age helped turn fine dining into a spectacle Starting in the 1820s as a modest downtown confectionery, New York City’s legendary
Look years back at teachers, students and old school classrooms from more than a century ago, and see what education was like back then.
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!
Mosey on over and meet William Cody, who was known in these parts for his Buffalo Bill’s Wild West & Congress of Rough Riders of the World exhibitions. Yee haw!
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!
Discover the history of San Francisco’s Sutro Baths, the stunning Victorian swimming complex that mixed ocean pools, museums, and seaside adventure.
The Brooklyn Bridge has been a part of New York’s skyline since 1883, but the history of its construction reveals an incredible story of determination
In 1922, Washington DC had their biggest blizzard in 34 years, and in many ways, it brought the city to a halt. Here’s a look at the nation’s capital covered in snow so long ago.
Here’s a look back at snow removal 100 years ago, so you can see how much work went into clearing cities after blizzards and other big winter storms.
If you’ve ever bought a pricey bottle of flavoring, you may have wondered: How can you make your own homemade extracts for less? It’s probably a lot easier than you think.
These vintage selfies, several of which date back to the 1800s, prove that the desire to capture our own images has been around for a long time. Here’s how people took self-portraits with old cameras long ago!
Find out how X-rays were discovered, see the earliest X-rays, learn where the name came from, and meet Wilhelm Röntgen – the man behind the innovation.
Mrs Annie Edson Taylor, 63 years old, went over Niagara Falls on the Canadian side and survived, a feat never before accomplished when it happened back in 1903. Here’s how it went.
See how gazebos became one of America’s favorite outdoor retreats with a look back at some vintage styles and backyard designs!
Look back at what antique school supplies looked like back in the 1800s, along with popular teaching materials from the Victorian era!
These vintage tips to identify antique silver come from the 1940s – and include diagrams, descriptions and photos of lots of vintage silverwork.
Take a stroll back to the late 1800s and early 1900s to see some of the grand homes and New York mansions that lined Fifth Avenue.
Explore how vintage drugstores and the pharmacy apothecary once sold not just tonics and elixirs, but also narcotics like cocaine & heroin with ease.
The invention of the Ferris Wheel was a jaw-dropping innovation of its time! Find out the history of the Ferris Wheel ride we now know so well, plus see pictures of the HUGE first one.
Toby Jugs came to America in the 1700s and quickly became a favorite collectible. Check out these examples of the art form!
What were really old cars like around 1900? Here, take a look back at some of the earliest automobiles that were on the market at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.
Before the advent of modern refrigeration, there was the charming, wooden icebox in the corner of the kitchen – the epicenter of cold storage from the mid-19th to early 20th century.
Have you ever marveled at the charm and character of antique secretary desks? Let’s take a dive into the world of these stunning, multifunctional pieces!
Old streetcars (aka trolleys or trams) are more than just vintage transportation — they’re a window into our past. Streetcars helped shape American cities, and
From uprights to baby grands & more, these antique pianos are works of art!
New York City’s luxurious old Waldorf-Astoria hotel was among America’s first big hotels. When it was built during the Victorian era, it was considered the finest hotel in the world – and soon became the most famous, too.
As long as antique buttons have adorned our clothing and shoes, people have been collecting them. Made from a multitude of materials – from metal to bone, wood to plastic – buttons are miniature pieces of everyday history.
Leland Stanford, Jr University in California – now known just as Stanford – was created to honor a young boy’s death. His parents so grieved his loss, they put millions into creating a college in his name.
Have a look at beautiful vintage landscape photography featuring various natural wonders of the US — as seen around the turn of the last century.
The man behind the famous Hell Gate Brewery, George Ehret, wasn’t just a business success — he was a success as a human. Find out more about his story!
In the world of modern technology, it’s easy to take the humble typewriter completely for granted. But have you ever wondered who invented the typewriter – and how it introduced a new role for women in the workforce?
Marshall Pinckney Wilder was a hugely successful comedian during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Find out how the Homestead Act of 1862 helped shape American society in dramatic ways by playing a vital role in the settlement of vast US prairie lands.
Here are more than 100 colorful antique fabrics from right around the turn of the century – bright and bold vintage textiles that feature florals, tiny patterns, plaids, stripes, dots, paisley and other beautiful classic designs.
Find out how some of the earliest color photography was created using potato starch!
Vintage circus posters are a fantastic way to get a glimpse into the world of the old-fashioned circus and all the excitement it offered!
The magnificent Conrad-Caldwell mansion – also known as the Theophilus Conrad house – in Louisville, Kentucky, was completed in 1895, and was a luxurious home with detailed stonework and woodwork.
It’s incredible to see how awesome — in size, in design, in popularity — old-fashioned indoor swimming pools could be. Here, take a look at 10 gorgeous pools from days gone by!
Trade cards, the granddaddy of today’s trading cards, were common in the 1800s, and often showed offbeat images that existed solely to build brand buzz. Here’s a strange set showing people as vegetables.
Spreckels Mansion – aka The Sugar Palace – was a completely over-the-top late Victorian home, was the luxurious residence of one of San Francisco’s wealthiest men at the time. Take a look back at the original version of this house!
When you scroll through these wonderful pictures of old Pasadena from around the turn of the century, you can practically imagine strolling these elegant tree-lined streets, and seeing Victorian mansions, schools and libraries up close.
Today, many of the great desserts of old are being rediscovered and enjoyed – luxurious offerings like the Victorian classic Charlotte Russe. Here are some recipes!
To a generation raised on instant mixes, old-fashioned chocolate pudding recipes like these may seem unnecessary. But considering the dessert’s enduring allure, why not try a classic version?
Why take the stairs while you can ride up in comfort inside one of these metalwork ‘cage’ style antique elevators, made with beautiful ornamental iron? Just tell the bellhop what floor you want.
We discovered these 22 amazing old pictures of some of the most gorgeous historical hotel lobbies from across the US. Have a scroll and step back in time with us to a more elegant era!
The Christmas decorations in Victorian churches could be extremely lush Victorian Christians were faithful practitioners of their religion, and took special care decorating their churches
Here’s a look at the clothing boys and girls wore in the winter during the 1890s – and how you might have seen those Victorian-era children dressed up for Christmas and the other holidays of the season.
Um, our ancestors were weird, y’all. Maybe we’re just missing some context that would make these bizarre Victorian Christmas cards make sense?
Warm up with a look back at 30 different beautiful vintage fireplaces that were once found in homes across the US.
Olc cash register history goes back to the Victorian era, and were used to both streamline accounting, and to keep cashiers from stealing money. Find out more here!
You can think of these Victorian chocolate and coffee frappe recipes as precursors to Starbucks’ Frappuccino. You can even combine a couple and make an icy mocha frap of your own, courtesy of these recipes from the 19th century!
Annie Oakley wasn’t just the best female sharpshooter – she was THE best. She once sent a shot right through the bullseye, then someone bet she couldn’t shoot through the hole she had just made. Guess what happened next?
Take a glimpse into what the famous old Macy’s department store looked like just over a hundred years ago – and how it offered its customers a shopping experience like no other.
Antique scrapbooks have been made for generations – each era having their own creative styles as well as unique subject matter. Here’s a look back at how and what people were scrapping long ago.
Here, look back at 14 brands and varieties of crunchy and smooth vintage peanut butter goodness from the last 120-plus years, including popular favorites as well as once-famous spreadables that are now gone.
More than 100 years ago, see how antique baby carriages like these were styled with beautiful designs, made from wicker, metal and wood – sometimes embellished with wooden spindles and woven reeds.
Take a look back at these adorable antique baby portraits from the 1800s, captured in these pictures on cabinet cards, cartes des visite, and other antique photographic prints from long ago.
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!
If you’ve been on social media and have been seeing the term ‘sea shanties’ a lot lately, get the basics here about these old songs that have been around for centuries.
More than 100 years ago, Victorian corsets were practically required for women – to emphasize certain parts of the body, and to minimize others. Here’s a look back to what ladies back then were wearing!
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!
From the era before electricity, automobiles and radio come these very old-fashioned recipes for Victorian Christmas side dishes. Get a taste of the holidays, 1800s-style!
Anyone visiting a county fair in the 1890s was likely to bring home a piece of ruby glass as a souvenir. They once sold for a song, and now are finds you’ll treasure.
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.’
What were the most fashionable Victorian hairstyles in the 1890s? Glossy plaits, graceful coils and twists, and the fluffiest and most coquettish of bangs,
A Victorian garden party may extend from afternoon into evening, or it may be entirely an evening affair — and here were the best ways to set everything up.
A perfect way to preserve summer fruits for year-round enjoyment is to do as your ancestors did and make some tutti-frutti. What’s that? Find out!
Radium earned Marie Curie worldwide fame, and changed the face of medicine. Here, she describes how this historic scientific discovery was made.
Fashionable vintage parasols could include materials like lace, chiffon, fishnet, satin ribbon, and of every hue. Here are a few of the styles from long ago!
The year 1900 was not counted among the leap years – and here’s how they explained why back in 1899.
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.
What kind of Thanksgiving food did people enjoy years ago? Here’s a look back at some restaurant menus from holidays past – some of which our modern-day feasts seem simple in comparison.
A look back at some of the most famous historic hotels in Florida — the most magnificent resort hotels of the Victorian era, and where they stand now.
Up in Wyoming, the Cheyenne’s Frontier Days festival featured bronco riding, a wild horse race, stage hold-up, hanging bee, cow-pony races, etc. and other rodeo events.
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.
In the olden days, you needed a telephone operator to connect your call manually through a switchboard. Her job wasn’t as easy as you might think.
When the last upheaval came, the whole bottom of the ocean was lifted skyward, and the remains of all kinds of sea life were taken along and left miles inland from the water – which is how this fossilized whale ended up on the top of a mountain.
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!
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.
Free electricity for everyone? Here’s a look at some predictions from Nikola Tesla from a century ago – some we have seen, others… well, not yet.
Who invented the sewing machine? That really depends on how much progress has to be made for something to be considered ‘invented.’ Find out more!
Letter-writing isn’t as much of an art as it once was. Books had to be written about it years ago, and ‘The Ready Letter-writer’ was as infallible and as essential as a cookbook is to many people nowadays.
In these antique Victorian engagement rings, in addition to diamonds, you’ll also see the brighter hues of rubies, emeralds, sapphires and turquoise.
Long before people started wondering why the vampires of Twilight sparkled, there were other questions being asked about these creatures…
Vintage wedding dress fashions from 1846 19th-century Victorian wedding dresses (1850) Bride from the 1800s The Diamond Wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, October 13, 1859
