International long-distance calls cost $75 in 1927 and $12 in the ’60s — which was considered a bargain. Here’s the history of how we got connected.
1919
Early in the 20th century, people started moving from the city out to the suburban districts and small towns. See some classic All-American suburban houses from that era here!
Piggly Wiggly invented the self-service grocery store in 1916. See rare photos inside the original Memphis location just two years after it opened.
The word ‘flapper’ as used today in reference to a woman from the 1920s, has a much broader definition than how the term was originally used. So what is a flapper, then? Find out here.
Here is a collection of 24 colorful vintage Easter cards from the early twentieth century!
Parasols ruled women’s fashion for centuries — then vanished in a decade. Discover the cultural history behind this once-essential accessory.
Vintage St. Patrick’s Day postcards from the early 1900s show how Irish-Americans celebrated March 17th before the digital age. See them here!
Nikola Tesla helped shape the electrical age with AC power and bold wireless experiments. Explore the inventor behind the headlines.
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!
See vintage mail carriers, wagons, bicycles, and early delivery vehicles — and discover how the postal system kept America connected.
Explore antique cash registers, how they were invented, and why these mechanical marvels helped reshape American retail.
From 1915: The petals of a red, red rose are first cut into the shape of a Cupid’s bow. With the aid of a lipstick, the rose petal lips are applied to the real lips.
Public displays of affection were a debated topic in 1919 advice columns. Newlyweds got detailed do’s and don’ts for showing love in public.
Houdini escaped jails, handcuffs and questions — and never gave up how. Here’s the story of the man who built a career out of staying untouchable.
Take a look back in time at some vintage postcards sent by people in the first two decades of the 1900s to wish friends and family a happy new year!
How did our great-great grandparents send holiday greetings? Probably with antique Christmas cards just like these! Take a fond look back to the yuletide season from more than a century ago.
Cracker Jack became a pop culture icon with its caramel popcorn, peanuts and surprise prizes. See how this vintage snack won America’s heart.
Discover vintage manicure routines, tools and tricks from the early 1900s, when women shaped and polished their nails before color polish was common.
See how washboards powered old-fashioned laundry days with scrub, soap and skill, plus vintage photos showing them in action.
See how home cooks 100 years ago made easy meals from just 4 foods, creating 12 different dinner menus with classic recipes and smart planning.
The 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic killed an estimated 50 million people – the majority of deaths from pneumonia following an attack of influenza.
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!
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!
Who remembers Peter Coddle, Shoot the Hat, and Snap? They were antique board games that provided hours of entertainment before radio and TV. Find out more here!
Here’s what it was like to vacation in Texas 100+ years ago – back when there were wide-open spaces, small cities, and lots of ranches.
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!
Inside the gorgeous Thomas Edison house: A glimpse into his unique 1916 home life at Glenmont Estate
The Thomas Edison house in New Jersey housed both new inventions and priceless antiques – and was where his children were born, and where he died.
Try not to be too creeped out by this collection of vintage Halloween party ideas spanning over a century!
Back when cheap Halloween party decor was a distant dream, people had to make their Halloween decorations the old-fashioned way: by getting creative. Ghoul School 1919 is now in session!
See how gazebos became one of America’s favorite outdoor retreats with a look back at some vintage styles and backyard designs!
These vintage tips to identify antique silver come from the 1940s – and include diagrams, descriptions and photos of lots of vintage silverwork.
Take a look at these modest old-fashioned swimsuits for men and women, seen on real beachgoers and early movie actresses, with many high-quality and colorized vintage photos!
The traditional pound cake recipe got its name from the measurements of some ingredients used in the recipe — a pound of butter, a pound of sugar and a pound of flour. More than a century ago, the recipe changed to something a little lighter, but no less delicious!
100 years ago, public swimming pools were vital for summer survival The charm of vintage public swimming pools from the early 1900s transports us back
Use our inflation calculator to see how prices have changed over time. Discover the value of money across decades with this easy-to-use tool.
Old-fashioned candy in the US traces its roots from luxury 1800s treats to timeless favorites. See how these sweets have captured the affection of generations.
Explore how vintage drugstores and the pharmacy apothecary once sold not just tonics and elixirs, but also narcotics like cocaine & heroin with ease.
Legendary talent Nat King Cole’s legacy is still strong Nat King Cole, a legendary figure in American music, left a lasting impression on fans worldwide.
Discover a curated roundup of must-see vintage Craftsman house plans. Perfect for those interested in classic design, renovation, or new builds.
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.
When teddy bears hit the market, the craze for these soft, comforting companions was instant and universal. Here’s a look back at the remarkable history of the teddy bear, and see lots of adorable versions through the years.
The Raggedy Ann doll, in her humble glory, has stood the test of time. Let’s take a look back at her history!
Light up your memory with some some great old home décor – more than 200 antique and vintage table lamps from the beginning of the twentieth century to its end!
Toby Jugs came to America in the 1700s and quickly became a favorite collectible. Check out these examples of the art form!
Millions know ‘Say, Say, Oh Playmate’ – also known as ‘Playmate’ – but few today know much about the rhyming song & hand clapping game. Find out more here!
The book “Little Folks of Animal Land” by Harry Whittier Frees was released in 1915, and featured mostly kittens and puppies in various human scenarios. Take a look!
From awful double entendres to horrible diseases to the just plain bizarre, here are some vintage bad product names that used to appear on grocery store shelves.
Throughout the 20th century, the nursing profession and vintage nursing uniforms evolved in step with society.
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.
Revive Edwardian elegance with these 1910s home decor tips provided by a design expert from the era.
This collection of vintage Girl Scout uniforms, badges and insignia represents a century of tradition, friendship and — most of all — girl power.
Check out these silent movie title cards were created as movie theater etiquette notes, reminders and announcements that preceded a film that really are snapshots in time.
From uprights to baby grands & more, these antique pianos are works of art!
Booze-free beverages were all the rage after prohibition kicked in, so from a huge collection of vintage mocktail suggestions, we found these 30 fruity 1920s non-alcoholic drink recipes that would still work well today.
Felix the Cat cartoon: How the world’s first famous feline charmed the world in the 1920s and beyond
Felix the Cat was a black and white cartoon character who first appeared on movie screens way back in 1919. Created by Pat Sullivan and
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.
See the surprising reasons so many old silent movies have completely disappeared — leaving us to wonder what cinematic treasures have been lost to the ages.
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!
When was Prohibition, why was it even a thing – and why did the alcohol-free social experiment fail?
When was Prohibition and why didn’t it work? Here’s the story of how it not only didn’t do what it intended, but introduced a cascade of other problems, too.
Based on the state of plastic surgery in the 1920s, and with regular improvements in science, one journalist suggested in 1922 that soon women wouldn’t have to age – ‘I mean shriveled or waddling old and all that.’
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!
Get old-fashioned recipes to make your own flavored homemade vinegars with fruit and herbs – raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, onions, celery, tarragon and more!
While it’s not unusual today for a child’s growing up to be well-documented, a chronological series of vintage baby pictures like these were a rare advantage in the early 20th century!
The Life Savers candy brand has been around for more than a century! Here’s a look back at how the little sweets with a hole became so popular, and the many flavors they have made over the years.
The Tootsie Roll has a sweet legacy that started way back at the end of the 1800s, and continues to this day. From the early days, the unique chocolaty chewy candy was a huge favorite with kids. Find out more about them here!
Stained glass windows are back in style! Take a look at lots of gorgeous design examples, for churches, homes and businesses – plus get some historical perspective on stained and leaded glass art!
How can you make use of all those fresh summer berries? We looked to the experts of the past to find delicious old-fashioned ways to preserve raspberries so you can enjoy the fruit all year long.
Can you imagine life before bubble gum? Here’s a brief history of vintage gum brands in the US!
100 years ago, famous actress and soprano Lina Cavalieri said she thought women would rather have beautiful necks than almost any other feature, and offered her tips on how to improve the curve and beauty of the neckline.
Antique travel trunks like these were like super-extra suitcases that offered more than just space for clothing that helped people easily pack and organize entire outfits, right down to the accessories. Here’s a peek!
Here are 38 different classic punch recipes to try — none with alcohol as an ingredient. The fruit juices and different varieties of carbonated waters and ginger ales will satisfy the palate, and cool you off in a most refreshing manner.
Old-fashioned dentistry in the early 1900s had come a long way since the Wild West days, but, compared to what we have available in the 21st century, it might as well have been the Dark Ages. Take a look!
Who was Uncle Wiggily? Find out more about the author of these serials and Uncle Wiggily books, see examples of the characters and artwork, and look back at a copy of ‘Uncle Wiggily and His Friends’ that was published in 1955!
Jigsaw puzzles: The fun & addictive fad that took over American living rooms — more than once (1908)
Jigsaw puzzles swept America not once but twice — first in 1908, then again in the Great Depression. Here’s the wild history behind the hobby.
In June 1919, a peace treaty with Germany was signed in France, and formally brought an end to the Great War, which we now call World War I.
What did old New York look like years ago, after night fell? Here’s a peek at the ‘city that never sleeps’ as it appeared by the light of the moon, the stars… and the skyscrapers.
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.
What was old bedroom decor like from the early 1900s? Here are some rooms from just after the turn of the century, from the simple to the super-floral.
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.
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!
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!
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.
See how old El Paso, Texas — the city that sits right along the border of Mexico and the state of New Mexico – looked more than 100 years ago, when the population was about a tenth of what it is now.
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!
The old-fashioned benefits of breastfeeding are many, no matter what century you’re living in. Here’s a look back at some of what experts were saying about nursing babies back in the early 1900s.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might have been like to walk the streets of a major US city a century ago, here, take a peek at the streets of old Washington DC as they were back in the twenties.
There is not a man living who does not like to see a woman in an apron. Every groom dreams of his young wife donning an apron in which to pour his coffee.
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!
These classic gooseberry preserve recipes show you the old-fashioned ways to prepare and preserve these rare summer fruits.
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
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!
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
Winchester rifles for all kinds of hunting (1905) Winchester rifles are not the choice of any one special class, but of all intelligent sportsmen who go to the
Here’s a selection of vintage 4th of July postcards to celebrate Independence Day, all dating back to the first two decades of the 20th century!
Here are vintage autographs of eleven lost music legends, many gone far too soon. How many of these signatures do you wish you had?
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.
