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!
1953
These little vintage plastic wading pools were the perfect size to help introduce babies and children to water fun in the safety of their own shallow kiddie pools!
See what made 1950s kitchen tile a fixture in postwar homes, from pastel counters to mosaic floors.
Reel-to-reel tape recorders ruled home audio for decades — see the vintage machines and ads that trace their rise, peak and fade.
Model planes went from carved balsa wood to plastic kits sold at Woolworth’s, and the shift changed how a whole generation of kids spent their afternoons.
Mid-century foyer style went far beyond a place to hang your coat. See how postwar Americans turned entrance halls into design statements.
Vintage glasses were once considered unfashionable for women — until the 1950s changed everything. Here’s how the cat eye became a style essential.
Hide-a-bed sofas turned a regular couch into a guest room overnight. See vintage styles and ads from the 1940s through the 1970s.
The old-fashioned Lustre-Creme shampoo was famous for hiring famous actresses to promote their product. Here’s a look at some of the stars!
Mr Potato Head started with real vegetables and push-pins in 1952 — and became the first toy ever advertised on TV. Here’s the full story behind the famous spud.
Evaporated milk recipes from 1955 that prove a can of shelf-stable milk could do a lot — from frozen orange dessert to a quick, no-roux cheese sauce.
Vintage dining room sets from the ’40s & ’50s were compact, colorful and built for small postwar homes. See 50 original chrome dinette ads and photos.
Let’s consider for a moment the soap-on-a-rope phenomenon — a peculiar fusion of the useful and the whimsical that once occupied a prominent place in
Electric typewriter history from Edison to IBM’s Selectric — how a humming office machine with a golf ball print head came to dominate American workplaces.
Hawaiian luau parties swept American backyards in the late ’50s and ’60s — here’s the real history behind the roast pigs, paper leis and pineapple punch.
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.
Burnt sugar, chocolate malt, pink lemonade, black walnut — vintage cake mixes once offered flavors you’d never find on shelves today. Here’s how it all happened.
Vintage jukeboxes ruled American bars, diners and drugstores for decades — here’s the full story of the machines, the makers and the music that defined an era.
Before the microwave, there was the gas range — and in the 1950s, it came with automatic pilots, built-in timers and two-tone colors to match.
This gigantic collection of vintage wall paneling from mid-century (and beyond) makes for a surprisingly delightful scroll down nostalgia lane!
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.
Drive-in movie theaters were everywhere in the 1950s and ’60s — but how did they rise, and what finally brought them down? Here’s the full story.
Full service gas stations were once the American standard — attendants, windshields, oil checks and all. Here’s the history of how they rose, ruled and faded.
1950s bathroom tile turned the postwar bathroom into a design statement. See the pastels, the patterns and the ideas that defined an era.
The range of 1950s board games surprises people — cold war strategy to Candy Land. See the vintage ads and box art from a prolific decade of family game night.
Golf ball history goes from hand-stuffed feathers to rubber cores to space-age solids — and the story is wilder than you’d expect.
Bold 1950s linoleum flooring: See how the postwar bathroom floor became a fantastic design statement
1950s linoleum flooring and vinyl were bolder than you’d expect — see 20 real bathroom floors from some of the decade’s most creative designs.
Nash cars were unlike anything else on the road in the 1950s. See the ads and photos that show what made the Airflyte, Metropolitan and Ambassador so unforgettable.
The original Rice Krispies treats were invented in the 1930s. By 1940, the recipe was known across the country — and their popularity has hardly waned since. Here, get the original version of the treats recipe, along with some modern variations!
CBS radio shows in the 1950s & ’60s had news, comedy, drama and sports — and they basically invented the formats we still love today.
Vintage license plates tell the real story of American car culture — from wild state designs to a 50-state size standoff. See 200+ examples here.
Vintage baby gear from the 1950s shows how boom-era families used folding cribs, walkers and playpens to save space and time.
In the 1950s and 1960s, prefab fireplaces had become a clear signal that a home was keeping up with the times. Sleek, practical and affordable, these units offered the appeal of a traditional fire without the heavy commitment of masonry construction.
Vintage payphones once lined streets, stations and stores — see how phone booths, walk-up, and drive-up telephones kept America connected.
Explore 140+ vintage mid-century wallpaper designs and see how bold patterns, color, and texture helped define midcentury American home decor.
The basic concept hasn’t changed much in 100 years, but vintage Erector Sets like these are still popular, still inspiring creativity, and still being used to build everything from mini roller coasters to motorized robots.
Everyone knows the pastel little Valentine’s Day sweets that say Hug Me, Cutie and more. Where did those candy heart sayings come from? Look back here!
See 28 vintage pink bathrooms from the 1950s and 1960s that show how this bold color became a mid-century design favorite.
Take a look back at old-school packaged cookies like Hydrox, Chips Ahoy, Almost Home, Lorna Doone and more — some still around, others long gone.
Take a look back at 1950s Cadillacs — the bold, bright cars that became a symbol of American style, luxury and success.
See 26 original examples of 1950s suits for women that show how tailored style shaped everyday fashion in the postwar era.
Here, see a dozen old-fashioned classic board games that are freshly-made, but look just like you remember… or, at least, pretty close.
We’ve rounded up 30 dramatically different examples of 1950s Christmas tree decorations — come be inspired by these lavishly decorated Christmas trees!
There’s a reason that advertising has evolved over the decades – and these bad vintage Christmas ads from years ago show you exactly why!
Whether you’re a nostalgia buff or looking for Christmas door decorations for your mid century home (or both!), we have some fun and festive ideas!
Ovaltine promised better sleep, more energy and extra nutrition in vintage ads from the 1920s to the 1980s — see how this chocolate drink made its case.
A man gave birth to a mouse. The mouse built the man an empire. The true-life fable of Mickey Mouse, as recounted by Walt Disney’s official biographer.
Did you know that Silly Putty was originally marketed to adults? Read on for more interesting tidbits about this fun and magical stuff!
Explore vintage family kitchens and the retro layouts, colors and design choices that shaped home life in mid‑century America.
1950s TV sets brought bold design and big features into American homes, reshaping how families watched, gathered and spent time together.
By the middle of the 20th century, Florida had fully stepped into its role as the country’s go-to vacationland. Bright brochures and tourism ads promised
Separate beds in the 1950s weren’t just for movies — real couples, doctors, and censors all had opinions on how married people should sleep.
Take a nostalgic look back at how Americans have loved coffee for generations – plus get some great old-fashioned ways to brew a delicious cup of vintage coffee.
Studio ticket stubs saved by a kid in 1953 grew into a massive 10,000 piece collection of TV history
Ticket stubs from Joel Tator’s massive collection reveal what it was like to attend live TV tapings in the 1940s and 1950s.
If you want to try something new that’s actually old for Thanksgiving, try making this homemade pie crust recipe from 1950!
See how horror movies evolved from silent shadows to spine-chilling scares in the 60s, through eerie posters and promos from the past.
Whether you need 50s costumes for a themed party, Halloween party, or a cosplay event, here are some ideas that are perfect for the era.
Smokey Bear, the friendly brown bear that said, ‘Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires,’ was a powerful force in stopping forest fires. Here’s his story.
Discover how footed sleepers in the 1950s were pajamas designed for warmth, comfort and a little independence.
Pepsi-Cola history began in a North Carolina drugstore in 1893 and grew through decades of quirky slogans and everyday moments across America.
With a few cardboard boxes and some aluminum foil, you can make robot costumes that will be the hit of the party. Some easy-to-make masks of aluminum foil will help to make each costume a little different.
Popcorn balls were a holiday and party favorite for decades. See how these sticky-sweet treats became a go-to homemade snack in vintage America.
See how Lionel Trains captured the imagination of 1950s kids with smoke, whistles and Magne-Traction power. Relive the golden age of toy railroads.
Shirley Temple rose from Hollywood child star to political powerhouse. Here’s how she spent her life after leaving the big screen behind.
See how Schlitz beer shaped American culture through vintage ads from the 1880s to the 1970s, from purity claims to backyard party scenes.
Explore teen fashions through the decades and see how high school style shaped identity, cliques, and culture from the 1930s to the 1970s.
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 the most popular dog names from the 1950s to the 1970s, collected from vintage records, contests and real-life hero pups.
What can you make with Spam? According to these retro Spam recipes – what *can’t* you make with it?! Check out these easy vintage how-tos here.
See how the cash register changed 1950s and 60s grocery stores and retailers with automatic change-making machines that sped up checkout and cut errors.
See how 1950s small home decorating ideas used smart space-saving tricks, clever storage, and stylish details that still work in today’s homes.
Explore Dr Pepper history from its quirky origin story to its fizzy rise as America’s oldest major soft drink.
This fluffy cherry angel food cake benefits from having sweet chopped cherries mixed into the batter, giving this dessert a festive flair!
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.
From neatly organized tool racks to clever storage solutions, these 1950s (and early 60s) home workshops maximize space and productivity.
Discover how folk art painting uses simple brushstrokes to decorate furniture and home goods, with vintage guides and designs from the 1940s and 1950s.
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?
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.
Retro burgers with a cheesy center and tangy tomato sauce? This 1950s Fancy-Pants recipe brings back big flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
These cute and child-friendly vintage Father’s Day cards show the sweet sentiments that kids expressed for dad (and grandpa) in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
These retro yellow kitchens – in all their buttery, warm and sunny splendor – are here for the midcentury home decor enthusiast to appreciate!
See how to make a vintage charcuterie board made with retro-style cold cuts along with 1950s nibbles, like casseroles, old-school salads and more.
See how Hawaii was promoted to travelers in the 1950s through vintage tourism ads, brochures and photos from before it became the 50th state.
Want to know how to make an old rotary phone work? Here’s your handy guide, straight from the 50s!
If you were a mid-century suburban kid you likely had a tubular metal swing set like one of these! Check out this nostalgia trip back to the backyards of your childhood.
Take a fun look back at vintage Hostess snacks like Twinkies, cupcakes and fruit pies — see how these classic treats became American favorites.
Discover vintage kitchen design ideas from the 1940s to 1980s that blended style and creativity — and see why some old trends might deserve a comeback.
Take a fun look back at the stereotypical perfect ’50s housewife, as she vacuums in heels, washes dishes wearing pearls, and makes everything practically perfect.
Easter cakes like these bring together all the things people used to love seeing on a holiday table: soft layers, a little citrus, and a
Remember vintage TV dinners — shiny foil trays filled with delicious-looking dinner delights, waiting in the freezer for a special night? Plus find out the history of TV dinners!
Occasionally, top TV show theme songs aren’t just popular – they join the soundtrack of a generation. These 16 hits won acclaim for being more than being the tune played over opening credits. Have a listen!
These 60+ vintage patio furniture sets – charming tables, chairs, chaises and more – were as popular in the 1940s through the 1970s as they are now.
Explore the vintage pink kitchen trend of the 1950s, from pastel cabinets to pink appliances. See what made this retro style such a mid-century favorite.
George Burns & Gracie Allen brought laughs from vaudeville to TV. See how their real-life love story made them one of comedy’s most unique duos.
Before plastic trays, metal ice cube trays were a daily struggle — until a clever lever changed everything. Here’s how they shaped vintage kitchen life.
The original vintage Slinky toy was an all-metal spring that thrilled kids by ‘walking’ down stairs. Invented by accident back in the forties, it’s one of the classic toys that has stood the test of time.
Prell shampoo was popular since its introduction in the 1940s, and was best-known for being bright emerald green. Here, see how the product – and the brand’s message – changed from the ’40s to the ’80s!
Fashion rings in the 1950s and 60s were big, bold, and eye-catching. See how these oversized costume jewelry pieces became a must-have accessory.
