Montgomery Ward, 1951
A Toast to Toasters
You wouldn’t remember this, but once upon a time banks used to give you a toaster when you opened a new bank account. Why a toaster? Well, why not? Continue reading A Toast to Toasters
Montgomery Ward, 1951
Sears Roebuck, 1909
“All Speeds from 1 to 25 Miles per Hour”
Once upon a time, Sears was so ambitious they built their own automobile: the “Sears Motor Buggy” Continue reading “All Speeds from 1 to 25 Miles per Hour”
Dick Blick Co, 1933
Art (Deco) Supplies
During most of the 20th century you could earn a decent wage drawing hand-lettered advertisements. These 18 Show Cards are small masterpieces of Art Deco design which framed hand-lettered sales messages… Continue reading Art (Deco) Supplies
Spiegel, 1959
Lassie by mail
The pet most kids wanted for Christmas in 1959 was a collie, and you can thank the TV show “Lassie” for that. But ordering one from a catalog? Continue reading Lassie by mail
Sears, 1992
The Battle of the Century – SNES vs. Sega Genesis
In the 1990s Mario loyalists were pitted against the Sonic crowd – the playground was bitterly divided over which videogame system was the best. Continue reading The Battle of the Century – SNES vs. Sega Genesis
Dr. Jaeger's Sanitary Woolen System, 1913
Pulling the wool over your eyes (and other bits)
Dr. Gustav Jaeger believed in the power of wool for practical clothing. It’s a long trip from the Dr. Jaeger’s “Sanatory Underwear” to the Jaeger fashion house of today… Continue reading Pulling the wool over your eyes (and other bits)
Vaughan's Seed Company, 1944
Victory for Locavores
Such a deal for spring! Eleven healthy vegetable seed packets and a basic growing guide for only a buck.=.. Continue reading Victory for Locavores
Meyer, Wise & Kaichen, 1913
“We said it would – and it did”
Want to move more men’s undies, Mr. Retailer? Continue reading “We said it would – and it did”
Sweet's Interior Design File, 1970
Three Chairs
Three groups of chairs by three different designers, from three different eras, yet all irresistibly modern… Continue reading Three Chairs
Chicago Mail Order Millinery Company, 1900
Spring and Summer Hats, in Assorted Colors
This early postcard-sized specialty catalog is charming on multiple levels. You can enjoy just how extraordinarily fancy ladies’ hats could be at the dawn of the 21st century – just how many variations and hat accessories there were. Or… Continue reading Spring and Summer Hats, in Assorted Colors