Spear & Company, 1932
When is a Rug not a Rug?
Woven rugs weren’t cheap in the Depression. If you couldn’t afford one, you could get a a “Congoleum” rug for one-fifth of the price… Continue reading When is a Rug not a Rug?
Category: 1930s
Spear & Company, 1932
Butler Brothers, 1935
Fireworks
Here’s a page of fireworks fun to ignite the imagination of any red-blooded American boy from 83 summers ago, dreaming of the fun to be had on the Fourth of July. All good– except for one thing… Continue reading Fireworks
Pittsburgh Paints, 1939
Heroes of the Home
I don’t recognize the heroic young couple in this 1939 catalog as real people. But their house must have looked nice, if they bought Pittsburgh paints from the Gebhardt Paint company in Marshfield, Oregon… Continue reading Heroes of the Home
Butler Brothers Wholesale, 1935
Take me out to the Sandlot
As a sport, baseball in the 1930s was a national obsession in a way that was probably unmatched in America’s history. And everything you needed to play the Great American Pastime could be found on this oversized double-page spread. Continue reading Take me out to the Sandlot
Lilley Luggage, 1931
Serious Luggage for Serious Travelers
Lilley Luggage, 1931 In a day when travel is quick and airlines discourage us from checking bags with us, it takes a real mental effort to consider travel preparation from long ago. When crossing the country or the ocean took days or weeks by train or by boat, you really had to take packing seriously … Continue reading Serious Luggage for Serious Travelers
Sears, 1931
When Camera Meant Kodak
Once upon a time, and for a very long period of time, you could use the word “Kodak” as either a noun or a verb and folks knew exactly what you meant. That’s how ubiquitous the brand was in the days of analog, film-based photography… Continue reading When Camera Meant Kodak
Allied Radio, 1937
Furniture that Plays Music
Today, the trend is to hide our complex media electronics away. Build the TV set into the wall. Hide the electronics in a closet. In 1937, though, people were proud of their investment in technology, and didn’t hide it…. Continue reading Furniture that Plays Music
Oldsmobile, 1936
Streamline Moderne, in home and car
Oldsmobile Eight sales catalog, 1936 Auto catalogs have always been sensuous sales tools, managing to make even the smallest utilitarian cars look luxurious. These days it’s done with extreme photography and computer-enhanced imagery. In 1936 it was done through the most elegant of Art-Deco artwork. Just look at that illustration, and never mind the car … Continue reading Streamline Moderne, in home and car
Sears, 1934
Depression? What Depression?
1934 might be the middle of America’s Great Depression, but pages of this Sears catalog were doing their best to cheer up the reader. The exuberant riot of colors and patterns on this page would lift anybody’s spirits…. Continue reading Depression? What Depression?
Sears Christmas Catalog, 1937
Christmas Toys for Girls, and Boys
Just look at this early Sears Christmas Wish Book from 1937, and note how clear is the dividing line between the sexes. Children were given unmistakeable guidance about their roles in life… Continue reading Christmas Toys for Girls, and Boys