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The Catalog Blog

Cool things from 20th-century American Catalogs

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Category: Tools of the Trades

“Now I’m the Life of the Party”
Posted on February 14, 2021

Douglas Magicland, 1943
“Now I’m the Life of the Party”

As if by magic, a young fellow suddenly finds fame and admiration, thanks to a few card tricks made possible by a deck of cards. Life changing? According to the copywriter, yes! Continue reading “Now I’m the Life of the Party”

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign
Posted on January 19, 2021January 19, 2021

Standard Equipment Company, 1958
Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Lyrics from an old rock song….and it also fits this 2-page spread from the middle of the 1958 Standard Equipment catalog. Continue reading Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Of Mikes and Men
Posted on June 16, 2020June 16, 2020

Shure Brothers, 1940
Of Mikes and Men

That sure ain’t Elvis, but it IS the microphone colloquially known as the Elvis Mike – the Shure 55S. Continue reading Of Mikes and Men

Berry’s berries, melons, clover, and…
Posted on June 9, 2020

Berry Seed Company, 1930
Berry’s berries, melons, clover, and…

Berry Seed Company, 1930 Seed catalogs have been a staple of American catalogs since as long as catalogs have been around. This depression-era example is aimed squarely at the working farmer. While there are a few pages of roses and flowers, this catalog is really focussed on cash crops. With a name like “Berry Seed”, … Continue reading Berry’s berries, melons, clover, and…

Really into Leather
Posted on June 2, 2020June 1, 2020

Tandy Leather Company, 1961
Really into Leather

Mention the name “Tandy” and people think of RadioShack. But the Tandy family was also really into leather… Continue reading Really into Leather

The Simple Joys of Life on the Farm
Posted on May 5, 2020May 5, 2020

Montgomery Ward, 1961
The Simple Joys of Life on the Farm

Coronavirus is making many of us reflect on the possibilities inherent in the simpler, self-sufficient romantic life of the farmer. Let’s check that out, shall we? Continue reading The Simple Joys of Life on the Farm

Mid-Century on a Platter
Posted on April 1, 2020

Wm. C. Mithoefer, 1959
Mid-Century on a Platter

I see these melamine plates and fantasize about throwing the kind of cocktail parties my parents once did, all early-60s Pink Hyacinth and Tropicana Turquoise. Continue reading Mid-Century on a Platter

Virus got you? Sears ships you the cure.
Posted on March 23, 2020March 23, 2020

Sears Roebuck, 1903
Virus got you? Sears ships you the cure.

Starting to develop a worrisome cough? What you need, Sir or Madame, is Dr. Hammond’s Tar Expectorant. It cures influenza and dozens of other ailments with equal efficacy… Continue reading Virus got you? Sears ships you the cure.

Professional Pride
Posted on March 17, 2020March 17, 2020

S. D. Myres Saddle Company, 1972
Professional Pride

There are times to show off; times to take pride in your work and your tools. Even for cowboys and peace officers. Continue reading Professional Pride

A World of Tubs
Posted on January 21, 2020

Hardin-Lavin, 1923
A World of Tubs

Coming up with names for products is always a challenge. Just ask car makers. So how about bathtubs? Continue reading A World of Tubs

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We're celebrating all the abundance and excitement found in vintage 20th century American catalogs: the exotic, the fashionable, the surprising, the latest, the coolest, the cheapest, the oddest, the choices.

Not just Sears and Montgomery Wards, You could buy anything from a catalog in the 20th century: from a box of raisins to a house, from a computer to a car, from a billy club to an inflatable brassiere. The old-time printed catalogues which arrived in the mailbox showed the 20th-century American Consumer just how to consume.

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