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
Spiegel, 1959
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
Spear and Company, 1903
“Makes every boy who owns one happy.”
The back cover of this ca. 1903 Spear & Company catalog is rather sweet, in both copy and illustrations. The tyke is happy, and so is the copywriter: “Nine people out of ten when they look at this picture will think of days when wagon coasting…. Continue reading “Makes every boy who owns one happy.”
E. B. Mills Seed House, 1935
Rite of Spring
It’s an annual transition: dull whites and grays of winter are replaced by an explosion of spring colors… Continue reading Rite of Spring
Southwest Technical Products, 1978
Build-it-yourself Computers
“Hmmmph – kids today! Why, when I was your age and we wanted a computer, we had to build it ourself. None of them fancy fruit stores to take your money. You ordered the computer from a catalog, then get out the ole’ soldering iron and put it together! Continue reading Build-it-yourself Computers