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Category: 1960s

When giant cars ruled the earth
Posted on July 2, 2019July 2, 2019

Buick, 1966
When giant cars ruled the earth

Buick Automobiles for 1966 We’re talking back in the days when men were men, cars were cars, and women were models. In 1966, size was important. The catalog was oversized (10″ x 13″) because the cars were oversized, and how else would you convey the impact? Look at the dashboard on the Buick Riviera. I … Continue reading When giant cars ruled the earth

Three Chairs
Posted on March 25, 2019March 26, 2019

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

A Gaggle of Groovy Guitars
Posted on February 18, 2019February 17, 2019

Bennett Brothers, 1969
A Gaggle of Groovy Guitars

We’ve got groovy guitars…and dynamic drums…for your rock and roll combo. Continue reading A Gaggle of Groovy Guitars

Stuff
Posted on January 21, 2019

Niresk Industries, 1960
Stuff

Looking at this Niresk catalog, I’m reminded of the late comic George Carlin’s genius observations on “stuff.” Most of the stuff in this 1960 Niresk catalog is, just…well…cheap stuff. And this stuff has stuff stuffed into it, no less. Continue reading Stuff

Christmas 1961: One for the Boys
Posted on December 13, 2018

White's, 1961
Christmas 1961: One for the Boys

Unlike girls, boys did have lots of career options in 1961. But they did face death. Continue reading Christmas 1961: One for the Boys

Girls’ Gifts: Gender Definitions for 1961
Posted on December 10, 2018

White's, 1961
Girls’ Gifts: Gender Definitions for 1961

If there were any doubt about how strongly gender roles and expectations were once ingrained in American lives, this 1961 White’s Christmas catalog should remove all doubt. Continue reading Girls’ Gifts: Gender Definitions for 1961

“As Seen on TV!”
Posted on November 29, 2018November 29, 2018

National Bella Hess, 1961
“As Seen on TV!”

Sears had no lock on Christmas catalogs that children would covet. Here’s a couple of thin-paper pages from 1961 with toys that any mid-century video-besotted-kid would want. Continue reading “As Seen on TV!”

There she is, Mrs America
Posted on November 15, 2018November 14, 2018

Gold Bell Stamps, 1963
There she is, Mrs America

There’s no better way to sell to the average dreams of the everyday housewife than to show them an idealized version to aspire to. Continue reading There she is, Mrs America

Putt Putt Vroom Vroom
Posted on October 8, 2018October 7, 2018

Montgomery Ward, 1965
Putt Putt Vroom Vroom

What I don’t know about motorcycles could fill volumes. but I know what I like, and I like what I see here… Continue reading Putt Putt Vroom Vroom

“Breaker-Breaker One-Nine”
Posted on August 23, 2018August 22, 2018

Lafayette Radio Electronics, 1968
“Breaker-Breaker One-Nine”

One era’s common knowledge is another era’s “Hunh?” If you’re under 30, what could you tell me about the gadget pictured on the back cover of this catalog? Continue reading “Breaker-Breaker One-Nine”

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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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