In the mid-1970s, an unusual product burst onto the scene, capturing the attention of millions of people across the United States. The Pet Rock, a simple rock with googly eyes glued on and nestled in a cardboard box with a bed of straw, became an instant se…
Take a trip back in time to the 1950s and 1960s with a look at some of America's most iconic restaurants and diners. From the bold colors and streamlined shapes of their architecture to the neon signs that lit up the night sky, these establishments were…
The Edinburg Daily Courier newspaper clipping dated October 29, 1938, tells a fascinating story about a Greek monk who supposedly lived his entire life without ever seeing a woman. According to the article, the monk had spent his entire life on Mount Athos.…
These early color photographs provide a unique glimpse into the past. With their vivid hues and striking detail, they allow us to experience history in a way that black and white photographs cannot. The history of color photography dates back to the mid…
Helmets have been an important part of military history for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations around the world developing their own unique designs to protect their warriors in battle. From the earliest known examples in the Bronze Age to th…
While many people argue that home economics classes are outdated (and patriarchal), the whole point of them was to equip young people with the practical skills they needed to live life as independent adults. Historically, the purpose of these courses was to…
It is said that the washing machine did more to liberate women in the 20th century than the pill or the right to work or vote. Before the advent of the washing machine, laundry was often done in a communal setting. Villages across Europe that could afford i…
In August 1896 when three men found gold in a tributary of the Klondike River in Canada's Yukon Territory, they had no idea they would set off one of the greatest gold rushes in history. The idea of striking it rich led over 100,000 people from all walks of…
Freddie Mercury was a British singer and songwriter, who achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave…
These old photos show couples in love from the 19th century proving that love is timeless and eternal. Despite sometimes appearing stern or sitting apart, it's clear that they still adore each other as shown by their sweetly shy smiles, flirting, tender touche…
Conversation pits and sunken living rooms were very common from the 1950s until the 1980s, but they drew inspiration from much older design forms, including traditional gathering spaces from ancient China and medieval Spain. The pits initially gained popula…
These vintage photos capture everyday life in Amsterdam during the 1930s. Amsterdam was founded at the mouth of the Amstel River that was dammed to control flooding; the city's name derives from the Amstel dam. Originally a small fishing village in the late…
In 1972, a plane crashed into the Andes and the survivors resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. This is the story of the 16 survivors of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which was chartered to take an amateur rugby team from Montevideo to Santiago, Chile, and …
Charlie Chaplin is widely regarded as the greatest comic artist of the screen and one of the most important figures in motion-picture history. His career spanned more than 75 years, from childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death in 1977, …
In 1937, the International Exposition in Paris dedicated to Art and Technology in Modern Life brought together 44 countries in the city of light, allies, and enemies alike. The Exposition Internationale would be the final European enactment of the ritual of…
Sculptures are one of the oldest visual art forms in existence and one of the most publicly visible forms of artwork. It has been around for thousands of years, and it’s an art that can be created in a variety of materials, such as stone, wood, bronze, and…
The man of the late 19th century, no matter his social status, was sure to don a perfectly stylish and manicured mustache as a part of any proper gentlemen’s attire. During the Crimean War in the 1850s was when men started to really show off a variety of di…
Beyond the regular duties of stewardesses, airline companies used the sexual appeal of their sky girls to create captivating and often racy ad campaigns. "Fly me" was an advertising campaign launched by National Airlines in the 1970s. The campaign was cre…
When settlers headed to the Pacific Northwest, they were forced to improvise dwellings and start their lives from scratch. Finding the stumps of gigantic trees that had been felled by logging companies still rooted in the ground, they saw a great opportunit…
During the Victorian era, men’s outfits generally entailed a suit, which includes a coat, trousers, and waistcoat – all the garments were not usually of the same color or material. As outdoor wear, the Victorian period men would use a coat or cloak. S…