Leisure in the Suburbs

The future suburbanite as envisioned by mid-century ad men would have a life of unparalleled ease. The future of the past was populated with robotic like contractions that would take care of all the hard work.

In the not too distant future, we learn from this 1958 ad from Americas Independent Electric Light and Power Companies , electricity may one day do all your yard work, leaving plenty of free time to go bowling with the boys or just loaf off with a cool brewsky.

One day, by simply speaking into a microphone you may be able to command an electric “gardener” to mow the grass, cultivate the flower beds, trim the hedge, and do other yard work. And all the while you’ll be relaxing in the shade, sipping a cooling drink.

“Your present electric appliances are just the beginning of real electric living,” the ad enthralls the reader. “One day you may have an electric “gardener” like the one pictured above. Your home will be kept dust few and clean automatically. And electricity will launder your clothes automatically.”

Back To The Future (envisioningtheamericandream.wordpress.com)
Back To The Future Pt II Retro Tech (envisioningtheamericandream.wordpress.com)

Tags: Business, Electricity, Future, nostalgia, suburbia, suburbs, technology, vintage ads

Have You Visited My Online Shop?

Bring my art into your home and your lifestyle. Order a museum-quality archival print framed or unframed, or apply one to a ceramic mug, perfect to enjoy your morning cup of Joe with. Wear this one-of-a-kind art on a comfy

/ art, Consumers

Have You Visited My Online Shop?

Featured / 2 comments

How the American Dream Grew

If the seed of the American Dream was planted during the dark days of the Depression, germinated at the New York Worlds Fair of 1939, it was nurtured and cultivated during the sacrifices and deprivations of WWII. By wars end

/ American Way, Consumers, Middle Class

How the American Dream Grew

Featured / 15 comments

Inherited Dreams

Though it would be my parents generation, those who lived through the Great Depression and later rolled up their collective sleeves, pitched in and sacrificed for the greater good in their fight against tyranny-who would be knighted by Tom Brokaw

/ Middle Class

Inherited Dreams

Featured / 9 comments

Introduction

For over half a century, Americans soaring confidence had always promised a sugar-frosted future filled with frost free fun and abundance and economic prosperity. But that Buoyant bubble of optimism has since gone bust. Along with our jobs, retirement funds

/ Consumers, Middle Class

Introduction

Featured / 27 comments

Suburbia For Sale

American Dream Foreclosed Whether a split level or a McMansion, the American Home has been the very embodiment of the American Dream. Once the mark of achievement, the suburban home was a solid investment, the guarantee of a secure future.

/ Home Owners, Middle Class, Suburbia

Suburbia For Sale

Featured / 10 comments

6 comments

Pingback: Back To The Future Pt II Retro Tech « Envisioning The American Dream
Pingback: Siri-The Voice With a Smile? | Envisioning The American Dream
Pingback: Predictions for 1975 | Envisioning The American Dream
Pingback: Retro Tech- Men Who Plan Beyond Tomorrow | Envisioning The American Dream
Pingback: Back to the Future 1975 | Envisioning The American Dream
Pingback: Yesterday’s Tomorrows Today | Envisioning The American Dream

A visual remix of the American Dream as pictured in Mid Century Media

Follow Blog via Email

Back to The Future Pt.III Retro Tech for the Suburbs

6 comments