Category Archives: American Way
The Model Bride and Illustrator Jon Whitcomb
Like most mid-century girls, Bitsy Bendix longed to be a bride, convinced that the basic occupation of virtually every girl was choosing a man to marry. But for bachelorette Bitsy the next best thing happened. In the summer of 1950
The Model Bride and Illustrator Jon Whitcomb
Like most mid-century girls, Bitsy Bendix longed to be a bride, convinced that the basic occupation of virtually every girl was choosing a man to marry. But for bachelorette Bitsy the next best thing happened. In the summer of 1950
Victory Gardens in WWII
In urban areas across the country vacant lots are filled with sights of neighbors pulling weeds, planting seeds and tending heirloom tomatoes. Overnight city rooftops have sprouted lush gardens. “Tarbeachs” once reserved for city sunning, now produces organic vegetables
Victory Gardens in WWII
In urban areas across the country vacant lots are filled with sights of neighbors pulling weeds, planting seeds and tending heirloom tomatoes. Overnight city rooftops have sprouted lush gardens. “Tarbeachs” once reserved for city sunning, now produces organic vegetables
A Girl and Her Girdle Pt II
I figured out very early on that every female had a figure flaw. But luckily when it came to figure problems a slew of manufacturers had it all figured out. A good girdle was a must have for every mid-century
A Girl and Her Girdle Pt II
I figured out very early on that every female had a figure flaw. But luckily when it came to figure problems a slew of manufacturers had it all figured out. A good girdle was a must have for every mid-century
A Girl and Her Girdle
Long before spanx became a wardrobe staple, a good girdle was a must have for every mid-century gal. The cold war containment policy was strictly enforced by the wives of Cold War Warriors, that is, at least when it came
A Girl and Her Girdle
Long before spanx became a wardrobe staple, a good girdle was a must have for every mid-century gal. The cold war containment policy was strictly enforced by the wives of Cold War Warriors, that is, at least when it came
The Most Sexist Ad Ever
When it comes to misogyny in advertising, 1947’s Pitney Bowes Postage Meter ad easily ranks in the top ten. And that’s saying a lot in a culture that was prolific in sexist advertising. In the ad we learn Pete Jones,
The Most Sexist Ad Ever
When it comes to misogyny in advertising, 1947’s Pitney Bowes Postage Meter ad easily ranks in the top ten. And that’s saying a lot in a culture that was prolific in sexist advertising. In the ad we learn Pete Jones,
GI Joe To Joe College
Once upon a time colleges and home ownership were a privilege reserved for the rich. As the cost of 4 years of college education escalates between $100,00 and $200,000 we may end up replicating those pre- WWII times. It was
GI Joe To Joe College
Once upon a time colleges and home ownership were a privilege reserved for the rich. As the cost of 4 years of college education escalates between $100,00 and $200,000 we may end up replicating those pre- WWII times. It was
Selling the Nuclear Family
Has the selling of the 1950’s nuclear family finally reached it’s expiration date? In a consumer culture of unlimited choices, Madison Avenue has long sold only one brand of the American family…and it is now a bit shopworn. Never was
Selling the Nuclear Family
Has the selling of the 1950’s nuclear family finally reached it’s expiration date? In a consumer culture of unlimited choices, Madison Avenue has long sold only one brand of the American family…and it is now a bit shopworn. Never was
Nuclear Family Meltdown
The nuclear family was once as American as the nuclear bomb. But by the end of the 1960’s the nuclear family detonated along with our notion of marriage and motherhood. Parenting and partnering were not a priority for the newly
Nuclear Family Meltdown
The nuclear family was once as American as the nuclear bomb. But by the end of the 1960’s the nuclear family detonated along with our notion of marriage and motherhood. Parenting and partnering were not a priority for the newly
Mothers Day For Peace
Mothers Day once had more to do with guns than roses. After the carnage of the Civil War, Mothers Day was started as a protest by women who had lost their sons Calling for a day for women to promote
Mothers Day For Peace
Mothers Day once had more to do with guns than roses. After the carnage of the Civil War, Mothers Day was started as a protest by women who had lost their sons Calling for a day for women to promote
Man and Machines
Are machines after your job? A struggling middle class grappling with unemployment, frets over headlines warning “How Technology is Destroying Jobs!” Sounds familiar, but the warning is from 1933. Looking to place the blame of the economic woes of the
Man and Machines
Are machines after your job? A struggling middle class grappling with unemployment, frets over headlines warning “How Technology is Destroying Jobs!” Sounds familiar, but the warning is from 1933. Looking to place the blame of the economic woes of the
Envisioning The American Dream 