Category Archives: Consumers

vintage photo 1930s nightclub

Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer for Hipsters and Hi Society

Who would have guessed Pabst Blue Ribbon that iconic working class beer ironically embraced by hipsters has a pedigree more blue blood than blue-collar. 75 years ago Pabst positioned itself to appeal to the “gay, smart modern set” hoping members

vintage photo 1930s nightclub

Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer for Hipsters and Hi Society

Who would have guessed Pabst Blue Ribbon that iconic working class beer ironically embraced by hipsters has a pedigree more blue blood than blue-collar. 75 years ago Pabst positioned itself to appeal to the “gay, smart modern set” hoping members

Housewife vacuuming Electrolux 1950s

What Women Want

Happy days are here again… sexism is not in jeopardy! Once upon a time when patriarchy ruled, the American housewife was perceived as the most envied gal in the world and a new vacuum cleaner was enough to send her

Housewife vacuuming Electrolux 1950s

What Women Want

Happy days are here again… sexism is not in jeopardy! Once upon a time when patriarchy ruled, the American housewife was perceived as the most envied gal in the world and a new vacuum cleaner was enough to send her

Indian Graphic Milton Glaser 1967

Redskins in Heap Big Trouble

Many are on the warpath over the use of the offensive name Redskins. The debate over the Washington football team Redskins name made national television this past week. Not only did South Park dedicate its season premier to skewering the

Indian Graphic Milton Glaser 1967

Redskins in Heap Big Trouble

Many are on the warpath over the use of the offensive name Redskins. The debate over the Washington football team Redskins name made national television this past week. Not only did South Park dedicate its season premier to skewering the

1960s housewife laundry

Plugged into the American Dream

  In 1956 happy homemaker Helen Watson didn’t give a hoot about leaving carbon footprints; in fact if one were pointed out to her she’d most likely plug-in her powerful Electrolux vacuum and sweep it all away. Was she concerned

1960s housewife laundry

Plugged into the American Dream

  In 1956 happy homemaker Helen Watson didn’t give a hoot about leaving carbon footprints; in fact if one were pointed out to her she’d most likely plug-in her powerful Electrolux vacuum and sweep it all away. Was she concerned

Vintage Packard Car Ad 1937

Envy and the American Dream

Screen Envy Happy days are here again… the new iPhone is out! An uncharacteristic hush descended on my local Starbucks today as a wave of envy swept through the coffee-house. As if in unison, covetous coffee drinkers looked up from

Vintage Packard Car Ad 1937

Envy and the American Dream

Screen Envy Happy days are here again… the new iPhone is out! An uncharacteristic hush descended on my local Starbucks today as a wave of envy swept through the coffee-house. As if in unison, covetous coffee drinkers looked up from

Kent State sweatshirt Urban Outfitters 2014

Urban Outfitters Makes a Bloody Mistake

File this under bad taste. If one is to believe Urban Outfitters, famous for their controversial items, nothing says vintage-fun like a blood spattered Kent State sweatshirt; a nostalgic reminder of those crazy collegiate antics of the 1970s. The hip

Kent State sweatshirt Urban Outfitters 2014

Urban Outfitters Makes a Bloody Mistake

File this under bad taste. If one is to believe Urban Outfitters, famous for their controversial items, nothing says vintage-fun like a blood spattered Kent State sweatshirt; a nostalgic reminder of those crazy collegiate antics of the 1970s. The hip

Remembering The World Trade Center

News of the 9/11 tragedy found its way to me through the antiquated airwaves of a vintage Bakelite radio. Only days before, I had moved from the New York I loved to one of its  leafy suburbs. Without cable or

Remembering The World Trade Center

News of the 9/11 tragedy found its way to me through the antiquated airwaves of a vintage Bakelite radio. Only days before, I had moved from the New York I loved to one of its  leafy suburbs. Without cable or

Joan Rivers Album Cover The Next to Last Joan Rivers Album

Joan Rivers- A Cut-Up on Vinyl

  The first week of school at Syracuse University was overwhelming. Nerves and insecurities were kicking into high gear as we unpacked our familiar belongings in this new unfamiliar place. As Pioneer stereos systems were being set up in dorm

Joan Rivers Album Cover The Next to Last Joan Rivers Album

Joan Rivers- A Cut-Up on Vinyl

  The first week of school at Syracuse University was overwhelming. Nerves and insecurities were kicking into high gear as we unpacked our familiar belongings in this new unfamiliar place. As Pioneer stereos systems were being set up in dorm

Playbill Joan Rivers "Fun City" 1972

Farewell to NY’s Joan Rivers

Today we bid farewell to a quintessential  New York dame – Joan Rivers. I first saw Joan Rivers live in 1972 in Fun City a Broadway show about NY.  Bringing her sharp brand of humor to the Great White Way, 

Playbill Joan Rivers "Fun City" 1972

Farewell to NY’s Joan Rivers

Today we bid farewell to a quintessential  New York dame – Joan Rivers. I first saw Joan Rivers live in 1972 in Fun City a Broadway show about NY.  Bringing her sharp brand of humor to the Great White Way, 

vintage illustration children at shoe store

Back to School Shoes

It was the day before Labor Day 1957 and the countdown had begun for the end of summer and the new school term. From Long Island to Little Rock, crisp black and white marbled composition notebooks were hastily purchased, and

vintage illustration children at shoe store

Back to School Shoes

It was the day before Labor Day 1957 and the countdown had begun for the end of summer and the new school term. From Long Island to Little Rock, crisp black and white marbled composition notebooks were hastily purchased, and