Category Archives: Consumers
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
Kitchen Garden All Year Round
Thanks to war-time research and American know how, growing up in suburban mid-century America I would be the happy recipient of a veritable bushel basket of sun-kissed, vitamin rich fruits and vegetables. No other country we were told “has the
Kitchen Garden All Year Round
Thanks to war-time research and American know how, growing up in suburban mid-century America I would be the happy recipient of a veritable bushel basket of sun-kissed, vitamin rich fruits and vegetables. No other country we were told “has the
A Retro Fathers Day Fit for a King
Once upon a time, but not too long ago, all Dads were king. Not only for a measly third Sunday in June, but to believe the mid-century American advertiser, the head of the household was the sovereign ruler of his
A Retro Fathers Day Fit for a King
Once upon a time, but not too long ago, all Dads were king. Not only for a measly third Sunday in June, but to believe the mid-century American advertiser, the head of the household was the sovereign ruler of his
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
Identity Art Exhibit
In a world dominated by pop culture, society and the media – how is identity defined? I am pleased to be a part of an important international exhibition of 25 works from 21 female artists entitled Identity and
Identity Art Exhibit
In a world dominated by pop culture, society and the media – how is identity defined? I am pleased to be a part of an important international exhibition of 25 works from 21 female artists entitled Identity and
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
Dubious Diets- The Bread Diet
Dubious diets are as American as…well…. all-you-can-eat apple pie. Relying on fad diets to shed a few pounds has been handed down from gullible generation to gullible generation willing to swallow anything promising a trim figure. In 1938 The
Dubious Diets- The Bread Diet
Dubious diets are as American as…well…. all-you-can-eat apple pie. Relying on fad diets to shed a few pounds has been handed down from gullible generation to gullible generation willing to swallow anything promising a trim figure. In 1938 The




