Category Archives: Consumers

All American Barbecue

The Smell of Democracy in the Air Every July 4th our split level development would be shrouded by the smoke of burning charcoal, the sizzling smell of democracy was in the air. Besides a parade, nothing was more quintessentially American

All American Barbecue

The Smell of Democracy in the Air Every July 4th our split level development would be shrouded by the smoke of burning charcoal, the sizzling smell of democracy was in the air. Besides a parade, nothing was more quintessentially American

Shaking The Suburban DDT’s

Pest control companies are making out like bandits. Their phones are ringing off the hook as desperate homeowners are looking for some relief from the invasion of insects that have descended upon springtime suburbia. Thanks to global warming, a dry

Shaking The Suburban DDT’s

Pest control companies are making out like bandits. Their phones are ringing off the hook as desperate homeowners are looking for some relief from the invasion of insects that have descended upon springtime suburbia. Thanks to global warming, a dry

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

man smoking cigarettes gardening

Post War Pesticides on Parade

Breathe Easier Mid Century America was the golden age of pesticides and it was love at first sight. Any thoughts about Earth Day and the environment lay far in the future. Thousands of new chemicals were put to use in

man smoking cigarettes gardening

Post War Pesticides on Parade

Breathe Easier Mid Century America was the golden age of pesticides and it was love at first sight. Any thoughts about Earth Day and the environment lay far in the future. Thousands of new chemicals were put to use in

Do You Dream in Kodacolor?

The red white and blue American Dream sparkled in Kodacolor. Kodak and the American Dream were made for one another. The wholesome images of  all-American family fun portrayed in their long running advertisements would saturate our Kodacolor dreams for decades

Do You Dream in Kodacolor?

The red white and blue American Dream sparkled in Kodacolor. Kodak and the American Dream were made for one another. The wholesome images of  all-American family fun portrayed in their long running advertisements would saturate our Kodacolor dreams for decades

Queen For a Day

In this great land of Democracy, Americans sure love Royalty. Becoming a princess is still part of every little girls American Dream. Not that we have ever doubted for a second cutting ties with the monarchy in  1776. As long

Queen For a Day

In this great land of Democracy, Americans sure love Royalty. Becoming a princess is still part of every little girls American Dream. Not that we have ever doubted for a second cutting ties with the monarchy in  1776. As long

Suburban 1950s man mowing lawn

The Great American Mow Down

 The Silent Spring mornings of the suburbs were often broken by the sound not of birds chirping but of a symphony of puttering gas lawn mowers synchronized all over the neighborhood. The power of purring motors, oscillating sprinklers, tires screeching,

Suburban 1950s man mowing lawn

The Great American Mow Down

 The Silent Spring mornings of the suburbs were often broken by the sound not of birds chirping but of a symphony of puttering gas lawn mowers synchronized all over the neighborhood. The power of purring motors, oscillating sprinklers, tires screeching,

1940s couple on a picnic

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

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1940s couple on a picnic

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

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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

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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

Featured / 27 comments
illustration 1950s couple dreaming of material goods

Consuming Passions

This homage to the American Dream appeared on a Saturday Evening Post Cover exactly 14 years to the day from that August day when Americans from coast to coast were celebrating the surrender of Japan. Until late in the night

illustration 1950s couple dreaming of material goods

Consuming Passions

This homage to the American Dream appeared on a Saturday Evening Post Cover exactly 14 years to the day from that August day when Americans from coast to coast were celebrating the surrender of Japan. Until late in the night