Posts Tagged: history

Rosie The Riveter’s Swimsuit Romance

It was a sweltering summer in 1943 and along with most war-weary Americans, Rosie the Riveter needed a day off. In the heat and stickiness of summer everybody was tired, dog tired, completely fed up with neckties, girdles, time clocks,

Rosie The Riveter’s Swimsuit Romance

It was a sweltering summer in 1943 and along with most war-weary Americans, Rosie the Riveter needed a day off. In the heat and stickiness of summer everybody was tired, dog tired, completely fed up with neckties, girdles, time clocks,

1950s face kids smiling

Good Humor Ruled the Suburbs

Growing up in mid-century Long Island, no  sound was more welcome than the suburban siren call of summer- the seductive jingling  bells of the Good Humor truck. Normally at the first ring of that irresistible ding- a- ling- ling, slippery

1950s face kids smiling

Good Humor Ruled the Suburbs

Growing up in mid-century Long Island, no  sound was more welcome than the suburban siren call of summer- the seductive jingling  bells of the Good Humor truck. Normally at the first ring of that irresistible ding- a- ling- ling, slippery

Locked in The American Dream Closet

In the 1930’s. my bachelor  Uncle Harry was a social realist painter who learned the bitter social realities that surrounded a gay man in early 20th century America. Trained under artist John Sloan, the well known Social Realist  at N.Y.C’s

Locked in The American Dream Closet

In the 1930’s. my bachelor  Uncle Harry was a social realist painter who learned the bitter social realities that surrounded a gay man in early 20th century America. Trained under artist John Sloan, the well known Social Realist  at N.Y.C’s

vintage illustration wedding

The Gay Bachelor And The Bride

Next to the waiter passing the champagne, my confirmed bachelor Great Uncle Harry was the most sought after man at a mid-century wedding. Vivacious and gay with wavy hair the color of honey, lush black eyelashes shading come hither eyes,

vintage illustration wedding

The Gay Bachelor And The Bride

Next to the waiter passing the champagne, my confirmed bachelor Great Uncle Harry was the most sought after man at a mid-century wedding. Vivacious and gay with wavy hair the color of honey, lush black eyelashes shading come hither eyes,

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

Matriculating Into Mid Century Matrimony

June is the month-long associated with graduates and brides and it wasn’t that long ago that they were often one and the same thing. Most young women in the 1950’s and early 1960’s were convinced that the basic occupation of

Matriculating Into Mid Century Matrimony

June is the month-long associated with graduates and brides and it wasn’t that long ago that they were often one and the same thing. Most young women in the 1950’s and early 1960’s were convinced that the basic occupation of

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

art work vintage advertising collage Cold War

Defrosting The Cold War

The Cold War was a bone-chilling time. While Americas can-do confidence offered us a sugar frosted promises of a future filled with frost-free fun and abundance, that giddy optimism co-existed with the very real fear of nuclear annihilation. In the

art work vintage advertising collage Cold War

Defrosting The Cold War

The Cold War was a bone-chilling time. While Americas can-do confidence offered us a sugar frosted promises of a future filled with frost-free fun and abundance, that giddy optimism co-existed with the very real fear of nuclear annihilation. In the