Even though Im fairly ancient, Ive never seen a Model T outside of a classic auto show. So I realize that there are many things that have been obsolete since the elastic waistband was invented and would confound anyone under age 70. But what about some common items that have come and gone within the last 30 or so years? See how many of these you recognize, and how many of them would puzzle your kids or grandkids. ( LINK)
Those good ol fashioned metal roller skates that strapped onto your shoes were useless if you didnt have a skate key on hand to adjust them. The hexagonal loop on top was used to turn the bolt that adjusted the length of the skate and the tubular end fit on the pin that tightened the toe grips. The long narrow hole in the middle? Why, that was for stringing a shoelace through so you could wear the key around your neck while skating.
I think that how many of those I remember is an interesting testament to the rate in which things change or update in different regions. I'm 37, for all intents and purposes, not that old (though I feel that way when I get up in the morning) . The only thing on that list that I don't have a clear memory of seeing or using is the green stamps. I remember when, in my hometown, Wal Mart was smaller than your average 7 - 11. My first pair of skates was quite similar to the ones in the pic, and I used to get the "look" and the finger point when I would steal my sister's typewriter eraser.
Before I could afford a calculator ( which could only do basic math anyway) I bought one of these. It had a suede pouch that I could hang on my belt. I was a cool nerd in high school.
Okay, who remembers the glass quart milk bottle that had a bulbous top, and the bent spoon you stuck down to the neck of the bulb in order to pour off the cream that rose to the top of the bottle. Obviously this wasn't for homogenized milk.
Viewmasters, for looking at 3-D scenes.
I bet a lot of kids wouldn't know what a Sony Beta Videotape was for.
I do also as I smoke a pipe, and they were great for getting the smoke out, but not getting soaked if it was raining! Actually, cars today could use them!
Even though Im fairly ancient, Ive never seen a Model T outside of a classic auto show. So I realize that there are many things that have been obsolete since the elastic waistband was invented and would confound anyone under age 70. But what about some common items that have come and gone within the last 30 or so years? See how many of these you recognize, and how many of them would puzzle your kids or grandkids. ( LINK)
I think that how many of those I remember is an interesting testament to the rate in which things change or update in different regions. I'm 37, for all intents and purposes, not that old (though I feel that way when I get up in the morning)
. The only thing on that list that I don't have a clear memory of seeing or using is the green stamps. I remember when, in my hometown, Wal Mart was smaller than your average 7 - 11. My first pair of skates was quite similar to the ones in the pic, and I used to get the "look" and the finger point when I would steal my sister's typewriter eraser.
Interesting.
Remember this song ?
The only item I haven't seen or had was the milk chute. I remember the song too Rich. That was the first thing I though of when I saw the key.
A grease gun would be a good thing to add to the list. I don't know how much grease I wasted, but my granddad always let me go grease up the tractors.
I remember as a kid I would pull the tab and stick it right back into the pop! Yuck!
I had forgotten about doing that. My brother and I did the same thing.
Yup I remember that too; jeesh and we even survived to talk about it!
I had my kids take this as a test. They didn't get the 45 adapter, the key to the skates, the photo booth, and the typewriter eraser.
But they can dial a phone!
Hey, they are girls... when it comes to the phone... they would figure that out anyway.
How many people remember party lines? Pick up the phone and listen to the gossip.
I remember that. I also remember thinking (I was a kid, mind you) how much fun the "party" line must be.
A kid's imagination, ya know.....
Some guy sold weed out of the one in my town.
Drive up photo and herb business.
You sure that thingy isnt a triple bottle opener?
Does that thingy track the current stock market trends?
Before I could afford a calculator ( which could only do basic math anyway) I bought one of these. It had a suede pouch that I could hang on my belt. I was a cool nerd in high school.
I had 2 of them . The 1st one I bought myself . The second one I inherited from my college roomate when he flunked out of engineering school ...
So pretty. Remember putting "Stop Leak" in your bicycle tires? Ahh nostalgia, makes me feel young and old all at the same time.
Okay, who remembers the glass quart milk bottle that had a bulbous top, and the bent spoon you stuck down to the neck of the bulb in order to pour off the cream that rose to the top of the bottle. Obviously this wasn't for homogenized milk.
Viewmasters, for looking at 3-D scenes.
I bet a lot of kids wouldn't know what a Sony Beta Videotape was for.
Looks like I'm probably too late on this topic.
I remember them, felt like you were on a tour or something.
Got one in my attic, just in case they make a come-back LOL!
Got one in my attic, just in case they make a come-back LOL!
About as likely to return as a wringer-washer.
Actually, the poor thing might function better as a wringer-washer at this point!
:~)
Also true of the kids' ice skates, lo those many years ago!
I do also as I smoke a pipe, and they were great for getting the smoke out, but not getting soaked if it was raining! Actually, cars today could use them!
Yeah, now everything is completely contained and lubed for "life." Hell, I still own a '63 CJ3B and it must have forty lube points!
LOL, they were so damned sensible!
When I first moved to Virginia I was on a party line. Three other families. Really cut down on racy talk!
Still one of the most remarkable tools ever made, IMO.