Uncle Sam Wants YOU on a National Bicycle — 1896
In celebration of American Independence Day, I give you Uncle Sam shilling for the National Cycle Manufacturing Co.
Orson Welles: “How Did He Get That Way?” — 1940
A supine genius who had accomplished more by age 24 than… almost everyone.
Stand Pipes — Vol. 1
Check out the forgotten world of stand pipes — tall, cylindrical water towers often the pride and joy of cities and towns.
The Astrograph: Space-Age Writing Instrument
It’s a cool and quirky Swiss-designed pen. And it comes with its own launch pad and robot. (…And if you have to ask the price, you absolutely can’t afford it.)
Portable Darkroom Hood — 1924
What looks like a ghostly apparition was, in fact, a handy-dandy rubberized portable darkroom with which one could drape oneself whilst processing photographic plates. Read more….
Happy Valentine’s Day from Stan Lee — 1958
This is not the Stan Lee you’re used to seeing — see the Valentine’s Day installment of the rather obscure, short-lived comic strip at the link.
Charles Deaton’s “Ultra-Modern” Bank Design for Casper, Wyoming — 1964
Self-taught architect Charles Deaton said this about his futuristc-looking bank in, of all places, Casper, Wyoming: “It’s got everything it needs, no more or no less. It’s a complete composition. It has not been modified or changed in the construction or by the bank. It could not have been done if I did not have in the bank a client that wanted a creative effort. […] I have no apologies … no excuses. I like it.” Click to see more photos of this cool building (which, hallelujah, is still standing).
How a Telephone Switchboard Works — 1911
Interested in a step-by-step illustrated tutorial on how a telephone call was completed in 1911, when operators were needed to place all calls? Look no further! Click to read more…
Wyatt Metal & Boiler Works — 1939
This industrial metal structure — possibly in use at a Texas oil refinery? — looks pleasingly futuristic. The winding exterior staircase is a nice touch.
Merry Christmas from Thelma Todd and Her Giant Sombrero
Hollywood stars have always had to do silly things for the sake of publicity….
