Dreamland: “Coney Island Holocaust” — 1911
A photo showing the post-apocalyptic scene following a fire at a hugely popular amusement park was used to advertise rubber fire hoses. (Click to see the full ad.)
Advertising
The Terror — 1928
“The Terror” was the first horror movie released with sound. It got really, really bad reviews when it was released in 1928. We’ll have to trust the reviewers, because the movie is now a “lost film,” with only still images from the film surviving.
Power Carpet/Unisphere — 1964
You’re a high-power executive who has a scale-model of the Unisphere in your office — what’s your carpet look like?
Benny Goodman — 1946
Benny Goodman, the King of Swing. This caricature of Benny and his “licorice stick” is wonderful (see the full artwork at the link).
Halloween Costumes from the Sears Catalog — 1957
So many choices for mail-order costumes for kids in 1957! From Lassie to Rickey Rivet the Robot.
Ethyl Gasoline — 1936
Know the difference between Ethyl and “regular” gasoline? I don’t either. Got 47 seconds? ‘Cause that’s how long it will take to learn everything you need to know about the topic. Not only that, but just look at this wonderful 1936 advertising art that just oozes nostalgic Americana.
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.
Comfort Furniture Company: Vibrating, Artistic, and Indestructible — 1905
Vibrating furniture was a thing in 1905. This Detroit company doesn’t seem to have lasted very long, but its trimmed-in-fringe product was a featured exhibit at the 1905 Lewis & Clark Centennial. Read more….
Comical Tongue and Teeth
Sometimes after a difficult week, one just needs to kick back with a dangling fake tongue and look “exceedingly funny.” This has been just such a week.
High Shrink 