The Burroughs Adding Machine — 1929
A beautiful machine, a beautiful ad. “Easy to carry — speedy to operate.” See the full ad in the post.
Art/Illustration
“The Prairie Pirates”: Electric Steampunk in Texas — 1904
It’s lassoes vs. electric dynamite guns in this thrilling story of a crazy armored vehicle and a battle with masked desperadoes in Texas!
Cauldrons Full of Molten Metal: Hell’s Fate for “Covetous Men and Women”
Many of the illustrations from the 16th-century “Shepheards Kalender” show the torments of Hell which await practitioners of the Seven Deadly Sins. Here, let’s take a look at covetousness.
The Mosquito Bar
Mosquito bars were serious business in the days before wire screens covered windows and doors. If you expected to get an insect-bite-free night’s sleep without having to rub yourself with kerosene, a mosquito bar was essential. See a variety of them as depicted in fine art, popular art, and photography.
“Cleveland” — Woodcut by Doris Seidler, ca. 1962
Fantastic mid-century woodcut depicting Cleveland, by artist and printmaker Doris Seidler. More inside.
“Nation’s Business” Covers — 1929
Nine arresting covers from the long-running Nation’s Business magazine, illustrating the dynamism of industrial growth which was about to be challenged by the fast-approaching Great Depression.
Melon-choly — 1907
Poor sad watermelon! This was one of a set of 12 Valentine’s Day cards featuring anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables (yes, it’s a Valentine’s card!). More at the link.
