What’s the name of this nostalgic toy?
Mr. Potato Head is a classic many generations have enjoyed. Though he hasn't changed much since his invention in 1952, he has had some friends added in, thanks to Hasbro toys. Mrs. Potato Head comes to mind, right away! Believe it or not, the very first version was not totally synthetic. There was a box of pushpins marketed as accessories for real veggies. The eyes could be pushed into an actual potato! Quickly, rotting veggies made that stop. All plastic, it would be!
What’s the name of this item?
Kids love to bounce around, no matter what era they are in. The pogo stick was insanely popular in the 1970's, and it's never really gone away! Even adults can enjoy this activity nowadays, with big sizes for everyone. For those who can get ahold of one, the vintage toy has taken on a new life as cardio tool: Pogo-stick jumping burn around 600 calories an hour! There also a yearly world championship, called Pogopalooza. Who would have guessed?
Polaroid cameras are actually making a comeback now, as an alternative to digital pictures. It's trendy again, believe it or not! But the original device was not about being hip, back in 1948. It was a genuine innovation, in the photography world! Billions of instant snapshots later, it holds a special place in camera history. The first Polaroid camera was called the Model 95, promising to develop prints in about a minute. Its release was in a Boston department store, and it sold out in just minutes!
What’s the name of this nostalgic toy?
Troll dolls are one of the most recognizable toys from decades past. But unlike many models that have come and gone, these have not gone out of style! Today, they're still being made with updates. But the originals were really something special! Apparently, many people thought so. A copyright battle for decades was a big problem for the original designer, Danish creator Thomas Dam. Copycats all over the world stole his work, for years!
Which European pop group is this?
Possibly the most famous winners of the Eurovision contest ever, ABBA was a Swedish pop straight from Stockholm. 70's disco goers shimmied their feet to ''Dancing Queen'' and ''Money, Money, Money'' all night long. And for good reason! Infectious, catchy, and upbeat is a great way to please fans.
What is the name of this hairstyle?
Bouffant hairdo? Yes please! Though maybe only seen at proms these days, Jackie Kennedy made this hairdo the most popular one of her time. What was the history behind her style? It seems this American royalty took her style cures from 18th century Europe. Allegedly, it was created for Marie Antoinette, heself! The word bouffant also comes from French, and describes something puffed out. Finally, it all makes sense!
What’s the name of this nostalgic item?
TV dinners were introduced to America s in 1953, thanks to Swanson & Sons. This is when the nation started eating dinner in front of the television, and it seems they have not stopped since! What was the original hit recipe? Why, it seems that it was actually a tasty poultry meal. The tray had turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes, cornbread stuffing, and buttered peas. Sounds relatively balanced, with carbs, protein, and veggies! This convenient concept sold for 98 cents, and customers went wild!
Do you remember what this device is named?
The 1800's through the 1980's were all about manual and ink! Typewriters were invented long before the Baby Boomers, of course. But as tech improved, the devices got more complicated. Life decades ago was different, indeed! Today, many are sold as vintage decorations. And people are using them for novel purposes since they have laptops for real writing. Some clever designers have begun making them into flower pots, in a unique way: Fill them with dirt, plant seeds, and watch them sprout!
What’s the name of this item?
Oh yeah, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots for the win! Everyone remembers this no-batteries-required game from the Marx toy company in 1964. Or do they? A refresher is needed. Players enjoyed two towering figures, one blue and one red, inside a tiny boxing ring. With joysticks, opponents would punch away until a at least one head popped off. This was brutal plastic combat, much to the delight of children everywhere!
What’s this item called?
Bouncy and bright, the super ball was introduced to the world in 1964. The toy was made out of Zectron, and was so popular that White House staff got it as a gift. But wait, what was Zectron? Why, it was synthetic rubber invented by chemist Norman Stingley in 1964. All it took was synthetic polymer polybutadiene, stearic acid, hydrated silica, and some zinc oxide. Elastic and totally novel for kids, thanks to Norm!
What’s the name of this classic game?
The marketing behind Barrel of Monkeys started in 1965. An afternoon of fun was guaranteed, with these little critters! Kids everywhere played with the plastic primates for hours and hours. But what was the challenge, exactly? Milton Bradley Company and Hasbro make the barrels these days, and buyers can expect 12 monkeys. The timeless instructions are the same: "Dump monkeys onto table. Pick up one monkey by an arm. Hook another arm through a second monkey's arm." Yes, just like the old days!
What’s the name of this old-school item?
Released in 1939, the View-Master was a gadget that took a little longer to gain popularity. But gain, it did! The 50's and 60's were the decades when the View-Master hit an all-time high. Looking though the lens, kids could see wild scenes from their living rooms! Shockingly, Mattel announced a big change in 2015. Lovers of the regular model will have to go on eBay soon, for refills. A new collaboration with Google will mean virtual reality, for real! Bye bye, classic View-Master.
What’s the name of this item?
Love beads might seem like a fashion accessoryfrom years past. And they are, in a way. But what was the origin of these colorful beads worn by everyone, not just hippies? May say that the American trend evolved from the popular travels of the time. Hippies had a real fascination with non-Western places, like India, Africa, and South America. It seems they were inspired by these cultures, and the jewelry reflected it!
What would you call these items?
There's nothing like a classic lava lamp to set the mood. Back in the 60's these colorful bubble lights became a major fad. What was the real magic behind this psychedelic device? As it turns out, each lamp was filled with paraffin wax, mineral oil, and carbon tetrachloride. There was a patent in 1968, but that's long expired. A big revival of these stylish illuminators happened in the 1990's, along with bell bottoms from the same era. Will there be a third round? Only time will tell, baby!
What would you call these items?
In the 1970's, bike enthusiasts in California started to modify models for trick performance and off-road use. BMX became popular, and remains so today. But before extreme wheels, there were smoother times: The banana seat was once all the rage, boomers may recall! Smaller and lighter frames were necessary for an ultra enjoyable ride. On this model, the saddle was actually shaped like a banana, and it had higher handlebars for comfortable steering. Kids in the 1950's loved it!
Which iconic sitcom is this?
Bewitched was the charming story of a housewife with magical powers. Who couldn't relate? Americans loved the chemistry and quirk between Samantha the sorceress and Darrin, the straight-laced advertising executive. Cleverly crafted writing, this sitcom still plays in reruns for more than half a century after its debut!
What’s the name of this Baby Boomer favorite?
The coatdress pops in and out of fashion spreads, with major trends in the 1910's, 1960's, and 1980's. It was a staple for Princess Diana, and it can be seen now on the Royals. What was the original concept of the garment? Made in spring or fall fabrics, Vogue magazine once explained to its readers that this coat was the perfect cover for dresses. Ladies often wear pants today, and it is sometimes recommended for a professional look in the office. But it's undeniable that the original trend was huge!
Which family-friendly sitcom is this?
Which family is more famous than The Brady Bunch, on or off-screen? Even into the next millennium, these faces are a pop-culture staple. Audiences watched three boys and three girls combined for the ultimate blended family. And mom and dad managed it all, with class!
Can you name this item?
Yea, baby! Shag carpet, it is. Originally a trend in the 60's and 70's, it has never really gone away. This plush floor covering is still present in modern style, no doubt. The hippies popularized it. But where did it come from before that? Known to come from the ancient world, this special carpet has long been popular thr0uhgout the Middle East and Central Asia. Believe it or not, shag was used to decorate palaces!
What’s the name of this Baby Boomer item?
S&H Green Stamps might be a thing of the last, but they sure were fun! This line of trading stamps was popular for a very long time, from the 1930's until the 1980's. What exactly was the concept? Distributed through a rewards program by S&H, 1960's shoppers experienced an exciting new idea. The company issued Green Stamps when customers received them at checkout in supermarkets, clothing stores, and gas stations. Then, they could be traded for housewares and other items in the program. Vintage marketing genius!
Which song is NOT a Bee Gees song?
The Bee Gees changed disco forever, for the better. But ''If You Leave Me Now'' was by another top group of the time. American band Chicago received ten Grammy nominations over their decades of hits, but this song won the award!
Which funny show is this?
Audiences looking for a strong female comic lead loved The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The landmark series portrayed an independent, single gal pursuing her career dreams. In the 70s, this was a slightly controversial topic!
Which John Travolta Movie is this?
Why it's Greased Lightnin'! Although 70's John Travolta starred in other movies to show off his dancing skills, he did so in Grease as the iconic Danny Zuko. The Pink Ladies swooned, just like audiences back home. A forever classic, if there ever was one!
What’s the Name of This Cool Item?
Mood rings were invented in 1970 and were a hit. With a read on feelings, it was unique idea in the accessory market. The fad died down, but came back in the 1990's. People secretly wondered: How did it work? Well, it wasn't magic. It was just liquid crystal, and it was sensitive to temperature! Based on body heat, the ring changed color. It's true that body heat might change a bit, depending on mood, though. Maybe they were on to something?
What’s this item's name?
Records are now seeing a revival, which might be amusing to boomers who started it all. The 45's were what music was made of, even before tapes. Designed to be played on a jukebox, the best memories had a rockin' soundtrack! In 1987, the first cassette single was released. This spelled the end of the 45 as a vehicle for singles, and they were not made anymore by 1990. Today, record companies are releasing records again as a novelty — but many originals are collector's items!
What is this thing?
Cell phones may be a basic necessity now, but that wasn't the case for most of the last century. Hard to believe it, but payphones used to be the only option, on the go! A few coins, and partial privacy was the name of the game. But are there any left today? Alas, not really. The truth is, vandals and weather made these installations a bit of a hassle to maintain. And with mobile options, why bother? They're incredibly hard to find now. Superman would have a tough time dealing with emergencies today!
What’s the name of this one?
Errors are just a part of being human. When writing, the eraser has long been a solution for pencil users. But what about typing? Unlike a computer, typewriters did not have a backspace button. Oh no! Eventually, a typewriter eraser was made. How did it cover mistakes? Cleverly, a white material could be pressed by a key and cover the problem, no problem. It was precisely the shape of the letter, and it worked well enough. Necessity is the mother of invention, indeed!
What would you call this vintage piece?
A wall-mounted bottle opener was a necessity for parties, back in the day. Even kitchens and dorm rooms had them, just in case the occasion called for a cold one. Fun and functional? Millions said: Sold! Pool barbeques in the 1970's wouldn't have been the same without these. But for whatever reason, the wall mount version has gone out of style. Perhaps it's due to all the twist offs, these days!
Remember what this item is called?
A transistor radio is so vintage, at this point. With satellite and internet stations on smartphones and in cars, there seems to be no more need for this device. But for good times sake, some people like to collect them! The first commercial version was released back in 1954, and it is estimated that billions of transistor radios have been sold since! Worldwide, that happened mostly until 2012. Now, they're usually at garbage sales for a few bucks. Resale can go for hundreds!
What’s the name of this item?
This should be familiar to boomers, no doubt! The vent window is a reminder of the days of classic car designs. Set on hinges, they conveniently rotated. What was their actual function? It seems the special shape allowed drivers to keep the windows rolled up with plenty of ventilation. That was a big deal, in the summer! But in the 1980's they went out of style. Air conditioner happened, and that was that!
Name this iconic style statement!
Baby Boomers probably remember these chunky heels, popularized in the 1960's. Did the go go boots or the go go dancer come first? The world may never know the truth about that question, but it's time to revisit the style. In 1966, the radio was all about "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'", by Nancy Sinatra. She actually wore the style during performances, and many credit her for popularizing them in America. Where did they come from, originally? Fashionable France, of course!
Which spooky show is this?
Even though the tech existed in 1964 to show color television, The Addams Family was deliberately shot in black and white. Why? Well, the cinematographer recognized it was just much creepier! Creative and out-of-the-box, audiences enjoyed this novelty for two seasons. Short, but sweet!
The typewriter ribbon, also named the ink ribbon, is no longer a necessity. But as veteran writers know, it was once a highly used item! How did it work, exactly? To get technical, a typewriter ribbon was an expendable component that transferred ink to paper during printing. It was a pretty important module! But really, every part of the device was critical. As boomers may remember: One malfunction, and the whole thing was a disaster!
Do you recall what this one’s called?
Anyone who needed to change the channel back in the day could do it without getting off the couch. But things were less sleek, at the beginning. The first remote control wasn't cordless, as some may recall! In 1956, the primitive device became a part of American homes. But its origins are older, indeed. Back in WWI, the Germans used a remote control for boats. In the 1940's, they were used as garage openers. It was only a matter of time before the couch potato adaptation!
Real Baby Boomers know the name of this flooring
Linoleum was certainly an innovation when it was first sold in America. Inexpensive, durable and stylish? That was a winning formula, and America covered its floors. But whatever happened to this trend? Even though it was a great innovation to replace easily cracked material, linoleum has mostly been replaced by polyvinyl chloride. That's PVC, for short! With similar durability and flexibility, PVC also happens to be less flammable. Sorry, linoleum!
Who is this?
Chatty Cathy is hard to forget. The talking doll worked its charm with a pull string, and started conversations in 1959. It was a big hit for the Mattel toy company until 1965, and retailed for $18.00 at the time. Only Barbie beat her in sales! Catalog ads for Chatty Baby came out in 1962, followed by a whole crew: Tiny Chatty Brother, Tiny Chatty Baby, and Charmin' Chatty afterward. Talking dolls were a pretty big deal, and still are!
Do you recall when this vintage piece is called?
Music is a part of life, and it seems there is always a new, improved way to access it. Pop hits in the 50's and 60's meant that a big pile of singles for enjoyment at home. All those records needed storage, obviously! Like so many things, a good record cabinet became a status symbol. In homes during the 60's, 70's, and 80's, it was a major living room centerpiece. But that's old news. Now with laptops, decor has become a lot more minimal!
What is the name of this item?
Fridge seems to be the preferred slang for everyone's favorite home cooling device, these days. But boomers may remember that there used to be another machine: The icebox! What were these models like? In the early 1930's, mechanical boxes that could create sanitary ice all year round became popular. With new, widespread electrical wiring in American homes, this was an easy buy. Refrigerators were a more advanced technology, soon after. But this was an exciting innovation at the time, many recall!
Name this fashion statement.
Sony and Cher made bell-bottoms fashionable and fabulous. These jeans with flared bottoms were coveted by teens in the 1960's and 70's. Skinny jeans might in right now, but boomers know that wasn't always the case! The original design was really from the U.S. Navy, before modern, standard uniforms were chosen. Many sailors really wore them, in a serious way! Later, they only a disco staple. In the 90's, they were revived into the mainstream for a bit. Groovy times!
Which Baby Boomer item is in this photo?
The Easy-Bake Oven was a hit, right away. This classic toy was truly unique in 1963, and many models have come out since! The heat source of this cooker was two 100 watt bulbs, and little girls got to make tiny, cute cakes. Today, the original is a collectible! Anyone with a mint condition version can expect to get around three hundred bucks for the set. But still, that's not thousands. Many probably will enjoy keeping the memory, instead!
What is the name of this item?
Digital cordless phones seem clunky now, and people have even stopped paying for home phone lines. But there was an even more basic model, at the beginning. Never forget the rotary dial telephone! A rotary dial is a part of the old telephone switchboard for pulse dialing. This tele-tech was a big deal, once upon a time. Imagine, talking to another person through a wire, with just a flick of the wrist!
What was this called?
Cooties (also known in Australia as Creepy Critters) is a made-up childhood disease. When boys touch girls, the invisible pathogen becomes totally contagious. But besides this silly, fictional game, some boomers may remember a physical toy by the same name. What was it? The Game of Cootie was actually physical plastic pieces, all in a box. They allowed kids to build their very own bug, and build they did! The adorable game was introduced in 1949, but only true boomers know how it worked!
What would you call this item?
Storing glossy pictures in albums seems to be thing of the past. Almost everything seems to be digital, now! But before the modern iPhone revolution, people actually did need to develop physical pictures. Enter, Fotomat! This American chain placed drive-through kiosks in convenient locations near grocery stores and strip malls. At one time, there were 4,000 Fotomats around the nation! Super convenient to pick up developed film after an errand, the company did well. But sadly, overnight services like this became obsolete with digital!
What is the name of this one?
Today, smartphones can snap a picture instantly. Anything that needs to be recorded is saved, without a second thought. But way before even the photocopier and scanner were a part of life, the mimeograph duplicated things for office needs. Mimeographs were a pretty common technology for anyone looking to print in small quantities. And it wasn't expensive, either. This was gradually phased out with photocopy machine in the 1960's, but it was an innovation in its time!
Which comedy series is this?
Few sitcoms have enjoyed the run that I Love Lucy still has going today. It's really never been kicked off the air! Multiple generations love it, still. Funnywoman Lucille Ball acted alongside her real-life husband on the show. Desi Arnaz played Ricky, and the chemistry was obviously real!
What’s the name of these shoes?
A kitten heel is actually a short stiletto, from 1.5 inches to 1.75 inches high. Besides ladies who mean business, the heel is also worn by teens who aren't old enough for the real thing! Kittens, not yet cats. Get it? Back in the 50's, these mini pumps were all the rage. Trends come and go, but this one is in vogue again: Thanks to former First Lady Michelle Obama, the style is as popular today as it was decades ago. Stylish and comfortable is always a win!
What is the name of this item?
Church keys are not what they sound like! But only boomers know the secret behind these little tools. Despite the name, they have nothing to do with religion, at all. They were used to punch a hole in cans! This type of opener dates back to 1892, and it did resemble a simple key. Thus, the nickname! Nowadays, new-fangled electric openers have replaced this kind. Even the twist around variety is more advanced. But boomers will always know the original well!