I AM OF A CERTAIN AGE, so I need reading glasses. A couple of years ago, I had some money left over from a flex spending account so instead of using $10 reading glasses, I purchased “real” frames with glass lenses. What a difference. I’m now in the market for a new pair or two, so I went trowling for what I could find with retro style. In virtually no time at all I found these Shuron frames available. Heck yeah there is more →
Retro bling: Eyeglasses from Shuron
Posted by: • July 19, 2009
Depression cooking with Clara – Peppers & Eggs
Posted by: • July 18, 2009
Here is another episode of Great Depression Cooking with Clara. She was born in 1915, and in this lovely series shares recipes and memories of the era. This episode on peppers & eggs – so beautiful.
Gretchen’s 1961 GE low voltage lighting system
Posted by: • July 17, 2009
Solenoids. Low-voltages. Relays. I have no idea what any of this electrical stuff means. But you guys tell me it’s cool. And these vintage lighting systems certainly are something to look at. So here’s Gretchen’s 1961 GE dual-dial 12-station light control panel circa 1961.
Great looking switches like these were installed with the system.
And these.
Gretchen’s home is a “half Jetsons, half Flintstones” Eichler design that is really wonderful. See it on her blog – eichlerific.blogspot.com – and see these lighting system photos and more on her flickr stream. Thanks, Gretchen!!!
Montgomery Ward American Kitchens sink bases, drainboard sinks and faucet MIB, Boise
Posted by: • July 16, 2009
INCREDIBLE FINDS — Two American Kitchens sink bases and porcelain drainboard sinks, one with original faucet, available Mint In Box in Boise, Idaho. $500 for the unit with the base/drainboard sink/faucet, $400 for the unit sans faucet, different pulls, later perhaps? Know that you can still get these replacement faucets here - it is absolutely amazing that they are still available.
Mega snaps for spotting this to Allen, who has a great flickr photoset under the name Roadside Pictures – be sure to check that out, too!
Chrome over-the-door hanger holder
Posted by: • July 16, 2009
I swear, this is one of those little bits of this and that that has been around for 50s years. What do you think? When I go to estate sales, I see them. I buy them. I must have three just like this, and another three of a derivative style. If you can’t find your own authentic retro-treasure, these are $3.95 plus shipping online here, or I bet they have them at Bed, Bath & Beyond, maybe even your local hardware store.
Heading home
Posted by: • July 16, 2009
On the move again. All comments into moderation thru Friday evening, until the eagle has landed.
Birgitta’s vintage low voltage lighting system
Posted by: • July 15, 2009
Birgitta writes: “I am wondering if this was a common feature in the 1950′s? It turns on/off nine lights and there is another one in the back of the house.”
Well, this a new one to me. I have never seen this feature in person, or in a magazine. What do you think, retro renovators?
The history and repair of window awnings
Posted by: • July 14, 2009
New declaration: We all need aluminum awnings. The are wonderfully decorative. They are authentic retro. They will help your pinch pleats resist sun rot. And if you have any heat beating down on your house – they can cut your air conditioning costs dramatically – they’re green! I’ll be doing more research on this topic around where to get authentic midcentury style aluminum awnings today. Meanwhile, the National Park Service has a detailed Preservation Brief all about window awnings, including how to care for vintage ones still on your home. Its focus is principally on historic commercial structures, but it’s still quite useful and interesting. For example, here’s what they say about awnings in the 1950s:
Widely available by the 1950s, aluminum awnings were touted as longer-lasting and lower-maintenance than traditional awnings. Though used on small-scale commercial structures, they were especially popular with homeowners. Aluminum awnings were made with slats called “pans” arranged horizontally or vertically. For variety and to match the building to which they were applied, different colored slats could be arranged to create stripes or other decorative patterns. While aluminum awnings were usually fixed, in the 1960s several operable roller awnings were developed, including one with the trade name Flexalum Roll-Up.
Here’s the link to the NPS Brief. Meanwhile, stay tuned for research on where-to-buy. And of course, I’ll take any help you have to share!
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