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Rural Iowa Outhouse from the 1930s
Before the Joads discovered the luxury of the washroom, what they left behind in their fields in Oklahoma looked more like this. This is what they left behind. Literally. Outhouses were a thing for farmers before the new indoor plumbing systems. Yes,…
Palmolive Soap Ad, Listerine mouthwash Ad, and Gillette Razor Ad from the 1930s
The emergence of the washroom meant the opportunity to bring out all sorts of products to sell to proud washroom owners. Things like soap for washing, mouthwash for freshened breath, and a nice razor for a close shave were luxuries of the 1930s. Of…
Allis-Chalmers Model "B" tractor from the 1930s
In contrast with the glorious washrooms that emerged in the 1930s, Steinbeck's novel also showed a dark side to technology. He showed what technology was capable of destroying just as much as it was capable of progressing/innovating. People used to…
Hollywood Version of 1930s Makeup, or the Real Shitheels of the Great Depression
Although I've stated in my primary description that I'm uninterested in viewing 1930s beauty through the lens of Hollywood, I realized about halfway through my process of compiling exhibit items that it might underscore my examination of beauty for…
First flushing toilet
This is an example model of a "water closet" from the year 1824.