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Oh, how quickly things age poorly! From Microsoft's hilariously premature iPhone funeral to advertisements that would never make it past the first draft today, these photos remind us that history isn't always kind to our choices. Remember when newspapers thought nothing of listing now-disgraced figures as "bachelor of the month"? Or when special cups with mustache guards were all the rage for proper gentlemen?
These images capture moments, products, and ideas that seemed perfectly reasonable at the time, but now make us cringe, laugh, or simply wonder what on earth people were thinking. Some reveal outdated social attitudes, others showcase spectacular business miscalculations, and a few are just plain bizarre. Come take a walk through this photographic time capsule of decisions that didn't quite stand the test of time.
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#1
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Was Arrested For Protesting In 1961. She Was Tested For Mental Illness Because Law Enforcement Couldn’t Think Why A White Woman Would Want Civil Rights
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#2
A Cartoon About A Hypothetical "Pocket Telephone," From 1919
#3
Arch Duke Ferdinand Of Austria, Posing As A Mummy, 1894
#4
We All Got Vaccines, Except Dad
Petra Peitsch 8 months ago
Past repeating itself in the near future for some unfortunate fellow-humans.
#5
Family Portrait During The Spanish Flu, 1918
#7
In The Victorian Era, Men Used Special “Moustache Cups” To Protect Their ‘Staches While Drinking Hot Tea
#8
Cigarette Holder For Nudists, 1938
Multa Nocte 8 months ago
This is delightful! I never would have stopped to consider the needs of the n**e. My eyes are opened (but not looking directly at you, mind you).
#9
The Day My Kid Went Punk, Abc After-School Special (1987)
#10
Nice One Google
#11
Actual World Trade Center Visitor Brochures From 1985
#12
Liberace Takes A Bubble Bath, 1978
PunchinelloTX 8 months ago
I had the pleasure of seeing a tremendous lot of things from his estate after he passed away (using BP phrasing). My friend, Yvette, was handling the sale of much of it, and she allowed me to wander alone and poke around to see what I might like to buy before it went public. Holy Moses! Gaudy, gilt, overdone, but oddly charming. He had a very special style which on close inspection was uniquely refined. I didn’t buy anything but now, many years later, I regret it. A man of unwavering talent and a strong sense of self despite many detractors. Rest in Plushness, Lee.
#13
Housewife Poses With A Weeks’ Worth Of Groceries In 1947
She Spent A Total Of $12.50 A Week (Not Including Milk) To Buy Her Groceries. On This Budget, She Is Able To Feed Herself, Her Husband, Her Four-Year-Old Twins And Her Cat.
Petra Peitsch 8 months ago
I don't know, what are wrapped in the front of the photo, but there are too much caned food for my taste, and just 3 pieces of fresh items. 3 very small pieces.
#14
Flight Was Achieved Nine Days Later
#15
The Most Inappropriate Ad Of All Time. 1975
#16
My Dad Used To Cut His Shirts, He Said It Was Common For Men To Show Their Belly Buttons, 1980s
#17
This Ad In A 1968 Life Magazine
Multa Nocte 8 months ago
I looked and looked for someone like this back in the day and could never find him.
#18
Helping The Less Fortunate, Huh?
#19
Household Hint From An Old Magazine
#20
Ah, Simpler Times
#22
Hefty Girls Wanted For Police Force (Must Be Fairly Good Looking). London Metropolitan Police, 1930s
#23
1975 Patons Knitting Pattern, For Larger Sized Woman
#24
Old Kitchen Appliance Ad
#25
Microsoft Employees Holding A Funeral For The iPhone Following The "Success" Of Their Windows Phone
Petra Peitsch 8 months ago
To be fair that phone wasn't bad. They just forgot about the 1st marketing rule: Always target the youngest generation with your ads, what you are legally allowed.
#28
Sorry Man
#29
My Great Aunt Had A Japanese Hunting License (She's Dead Now)
#30
How I Lost My Husband... And Won Him Back Again!
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