Smithsonian Libraries and Archives

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Ascending Pikes Peak in a Locomobile

Over 120 years ago, two men climbed Pikes Peak in a new kind of steam-powered vehicle - the locomobile

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Saving Time in the Garden in the Early 20th Century

Creating a beautiful garden takes time, energy, and patience. This labor and time-saving implement might have caught the attention of gardeners in the early 20th Century

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Trotting Out the Best for a 19th-Century Horse Sale

Whether you were in the market for a new trotter or a "gentleman's roadster," this special sale of horses from 1896 had a mount for every equestrian

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Find Organization Inspiration in Old-Fashioned Filing Systems

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to finally organize that paper pile, take a look at the 19th-century devices used to store and protect important documents

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Dashing Through the Snow in Vintage Sleighs

Whether you were headed over the fields of snow with family or prepping deliveries with Rudolph, this early 20th century catalog from Sturtevant-Larrabee Co. had the perfect sleigh for your winter activities

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Cooking Up Oven Innovations in the 1860s

As we prepare to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, we're thankful that appliances have come a long way since these models from 1866

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Mid-19th Century Reactions to a Laundry Invention

This mid-19th century advertising circular proposes a new idea for doing laundry. What it lacks in detailed description, it makes up for with powerful testimonials.

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What Mail-Order Catalogs Reveal About the Fashions of the 1910s

"Sports suits" and "suspender skirts" might not be the focus of New York Fashion Week but we're enjoying the vintage charm found in a Smithsonian Trade Literature Collection from the early 20th century

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19th-Century Furniture Options for Style and Storage

Form meets function with these decorative storage options found in a Lazier Brothers trade catalog from the 19th century. Discover the possibilities of interior decorating with cloverleaf stands, corner whatnots, and more.

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Holiday Decorating Inspiration From a 100-Year-Old Catalog

Tissue paper can be used for more than just gift wrapping. Flip through this Dennison Mfg. Co. trade catalog from over a century ago to learn the possibilities of making paper flowers and even landscape scenes out of crepe and tissue paper.

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Kitchen Essentials From Centuries Past

Take a trip back to the 19th Century for a glimpse into kitchens. Burdett, Paris & Co. manufactured stoves such as "Our Old Home" and other household items like the Dial iron heater in this 1868 trade catalog.

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The Tools of a Real-Life Willy Wonka

In the early 20th century, manufacturer and candy maker Samuel Carey produced machinery, like cocoa roasters and chocolate paste mixers, for confectioners in the United States. This trade catalog from around 1915 gives us a look at the tools of the trade.

Herr, Thomas & Co., Pittsburg, PA. Catalogue No. 101 (1907), page 74, Dresser Trunk, Suit Case, Leather Suit Case, Cabinet Bag, Trunk, Steamer Trunk, Hand Bag or Satchel.

Pack Your Bags for 1907

Early 20th century trade catalogs in the National Museum of American History Trade Literature Collection highlight a range of sturdy, vintage satchels and trunks.

John Wanamaker, New York, NY. Spring & Summer Catalog (1915), inside back cover, Rugs.

Vintage Furniture Finds from the Early 20th Century

In the early 20th century, retailers John Wanamaker and Herr, Thomas & Co courted consumers with a wide range of furnishings. Take a look back at some very familiar home goods, like beds and drapes, and some lesser-known, like the biaphone and cuspidor.

Murray & Baker, Chicago, IL. Awnings and Tents, Signs and Banners (1882), page 28, “Adams and Westlake Oil Stove.” (Smithsonian Libraries and Archives)

Roughing It in the 19th Century

A trade catalog from Chicago-based Murray & Baker offers a glimpse at camping and outdoor goods in the late nineteenth century.

Library Bureau, Boston, MA. Classified Illustrated Catalog of the Library Department of Library Bureau (1899), page 82, Perforating Stamp. (Smithsonian Libraries and Archives)

Vintage Supplies that Kept Libraries Running

Take a step back in time to a library at the turn of the 20th century. Many of the tools and supplies that were used to keep the library running might be familiar, but some have been replaced by more modern technology.

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