16 Things from the Past That Sound Totally Made Up Now
History is full of strange moments, odd customs, and inventions that seem unbelievable today. From outdated medical practices to bizarre trends, many things that were once normal now sound completely absurd.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Time often softens the memory of just how strange some old practices and products really were. From dangerous toys to outdated beliefs, the past had a way of normalizing what now seems outrageous. Many of these items were widely accepted, promoted, or even celebrated in their time. Today, they spark disbelief, laughter, or even a bit of horror. Revisiting them helps us appreciate how far progress has come — and how much more we might still learn.
1. Radium Water as a Health Drink
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In the early 20th century, people actually drank water infused with radium, thinking it had health benefits. Brands like Radithor marketed radioactive drinks as energizing and curative. Some even claimed it could enhance vitality and treat ailments. It wasn’t until people started dying from radiation poisoning that the dangers became obvious. The idea of drinking radioactive substances now sounds like a dark sci-fi plot.
2. Smoking Was Once Prescribed by Doctors
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There was a time when doctors openly recommended cigarettes for ailments like asthma and anxiety. Advertisements featured physicians endorsing specific cigarette brands as “healthier” options. The medical field hadn’t yet recognized the long-term damage caused by smoking. It now seems completely absurd that cigarettes were once marketed as medicine. This highlights how dangerous misinformation can be when wrapped in authority.
3. Lobsters Were Considered Prison Food
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In colonial America, lobster was so abundant that it was fed to prisoners and servants. It was seen as low-class food, often referred to as “sea bugs.” Laws were even passed limiting how often it could be served to inmates. Today, lobster is a luxury item found on high-end menus. The change in status is almost unbelievable given its past reputation.
4. People Used to Send Children in the Mail
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In the early 1900s, Americans actually mailed children via parcel post. Families used the postal service to send kids to relatives, as long as they met the weight requirements. The practice was legal because the rules didn’t explicitly forbid it at the time. Mail carriers would escort the child to their destination, stamp and all. It’s almost impossible to imagine a world where this was normal.
5. Coca-Cola Once Contained Cocaine
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The original Coca-Cola recipe included coca leaf extract, which contains cocaine. It was marketed as a tonic that boosted energy and relieved headaches. At the time, cocaine was legal and not widely understood to be harmful. The drug was eventually removed from the formula in the early 1900s. Today, the idea of drinking cocaine-laced soda seems outrageous.
6. People Used Lint and Ashes as Toothpaste
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Before modern dental hygiene, people used odd mixtures like burnt bread, crushed shells, or fireplace ashes to clean their teeth. These abrasive substances were believed to scrub away grime. There were no flavorings or fluoride — just gritty textures and trial-and-error. Some homemade blends even damaged enamel over time. Dental routines have thankfully come a long way.
7. Lawn Darts Were Sold as Toys
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In the 1970s and 80s, lawn darts were a common outdoor game marketed to families. These heavy, pointed metal darts caused hundreds of serious injuries and several fatalities. Despite mounting accidents, they remained on shelves for years. It took federal action to finally ban them in the U.S. The idea of giving children sharp projectiles now sounds completely unthinkable.
8. Mercury Was Used in Medicine and Cosmetics
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Mercury, now recognized as a toxic metal, was once used in a wide range of products, including skin creams and medicines. It treated ailments like syphilis and was thought to purify the body. In cosmetics, it was used to whiten the skin and remove blemishes. Long-term exposure led to mercury poisoning, tremors, and psychological effects. Modern knowledge has turned this once-normal ingredient into a major health concern.
9. Phones Had Party Lines Shared by Neighbors
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Before private phone lines, people shared “party lines” that connected several households. Anyone could pick up and hear another neighbor’s call. Privacy was minimal, and eavesdropping was common. Etiquette rules were created just to manage shared access. Compared to today’s smartphones, it feels like a communication method from another planet.
10. Baby Cages Hung Out of Apartment Windows
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In the 1930s, some parents living in cities used baby cages that hung outside apartment windows. These mesh cages were intended to give infants fresh air and sunlight. The practice was promoted as a healthy solution for cramped living spaces. Despite the dangerous design, they were relatively popular for a time. Looking back, the risk seems unthinkable.
11. Lead Was Common in Everyday Products
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For decades, lead was used in paint, gasoline, and even children’s toys. People had no idea how dangerous the substance truly was. Children played with lead-painted toys and lived in homes coated in toxic layers. Lead poisoning became a major public health issue as awareness grew. It’s hard to believe such a harmful material was once so widespread.
12. Ice Was Delivered Door-to-Door for Iceboxes
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Before refrigerators, people relied on large blocks of ice delivered by horse-drawn wagons. These were stored in “iceboxes” to keep food cool. The ice man was a regular visitor in many neighborhoods. This daily necessity seems quaint and distant compared to today’s digital smart fridges. The entire process now feels oddly primitive.
13. People Used to Bathe Once a Week
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Regular daily bathing was not a widespread habit until the 20th century. Most families had limited access to indoor plumbing and hot water. Weekly baths, often shared by multiple family members, were the norm. The phrase “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater” comes from this practice. Compared to modern hygiene standards, it sounds downright medieval.
14. Vibrators Were Medical Devices for “Hysteria”
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In the late 1800s, doctors used vibrators to treat women diagnosed with “hysteria,” a vague condition attributed to emotional distress. The devices were believed to provide therapeutic relief through pelvic massage. It was one of the first appliances to be electrified for home use. The treatment and diagnosis have since been debunked as sexist pseudoscience. The origin of the vibrator now sounds like something from satire.
15. Amusement Parks Had “Freak Shows”
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Circus-style sideshows once featured people with medical conditions as entertainment. These “freak shows” were common at fairs and amusement parks in the early 20th century. Performers were often exploited for public spectacle. While some gained fame, many were marginalized and mistreated. Today, such displays would be considered cruel and exploitative.
16. People Feared Being Buried Alive So Much They Installed Bells
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In the 18th and 19th centuries, fear of premature burial led to coffins being equipped with bells. A string would be tied to the supposed corpse’s hand, allowing them to ring the bell if they woke up. Graveyards even employed “watchmen” to listen for the sound. This paranoia stemmed from a few real incidents of mistaken death. The practice now sounds more like horror fiction than real history.