18 Things Found in Every 1960s Home That Are Gone Today

Homes in the 1960s were defined by the presence of useful gadgets that created a unique cadence in people’s lives. One can imagine people sitting in front of console TVs with rabbit ears, making calls on rotary phones, and storing loaves of bread in metallic bread boxes on the kitchen counter. People conducted their daily activities in the presence of electrical coffee makers, can openers on the walls, and children writing school reports with the help of encyclopedia sets. They sewed clothes with cabinet sewing machines, used aluminum cups, milk boxes, metallic ice trays, etc. All these items gradually moved out of people’s lives in the wake of changing lifestyles, technology, and consumer behavior.

1. Console Television

This old console TV was a part of every 1960s home, more of a piece of furniture than a gadget. People put it in the corner of the wall next to the couch, and the wooden cabinet fits in well with the rest of the home’s interior. The TV was not like today’s flat-mounted versions; it was like a high-class sideboard, sturdy and dignified. Brands like Zenith, RCA, and Philco designed theirs with wooden cabinets, sliding doors, and legs. Inside, there was a small black-and-white screen with a group of knobs and dials to adjust the brightness, contrast, and channels. Children would wait for a parent to turn the knob just right, so that static could change into a clear channel.

2. Rotary Dial Telephone

The rotary-dial telephone rested quietly on small tables in the living rooms and hallways of homes in the 1960s. It had a substantial body, usually made of thick plastic or metal, manufactured by companies like Western Electric. It connected to the wall by a coiled cord. At the front of the telephone was a circular dial. Every number took an exact, precise turn. A finger would insert into the hole of the chosen number on the dial. The user would turn the dial until it latched against the metal stop. It would then rotate back to rest with a slight click. It took time to dial just one number, especially if it was long. Children would lean over the whirring dial to play with it. Adults would caution them not to waste time on the telephone.

3. Metal Ice Cube Trays

Back in the day, before the time of ice makers, nearly every 1960s-era freezer had one of these light aluminum ice trays stashed away inside. It was filled with water from the kitchen sink, then put in the freezer, and the water would freeze into rows of rectangular ice cubes. The unique feature of this ice tray was the long metal handle running down the middle. The handle had a lever attached to a series of small metal dividers that would divide the ice cube into individual servings. When the water had frozen into ice cubes, the tray would often stick to the bottom of the freezer. Removing the tray could require twisting the tray free or running it under cold water.

4. Rabbit Ear Television Antennas

Rabbit ear antennas were ubiquitous on top of TVs in the 1960s. They were essentially two thin rods of metal connected to a small base that connected to the TV. They could be extended, rotated, and even tilted to receive a better signal. Since most people got their channels over the air rather than cable, these antennas were necessary for getting an adequate picture. At the beginning of a show, an individual would go over and adjust the rods delicately. It only took a slight adjustment to make the difference between a clear picture and a sea of dancing static. Some people even used aluminum foil on the end of the rods to improve reception of weak signals.

5. Record Player Consoles

Record player consoles were beloved items in many 1960s homes, large wooden cabinets that mirrored the design of the console TV. They were typically made of richly polished walnut or maple and housed a turntable underneath a lid that swung open to expose not only the spinning disc of the record, but the controls of the radio and possibly the speakers themselves. Records were stored in stacks against the cabinet, creating a mini in-room library. Popular albums by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and The Supremes were stored and played here. To listen to them, you’d place the arm, put the needle carefully on the spinning disc of the record, and listen for the crackling sounds before music filled the air.

6. Wall-Mounted Can Openers

Wall-mounted can openers were the norm back in the 1960s, fixed firmly to the workbench where all the activity was happening. Durable and long-lasting, brands like Swing-A-Way promised robust metal devices that would not move from their fixed position. Unlike the small handheld devices that we’re familiar with nowadays, these devices had a rotating crank connected to a cutting wheel. To operate the can opener, you would lift the handle, place the rim of the can onto the cutting wheel, and then turn the crank. The cutting wheel would then move in a smooth circle as the crank rotated. Being fixed to the wall meant that you could do everything with just one hand.

7. Milk Delivery Boxes

Milk delivery boxes are an image familiar to many from the early to mid-1960s. These small boxes sat beside the front door or the steps leading down to the porch and quietly went about their business. A local dairy would deliver fresh glass bottles of milk early in the morning while most residents were still asleep. Companies such as Borden and Sealtest had their delivery routes in many American cities and towns. The milkman would replace empty bottles with full ones and sometimes attach a small receipt or note under the cap of the milk bottle. The boxes would protect the milk from the sun and keep it cool until the residents brought it inside. Children would sometimes look out their window to watch the delivery truck drive up to the curb.

8. Ashtrays in Every Room

Ashtrays were common in many houses in the 1960s, as cigarette smoking was considered acceptable. They could be found in different rooms, including living rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms. They could be made of different materials, including glass, ceramic, metal, or stone. Some ashtrays were decorative, found on coffee tables with magazines, and with the remote control of the TV within easy reach. Some houses even had ashtrays that stood upright, with a wide tray at the top of a tall pole. If someone visited someone’s house, he or she expected to find a place to put a cigarette as he or she talked or watched TV.

9. Aluminum Drinking Cups

Aluminum drinking cups were a staple in many kitchens in the 1960s. They were light and sturdy and often came in neat stacks that tumbled into place when put together. They were made of a shiny silver material and reflected the light coming from the kitchen window, giving them a clean and uncomplicated look. They were great for drinking water, milk, lemonade, or juice at meals. They were sturdy enough to survive a drop and great for children. They were a staple in many homes and often came in stacks near the sink or in the cabinet. They were great for drinking cold liquids, and the aluminum material made the drink feel icy in the hand.

10. Bread Boxes

Bread boxes were a familiar feature in many American kitchens in the 1960s. They were designed to be placed on the countertop, usually made of painted metal or wood, and intended to preserve bread for a couple of days. Some popular bread boxes, like those made by Hoosier or Wesco, had roll-top lids or hinged doors. The box protected the bread from air, humidity, and insects, yet provided some ventilation to prevent the bread from becoming stale. Bread was commonly sold in paper wraps at local bakeries or grocery stores, so it was important to store it in a bread box. The bread box was likely to become a standard piece of equipment in many American kitchens, sitting next to the toaster or near the cutting board.

11. Window Box Air Conditioners

It was during the 1960s that the window box air conditioners first appeared on the scene, at least in terms of their appearance in homes. The hotter the region, the more these units became visible. Big metal units that slid into an open window frame, these units had some big names behind them, including General Electric, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool, which introduced units for small living spaces. Once installed, the unit extended part of itself outside, with the front vents facing into the room. The unit worked by drawing in hot air, passing it over cooled coils, and then blowing the cool air back into the room. The constant hum of the motor and fan became the background music of the summer.

12. Sewing Machines Built Into Cabinets

In the 1960s, sewing machines were not just simple electronic devices but were housed in wood cabinets, something common in many homes. Brands like Singer and Kenmore designed sewing machines that could easily fit into these wood cabinets. Once closed, the cabinet resembled a table that could easily fit into the living room or the sewing corner. However, once opened, it would reveal a metallic device placed on a platform that could easily be raised by using the foot pedal connected to a motor. This would enable people to easily adjust the speed of the stitches. Such sewing machines were an integral part of people’s lives, helping them mend clothes rather than buy new ones.

13. Encyclopedia Book Sets

A proud place in the living room or home office of many 1960s homes was held by the Encyclopedia sets. They were usually delivered in complete sets, from A to Z, in neat stacks of knowledge. Brands like the Encyclopaedia Britannica, World Book Encyclopedia, and Collier’s Encyclopedia were household names in the homes of middle-class Americans. These sets were usually placed in a special rack or in a glass-fronted cabinet, with the cover made of sturdy cloth or leather-like material and gold lettering along the spine. Parents believed these sets were useful in helping children with their homework and in the exploration of the world beyond the walls of the home.

14. Door-To-Door Vacuum Cleaner Sales Models

It was the good old days of the 1960s, and the demos that brought vacuum cleaners into the home were done door-to-door. The big brands, such as Hoover, Electrolux, and Kirby, made their names by sending their representatives straight out into the streets and into the homes. The representatives would take their strong, metal vacuum cleaners, solid and heavy, into the home. The representatives would demonstrate the vacuum cleaner over an area of carpet, so you could see the dust and dirt disappear into the machine. The families would sit around the representatives, who would explain the features of the tool and how it could make their cleaning easier.

15. Electric Percolator Coffee Pots

One of the most popular appliances in the 1960s was the electric percolator coffee pots. They were tall, shiny, usually made of some kind of metal, and came in different colors. The most common colors were stainless steel, with a black handle and lid. People turned to different coffee pot makers, like Farberware, Sunbeam, General Electric, and others, for a quality coffee maker. The way coffee was made in these coffee makers was simple. Water was heated at the bottom of the pot, moved up in a small tube, then splashed onto coffee grounds in a basket at the top of the pot. The cycle was repeated, making coffee stronger as it went, keeping it warm at the same time.

16. Television Test Pattern Cards

Test pattern cards flashed on the screens of many homes way back in the 1960s, most likely during the dead of night or at the first break of dawn. If a television station was not showing its regular programming, it would instead display a static screen, also called a test pattern. The most recognizable one was a circular chart filled with lines, shapes, and blocks of gray scale. This was useful for engineers to ensure the clarity, alignment, and brightness of the signals transmitted through the air. People would turn on their consoles to find a silent test pattern staring back at them, motionless, and often accompanied by a tone or soft music from the station.

17. Electric Knife Carving Sets

They were a common sight in the kitchens of the 1960s. An electric knife carving set usually had two long serrated blades that moved back and forth when the electric motor was turned on. Brands like Sunbeam and Black & Decker had popular electric knife carving sets that were a common feature in most kitchens. They made it easier to slice meat for the family. The electric knife was plugged into a power source and had a small case to store it when it was not in use. It was a great help to the cook when it came to preparing large feasts. It was a popular item to be used during the holidays. It was a common sight to see families using the electric knife to carve the Thanksgiving turkey or slice the baked ham for the holidays.

18. Paper Route Newspaper Bundles

In the 1960s, large bundles of printed newspaper issues were a common sight in many homes, especially in homes with kids delivering the paper on their routes. Local papers such as “The Chicago Tribune,” “The New York Times,” and many other regional editions carried morning issues that came in thick bundles. Trucks delivering the papers would drop the bundles off at the homes of the young paper carriers, and the bundles would be left on the porch, in the garage, or at the front door until the routes started. Dads and moms would wake up early in the morning and pitch in to help the young carrier organize the papers before the day’s routes.

• Tags:
• life
• trending
• throwback
• Nostalgia
• 1960s
• homes
• lifestyle