~ Nerlich &. Co., Toronto, Canada; General Catalogue, Season 1938-1939
via Library and Archives Canada
(click to enlarge)

“Negress Dolls. Smart Pickaninny Models”

~ Sears catalog, 1964
via wishbookweb

“Little gals love it because there’s so much to do.”

~ Sea-Bathing: Its Use and Abuse, Ghislani Durant, M.D., PH.D, 1878

~ Jordan, Marsh & Co., Spring and Summer 1897

~ Fashion Doll Discoteque (with working radio & light show!) Sears Christmas Catalog, 1976
via Vintage Ads LiveJournal

“Radio Discoteque…where fashion dolls come to rock-out to real disco sounds.”

classifiedhumanity:

June 9th, 1918

~ Road Book of Boston and Vicinity for Bicyclers, Riders and Drivers, Charles A. Underwood, Ed., 1893

“The only boarding stable for Bicycles in Boston”

Note: I love the way it takes human ideas and language a while to catch up to new technology. This is an ad for a “boarding stable” ( historically a place to leave your horses) for bicycles where you can “put your wheel up at the Inn” and it can be “cleaned and cared for” while you do your business in town.

Personally I like to imagine all the bicycles having tea while they wait, but I’m weird that way….

~ Tuapeka Times, March 10, 1888
via Papers Past

~ Hendricks Pioneer, September 3, 1903
via Google News

“The doctor recommends that the study of the piano should not commence until after the age of 16.”

~ The Guide to Reading (The Pocket University, Vol. XXIII), 1925
via Internet Archive

~ Bicycle Safety Manual, 1969 
via vintage everyday

~ What Shall I Eat? The Housewife’s Manual, by Miss E. Neill, 1892

~ Benson’s Woman’s Club Cook Book, 1915

“Freak and Stage Dancing is not taught or indulged in.”

~ Sears Colonial Metal Dollhouse with Fallout Shelter, 1962
ad via wishbookweb.com
Pictures of the real thing at Retro Renovation

1950sunlimited:

Barbie, 1965