Inside Story

"...Your lumber dealer will be glad to recommend skilled carpenters who can apply Gold Bond Insulation Board products quickly and with truly professional results. This material is easy to put up, however, and any homeowner who is handy with tools can do a job he will be proud of..." Plus, remember that box of Marx treatises left over from your college days? Wouldn't want some pesky workman to stumble upon those, would you? One quarter of a fold-out published by the National Gypsum Company of Buffalo, New York.

John Wayne: Interior Design Specialist.

I wish I knew enough about design history to pinpoint the date for this a little better. And scoff if you must, but... "Wanke Panel Co." is now known as "Wanke Cascade." They still have locations in North Portland and Washington State. One side of a fold-out.

"The Vanitory" is just about the coolest name for anything ever. I may have to start a whole blog devoted to old-time bathroom products, just so I can use that as a title.

There's slippers by the bed, and yet Mrs. America doesn't have feet. What gives? From House Beautiful magazine.

Bob economizes by giving Carol and Alice their pre-Xmas gifts in a single box. Live the dream, Bob. From the November issue of Sunset magazine.

Like any gentleman of the day, he didn't ask her to fondle his sound system until after they were married. From the March issue of Sunset magazine.

Up top, we can also see the world's biggest napkin ring and something vaguely mutant frog-ish. Ah, Fifties... never change!

Outsiders could never understand: You need flaming electric orange paneling in the Pacific Northwest, because it's dark and wet nine months out of the freaking year! From the March issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

I feel like there's not enough plaid in my life. How about you? From the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

I love the tacit admission that 2 out of 3 men will be sleeping at their desks, while the other one will be off at the gymnasium. Happy Labor Day, America!

When you want to break it gently to Mom and Dad that they can forget about grandchildren, just ask for a piece of snowy-white furniture! They'll take the hint. From the December issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazines.

I'm pretty sure the desert was for sale to somebody. The sellers just didn't advertise in non-trade publications. From Sunset magazine.

Yeah, yeah. Laugh at her, while you use your alter ego's giant scepter to mess up her concentration. You'll be bedding down alone tonight, on two of those chairs, Jerk.

Only Commies would doubt the wholesomeness and magical properties of asbestos! From the November issue of Sunset magazine.

"Made of PORTLAND and special cements. Universal Atlas Cement: A Division of United States Steel!" Vince Lombardi High School, in those halcyon days before the Apocalypse.

Dig that Leap Day kitchen! From Sunset magazine.

February ran its course, but I still have all this heart-related stuff that I never got around to posting! [sulks] One side of a promotional fold-out/mailer.