Then is Now

When I read about the book Recycling & Repairing 1912-1948, I thought it might make a cool Christmas gift for Daphne's Grandpa. I pride myself in be able to find quirky gifts that will connect with people, and this book looks like a great fit for him.

In 1978, Keith Daniels of Lost Data Press published a book full of ideas that were previously published in how-to magazines. In his introduction Mr. Daniels writes, "This collection of articles on how to do things (when all else fails), came from magazines published between the years 1912 and 1948. The articles were selected because I think that they convey unusual and useful points-of-view on how to solve problems or make things... The goal of Lost Data Press is to collect, preserve, index, and publish all those forgotten ways of doing things before they are lost forever... This book is full of basics and essentials, little and big, that no one thinks to show you."

Daniels ends his introduction with the line, "Reality was a little bit different back then." And when you see Joseph Goulart's solution to all your butter problems, you'll probably agree.

But don't be too quick to write off this book. Even though the youngest of the ideas in here is 65 years old, many of these solutions are marketed today. Here, let me show you.

Then:

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"Innovative |ˈinəˌvātiv| adjective, (of a product, idea, etc.) featuring new methods; advanced and original: innovative designs"

The Hose Blocker is an innovative, but simple device? You're the one hosing me, Blocker.

I used to teach Romeo and Juliet to freshmen. In Act 1, Scene iv, a group of drunk teenage boys are stomping through the streets of Verona, yelling out songs and beating on a bass drum. Eventually a student would ask me, "Why are they doing that?'

I'd reply, "They're guys. They're trying to draw attention to themselves."

"That's kinda stupid," was the typical response.

"Really? How is that any different from a kid in a car blaring his car stereo with his subs thumping? What's he trying to do?"

Insert the sound of crickets here.

The people living 65 - 100 years ago didn't have the internet or iPhones, but that doesn't make them any less sophisticated, interesting, or complicated than us. It probably just makes them smarter. 

The people in this program sure think so: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/digitalnation/view/