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Tag: Vintage Catalog


Nov
2023

Black Friday Shopping in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook

categories: Vintage Catalogs, Vintage Christmas

It’s that time of the year, Black Friday Shopping and there are deals and commericals EVERYWHERE! I know I will be searching for some savings to get ahead of my holiday shopping (or finish it). No stores for me though, just online as I don’t want to fight the people.

Speaking of online shopping or in this case for the blog…catalog shopping, I thought it would be fun to step back in time and browse a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook / catalog to see what people might of been shopping for that year (for gifts or for themself). Plus I LOVE looking back at vintage catalog’s and magazines and have done a few blog posts in the past on this topic.

So please make sure you take a look after and let the shopping begin!

Note: The catalog is huge so I cannot possibly show it all. Click the image below to be taken to the full wishbook after your done with this highlight post.

1940s Vintage Christmas Catalog: Sears 1947 Christmas Catalogue

All images are from Archive.org

Note: If your interested in special gifts from small businesses, Etsy which is my go to online vintage shopping website has some fantastic sales for all types of homemade products, vintage items and more.

Plus Etsy is an Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. So thank you in advance.

1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook Catalog

History of Black Friday Shopping:

The day after Thanksgiving has been regarded as the beginning of the United States Christmas shopping season since 1952. The practice may be linked with the idea of Santa Claus parades. Parades celebrating Thanksgiving often include an appearance by Santa at the end of the parade, with the idea that “Santa has arrived” or “Santa is just around the corner” because Christmas is always the next major Christian holiday following Thanksgiving.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Santa or Thanksgiving parades were sponsored by department stores. These include the continuing Toronto Santa Claus Parade in Canada since 1905, originally sponsored by Eaton’s, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held in Manhattan, New York City since 1924, sponsored by Macy’s. Department stores would use the parades to launch a big advertising push. Eventually, it became an unwritten rule that no store would try doing Christmas advertising before the parade was over. Therefore, the day after Thanksgiving became the day when the shopping season officially started (Source).

Vintage Gift & Personal Shopping Ideas

“Lovely ways to say Merry Christmas…Colorful Keystone slippers.”

These are some pretty spectacular slippers that I’m pretty sure one could wear out onto the street. 1940s wedges, peep toes, slip-on’s and more. Too cute!

1940s women's fashion-slippers in the latest late 1940s styles as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog.

“Flattering Scarfs for every woman”

A good scarf is the perfect gift as it can be worn many different ways and is so very stylish (even in our modern era!).

Further Reading: A Vintage Guide to 1940s Hair Accessories

1940s Women's Scarfs as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog. Perfect 1940s hair accessories idea and the perfect gift.

Beautiful soaps for mom that can be personalized, or colour coordinated with your bathroom. You can also pick up a perfume bar, tissue plastic box, glamour lite and a ‘Saucy Satchet Clown (mardi gras perfumed clown)’.

A note about the soaps…they will probably never leave their package and collect dust and eventually get thrown away. But they sure are pretty!

Christmas Gifts for mom! 1940s perfumed soaps in their pretty little packages as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog

“Aprons for entertaining…Aprons for practical use.” “So smart and festive they make delightful Christmas gifts.”

1940s Womens Fashion-Aprons for entertaining and Aprons for practical use as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog

“Dressy Handbags” featuring Rayon Corde (this year’s most elegant gift) and small dress-up handbags that are the perfect accessory for afternoons and after-dark.

1940s womens handbags / purses as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog

Costume Jewelry is always a welcomed gift, especially when it’s charm bracelets and necklaces.

Further Reading: Vintage Charm Bracelets-Memories on a Dainty Chain

1940s costume jewelry. Moonbean jewelry by Coro and charm bracelets as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog

Don we now our gay apparel” Colorful 1940s men ties in fantastic patterns.

Which one would you buy?

1940s men's ties in colorful patterns as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook

“….had just settled ourselves for a long winter’s nap.” Pilgram brand pajames..knits, broadcloth, flannelette.

Get dad the pajamas he always wanted!

1940s mens fashion: Men's Pajamas as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook

A good wallet never goes out of style.

I remember that when I was younger my dad got lots of wallets from us kids.

1940s vintage catalog page for men's wallets as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook

“Men’s Gold Bond Casuals, Jewelry Accessories.” 1940s Cufflinks & Men’s Jewelry by SWANK!

1940s men's Cufflinks & Men's Jewelry by SWANK! as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog

“Girls Wear from Tots to Teens starting with winter caps & ensemble sets.” Plus “Sno-Belle” fur pillboxs for that fashionble teen in your home. The perfect answer to “What to give girls this holiday season?”

1940s girls fashion for winter time featuring winter hats and matching accessories like mittens and scarfs. All seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog

Stuck on what kind of clothes to get that young man in your life? Make it plaid! Plaid is warm and it’s fun! Also a good pair of earmuffs go a long way.

1940s young men's fashion-Flannel jackets, flannel shirts, scarfs, hats and mitts plus robes as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog

“Original Games by Cadaco-Ellis.” Board games are always a hit with kids AND adults!

1940s board games for sale in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog.

Musical instruments and mini electronic record player and phonograph for kids.

1940s vintage toys for kids as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog featuring Musical instruments and mini electronic record player and phonograph for kids.

The famous “Betsy Wetsy, Magic Skin Dolls” for that little girl looking for a reality check (joke!).

1940s toys for girls-The Betsy Wetsy Magic Skin Dolls as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog

“Hampers, wastebaskets and Kitchen Accessories” to make a home complete.

1940s Laundry Hampers, and laundry baskets plus kitchen accessories as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook catalog

Give the gift of “Electric Table Appliances” like an Electric Therm-O-Jug or a Kent Coffee-Maker. Maybe a Kenmore Electric Liquidizer would be a welcomed present? Plus everyone loves a good toaster, so go ahead and pick up two!

1940s vintage appliances as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas wishbook. Give the gift of "Electric Table Appliances" like an Electric Therm-O-Jug or a Kent Coffee-Maker. Maybe a Kenmore Electric Liquidizer would be a welcomed present? Plus everyone loves a good toaster, so go ahead and pick up two!

“Closet Accessories.” Hangers, shoe bag & box and more!

I am also excited to see an item I have in my home…a STOCKING DRYER (the shell shaped item on the left in the middle). Cool!

Further Reading: A Peak Into My Vintage Collection- A 1949 Stocking Dryer

1940s Closet Accessories like hangers and stocking dryers as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog

“Still Cameras, Photographic Supplies” for the photographer this Christmas.

1940s Still Cameras and photographic supplies as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog

Magazine subscriptions are a great way to please the reader in the family.

1940s magazine subscriptions for Christmas gifts as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog

Bring on the kitchen kitsch! “Harmony House Giftware, Candles and lamps.” Matched, taste-tempting Strawberry Items. Make kitchen work a real pleasure!

1940s Homewares: Harmony House Giftware, Candles and lamps.” Matched, taste-tempting Strawberry Items as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook Vintage catalog

Before you finish your Black Friday shopping, make sure you pickup some Christmas Decor and Christmas treats!

Bubble lights are a very special Christmas memory for me as I remember them always being on our tree as a little kid. I would just curl up under the tree and watch them bubble for hours. Fantastic!

1940s Christmas decorations-Bubble lights as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook vintage catalog

“Christmas Card Assortments – 21 Tower embossed Christmas Cards”. Stock up for only $0.47.

1940s Christmas cards as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook Vintage Catalog

“Hard Candy for a sweet old-fashioned Christmas.”

Colourful candy is a must during the holiday season. Not only does it taste good, but its super fun for decor!

1940s hard candy for Christmas as seen in a 1947 Sears Christmas Wishbook Catalog.

Question Time: What was your favourite items showcased above? Share any thoughts about this blog post or others in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz


Jul
2023

1930s Real Estate: Vintage Home & Floor Plans

categories: Vintage Home, Vintage Magazines

A favourite post on my blog is ‘Vintage Real Estate – Choose your House from a 1958 Modern Living Homes Catalog‘. It features a collection of 1958 home & floor plans (and interior design ideas) that you could of purchased & then had made. It was a fun post for lovers of Mid-Century design.

After I saw my readers enjoying the post, I knew I had to do it again. This time we are going to venture into 1930, with ‘Our Book of Attractive Small Homes” by John H. Hagerty Lumber Co. We are once again going to look at the home designs & floor plans like we did in 1958.

Let’s pick our favourite 1930s home!

Note: This catalog was found at archive.org. 

Vintage Real Estate: 1930s vintage home plans and floor plans from 1930 of attractive small homes

1930s Real Estate

Intro:

“Every design in this book is a reproduction of an actual home, in which a family resides in cheerful comfort and each home is selected because of its practical economy, pleasing architecture and individual merits.


Complete plans for each house illustrated have been accurately prepared by competent designers who specialize in small house design and construction.”

Vintage Home & Floor Plans From A Catalog From 1930

Design 906-C. 5 Rooms (2 bedroom aka Chamber) & 1 Bath.

“This bungalow is worthy to be called home by anyone. It is attractice, original, home-like and modern in all points. The arched door, rustic stone chimney and entrance, pointed gables and wide siding are all harmoniously blended into the complete home.”

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for a 5 bedroom, 1 bath small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 907-C. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Craftsman home.

“The broad low roof with its heavy overhang, exposed rafters and broad verge boards are very effective features of this modern dwelling.” “Can you imagine a more appropriate present for the wife and family than a home built along the lines and arrangements similar to this design?”.

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath craftsman home with a broad low roof and exposed rafters. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 909-C. 1 Bedroom, Dinette & Bath.

“A Charmingly conventional bungalow with a simple layout. This simplicity of room arrangement allows for an easy accessibility between rooms and more important, makes it possible to get every penny out of the building dollar in actual value. Plenty of closet space is provided”.

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for a 3 bedroom, dinette & 1 bath small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 911-C. 5 rooms (2 bedrooms), Alcove and 1 Bath.

“Here is a cottage with an English trend; a quaint little home, a pretty little dwelling. The trend in design has been observed here; and considering the architecture involved and the convenient plan treatment, this home offers the utmost return upon the investment.”

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for 5 rooms (2 bedroom), alcove and 1 bath small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 916-C. 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath.

“The New England Colonial type has stood the storm for well over a century; it has spread to the four corners of the globe and has grown in popularity as time passes”.

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for 6 rooms (3 bedrooms) and 1 bath small home with porch -The New England Colonial. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 918-C. 3 bedroom and 1 bath.

“There have been many pleasing treatments of the bungalow, and this offers a subdued touch that has accentuated the charm of this type. There is an English Cottage tendency to this home, and it has been well adapted to the bugalow design in such a manner as to secure the beauty inherent in both types.”

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for 3 bedroom, 1 bath small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 935-C. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath.

“It is seldom that such a pleasing, distinctive design is met – for this home in it effective treatment of plain surfaces and regions of contrast has resulted in a most striking design. A touch of the French cottage, quaint and comfortable in appearance; a design of value. The construction costs are surprisingly moderate.”

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for 1 bedroom, 1 bath small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

The Vintage Home Designs Continue….

Design 928-C. 2 Bedroom 1 Bath.

“This design is an inexpensive bungalow executed in face brick. It proves to be, from the nature of it’s architecture and construction, an unsually cool home in hot weather. The arrangement of rooms is practical, allowing considerable freedom in the placement of furniture, and will appeal to a large number of discriminating people.”

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for 2 bedroom, 1 bath small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 933-C. 6 Rooms (3 bedroom) and 1 bath.

“This is a type that has stood the test of years, it has spread throughout the country – it has proven highly economical and has offered besides this economy an architectural treatement that has been pleasing. A distinctly American type – a type popular to those desiring comfortable porches.”

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for 3 bedroom, 1 bath and porch small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Design 955-C. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath & Dinette.

“There are many resons for wishing to own this home. First of all it makes an excellent apperance, quite unsual, in fact. Second it has splendid room arrangement, each room being accessible to the other. Third, it is modern in every sense of the word and has all the accessories and conveniences which the present day affords. Lastly, it is a splendid investment, suitable for a narrow lot and very economical to build.”

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for 1 bedroom, 1 bath and dinette small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Two more adorable 1930s houses to chose from (many more left to browse in the catalog).

1930s vintage house plan and floor plan for a small home. Circa 1930 small house plan catalog

Well friends I hope you enjoyed house shopping in 1930 with me. I think I want all the homes personally, but I would love to hear what your favourites were in the comments section below!

Now on a personal note, I’m off on my next adventure to Vietnam and Toyko Japan at the end of this week. I will have new blog posts to share with you while I am gone so don’t worry about that!

Thanks for dropping by!

Further Reading: Vintage Home Decor Inspiration

Liz