Odd Ogg (1962)

This ad for Odd Ogg ran in the December 14, 1962 Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, NM).

Half turtle, half frog, he's the playful Odd Ogg! Turn on the switch, he starts moving backward. Now roll one of the five plastic balls at him, hit him, and he rolls forward making a low, croaking sound. Miss him and he retreats, sticks out his tongue and makes a "razzing" frog noise. But hit or miss, you'll laugh along with Odd Ogg every time. Durable plastic construction, with heavy duty motor. Battery-operated.

Apparently, Odd Ogg was colorful.

Anti-Fat (1878)

This advertisement for "Allan's Anti-Fat" ran in the July 5, 1878 Daily Star (Marion, Ohio) and claims to "act upon the food in the stomach, preventing its being converted into fat."

Our Friend the Atom (1956)

The 1956 book Our Friend the Atom, produced by Walt Disney Productions, includes this prologue about the destructive power of the atom:

Deep in the tiny atom lies hidden a tremendous force. This force has entered the scene of our modern world as a most frightening power of destruction, more fearful and devastating than man ever though possible.

We all know of the story of the military atom, and we all wish that it weren't true. For many obvious reasons it would be better if it weren't real, but just a rousing tale. It does have all the earmarks of a drama: a frightful terror which everyone knows exists, a sinister threat, mystery and secrecy. It's a perfect tale of horror!

But, fortunately, the story is not yet finished. So far, the atom is a superb villain. Its power of destruction is foremost in our minds. But the same power can be put to use for creation, for the welfare of all mankind.

What will eventually be done with the atom? It is up to us to give the story a happy ending. If we use atomic energy wisely, we can make a hero out of a villain.

This, then, is the story of the atom. It is a story with a straightforward plot and a simple moral - almost like a fable. In many ways the story of the atom suggests the famous tale from Arabian Nights: "The Fisherman and the Genie." Perhaps this tale even hints at what lies in our atomic future . . . .

Nuns Try Out Guns (1957)

This image ran in the July 14, 1957 News and Tribune (Jefferson City, MO).

Rat Traps for the Tenderhearted (1935)

This rather morbid photograph appeared in the January 13, 1935 San Antonio Light (San Antonio, TX) under the headline, "Things Science Discovered in 1934." The subhead reads, "Rat trap for the tenderhearted that makes a rat shoot itself." How tender.

Retired Football Player?

I found some new glass plate negatives at a surplus store in St. Paul. I'll be posting them to Flickr as I scan them.

Rosie the Robot (1962)

This screenshot is from the first ever episode of The Jetsons which aired September 23, 1962.

Prohibition Raid (1923)

If I've learned anything from Wesley Snipes, it's the address to the White House and that one should always pay their taxes. This photo from the Library of Congress collection shows Prohibition officers conducting a raid at 922 Pennsylvania Avenue which, if I'm not mistaken, is remarkably close to the White House.

I suspect the owner of this establishment didn't know President Harding likes his tuna melt on wheat and not white.

Saludos Amigos (1942)

A close-up of the movie poster for Disney's Saludos Amigos (1942). Makes a great desktop wallpaper.

Miss America receives a permanent wave (1926)

This image is begging for a caption.

Eager Beaver (1962)

I found this hilarious image at Dreams of Space.

Chest Developer (1909)

I found this photo at the Library of Congress website. When you search for "electricity" you get a lot of interesting things popping up. (Terrible pun intended)

Heroes are Made

Going through newspapers of the 1930s really gives you some perspective on how easy you have it.

From the September 22, 1933 newspaper The Bee in Danville, Virginia.

Taxing Hides? (New York Times, 1890)

This headline from the March 20, 1890 New York Times gave me a chuckle.

Model Airplane News (July, 1939)

The cover of Model Airplane News magazine from July, 1939.

Optical Illusion (Popular Mechanics, 1964)

From the July, 1964 issue of Popular Mechanics.

Dressed As Bear, Man Almost Shot (Charleston Gazette, 1957)

Kirkpatrick said he had the "bear" in his rifle's sights when he noticed the "bear" was wearing shoes.

From the October 13, 1957 Charleston Gazette.

Hello and Welcome

While doing research for my blog Paleo-Future I will often come across old newspapers, magazines and TV commercials that aren't paleo-futuristic but still catch my eye. This is the dumping ground for that material. Enjoy.

Thanks for reading,
Matt

matt@paleofuture.com