Century 21 Calling - Dreamily retro footage of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, AKA the Century 21 Exposition, including a visit to the Bell Systems pavilion. A slice of space age science propaganda, the fair gave Seattle some of its most enduring landmarks in the form of the Space Needle and the Alweg Monorail, and, of course, brought Elvis to town.
posted by Artw on Dec 12, 2011 - 35 comments

Letterology — an open classroom in book design, experimental typography, and professional practices. Popular posts include : The Olivetti Typewriter, in 1911 Olivetti produced Italy's first typewriter. One hundred years later we continue to celebrate the smart promotion. Early 20th Century Trademarks, pages of trademarked names from the Trade Mark Title Company, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1910-1913. Czechoslovakian Stamp Designs, the variety and styles of the hand lettered text on these stamps is stunning. [more inside]
posted by netbros on Jun 27, 2011 - 4 comments

50 years ago , it was the era of Sputnik, nuclear power, decolonisation, European vows of ever closer union, transistor radios, cars for the masses, and Hula Hoops. What better time to hold a damn big party? [more inside]
posted by Skeptic on Apr 17, 2008 - 9 comments

Mid-century American decor's holy trinity of materials were steel, linoleum and plastic., all of which are on display in these galleries from Plan59, which also brings us cars, trucks, food and more. (Including a blog).
posted by dersins on Nov 29, 2007 - 11 comments

So everyone's already seen regrettable food over and over, but this chick makes, eats, and reviews it according to the original documentation.
posted by pieoverdone on Mar 23, 2007 - 28 comments

Philco's line of Predicta televisions are quite possibly the most distinctive sets ever designed in North America. New versions of old classics. via TWoP.
posted by macadamiaranch on Sep 30, 2005 - 25 comments

Fantastic Plastic "A celebration of science, engineering, daring and imagination, what follows is a chronicle of Man's highest aspirations as expressed through his flying machines, both real and imagined."
posted by anastasiav on Jan 19, 2004 - 5 comments

The Futuro House - designed in 1968 by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, this funky place is an example of space age utopian architecture. Made largely of plastic, the oil crisis nipped the design in the bud. Should you decide to build along these lines, here's some ideas for '70s decor.
posted by madamjujujive on Dec 22, 2003 - 16 comments