Category: History

New York’s Bowery 1935

from "This Fabulous Century" Time Life Books
from “This Fabulous Century” Time Life Books

A dollar could go a long way in 1935. A haircut, a shave, and goulash–only 50¢!

from "This Fabulous Century" Time Life Books
from “This Fabulous Century” Time Life Books

Saddle Oxford Squat

"This Fabulous Century" Time Life Books
“This Fabulous Century” Time Life Books

This straining adolescent is performing the Posin’ maneuver, as part of a new dance craze called The Big Apple. Nope, I’d never heard of it, either. But I bet Liz at The Vintage Inn has (she knows all about the Lindy and other swing dancing). In 1937, Time magazine attempted to describe it in words I can’t comprehend:

Posin'010

After A Long Day Of Shaving Heads…

guinness

Here’s another “I Don’t Get It” ad from 1941, suggesting a pint of the “dark ruby ale” as a remedy for fatigue. Yes, technically, Guinness is not black or even brown, but red. The man buzz-cutting these recruits looks tired now. Is now a good time for Guinness? Should he pause in the middle of shaving heads? And speaking of head…

Bartenders are not being fussy when they insist on the double-pour. Unlike other taps, Guinness is dispensed through a five-hole disk restrictor plate. It supplies an uncommon amount of nitrogen, making the head extra-effervescent. As such, two shifts are needed: one to start the magic, and a second to finish the job. The perfect pint is said to take 119.5 seconds to pour. But who’s counting? (www.foodrepublic.com)

And did you know that Africa accounts for about 40% of Guinness’ total worldwide sales? I don’t get that statistic either.

The full ad ends with the tag: Guinness Is Good For You. Many years ago, pregnant Irish women were told to drink a glass of Guinness every day to fortify themselves and their baby. More sound advice. Sounds like it’s time for a pint!

LifeFeb41-022

Chitchattin’ At The Libby Bros

Libby Bros in Albion, Maine (The Way We Were by Daniel Okrent)
Libby Bros in Albion, Maine (The Way We Were by Daniel Okrent)

Now which do you think is the better picture? The intimate zoom into the men’s conversation? Or the zoomed-out version, full of Esso and more Coca-Cola?

WWW-LibbyBros1