Can You Name All of These Vintage Items?

As technology has advanced over the years, many of these gadgets and household objects have fallen into obscurity. However, some of them are just so specific that they're impossible to forget. If you remember what a long-forgotten "film canister" or a vintage credit card reader looks like, then you definitely will be able to recognize the rest of these things...

What was this abandoned booth once used for? 

Correct

This was a Fotomat photo development booth. Fotomat was a chain of drive-thru kiosks located in shopping center parking lots. 

Incorrect

You chose:

This was a Fotomat photo development booth. Fotomat was a chain of drive-thru kiosks located in shopping center parking lots. 

What is happening in this photo?

Correct

If you wanted to rewind the tape, you had to manually spin that wheel to get to the beginning of the song or track.

Incorrect

You chose:

If you wanted to rewind the tape, you had to manually spin that wheel to get to the beginning of the song or track.

What was this game called?

Correct

Pong was a table tennis sports game manufactured by Atari in 1972. It was one of the first digital games to ever exist and is still fun to play today.

Incorrect

You chose:

Pong was a table tennis sports game manufactured by Atari in 1972. It was one of the first digital games to ever exist and is still fun to play today.

What are these?

Correct

Although they may look like strange telephones, these devices actually contained photographic film. 

Incorrect

You chose:

Although they may look like strange telephones, these devices actually contained photographic film. 

Any idea what this kitchen gadget is?

Correct

This retro aluminum ice cube tray contains a level that raises the ice cubes to free them from the tray, making it more convenient than popping them out of a flat plastic dish.

Incorrect

You chose:

This retro aluminum ice cube tray contains a level that raises the ice cubes to free them from the tray, making it more convenient than popping them out of a flat plastic dish.

These used to be in every car model... what is it?

Correct

Vintage cars used to have a lighter located in the front console so people could light cigars and cigarettes. Now, that same apparatus is used as a mobile charger.

Incorrect

You chose:

Vintage cars used to have a lighter located in the front console so people could light cigars and cigarettes. Now, that same apparatus is used as a mobile charger.

What is this old-school dessert?

Correct

Jello salad was a salad made with flavored gelatin, fruit, and sometimes vegetables. They also might have included pretzels, marshmallows, cream cheese, nuts, or cottage cheese. Have you ever heard of a more disgusting dish in your life?

Incorrect

You chose:

Jello salad was a salad made with flavored gelatin, fruit, and sometimes vegetables. They also might have included pretzels, marshmallows, cream cheese, nuts, or cottage cheese. Have you ever heard of a more disgusting dish in your life?

What were these canisters for?

Correct

A film canister is what photographers used to store their film in after shooting, so it would be protected from light. 

Incorrect

You chose:

A film canister is what photographers used to store their film in after shooting, so it would be protected from light. 

How does one affect the other?

Correct

If you had a temperamental record player, the easiest way to fix it was to affix a coin to the top of the arm where the needle is located in order to weigh it down. A skipping needle isn't heavy enough to fit into the record's grooves, so this is the easiest way to solve the problem.

Incorrect

You chose:

If you had a temperamental record player, the easiest way to fix it was to affix a coin to the top of the arm where the needle is located in order to weigh it down. A skipping needle isn't heavy enough to fit into the record's grooves, so this is the easiest way to solve the problem.

What would you have used this for?

Correct

Even though canned food has been around since the 1700s, can openers weren't actually invented until the 1850s. What were people using to open them?

Incorrect

You chose:

Even though canned food has been around since the 1700s, can openers weren't actually invented until the 1850s. What were people using to open them?

What could be found in this case?

Correct

These cases used to contain a portable sewing machine for all of your on-the-go hemming needs.

Incorrect

You chose:

These cases used to contain a portable sewing machine for all of your on-the-go hemming needs.

Do you know what this is?

Correct

If only these were still around today. This jar opener latched on to either side of the lid, and you would twist the knob to pop it off. Easy peasy.

Incorrect

You chose:

If only these were still around today. This jar opener latched on to either side of the lid, and you would twist the knob to pop it off. Easy peasy.

Do you know what this is?

Correct

Transactions used to take a long time because this is what a credit card reader used to look like.

Incorrect

You chose:

Transactions used to take a long time because this is what a credit card reader used to look like.

What was this game called?

Correct

Merlin was designed by a former NASA employee and supported six different games, such as tic tac toe and blackjack. It was distributed by Parker Brothers and was actually pretty successful among kids.

Incorrect

You chose:

Merlin was designed by a former NASA employee and supported six different games, such as tic tac toe and blackjack. It was distributed by Parker Brothers and was actually pretty successful among kids.

Do you remember these objects?

Correct

In the 1960s, photographers were using "flash cubes" to enhance the lighting in their photos. A reaction would occur inside the cubes, leading to detonation, and then a big burst of light to be captured on film.

Incorrect

You chose:

In the 1960s, photographers were using "flash cubes" to enhance the lighting in their photos. A reaction would occur inside the cubes, leading to detonation, and then a big burst of light to be captured on film.

What were these dividers for?

Correct

You could find these dividers in an array of public spaces so people could have privacy while making phone calls.

Incorrect

You chose:

You could find these dividers in an array of public spaces so people could have privacy while making phone calls.

What did Neil Armstrong say when he and Buzz Aldrin placed the American flag on the moon in 1969?

Correct

At 4:18 p.m. on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong said: "The Eagle has landed." "The Eagle" was the name of the Apollo 11 lunar module, and these words are often confused with his famous quote, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." 

Incorrect

You chose:

At 4:18 p.m. on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong said: "The Eagle has landed." "The Eagle" was the name of the Apollo 11 lunar module, and these words are often confused with his famous quote, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." 

Do you know what this is?

Correct

Cap guns used to be a popular (though probably dangerous) children's toy. They'd let out a loud bang and a cloud of smoke, simulating an actual gunshot noise.

Incorrect

You chose:

Cap guns used to be a popular (though probably dangerous) children's toy. They'd let out a loud bang and a cloud of smoke, simulating an actual gunshot noise.

What stores carried this device?

Correct

This metal foot measurer was called a Brannock Device and was used to determine your shoe size at the store. These aren't in style so much anymore.

Incorrect

You chose:

This metal foot measurer was called a Brannock Device and was used to determine your shoe size at the store. These aren't in style so much anymore.

What was this kitchen appliance used for?

Correct

You might recognize the Auto Chop from the 1970s and '80s, a device that chopped up meats, fruits, and vegetables. Today, we have appliances like food processers that can chop up foods into all different consistencies. 

Incorrect

You chose:

You might recognize the Auto Chop from the 1970s and '80s, a device that chopped up meats, fruits, and vegetables. Today, we have appliances like food processers that can chop up foods into all different consistencies. 

What was this old gaming console called?

Correct

The Atari 2600 or Atari VCS was a home video console that was manufactured from 1977 to 1992. Across the system's lifetime, it is estimated that about 30 million units were sold, and some vintage-loving gamers still play on them today.

Incorrect

You chose:

The Atari 2600 or Atari VCS was a home video console that was manufactured from 1977 to 1992. Across the system's lifetime, it is estimated that about 30 million units were sold, and some vintage-loving gamers still play on them today.

What is this?

Correct

These mounted Hollingshead speakers were used to project sound at drive-in movie theaters before movies were able to broadcast through car radios.

Incorrect

You chose:

These mounted Hollingshead speakers were used to project sound at drive-in movie theaters before movies were able to broadcast through car radios.

What was this machine?

Correct

This toaster is from the early 20th century. Though it looks cool, it was also definitely very dangerous and highly flammable.

Incorrect

You chose:

This toaster is from the early 20th century. Though it looks cool, it was also definitely very dangerous and highly flammable.

What is this metal device?

Correct

These manual pencil sharpeners were typically mounted on desks or classroom walls back in the day. Well before electric sharpeners were invented, this was a pretty time-consuming way to make sure your pencils were nice and pointy.

Incorrect

You chose:

These manual pencil sharpeners were typically mounted on desks or classroom walls back in the day. Well before electric sharpeners were invented, this was a pretty time-consuming way to make sure your pencils were nice and pointy.

What was this dial for?

Correct

The headlight leveling dial was used to adjust the brightness of the headlights so as to avoid blinding other drivers, but it doesn't make much sense to be located so far away from the steering wheel.

Incorrect

You chose:

The headlight leveling dial was used to adjust the brightness of the headlights so as to avoid blinding other drivers, but it doesn't make much sense to be located so far away from the steering wheel.

What was Woolworth's?

Correct

Woolworth's expanded from a five-and-dime store to a variety chain that offered all sorts of goods and services, similar to a Walmart today. Though they aren't open anymore, they were once the most affordable one-stop-shop.

Incorrect

You chose:

Woolworth's expanded from a five-and-dime store to a variety chain that offered all sorts of goods and services, similar to a Walmart today. Though they aren't open anymore, they were once the most affordable one-stop-shop.

Which toy is this from?

Correct

The Spirograph was a geometric drawing device that used to be a popular Hasbro toy. It was a popular blueprint for artistic toys and several iterations have been made based on the design.

Incorrect

You chose:

The Spirograph was a geometric drawing device that used to be a popular Hasbro toy. It was a popular blueprint for artistic toys and several iterations have been made based on the design.

Ovaltine's biggest supermarket competitor was which brand?

Correct

Cocomalt was Ovaltine's biggest competitor. Both were brands of malt powder chocolate beverage. There have been various iterations of the classic drink, but none compare to Ovaltine.

Incorrect

You chose:

Cocomalt was Ovaltine's biggest competitor. Both were brands of malt powder chocolate beverage. There have been various iterations of the classic drink, but none compare to Ovaltine.

What was this crank used for?

Correct

Before the invention of automatic car windows, a manual crank was required to roll the window up and down. You'll still find these in some old cars, but for the most part, windows open and close with the touch of a button.

Incorrect

You chose:

Before the invention of automatic car windows, a manual crank was required to roll the window up and down. You'll still find these in some old cars, but for the most part, windows open and close with the touch of a button.

What was this toy called?

Correct

Beanie Babies have gone down in history as one of the most popular collectible toys ever. They're worth a ton of money today, and TY still manufactures them. 

Incorrect

You chose:

Beanie Babies have gone down in history as one of the most popular collectible toys ever. They're worth a ton of money today, and TY still manufactures them. 

Do you remember this gadget?

Correct

After the Walk-Man but before the iPod, there were Hit Clips.

Incorrect

You chose:

After the Walk-Man but before the iPod, there were Hit Clips.

What was the name of this hairstyle?

Correct

The Beehive is one of the most iconic female hairstyles to come out of the 1960s.

Incorrect

You chose:

The Beehive is one of the most iconic female hairstyles to come out of the 1960s.

What was this machine?

Correct

Formally known as Stereo 8, the 8-track tape was popular in the U.S. between the 1960s and 1980s. This was a device used to play 8-track tapes. Many musicians could also record their songs onto 8-tracks, making it a popular method for vintage music production.

Incorrect

You chose:

Formally known as Stereo 8, the 8-track tape was popular in the U.S. between the 1960s and 1980s. This was a device used to play 8-track tapes. Many musicians could also record their songs onto 8-tracks, making it a popular method for vintage music production.

What was this toy called?

Correct

My Little Pony toys were cute collectible horse figurines, often with manes that felt like real acrylic hair. The franchise has withstood decades.

Incorrect

You chose:

My Little Pony toys were cute collectible horse figurines, often with manes that felt like real acrylic hair. The franchise has withstood decades.

What was this tool used for?

Correct

Did you know that twist-off bottle caps weren't invented until the 1960s? Even then, people still relied on this tool, called a churchkey. The pointy end punctured the can and the round end pried the top off.

Incorrect

You chose:

Did you know that twist-off bottle caps weren't invented until the 1960s? Even then, people still relied on this tool, called a churchkey. The pointy end punctured the can and the round end pried the top off.

What was this small box used for?

Correct

Prior to 1960, many suburban homes included a small box called a "milk chute." The neighborhood milkman would then leave the milk in the protected area and collect the money waiting inside for him. This way, milk could be delivered while you were at work without worrying that it would spoil.

Incorrect

You chose:

Prior to 1960, many suburban homes included a small box called a "milk chute." The neighborhood milkman would then leave the milk in the protected area and collect the money waiting inside for him. This way, milk could be delivered while you were at work without worrying that it would spoil.

What material was used to make shag carpeting?

Correct

Shag carpet was popular in the 1960s and '70s. It was associated with the free-love aesthetic of hippies and beatniks. It was made from yarn material and was found in countless homes.

Incorrect

You chose:

Shag carpet was popular in the 1960s and '70s. It was associated with the free-love aesthetic of hippies and beatniks. It was made from yarn material and was found in countless homes.

What did this kitchen utensil do?

Correct

This utensil is used to crush soft food but was mostly meant for mashing potatoes before the invention of an electric mixer.

Incorrect

You chose:

This utensil is used to crush soft food but was mostly meant for mashing potatoes before the invention of an electric mixer.

What was the name of this food?

Correct

This pistachio "salad" includes instant pudding, canned pineapple, whipped cream, pecans, and marshmallows. It was originally named Pistachio Pineapple Delight, but after the Watergate scandal, it was renamed. How the two are related is unclear. 

Incorrect

You chose:

This pistachio "salad" includes instant pudding, canned pineapple, whipped cream, pecans, and marshmallows. It was originally named Pistachio Pineapple Delight, but after the Watergate scandal, it was renamed. How the two are related is unclear. 

What was this toy called?

Correct

Clackers were a popular toy in the 1960s and '70s, but they were eventually banned due to becoming a safety hazard—if they were made of acrylic, they had been reportedly shattering on impact.

Incorrect

You chose:

Clackers were a popular toy in the 1960s and '70s, but they were eventually banned due to becoming a safety hazard—if they were made of acrylic, they had been reportedly shattering on impact.

What was the name of this toy?

Correct

Pet Rocks were wildly popular for whatever reason. They were advertised as if they were living, breathing pets, and flew off shelves thanks to the marketing gimmick.

Incorrect

You chose:

Pet Rocks were wildly popular for whatever reason. They were advertised as if they were living, breathing pets, and flew off shelves thanks to the marketing gimmick.

What was this called?

Correct

The View-Mater was a line of stereoscopes and reels that allowed users to flip through the slides and see pictures. Some slides were novelty images from films or cartoons, and some were real photos.

Incorrect

You chose:

The View-Mater was a line of stereoscopes and reels that allowed users to flip through the slides and see pictures. Some slides were novelty images from films or cartoons, and some were real photos.

What is this toy?

Correct

People either loved or hated Furby when it was around. They were cute in a creepy way and thankfully haven't made any sort of modern revival.

Incorrect

You chose:

People either loved or hated Furby when it was around. They were cute in a creepy way and thankfully haven't made any sort of modern revival.

What kind of doll is this?

Correct

American Girl Dolls were all the rage in the 80s and 90s. With their line of historical figures like Samantha, children of all ages loved to learn about their pasts and play with their elaborate accessories and clothing.

Incorrect

You chose:

American Girl Dolls were all the rage in the 80s and 90s. With their line of historical figures like Samantha, children of all ages loved to learn about their pasts and play with their elaborate accessories and clothing.

What was this appliance for?

Correct

You could find hot drink vending machines could be found in all sorts of places, like hospitals and office spaces. Now, it's not so desirable to get your coffee from a dispensary like this.

Incorrect

You chose:

You could find hot drink vending machines could be found in all sorts of places, like hospitals and office spaces. Now, it's not so desirable to get your coffee from a dispensary like this.

What was this used for?

Correct

This is a typewriter eraser. Much like a pencil eraser, the abrasive end was used to erase, and the typist then brushed away any debris with the bristle end.

Incorrect

You chose:

This is a typewriter eraser. Much like a pencil eraser, the abrasive end was used to erase, and the typist then brushed away any debris with the bristle end.

What were these cards called?

Correct

Garbage Pail Kids Cards are worth upwards of $1000 today. The popular 1980s trading card game went out of style as the years went on, but cards with their original packaging are pretty rare finds.

Incorrect

You chose:

Garbage Pail Kids Cards are worth upwards of $1000 today. The popular 1980s trading card game went out of style as the years went on, but cards with their original packaging are pretty rare finds.

What was this toy called?

Correct

Polly Pocket has been a favorite among young girls for decades. Her pint-sized clothes and cars and accessories gave Barbie a run for her money.

Incorrect

You chose:

Polly Pocket has been a favorite among young girls for decades. Her pint-sized clothes and cars and accessories gave Barbie a run for her money.

What's this toy called?

Correct

Tamagotchis were popular handheld virtual pet games in the 1990s and are making a comeback today. The simple pixel design and minimalistic plot made these toys wildly popular among kids and teens.

Incorrect

You chose:

Tamagotchis were popular handheld virtual pet games in the 1990s and are making a comeback today. The simple pixel design and minimalistic plot made these toys wildly popular among kids and teens.

What was this game called?

Correct

Simon was a flashing light game that required the player to remember a pattern and repeat it back to the console.

Incorrect

You chose:

Simon was a flashing light game that required the player to remember a pattern and repeat it back to the console.

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The More You Know

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  • England is hit with more tornadoes per square mile than any other country in the world.
  • Nintendo was founded in 1889. Before it sold video games, the Japanese company specialized in playing cards.
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