How to decorate for Christmas Retro Style
We had a tour around our followers and followees on Pinterest yesterday and found some fabulous and wonderful approaches to decorating for the holidays in Retro Style. Typical of our Mid-Century Friends, some did it kitchy style, while some took a more minimalist approach, but all of these did a wonderful job of doing up […]
Travel Route 66 – a handy companion for a trip down the “Mother Road”
Having used this book twice now on different trips along Route 66, I feel very slack in not writing a glowing review! Travel Route 66: a guide to the history, sights, and destinations along the main street of America is like having Jim Hinkley, the author, right in the car with you helping you decide […]
Review: It’s a Mod Mod Mystery! (or two!)
We’re behind on our book reviews and yet we’ve read some fabulous ones lately! If you’re a cozy mystery fan and love to dream of fabulous mid-century decor and fashion, Diane’s books are for you! I already reviewed her first book in this series “Pillow Stalk” but haven’t had a chance to tell you about […]
The influence of the Atom Bomb on 1950’s America
In surfing around the web, we find some folks who have done a fantastic job of capturing important parts of Mid-Century life. One of our favorites is Uncle Jack’s veryvintagevegas.com and in surfing his site we came across this fantastic online master’s thesis from Monique Gaudin on the topic of the Atomic bomb’s influence on […]
Ohio House Motel Chicago – a survivor
Distinguished by its fabulous diamond shaped exterior, the Ohio House is a fabulous example of mid-century architecture right in the middle of downtown Chicago. Other architectural points of interest include the matching suspended sign, held up by a geometric metal grid which is itself reflected in the pattern block fence that runs along Ohio Street. […]
missile silos
If you’re looking for a peaceful country home that can also keep you safe from natural disaster, social upheaval, disease and even zombies, this home is for you. A decommissioned Cold War-era missile silo, located in the Adirondock Mountains of upstate New York, recently hit the market for $750,000. While it’s not much to look […]
Mamaroneck Motel, New York
One of our favorite parts of Mid-Century travel is finding those fabulous out of the way motels for an affordable price. One of our biggest challenges on our trip back east was finding something near New York City. We knew we wanted to stay close by – because we were spending the day in Manhattan. […]
Our favorite retro television holiday specials
A Facebook post reminded us that some of our favorite holiday specials were released in the 1960’s. We thought we’d walk you down memory lane with us: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rudolph the Red–Nosed Reindeer is a long-running Christmas television special produced in stop-motion animation by Rankin/Bass. It originally aired on NBC on December 6, […]
The Geometry of the Midcentury Modern Garden — Part I
Contributing writer Ted Cleary, ASLA, of Studio Cleary Landscape Architecture, is back to shed light on the structure behind MCM landscape design that accounts for its unique look: I’m often asked by MCM enthusiasts which plants are most appropriate for the landscaping around their home. To be sure, certain species bring to mind that midcentury modern look: strongly “architectural” plants […]
The Historic Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba MO
If you find yourself in the middle of Missouri – you’re going to want to make sure that Cuba Missouri is a stop on your trip! With it’s retro murals and almost Disneylike feel, Cuba is Americana at it’s finest. And it’s here that you find one of the best kept motels along Route 66. […]