1910s
Whiz Soap
Perhaps you recall the commercials with Madge the Manicurist, where she recommended Palmolive soap for its skin-softening qualities.
Well, Madge had nothing on a campaign from early in the century, for Whiz Soap, which informed customers that they could use Whiz to clean, oh, filthy farm equipment, and then use the same stuff for their personal bathing.
[Click to enlarge for readability]
There seem to be lots of antique Whiz containers around for sale, if you want to commemorate this product in your home.
Original ad here.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Jul 01, 2012 -
Comments (4)
Category: Body, Business, Advertising, Products, Baths, Showers and Other Cleansing Methods, 1910s
The Wellingborough Carnival
The town of Wellingborough, UK, has been holding a carnival for over 100 years. The old affairs certainly featured things that look weird to us today. Here's a photo album to peruse.
And the Wellingborough Carnival home page reveals this year's affair is on July 7th! Plenty of time to make your plans to attend!
Posted By: Paul - Fri Jun 22, 2012 -
Comments (4)
Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests, Holidays, Parades and Festivals, Weird Theory, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, Europe
Famous Cat
Why was this cat once famous? Hint: it involves a mode of transport.
Take your best guess, then find out after the jump.
More in extended >>
Posted By: Paul - Wed Jun 06, 2012 -
Comments (7)
Category: Celebrities, Cats, 1910s
Lenin’s Cats
"Don't trust anyone who doesn't like cats."
Okay.
But does that imply "Trust everyone who likes cats"...?
Posted By: Paul - Tue Apr 24, 2012 -
Comments (12)
Category: Historical Figure, Cats, 1910s, 1920s, Russia
The WWI Plot That Failed
Chances are, this man's face is totally unfamiliar to you. And yet he came within a hairsbreadth of altering the course of global history in the aftermath of World War I.
Take your best guess as to his claim to fame, then find out his story after the jump.
More in extended >>
Posted By: Paul - Thu Apr 12, 2012 -
Comments (5)
Category: Daredevils, Stuntpeople and Thrillseekers, Disguises, Impersonations, Mimics and Forgeries, Government, Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, Politics, 1910s
Whiskey for Health
Such was the medical wisdom of 1912.
Original ad here.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Mar 03, 2012 -
Comments (9)
Category: Health, Advertising, 1910s, Alcohol
Long Lance
I'm trespassing on Alex's territory here, with an hour-length documentary on what was once a famous hoax.
Here's the story in a nutshell.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Jan 21, 2012 -
Comments (1)
Category: Eccentrics, Hoaxes and Imposters and Imitators, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, North America, Nineteenth Century, Native Americans
The Extraordinary Catalog of Peculiar Inventions
I've just finished reading the fine book about weird fraternal lodge devices from a century ago. It would make a fine gift for any WU-vie.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Dec 10, 2011 -
Comments (5)
Category: Clubs, Fraternities and Other Self-selecting Organizations, Inventions, Books, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, Pranks, Nineteenth Century
Dr. Olgierd Lindan’s Collection of Unusual Medical Devices & Antique Electronics
WU-vies will find much to amuse them on this page of weird medical gadgets.
One of the prime charlatans whose stuff is on display was a fellow named Dr. Albert Abrams pictured to the right.
You can read a book he wrote here.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Nov 05, 2011 -
Comments (5)
Category: Body, Frauds, Cons and Scams, Medicine, Body Fluids, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, Nineteenth Century
Violet Healing Rays
Original ad here. (Scroll down a bit.)
Read the history here.
Posted By: Paul - Thu Jun 23, 2011 -
Comments (4)
Category: Frauds, Cons and Scams, Health, Technology, Appliances, 1910s
| Who We Are |
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| Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1. Contact Us |