Old School Cool
Your grandparents’ house was always so different. From the necessities to the quirky knickknacks, our grandparents’ generations just had some special objects. With that in mind, here are 5 prime examples.
1. A Landline
A landline was a common fixture in most grandparents' households. It was used to place and receive calls, and typically had a rotary or push-button dial. The landline was frequently placed on a kitchen counter or in a hallway, and always available for family communication before the invention of cell phones. It was a simple device but served as the center of many families and neighborhoods.
2. Lace and Crochet Doilies
Made of lace or crochet, doilies were decorative and delicate, handmade cloths or mats that were placed on a table, armrest, or shelf to protect the surface or give a more ornate look. They took time to make and displayed intricate workmanship. A common indicator of a grandmother's attention to detail and pride in her home, doilies gave rooms a warm, vintage appearance that many think is lacking in newer homes.
3. Fine China Sets
Sets of fine china were heirloom pieces that were only used on special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, or formal dinners. Sets were often displayed in glass cabinets when not in use. Nowadays, it’s pretty atypical for people to collect these sets.
4. Record Players
Record players were the focal point of home entertainment, spinning vinyl records to fill rooms with music before CDs and digital formats became popular. They often brought families together for listening sessions, from jazz and swing to early rock ‘n’ roll. The warm, rich sound of vinyl created a unique musical experience that many remember fondly.
5. Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias were found in many grandparents' homes before the internet. Typically lined up on shelves in a study or living room, they were used for homework, research, or casual learning. These hefty multi-volume tomes signified a family's devotion to education and inquisitiveness.
