The memories of washboards and wood burning stoves were fresh for mom and dad. Thus, appliances that we take for granted today like the washer and dryer, fridge, and electric stove seemed like something from The Jetsons. Jetpacks and robot maids couldn't be far away.
What's striking to me is how little things have changed in the 47 years after this was published. Sure, we have microwaves - big fucking deal. Everything else is basically the same, with unimpressive upgrades. When you look at the incomprehensible progress from the 47 years prior to this booklet, the 47 years after seem all the more lackluster.
For instance, in 1916, no one had a refrigerator (the first one was invented in 1911); you were lucky to have an icebox. By the time of this booklet, over sixty percent of homes had them. In 2010, the only real noticeable difference is that they have automatic defrost and ice makers.
Maybe, just maybe, it's time for companies to start thinking "outside the box" once again, and concentrate less on upgrading appliances and more on inventing novel technologies. In other words, I want my freaking jetpack!
