Whatwas under the Christmas tree in Dayton 55 years ago?
Withonlypreciousfewdays left in 2020tobuythe perfect holiday gift, there isno shortage of options. It was no different 55 years agowhen the pages of your local newspaperwerefilledwithChristmasthemed promotions.
In 1965, advertisements in theDaytonDailyNewsenticed shopperswithformalwearfor the holiday season.
“The loveliest nights of the yule should be adorned by the loveliest you of the year,” read one ad for The Metropolitan that featured dresses for juniors. Along pink rayon chiffonandlace-toppeddress sold for $30, while a shorter versioninredorbluewasalso available.
Adult women could wrap themselvesinanewminkstole for holidayparties. Described as “eternally feminine… elegantly fashionableandexquisitely flattering,” the wraps startedat$299. Anaturalmink coat, calledthe“ultimategift,” went for $1,800.
For you men, well, not much has changed in the clothing department. Cotton flannel robes that “make him feel like a king” sold for under $3 at Millers Discount Dept. stores. A pair of pajamas “always needed, always appreciated” could accompany that robe for $2.57.
In light of the pandemic, comfortable and comforting fashion makes many Christmas wish lists in 2020.
Electronics have always beenanin-demandgift.Anew GE “On the Go” portable stereosold for $74.99more than five decades ago. The solidstatephonohadsix-inchspeakers, a diamond stylus and an automaticrecord-changer.The wholethingfoldedupforeasy carrying, withspeakerlatches that gave it a “smart look.”
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Today, Victrola, the”talking machine” maker founded in 1906,makesanentertainment center that looks like a vintage radio. Inside thewooden box is a turntable, CD player, Bluetoothandajackforaudio streaming. In just a few clicks you can add it to your Amazon shopping cart for $138.
AnadforanewKodakInstamaticcamerawithaflashcube boasted that it allowed photographers to “take 4 flash pictures without changing bulbs!” No more “missing pictures because you were busy changing bulbs — now you’re always ready for the next shot.”
Odds are good the majorityof photos takenChristmas morningthisyear willbedocumentedwithasmartphone.
Hoverboards, a kid-sized battery-powered Mercedes Benz and drones are among the popular toys on sale for Christmas 2020.
Fifty-five years ago “the bicycle everybody wants!” was a light-weight 3-speed Sturmey-Archer, according to a 1965 newspaper ad. Bikes haddesirable features includingcoasterbrakes, atwo-tone vinyl covered coil spring saddle and a kickstand. Multiple colorswere available, including“flamboyant red” forboys and “flamboyant blue” for girls.
Easy-bake ovens, tinker toys and G.I. Joes were also among the popular gifts for children found under tinselcovered Christmas trees.
Batteries not included.