Special Report

40 Things Your Parents Had in Their House That You Never See Today

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The typical American home looks much different today than it did decades ago. Improved technology and shifting tastes have refined the layout, style, and storage methods in residences across the country. 

24/7 Tempo reviewed decades’ worth of old photos of American home interiors from the Library of Congress and Getty Images to determine 40 things your parents had at home that you  most likely never see today. (Here, for instance, are 25 modern inventions we really don’t use anymore.)

Certain items on this list have been phased out simply because they’ve fallen out of favor. Rarely if ever do younger homeowners opt for linoleum floors or for plastic covers on their couches. Likewise, certain wallpaper pattern and color choices have not been en vogue for many decades.

Many of the things on this list are simply obsolete. These items may have been upgraded significantly to the point that its replacement is no longer recognizable. Very few homes have a hand fixer, for instance, when an automated stand mixer is an option. And many items on this list have been rendered unnecessary by smartphones. (These are the hottest phones of all time.)

Click here to see 40 things your parents had at home that you never see today

Though they are no longer common, these appliances, styles, and household goods will likely bring memories flooding back for many readers who’ll recognize these items from their childhoods.

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1. Popcorn popper

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2. Shag carpet

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3. Plastic couch wrap

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4. Answering machine

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5. Hand mixer

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6. VCR

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7. Printer

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8. Linoleum floors

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9. Calendar

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10. China cabinet

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11. Grandfather clock

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12. Candy Dish

13. Record player

14. Boombox

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15. Sewing machine

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16. Fondue set

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17. Croquet set

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18. Phone book

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19. Photo album

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20. Water bed

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21. Jewelry box

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22. Cookie jar

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23. Bread basket

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24. Jell-O mold

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25. Glass milk bottle

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26. Fax machine

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28. Shaded lamp

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29. Porcelain dolls

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30. Hand-cranked ice cream maker

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31. Tea kettle

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32. Ash tray

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33. Chafing dish

34. Canopy bed

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35. Needlepoint

36. Rotary phone

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37. Potpourri

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39. Hat rack

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