A Good Resource for Period Pieces

[MelissaBaby]

Life Magazine Archive

If you are writing a story that takes place between 1932 and 1972, this free archive has complete issues of Life Magazine. In addition to seeing what subjects people were likely talking about at any particular time, it includes the ads, which are a great source for research on fashion, furnishings, cars, consumer products etc.

 

[SimonDoom]

Great resource, Melissa.

 

[MelissaBaby]

Great resource, Melissa.

And it's just a lot of fun to browse through.



View attachment 2285251

 

[TheRedChamber]

Hey look they had Kelloggs Variety Packs in 1963.

I don't know why I find that mildly surpising but I do. Anyway, I know what my characters are having for breakfast. Or maybe not quite, that's the beauty of it. Thanks, Melissa

 

[NoTalentHack]

Life Magazine Archive

If you are writing a story that takes place between 1932 and 1972, this free archive has complete issues of Life Magazine. In addition to seeing what subjects people were likely talking about at any particular time, it includes the ads, which are a great source for research on fashion, furnishings, cars, consumer products etc.

Wow, that’s really useful. Thanks!

 

[AchtungNight]

These people clearly remember the 1960s! I bet they weren’t really there!

 

[SouthernCrossfire]

Thanks for the info, Melissa.

The old trunk that was upstairs at my grandmother's house helped inspire my "Old Trunk" story series that currently contains four period pieces (Calling the Stork (early 1900s to 1920), I'll Continue This Tomorrow (1918), My Sister's Love (1918 to late 1920s), and Cast a Long Shadow (1940s). The only thing in the trunk that I clearly recall after 40-something years was the Life Magazine from 1945 (I think) with photos of a U.S. naval vessel that had been hit by a kamikaze attack. I may try to find that issue when I have time.