I had to do a little reading to find out that in 1920 most major cities had electricity provided by several competing electric companies. My father in law told me once that he remembered the companies giving out free light bulbs if you signed on with their electric service. This was in Chicago.
But, even as far out as 1930, only 10% of rural areas had electricity. So this magazine must have been quite the science fiction experience for poor Molly in Podunk Kansas. But a girl could dream eh? Old Molly wouldn't have had a bit of trouble holding up the two pound Ladies Home Journal. I'll bet that girl had some biceps.
Two things stood out as the greatest thing since sliced bread. Washing machines and vacuum cleaners. I would totally concur that those would be on the top of my wish list even today. I could live just fine without a dishwasher, but boy oh boy, my washing machine would be sadly missed.
Here's a quaint washer...
Named after a bird.
[The Bluebird of Happiness???]
[album 65561 LHJ Bluebird Washer.jpg]
And here we have a happy family in spotlessly clean clothes provided by:
[album 65561 LHJ Eden Family.jpg]
[album 65561 LHJ Eden Washer.jpg]
Eden. Hmmm... idyllic imagery again. And how about that pink finish?? Eh??
Here's one more....
I think I like this one best.
Perhaps it is because it looks most familiar to me. All boxed in so you can't see the guts.
[album 65561 LHJ Washer Again.jpg]
This next ad I was fascinated by. Electricity was so new, people didn't have the special appliances that were needed. They had all manner of tools mind you, but not power. So some clever chap.... [it must have been a chap don't you imagine?] came up with a multi-tasking electric motor.
[album 65561 LHJ Electric Motor.jpg]
I love that rubber wheel to run your treadle sewing machine. But the whipping attachment seems a little dangerous and awkward.
People are so clever.
Then there was the one ad related to electricity that really made me smile. The Luddite's revenge.
This one worked up a vacuum that was created by the back and forth motion provided by the
[album 65561 LHJ Not Electric.jpg]
They were very proud of the fact that they were 'NOT Electric'.... sniff, cough, clear throat, nose in the air.
I probably would have purchased this one back then if I was Molly from Podunk Kansas.
(You ARE Molly from Podunk Kansas, Cupcake. Check your label.)