Antiques offer valuable insights into the evolution of everyday items over time. While some objects from the past have become obsolete, others have undergone significant transformations. Below, we’ve identified seven such everyday items that have either disappeared completely or undergone substantial changes since their prime. Scroll down to see the first item, then click the next button to reveal the solution. Test your knowledge and share your score in the comments!
Let’s start with an easier one. This item was essential for early mornings. Any guesses? Scroll down to see the answer!
If you guessed coffee grinder, you are correct! Before Starbucks became ubiquitous, coffee beans were sold whole, and you had to hand-crank them before brewing your morning cup of joe. I don’t think I could handle that much effort before my first sip of coffee.
Here’s one that many of us still use, but they’ve certainly changed over time! One of the more divisive household chores, we can’t imagine having to lug this thing around.
Did you guess vacuum cleaner? The model pictured here is actually the Baby Daisy. Dating back to 1910 and built in France, the Baby Daisy was a manually-operated vacuum that required two people to operate it: one person would stand on the base of the vacuum, moving it back and forth with a broomstick in the holder on the front, while the second person would do the actual vacuuming with the hose.
Returning to the kitchen for item number 3, which is still in use today. If you can’t tell from the image below, here’s a hint: this would complement the coffee grinder from the first item.
If you guessed toaster, you are correct! Indeed, the best thing since sliced bread… or perhaps the best thing to happen to sliced bread? Either way, toasters as we know them began to appear when Albert Marsh developed a safe heating element for a toaster in the early 20th century. Before that, people used to toast their bread over a fire!
You might not spot this item in as many kitchens as before unless it’s a professional baker’s kitchen. However, modern versions of this baking tool are still available, and the technology hasn’t changed much (although they may look a bit more sleek).
Nobody enjoys dealing with lumpy dough, which is why a flour sifter is essential! While flour still comes in large sacks, back in the day, the containers were even larger. All that flour would inevitably become tightly packed. Passing flour through the sifter helps aerate it, making it lighter and easier to blend, perfect for making bread to accompany that fancy toaster!
Here’s one that’s simple, straightforward, and serves a single purpose. You’d typically find it installed by the front door. While they may not all be as fancy, they’re certainly quite effective.
Whether you call it a boot scraper or a mud scraper, you’re correct! These were used to do precisely what their name suggests: scrape off the excess mud and dirt from the bottom of your shoes before entering. Given how cumbersome vacuums used to be and the hassle of getting out the broom or mop, it’s no wonder these handy contraptions were invented.
Alright, so this one might not be an everyday item, but we wish it was! Many of us probably did something similar to what this contraption does in our science classes growing up. Need another hint? It was perfect for a hot summer day.
We all scream for ice cream, but we can’t scream until we make it! Yes, this old-fashioned ice cream maker used a hand crank and two bowls: one small bowl filled with the delicious ingredients, and a second larger bowl filled with rock salt and ice. The rock salt helps the ice to absorb the heat from the ingredients, leaving us with a creamy, frozen treat!
It may be just us, but this is the one out of the entire list that we had the most difficulties with. You don’t see them very often, although they are making a comeback thanks to food bloggers finding unique, creative uses for them.
If you said egg slicer, then bravo! The egg slicer has been around since its creation in the early 20th century. These days, people use egg slicers for just about everything: cheese, fruits, veggies, you name it!
So how did you do? Were you capable to guess all 7 the right way?