Kitchen
US History
Everyday History
Fashion Through the Decades
💵 How Much Did It Cost?
100

This dessert was often cooling on the windowsill after dinner.

What is pie?

100

This invention by Alexander Graham Bell forever changed long-distance communication.

What is the telephone?

100

This coin-operated machine was a popular form of entertainment in diners during the 1950s.

What is a jukebox?

100

Before backpacks became popular, many students carried their books in this leather strap with a handle.

What is a satchel?

100

In the 1950s, you could often buy a bottle of Coca-Cola for this price.

What is 5¢?


Today: $2.69

200

Families often spent afternoons snapping these before canning season.

What are green beans?

200

This state became the 50th state admitted to the Union in 1959.

What is Hawaii?

200

Before air conditioning became common, many families slept on these during hot summer nights.

What are screened porches?

200

This shoulder-enhancing clothing feature made jackets and dresses appear broader and more powerful.

What are shoulder pads?

200

In 1960, the average annual tuition at a public four-year college was about this amount.

What is $250?


Today: $27,000 

300

This ingredient helps keep brown sugar soft when stored in a container.

What is a slice of bread?

300

The purchase of this territory from France in 1803 nearly doubled the size of the United States.

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

300

During World War II, families collected this common household material to support the war effort because it was used in aircraft production.

What was aluminum (such as aluminum foil or cans)?

300

Popularized by James Dean and Marlon Brando, this garment became a symbol of teenage rebellion.

What is a leather jacket?

300

In 1970, the average price of a new home in the United States was approximately this amount.

What is $23,000?


Today: $475,400 

400

Popularized during WWII rationing, this shelf-stable loaf by Hormel became a kitchen staple often sliced, fried, and served with eggs.

What is Spam?

400

The first permanent English settlement in North America was established here in 1607.

What is Jamestown?

400

This candy, introduced during World War II, was created so that chocolate wouldn't melt in soldiers' hands.

What are M&M's?

400

Bell-bottoms, fringe, and tie-dye became symbols of this youth movement during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

What is the hippie movement?

400

In 1990, the average price of a movie ticket was about this much.

What is $4.25?


Today: $16.30

500

Before non-stick pans, 1950s bakers relied on this vegetable shortening brand's iconic blue can to grease their cake tins

What is Crisco

500

This treaty officially ended the American Revolution in 1783.

What is the Treaty of Paris?

500

Families often kept important papers, cash, and jewelry in this room because it was least likely to catch fire.

What is the freezer?

500

Popularized by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, this small round hat became an elegant fashion staple of the early 1960s.

What is a pillbox hat?

500

In 1998, the average price of a gallon of milk was about this much.

What is $2.75?


Today: $4.32