Keyed electric circuits marked clearly for every outlet area in the house. So that almost anyone could tell which fuse needed replacement.
By Ann Dickinson, Warner Robins, Ga.
August 1961
Creative Ideas From The Past
Venetian blinds silvered on one side would be able to reflect the sun’s heat in the summer. They would be painted a dull black on the other side to absorb heat in the winter.
By L.S.Nickel, Carlisle, Pa.
August 1961
These modern-day aluminum Venetian blinds are the nearest I could find although they’re not painted dull on one side! (affiliate link)
An automatic hammer operated by electricity and light enough for a workman to hold while nailing up siding and paneling or laying down roofing.
Morris Roth, Duncan, Okla.
August 1961
You purchase the modern equivalent on this automatic hammer a nail gun on Amazon. (affiliate link)
Recessed cargo hooks in station wagons. Then you could lash down cargo to prevent it from shifting and sliding on turns or in hilly country.
By D.F.Hammond, Alexandria, Va.
August 1960
Adjustable footrests on all office desks. A swing-down bar like that on trains could have notches for the side pieces to adapt them for long or short legs.
By F.A.Casey. New York City.
August 1960
You can purchase an adjustable footrest today on Amazon! (affiliate link)
A built-in bottle opener on refrigerators. Since that’s where the cold drinks are kept, why not have an opener handy, inset in the door?
By MayBelle Schouz, The Dalles, Ore.
August 1960
You purchase a lovely beer fridge on Amazon, not sure that it includes a bottle opener though. Stick to cans or purchase bottles with twist-off lids, that would solve the problem! (affiliate link)
A mower runs on bottled gas for better starting (no carburetor troubles, no carbon deposits) and once-a-season oil changing (reduced crankcase dilution).
By S.Gilley, Terre Haute, Ind.
August 1960
These days, you’d probably be better with a rechargeable cordless lawn mower such as this one on Amazon. (affiliate link)
Patio furniture for smokers. Pull-out ashtrays could be inserted in the aprons of tables, and well holes could be opened in the arms of chairs.
Katherine Riggan, Leola, Ark.
August 1960
You can purchase some pretty decent patio furniture on Amazon however if you’re a smoker you will just have to add your own ashtray! (affiliate link)
A powdered soap dispenser you could re-use on each new carton. Like a jigger dispenser for liquor bottles, it would pour out a measured amount.
Carl Hirschfeld, Los Angeles.
August 1959
A transparent mailbox. With a clear plastic box, you could see if the mail had been delivered. The box wouldn’t rust or require painting – probably would need a regular clean though!
Rick Megenity, Seattle.
August 1959
I found this transparent mailbox on Amazon, although at the time of writing there were no sellers available.