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Pre Modern Era, 1900's
Household work- hands-on, specific and repetitive
Kitchen/Laundry- inside sink, wood stove, washtub or wringer washer, possibly an icebox
Bathrooms – outdoor privy, indoor slop buckets, bathtubs filled with water heated on the stove
Servants – one per 15 households
Shopping – home delivery (including doctors, ice, baked goods), shop owners handed products to customers, catalogs became popular
Electricity – new and rare
Lighting – kerosene, gas, or candles. Some electricity used by the wealthy. -
Rotary dial phones
One of the first inventions of the period was the rotary dial phone. The first ones were tabletop units. Companies involved with the manufacture of the early rotary dial models were Automatic Electric and Bell. -
Air Conditioner
Air conditioning made an appearance in 1902 thanks to Alfred Wolff.
The significance of this was that there was a more comfortable atmosphere in the home with the temperature control. -
Electric Iron
The first lightweight electric iron was invented by American businessman Earl Richardson in 1905. His design made the iron with more heat in the point - he called his new company Hotpoint which he founded founded in 1911 -
Electric Washing Machine
The first electric washing machine sold commercially in the United States was the Thor washing machine, produced by Hurley Electric Laundry Equipment Company in 1907. The Thor washing machine was designed by Hurley engineer Alva J. Fisher. -
Vacuum Cleaner
Janitor James Spangler invented his "electric suction-sweeper," the first practical domestic vacuum cleaner in 1907 and sold the rights the following year to a relative, William Hoover. -
Stainless steel
Thanks to Harry Brearley, stainless steel made an appearance during 1911. Since that time, it has been used to create everything from cutlery, cookware and microwaves to stoves, refrigerators and countertops. -
Household Refrigerator
In 1913, housewives were introduced to electric powered, home refrigeration thanks to an Indiana man by the name of Fred Wolf. Prior to that time, they had to rely on ice houses and ice boxes. -
Pyrex Glassware
Housewives were introduced to the wonders of Pyrex Glassware. It was created in 1915. Its durability is part of what makes it so wonderful, and is still used today. -
Electric Dishwasher
The first small dishwasher suitable for domestic use was invented by William Howard Livens in 1924. -
The Toastmaster, Automatic Pop-up Toaster
Charles Strite's company released his redesigned automatic pop-up slice toaster and called it the Toastmaster, a brand still famous today. -
Modern Era: Mid 1900's
Household work – hands-on, machine-aided, specific and repetitive
Kitchen/laundry – sink (hot/cold water), stove refrigerator, washer/maybe dryer and rarely a dishwasher
Bathroom – sink, toilet, bathtub/shower (1 – 2 bathrooms/ house)
Servants – one per 42 households
Shopping – home delivery less common, customers serve themselves, moderate exposure to advertisements, shopping centers begin
Electricity – in over 80% of homes
Lighting – electricity is main source with a few kerosene -
Ironing Machine
Zip through a big family ironing in record time with the new Kenmore Automatic Ironer. Illustrated booklet shows how to iron... press... steam. Features two roll speeds--fast for flat work and slow for fancy ruffles and frills. Both shoe and press control helps to free hands for guiding work. Exclusive adjustable light for best work area illumination. New, large drop-leaf, lap shelf. Easily accessible release bar. White baked-on enamel finish. Hinged cover and chrome hardware. -
High Pop Automatic Toaster
A brand new Kenmore development with unexcelled toasting performance. Perfect toast every time, whether you make just one slice or two. And the exact browning you select--light, golden or dark brown. New quiet cushioned pop-up, too! Toast pops up high for easy reach. Even small slices can be removed without burning fingers. No ticking.. it's silent. Should you forget to set browning control, just flip the inspection knob... toast pops up for a quick look. To continue toasting, push lever down. -
Automatic Washer and Dryer
Washer has exclusive roto-swirl agitator, nine pound wash capacity, visi-dial washing control, push-button water temperature control, push-button water level selector, suds-saver, sun-fresh germicidal lamp, tub interior light, automatic self-leveling legs.
Dryer has fluff-dry or damp-dry nine pound loads, illuminated visi-dial drying control, push-button-select drying temperature, sun-fresh sanitizing clothes lamp, convenient interior light, automatic door shutoff, convection type heating. -
Coldspot Freezer
The largest Coldspot freezer, twenty cubic feet with a seven-hundred pound food capacity. Freezes and stores up to 350 meals and has eleven convenient food storage sections. This freezer is especially recommended for large families or for farm or suburban use. Quick-freeze compartment, three food elevator baskets, two storage baskets and adjustable basket. Ready rack stores juices, ice cream and small items. -
Kenmore Twelve Speed Mixer
Mixer has 150 watts power, choice of twelve speeds, a host of work-saving features. Slide-out guide shows correct mixing speed for every mixing job. Thumb-control speed dial gives handy, one-hand speed change. Two big chrome beaters draw all the batter through the blades while the bowl revolves at a constant, controlled speed. Instant beater ejection. Comes with two white glass bowls (one and three quart), each with pouring spout and handle. -
Kenmore Automatic Electric Can Opener
All new Kenmore Automatic Electric Can Opener. Opens round or oval-shaped cans. Faster, better, easier, safer... never leaves dangerous ragged edge. So easy to use... so safe that even a child can operate it. No more struggling and cranking... just place the can in position, depress the control handle. The dual magnetic lid lifter picks the lid from the can as it is opened. -
Electric Juicer
Oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit become delicious, healthful tasty treats at the flick of a switch. Juicer has fan cooled motor, "on-off" switch. Comes with white glass bowl, two juice reamers and juice guide. -
EZ Vent Gas Circulator Heater
Mounted on outside walls where heat is most needed.. they provide "perimeter" type radiant and circulating heat. Several heaters located strategically throughout your home provide zone controlled heat available only in central-type heating systems. Models are thermostat equipped and automatically adjust to provide controlled heat for each zone. Automatic safety pilot shuts off the gas if the pilot light should go out. -
Permanent Press
The solution to creating a garment that needed no ironing was permanent press, invented by Koret of California in 1961. Permanent press is a term used to describe a fabric or garment which retains its original shape through wear and laundering and needs no ironing. This means it will resist wrinkling and will retain creases and pleats indefinitely. -
First Cordless Drill
Cordless tools changed the world of people who enjoyed doing odd jobs around the home in the 1960s and beyond. In 1961, Black and Decker released the first cordless drill to the public. -
Smoke Detectors
In 1969, Randolph Smith and Kenneth House created the battery-operated smoke detector for a home application. -
Post Modern Era: Late 1900's
Household work – hands-on, machine aided, specific, and repetitive
Kitchen/laundry – sink, stove, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer
Bathroom - sink, toilet, bathtub/shower, multiple bathrooms, whirlpools
Servants– replaced by child care centers and cleaning services
Shopping– home delivery from toll-free, catalog, and Internet shopping, customer self-service, malls, superstores, pervasive exposure to advertising
Electricity– all homes
Lighting – electricity most common -
Cook Center
Lower oven with automatic cleaning cycle and door lock. Also includes removable COOL-FLOW door, light, broil pan and grid. Big storage drawer below. Upper oven features black glass door, light, broil pan and grid. Non-drip, lift-up cooktop for easy cleaning.. two 8-inch, two 6-inch, plug-in surface units. Two appliance outlets (1 timed). Fluorescent work light. Control panel includes automatic clock and one hour timer. -
Side by Side Fridge
Three fully lighted compartments... 12.8 cubic-foot refrigerator, 4.2 cubic-foot freezer and the unique 3.7 cubic-foot convertible compartment that switches from freezer to refrigerator to meet your immediate storage requirements. Refrigerator section features space-master interior with two full width and two half-width adjustable shelves. For specialized storage needs, a porcelain enameled meat keeper, 2 egg bins, humidrawer, and sliding bottle shelf. -
Crockery Cooker
Good, old-fashioned slow-cooking without all the bother. Crockery cooker lets you cook all day while you work, shop or play... helps make inexpensive cuts of meat taste succulent and tender. Automatic heat control helps keep the pot at the exact temperature you select so there's no danger of burning. Heat control has 3 settings-low, medium, high. -
Sixteen Speed Blender
The five cup heat resistant glass container can be washed in a dishwasher. In addition to the seven speeds on the units, you can stir, beat, aerate, crumb, mince, grind, pulverize, churn and frappe... all at the push of a button. comes with a measuring cup in the lid. -
Microwave Oven
Microwave oven has three power levels-- 300, 450 and 625 watts-- for precise temperature control so you can defrost, simmer, roast, saute, reheat and much more. Oven light so you can check on food without opening the door. -
Improved Dishwasher by Kenmore
Two-level wash action. Forced air drying can help eliminate spotting. Controls for normal wash, water miser, power miser, pots and pans. Dial control for light wash and plate warmer. White porcelain-enameled steel tub interior and door liner. Two vinyl-coated rectangular racks. Stainless steel pulverizer blade. Two detergent cups. -
Fruit and Vegetable Peeler
Peels and juliennes fruits and vegetables. Almond-color unit with cord and blade storage, adjustable food support, and dust cover. Also includes recipes and instructions. -
Outdoor Gas Grill
Enjoy barbecued meals without the barbecue mess with this gas grill outfit. Features a 373 square inch grilling area, a handy 87 square inch warming rack, hassle-free permanent lava rock briquettes to give food an outdoor, smoky flavor and the convenience of matchless ignition and twin controls. -
Mr. Coffee Machine
These units feature crisp, modular design with high gloss finish. System automatically switches from brew to warm-cycle. Brews up to twelve cups and has an analog clock and timer. -
Refrigerator with Ice Dispenser
Convenient ice dispenser helps keep refreshments cool. Lighted 15.2 cubic foot refrigerator section has three glass interior shelves and 3 door shelves to hold full loads of food with finesse. Includes butter storage with dish on door. 9.8 cubic foot freezer section has four Dyna-White shelves and five door shelves. -
Today: The 21st century
Electronic devices have totally revolutionized the family. Technology helps to streamline household tasks but causes additional problems in family communication and interaction. Americans rank home as the #1 of thing that defines them as a person (above jobs, hobbies, etc.). Environmental and global issues affect the family system. Development of a systems framework emphasizing the interconnections among family, home, and the greater society. -
Natural Light, Lightbulb
Ever notice how ordinary light bulbs cast a yellowish glow around your rooms? The new GE Reveal bulbs produce a crisper, whiter light that is much closer to natural sunlight and makes colors look brighter. Ideal for kitchens or work areas around the home, the powder-blue bulbs are no more expensive than regular ones. The secret ingredient is neodymium, a rare earth element that is baked into the glass to help filter out the usual yellow hue. -
Robot Vacuum
Let's face it, vacuuming sucks. That's why a group of M.I.T. brainiacs created Roomba, a robot that vacuums your house for you. Running on rechargeable batteries, Roomba roams your house entirely on its own, swooping up dust bunnies and stray Cheerios and zipping under beds and couches where mere humans can't reach. Its sensors keep it from bumping into walls and furniture or falling off staircases. When it finishes a room, Roomba beeps proudly and turns itself off. -
Delta's Touch Faucet
Whether you have two full hands or 10 messy fingers, Delta Touch2O Technology helps keep your faucet clean, even when your hands aren’t. A simple touch anywhere on the spout or kitchen faucet handle with your wrist or forearm activates the flow of water at the temperature where your faucet handle is set. The Delta TempSense® LED light changes color to alert you to the water’s temperature and eliminate any possible surprises or discomfort. -
Android SmartPhone (mobile cell phone)
In October 2008, the first phone to use Android called the HTC Dream (also known as the T-Mobile G1) was released. Android is an open-source platform founded by Andy Rubin and now owned by Google. Although Android's adoption was relatively slow at first, it started to gain widespread popularity in 2010, and in early 2012 dominated the smartphone market share worldwide, which continues to this day. -
Video Doorbell
The Ring™ Video Doorbell lets you answer the door from anywhere using your smartphone. It features an HD camera with night vision, providing a clear view from your front door, day and night. -
Cloud-based Voice Service
Amazon Echo, also known as Alexa, is a voice command device from Amazon.com with functions including question answering, playing music and controlling smart devices. The device is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic and other real time information. It can also control several smart devices using itself as a home automation hub. -
Samsung Regrigerator
The Family Hub™ by Samsung, is a revolutionary new refrigerator with a Wifi enabled touchscreen that lets you manage your groceries, connect with your family and entertain like never before. -
Dacor Discovery IQ (wall mounted ovens)
Wall oven with the Android operating system built into it, with solo and dual doors, Dacor’s Discovery convection ovens are Wi-Fi connected and have a graphic user interface. With a Samsung one gigahertz processor and 512 megabytes of RAM. It’s designed to power the Discovery IQ cooking app, which guides users through all sorts of dishes and family recipes. And has the ability to download from Google Play store. -
High-Tech Slow Cooker
Another high-tech take on a traditional appliance, the Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker with Belkin’s WeMo technology allows you to use your smartphone to turn it on from anywhere. You can also adjust the cooking temperature remotely, which is especially beneficial when you need it to be on high for a certain amount of time and then turned down. You can also change the cooking time from your smartphone. -
Smart Light Bulb
There are plenty of smart lightbulbs out there that allow you to control your lights from anywhere in the house, but the Ilumi A19 is the best. It has a great app to control it with, bringing numerous colors and levels of brightness to your fingertips. It uses best in class brightness and color quality using their patented HyperLux LED technology, so that you can use it for any shade of white or any rich color you can imagine. The bulb lasts up to 20 years, and it’s easy to setup and pair.
