25 Vintage Life Hacks from 100 Years Ago
(A Hack is also another term for a Tip.)
In the early 20th Century, Gallaher’s Cigarettes printed a special series of 100 “How to do it” cards that included some truly useful and helpful tips for everyday situations and problems. I've selected the top 25 below. (Wonder how many would be effective today.)
History - Back in the 1900s, cigarette manufactures used to insert stiffening cards into their paper cigarette packs to add strength and help them last longer. Along the way, someone had the bright idea of printing trivia, artwork and even famous people and athletes (Honus Wagner anyone?) onto the stiffening cards.
1. How to Extract a Splinter
2. How to Light a Match in the Wind
3. How to Tell the Points of the Compass with a Watch
4. How To Treat Sprains
5. How To Make a Fire Extinguisher
6. How To Carry a Heavy Jug
7. A Hint When Boiling Potatoes
8. How To Kill a Tree Stump
9. How To Make Corks Fit
10. How To Pull Out Long Nails
11. How To Measure With Coins (UK)
12. How To Detect Escaping Gas
13. How To Cool Wine with Ice
14. When Boiling Cracked Eggs
15. How To Preserve Valuable Vases
16. How To Remove Sea Stains from Brown Shoes
17. How To Make a Simple Gate Latch
18. How To Clean an Oil Painting
19. How To Test Butter
20. How To Draw a Circle Without a Compass
21. How To Clean Real Lace
22. How To Revive Cut Flowers
23. How To Judge the Freshness of a Lobster
24. How To Make a Water Fountain for Chicks
25. How To Treat Squeaky Boots
