#Crosley Radio & Furniture

[dovesugar]

Eleanor by angelfatale

[quartzotto-blog]

( Natural Home Indoor ) by eco-art featuring a wood lamp ❤ liked on Polyvore

[cosmiclovestyle]

Don't cut your journey short Not anymore by justonegirlwithdreams featuring music home decor

[just-chelsea]

Ethan by chelseabyg featuring a wood crate

MadeWorn distressed t shirt / Jean jacket, $205 / Citizens of Humanity cropped jeans, $455 / Dolls Kill gray boots / Travel backpack, $21 / Watch / Gold engagement ring / Gold frames glasses / Gucci mens leather bag / Lipstick, $27 / Crosley Radio Furniture wood crate

[steve-rogers-new-york]

Pre-WWII Television  Mid-1930s to 1945

In the last month, I’ve read no-less-then THREE separate fics referencing Steve and/or Bucky having more than a passing knowledge or experience of television pre-21st century — and I really wanted to clear that misinformation up. 

Television, like most new technologies, existed for some time before being adopted by the wider public, and early models were prohibitively expensive for the everyday person. While yes, I think the boys would have seen a television demonstration at least once, they would not have owned one, nor would anyone they knew have owned one (except Howards, but when would they have seen it?).

First Commercial Televisions

The first ‘electro-mechanical’ televisions of the mid-to-late-1930s were grand, expensive affairs. The two of the main producers in the US were RCA with their TRK-12, TRK-9, TRK-5 and TT-5 models, and DuMont with their Model 180, and Model 181. These set would be handcrafted, with polished wooden cabinets modelled in the popular Art Deco “streamline” style of the times. Rather than an accessory, televisions of the 1930s and 1940s were large pieces of furniture and had little resemblance to today’s sets. Despite the large bodies, the screens themselves were only some 10-15″ wide diagonally.

These sets were sold in large, high-end New York department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Wanamaker’s. They went for anything from $199.50 to $600 per unit, which when calculated for inflation, is about $3,500 to $11,000 in today’s money. 

Around 7,000 sets were made in the US before WWII, and with such a massive price-tag, only around 2,000 sets were actually sold and in use across America. Most of the unsold units went into storage until after the end fo the war.

The first practical demonstration of television sets outside of those high-end department stores was the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair. There, visitors could visit the RCA Pavillion to see the “Hall of Television” with its thirteen TRK-12′s in action; as well as the “Radio Living Room of Tomorrow” and “Radio Living Room of Today,” which showed the technology at home in domestic settings. There were also live NBC broadcasts and opportunities for guests to be televised and see themselves on television — a unique novelty that came with an “I was televised” souvenir care to go with the experience. Other manufacturers at the World’s Fair also had their own television demonstrations, including General Electric, Westinghouse, General Motors, and Crosley.

So, what could those lucky 2,000 Americans watch? Well, televisions of this period could receive channels 1 through 5, and New York City had the only broadcast station. NBC began broadcasting regularly scheduled programming in 1939, along with CBS and Don Lee. Broadcasts ran for around 2-hours of content in the afternoon and 1-hour in the evenings. Programming during this time included all manner of content: sports, plays, operas, cartoons, cooking demonstrations, travelogues, fashions shows, skaters at Rockefeller Centre, and numerous live telecasts. The rest of the time viewers would only see the station’s test pattern.

WWII

All this slow progress came to a grinding halt when the US joined WWII. While some broadcasts continued, they were on a limited basis and included civil defence programming. All production of televisions was ceased, with engineers instead using their expertise for the production of radar and communications equipment for the military instead.

Post-WWII Growth

It wasn’t until after the end of WWII that television really got its explosion in popularity and became a household item for any aspiring middle-class family. At the end of the war, most people still didn’t know what a television even was, but only four years later, the majority had not only heard of them but wanted one. By 1949, the price of television sets had dropped and people were buying then at a rate of 100,000 a week! In addition to the drop in cost due to mass-production, families also benefited from suddenly having disposable income thanks to the post-war economic boom. By 1954 55.7% of households owned a television.

 Steve, Bucky, and Pre-21st Century Television

So, realistically, how familiar would our boys have been with television before post-thaw/deprogramming? Well, going on my own favourite headcanon than the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair can be used as an almost direct analogue to the 1942 Stark Expo, I think there were two scenarios in which the boy would have even come across a television in the US: 

Manhattan Department Store — Now I say Manhattan specifically, as despite Brooklyn having its own high-end department stores in Abraham & Straus and Frederick Loeser & Co., however, it doesn’t mean that they stocked televisions. My research seems to indicate that they were pretty exclusive products and only specific department stores stocked them — kind of the same way only certain car dealerships will sell you a Ferrari. Thus, I think if you were to go with the idea they say one in a department store display, you would have to assume they were inside one of the those gig-name Manhattan stores to even catch a glimpse. Seriously, they would not be catching a glace walking past a storefront, these would be deep inside for the distinguished partons.

Stark Expo — Again, assuming a degree of similarity between the real World’s Fair and the fictional Stark Expo, I think it’s fair to assume there would have been some sort of television demonstration. Now, whether the boys would have seen it is another thing. Bear in mind that these World Fair style attractions were MASSIVE, covering hundreds of acres of land, requiring internal transportation and remaining open for at least a year. Now, even if the Stark Expo was on a smaller scale, I doubt they saw even close to everything in just the evening they were there. So really I’d say its a 50/50 chance they saw a television there or not.

The only other place I think they would have possibly come in contact with television might be during the war, either:

While in Britain — Both Steve and Bucky would have (at least briefly) been in Britain during the war. Bucky, prior to deployment on the continent, and Steve with the Howlies during meetings with higher-ups. Television was actually more widely adopted in the UK, than in the US. Around 19,000 sets (compared to the US’s 7,000) were made in the UK, which assuming the rates of sale were similar would mean more than twice the number of sales. Broadcasting also started some years before those in the US. So, which all broadcasts were suspended the moment the war started, there is a chance that they would have come across a set sitting dormant somewhere or another.

Steve while on the USO tour in the home of a rich/famous donor — So one thing to consider is that Steve would have spent a while before Azzano hob-nobbing with the rich and famous as part of attempts to raid money for the war effort. And it’s not too outrageous to think that at least one of them would have owned a television and shown it off.

Other Points of Note

The first colour televisions did not come onto the scene until 1954.

There were, of course, no remote controls — not until 1950.

Image Sources

TRK-12 Promotional Photo, two women and one man | Source RCA TRK-12/120 (1939-40) | Source RCA TRK-9 (1939) | Source DuMont 180 (1939) | Source Working 1939 Art Deco Television Set | Source World’s Fair “Hall of Television” from the back w/o guests, 1939-40 | Source World’s Fair “Hall of Television” from the front w/ guests, 1939-40 | Source “I was Televised” Souvenir card (Front and Back), 1939-40 | Source

The full research document for this topic is available on the Discord’s “Patreon Clubhouse” channel ($3+ donors)

This post has been sponsored by my much loved and long-time Patreon supporter Joanna Daniels. She and I would like to dedicate the post to the loving memory of her mother Joan Daniels. She will be sorely missed.

[ Support SRNY through Patreon and Ko-Fi ] And join us on Discord for fun conversation! I also have an Etsy with upcycled nerdy crafts

[loveyoutfits]

i don't mind you hanging out by floodrats featuring purple home decor ❤ liked on Polyvore

Sport-Tek - Super Heavyweight Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. F281 - Metro... / Polo Ralph Lauren blue jeans / Cotton jersey / Stripe socks / Converse white sneaker / Shopper tote / Kate Spade handbags tote / Collar necklace / RetroSuperFuture acetate glasses / Chapstick lip treatment / Mapleton Drive purple home decor / Crosley Radio Recording Tech Record Player / Open Alcohol Bottle In A Brown Paper Bag Stock Photo 92319053 |... / Amazon.com: Wahl Elite Pro High Performance Haircut Kit #79602: Beauty

[i-messed-up-big-time]

I WISH I COULD BE THE PERFECT DAUGHTER, BUT I COME BACK TO THE WATER by lonelyhearts-clubb featuring a hand knit blanket ❤ liked on Polyvore

Peach dress, 175 CAD / Short socks / New balance trainers, 85 CAD / River Island brown hat, 47 CAD / Peking Handicraft grey home decor, 43 CAD / Hand knit blanket, 195 CAD / Christy brown hand towel, 18 CAD / Crosley Radio - Product Detail, 525 CAD / Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Scrub, 66 CAD

[alcearosea-sims]

Anise Cottage

This is a furnished cottage built in Willow Creek. It is laden with CC and has 2-3 bedrooms, a basement laundry room, an empty shed in the backyard, and a couple planter boxes. Heavily inspired by the black hole we all know as Pinterest.

CC List:

From Peacemaker:

Trimmed Shacked Side Shingles/Shacked Side Shingles

Splashback Glass Tiles- Offset Bar Tile

Classic Wall Set: Greyscale and Neutrals/Yellowgreen and Green/Orange and Yellow

Black and White Hexagon Tiles

From Plumbob Tea Society:

Cottage Garden: Woody’s Wood//Plant Jug//Cottage Windowbox//Rocky’s Rocks//Hose//Baby Bluebells//Mason Jar Candle//Mason Jar Candle Short//My Raised Garden

Rustic Romance: Freshly Folded Dining Chair

From Mutske:

Window Wicklow Middle Single 2x1

Window Wicklow Middle 1x1

Window Wicklow Privat-Dormer Single 2x1

Window Wicklow Attic Single 2x1

Window Wicklow Attic 1x1

Window Wicklow Counter Single 2x1

Window Wicklow Counter 1x1

Arch Wicklow 1x1

Arch Wicklow 2x1

Arch Wicklow Single 2x1

Fana Window Counter Small Open Single 2x1

Fana Window Counter Small Single 2x1

From Plasticbox:

Mega Budget Extra DeLite Door One & Two Tile

Small Wild Plant

From BrazenLotus:

Brindleton Bay Liberated Items

Succulent Square Table

Get Together Liberated Plants by Porphyria’s Sims

****This next bit is CC I used for the interior (you do not need any of this if you are going to furnish the house yourself); it is an EXORBITANT amount of CC but here we go:

From Aroundthesims:

Diner Set: Straw Dispenser//Maple Syrup and Sugar

Baking: Canister//Jar

Ikea Like Wall Rack Plant//Stool//Wall Rack Utensils

Ikea Like Table Ingatorp Closed

La Friperie Dress Rack//Mirror

Ikea Bedroom Hemnes Small Dresser

Backpack #1

Make Up Bag

Ikea Postcard Herborist v2

Vintage Radio

From Plumbob Tea Society:

Cottage Garden

Rustic Romance

Tea Tin

From Budgie2Budgie

Marmalade

Books

Industrial Age Posters

Record Store Ads//Vinyls

Botanic Garden Posters

Vintage Signs

From Litttlecakes

Laundry Seperates

Happy Flags

Polaroids

Instant Wall Stickers//Retrotunes Poster

Books in a Tray//Oblong Pumpkin

Japan Art Set

From Plasticbox:

Missionary Day Bed

The Missionary Bed- Double

From SaudadeSims:

Crosley Cruiser Portable Turntable

Urban Outfitters Rugs 2x3/3x4

Minimalist Drapes Plain Recolors

From Peacemaker:

Grove Furniture Collection Single Bed Mattress

Mid Century Abode- Lux Bedding V2

Shaker Kitchen: Timer//Solid Painted Counter//Refridgerator Nook//Cabinets

Mid-Century Eclectic: Danish Bedside Light//Moth Orchid//Genie Lamp

Bayside Bedroom Set: Table Lamp//Cherry Blossom Vase//Shielded Lamp 02

Oasis Chic Dining Wine Bottle Candle Lantern

Myra Living Throw Pillow

Hampton’s Retreat: Panoramic Seaside Print//Dresser//Bedside Table//Seaside Prints//Monsteria//Ornate Mirror

Hampton’s Hideaway: Model Sailboat//Rectangle Mantle Clock//Porcelain Birds//Leaning Mirror//Treacle Console Table//Cutaway 2 Seat Sofa//Coffee Table//Tripod Floor Lamp//Verre Candlesticks

Kingston Dining: Curvaceous Mirror//Monsteria Vase//Botanical Wonders//Double Framed Canvas//Flowers in a Row

Hampton’s Getaway Mirror

*Built on 30x20 lot Daisy Hovel in Willow Creek*

Place using bb.moveobjects on. I used the following packs to build this lot: Cats & Dogs, City Living, Get Together, Get to Work, Jungle Adventure, Parenthood, Vampires, Dine Out, Spa Day, Outdoor Retreat, Laundry Day, Toddler Stuff, Vintage Glamour, Backyard Stuff, Romantic Garden, Movie Hangout, Spooky Stuff, Cool Kitchen, and Perfect Patio. Feel free to let me know if anything is weird! Download from the gallery (Origin ID: alcearoseasims) or from dropbox:

download(sfs)

[mogulinteriororlando]

Have a Wonderful Last Week of 2017

Have a Wonderful Last Week of 2017 by ragnh-mjos featuring a square accent table ❤ liked on Polyvore

[jiminsthickthighs]

#RoseGal #vintage #dress #flower #floral #contest #polyvore by stylishbysamantha featuring pink home decor ❤ liked on Polyvore

[dokal]

Sem título #1330 by cmb51 featuring music home decor ❤ liked on Polyvore

Weston rattan shade / Jill Rosenwald chevron pattern area rug / Crosley music home decor / Crosley Radio

[mathildeisme]

A LADY LOST THE FOREST FOR THE TREES by cappvccino featuring metallic home decor ❤ liked on Polyvore

[essentiallyessence]

Vintage Love * Retro Sunglasses

Vintage Love * Retro Sunglasses by calamity-jane-always featuring a retro outfit ❤ liked on Polyvore

[cosmiclovestyle]

☾ i know i'm not the center of the universe by thundxrstorms featuring christy bath towels

[toaster-fashion]

A bi-curious indie girl by mylifeinsilentwonderland featuring modern home decor

H M burgundy dress, $7.79 / Zip up jacket / Oversized glasses / Crosley Radio Furniture modern home decor / DR. MARTENS Delaney Kids shoes, $69 / Girls Sexy Cute Pantyhose / FUJIFILM Instax Mini 8 Camera Yellow Target Australia, $68 / Nature Photography Flower Art Pastel Wall Art Summer by CassiaBeck / 1" Bisexual Pride Heart Button

[leggs-m]

Artist by leggs-m featuring a hand drawing

RVCA brown shirt / Dolphin shorts / Birkenstock leather shoes, $100 / Crosley Radio Spinnerette Portable USB Turntable / Hand drawing, $40 / DESIGN LETTERS Hardback sketchbook, $25