Retro Housewife: A Salute to the Suburban Superwoman

by Kristin Tillotson

Nothing can keep the 1950s housewife down—not dirt, not disappointment, not life! With a smile and a little elbow grease, she tackles the cranky husband after work, calms rowdy children with a snack, and erases that stubborn bathtub ring. Add the improvements of "modern" technology, and she’s got time to do even more. Dancing across the floor, mop in hand and makeup in place, RETRO HOUSEWIFE is a tongue-in-cheek presentation of the role of the 1950s housewife. Vintage product advertisements trumpet the man as head of household and woman as keeper of the home, with special instructions for women on how to be an attentive wife, efficient homemaker, and supermom. Kitschy and fun, this look back at how far we’ve come makes a perfect gift for your favorite female phenomenon.

Genres: Humor

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just wasn't my cup of tea.

Several things bothered me with it. First, the tone came across as snarky and sarcastic rather than the salute that the title proclaims. Just because we think and do things differently than they did in the 50s doesn't necessarily mean our modern ways are better.

The other thing that I did not care for was that the pictures (the true gem of this book) and the text did not go together at all. Some fit all right, like a refrigerator advertisement and a brief discussion about nutrition. Most were way out in left field, however, like a picture of Mom hearing her children pray and a blurb about a brand of children's furniture, how much it cost, and the available colors in the 1950s. Interesting, but perhaps more suited to a different illustration.

I was looking for a sentimental look back at a simpler time. I did get that from the pictures, but the text really did detract from my enjoyment. I would recommend a different source for nostalgic advertising and illustrations.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would never have made it as a housewife in the 1950's. No sir, no way, no how.
This book would be really funny if it weren't so sad.

The book is full of color illustrations of 18" waisted women in house dresses and aprons, with cheerful red-lipped smiles as they vacuum, cook, and wash, their only purpose in life to wait on husband and children. What's awkward is that the illustrations do not match the text, so it feels disjointed.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a cute, colorful celebration of what it meant to be the perfect housewife in the 50's. Packed with facts about food, makeup, cleaning products, appliances and more, it would be a perfect gift for the new wife with a sense of humor, or a fun read for just about anyone.
I'd recommend it for anyone interested in 50s nostalgia, homemaking, or the history of common household products that we consume today.

[raccoon reader]

Just got this as a donation. No one in our library system has it so I'm adding it! :)