Travel

14 Skills Pennsylvania Boomers Learned in School That Are No Longer Needed

If you’re a Pennsylvania boomer—or any American boomer—you probably learned some skills in class that felt like a big deal at the time.

You sharpened pencils by hand, practiced perfect cursive, and hoped the filmstrip wouldn’t break halfway through science. There were no tablets or smartboards. Just chalk, rulers, and a whole lot of patience.

But flash-forward to now?

Many of those school lessons are long gone. Kids today don’t even know what a card catalog is.

Here are some of the old-school skills boomers learned in class that modern-day life no longer requires.

Penmanship Class

Remember sitting for what felt like hours practicing perfect cursive?

Boomers learned how to loop their Ls and curve their Gs with military precision. Cursive was a big deal.

Teachers handed out worksheets with dotted lines. You’d trace over letters until your hand cramped and the paper ripped.

Some even got graded on how pretty their writing was. Seriously—neatness mattered.

But today? Most schools don’t even teach cursive anymore. Kids are typing before they can spell. And when they do write, it’s often in messy print or emojis.

Typing on a Typewriter

Learning to type was a rite of passage.

Boomers sat in long rows in typing class, fingers hovering over clunky keys, waiting for the bell. Every mistake meant starting over. There was no delete key—just whiteout and frustration.

Speed and accuracy were everything. You’d hear the clack-clack-clack of keys and the ding of the carriage return over and over.

Students even had to memorize where their fingers went—home row was gospel.

Now? Most people type on glass screens. Auto-correct fixes the typos, and voice-to-text does the rest. The rhythm of a typewriter is long gone.

Using a Card Catalog

Before Google, there was the library card catalog.

Rows of tiny drawers, each stuffed with index cards. You had to look up a book by title, author, or subject. It was like playing detective—with paper.

Boomers learned the Dewey Decimal System like it was a second language. Finding one book could take 15 minutes if you were lucky.

And when you finally found it? You had to write down the call number and then go searching for it on a dusty shelf.

These days, you just type the title in a search bar and click. Some kids have never even touched a library drawer.

Home Economics Class

Home ec was serious business.

Boomers learned how to sew on buttons, bake biscuits, and plan balanced meals. Some even had to carry around fake babies to learn about parenting.

It wasn’t just cooking and cleaning—it was life prep.

Girls were often expected to master these skills. Boys? Not so much. It reflected the gender roles of the time.

Today, many schools have dropped home ec or renamed it “life skills.” And while cooking’s still useful, you don’t need to make a perfect pie crust in gym shorts at 15.

Shop Class

If home ec was for the girls, shop class was for the boys.

Boomers learned how to use saws, drills, and sanders. They made birdhouses and bookends like mini-carpenters.

It was hands-on learning, and students took pride in building something from scratch.

But as schools shifted to tech-focused education, shop class started disappearing. Insurance costs, safety concerns, and budget cuts didn’t help either.

Now, most teens build things with coding, not wood. And fewer people know how to fix a chair than ever before.

Memorizing Phone Numbers

This might sound wild to anyone under 30, but boomers could rattle off a dozen phone numbers without blinking.

Your best friend’s house, your grandma’s landline, the pizza place down the street—you just knew them.

If you forgot one? You were out of luck. No one carried a contact list in their pocket.

Memorization was part of school too. You learned emergency numbers, area codes, and how to use a rotary phone.

Now, most people don’t even know their partner’s number. If it’s not in your phone, it might as well not exist.

Writing Checks and Balancing a Checkbook

Boomers didn’t have online banking. They had ledgers, pens, and a strong grip on math.

Schools taught students how to write checks properly—complete with the date, the amount in numbers and words, and a neat signature.

They also learned to balance a checkbook, which meant tracking every deposit and expense by hand. Miss one and you were in trouble.

While checks still exist, they’re fading fast. Most people use debit cards, apps, or online payments. And balancing a checkbook? That’s what your banking app does automatically now.

Diagramming Sentences

This one gave a lot of students nightmares.

Boomers had to break down every sentence into parts—subject, predicate, direct object, and so on.

You’d draw lines and angles like a tiny architect, trying to figure out where every word fit.

It was all about structure. Teachers believed it helped you understand grammar better.

But today, hardly anyone teaches this anymore. Language arts classes are more focused on writing style and reading comprehension.

Plus, most adults can’t diagram a sentence now—and they’re doing just fine.

Using Slide Rules and Long Division

Before calculators were allowed, boomers had slide rules.

They used them to figure out math problems, especially in science class. It took patience—and good eyesight.

Even basic math meant doing it the long way. Long division, multiplication tables, and solving by hand were part of daily life.

Some teachers wouldn’t even let you use a calculator until high school.

Now? Kids can solve equations with a phone or laptop. And most won’t ever see a slide rule unless they find one in a grandparent’s attic.

Filmstrip Projectors and Overheads

If you were a boomer, you remember the excitement of a filmstrip day.

The lights went out, the reel clicked to life, and the narrator droned on about frogs or ancient Rome.

Teachers used overhead projectors too—transparent sheets, dry-erase markers, and a lot of smudging.

Boomers sometimes had to operate these machines for class presentations. It felt high-tech back then.

Now, everything’s digital. Projectors are smart, lessons are on PowerPoint, and students are more likely to use iPads than push reels.

Making Flashcards by Hand

Studying meant scissors, index cards, and a stack of flashcards taller than a soda can.

Boomers made them by hand—writing the question on one side and the answer on the other.

You’d flip through them before a quiz, hoping some of it would stick. It was time-consuming but effective.

Today, students can use apps like Quizlet to make digital flashcards in seconds. They can even add images, audio, and share them with friends.

No paper cuts. No lost cards. Just study and swipe.

Learning Cursive Signatures

Cursive wasn’t just for penmanship—it was for your identity.

Boomers were taught to develop their own unique signature, and you practiced it over and over. Signing your name was a milestone.

Teachers said it was important for checks, documents, and being an adult.

But now, a lot of forms don’t even need handwritten signatures. People sign with their finger on a screen or click a button online.

Some young adults don’t have a signature at all. And that once-prized skill? Kind of optional.

Taking Notes With Shorthand

Shorthand was the text messaging of the past.

Boomers learned special symbols and squiggles that helped them take notes super fast—especially in business or journalism classes.

It was its own secret code. You’d hear something in class and jot it down in what looked like hieroglyphics.

Stenography machines even used it in courtrooms and meetings.

Now, most students just type everything or use speech-to-text tools. Shorthand is rarely taught, and unless you’re a court reporter, it’s pretty much obsolete.

Learning To Read Analog Clocks

Boomers grew up with analog clocks on every wall. You had to know how to read them—no digital displays or smartwatch faces.

Learning meant understanding the hour hand, minute hand, and how to count by fives.

Some kids even took tests on telling time. And being five minutes late? That was on you.

Today, digital clocks are everywhere. Some kids struggle to read analog faces because they rarely see them.

And if you want to know the time, just ask your phone.

What’s Your True Classroom Era?

Whether you loved the tidy order of the 1950s or the groovy classroom vibes of the 1970s, our Decade DNA Quiz will help you find your perfect academic match.

Find out which decade best reflects your inner student.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

Vertical image with bold red and blue text that reads “Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA! TAKE THE QUIZ.” The design features retro illustrations, including two disco balls, colorful flower graphics, a guy with a boombox, a couple swing dancing in silhouette, and a woman in bell-bottoms with a flower in her afro, all against a cream background.

Best and Worst States to Retire in 2025

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Are you hoping to settle down in a cheaper state with a better quality of life during retirement? These are the states to consider and, equally important, those you’re better off avoiding.

Best and Worst States to Retire in 2025

40 Most Confusing Acronyms

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With many people wanting to send and receive information quickly, new acronyms seem to appear by the minute. The problem? Many Americans are left in the dust about what they mean.

40 Most Confusing Acronyms

14 Skills Pennsylvania Boomers Learned in School That Are No Longer Needed

Travel

19 Ways Life in 1940s Delaware Stands Apart Today

The 1940s weren’t just about world events. They were about durable shoes, Victory Gardens, and that one drawer in every Delaware kitchen full of saved string and rubber bands.

It was a decade when people fixed things instead of replacing them, when neighbors borrowed sugar without texting first.

Much of that world has been replaced, digitized, or dismissed.

But if you look closely, you’ll still find echoes of the 1940s tucked away in old habits and heirlooms.

Victory Gardens in the Backyard

During World War II, Americans were encouraged to grow their own fruits and vegetables to ease pressure on the food supply.

These personal plots were called Victory Gardens.

Nearly 20 million Americans planted them in backyards, parks, and even schoolyards. It was patriotic, practical, and deeply community-oriented.

For many families, it was their first real experience with gardening. And for some, it became a lifelong habit.

Today, the idea of growing your own food as a national duty feels almost foreign.

Ration Books and Stamp Sheets

In the 1940s, buying groceries wasn’t as simple as making a list and heading to the store. You needed ration stamps to buy basics like sugar, butter, and gasoline.

Each family was issued a book with stamps that allowed limited purchases of certain goods.

No stamps? No sale.

It taught people to be careful, creative, and incredibly resourceful in the kitchen.

Most younger Americans today have no idea what rationing really looked like or how seriously it shaped daily life.

Listening to the Radio Like It Was Netflix

Before TV became king, the radio was the center of home entertainment. Families would gather around it like we gather around screens today.

There were comedy shows, dramas, game shows, and breaking news, all delivered through a single speaker.

Kids would rush home to catch their favorite serials. Adults planned their evenings around broadcasts.

For people who lived through the ’40s, the radio wasn’t just background noise. It was the heartbeat of the home.

Iceboxes Instead of Refrigerators

Refrigerators were around in the 1940s, but many American homes still used iceboxes—literal insulated cabinets cooled with large blocks of ice.

The iceman delivered the ice right to your door. You used it to keep milk, butter, and leftovers from spoiling.

It wasn’t as efficient or convenient as a modern fridge. But it worked, and families made it part of their daily rhythm.

Now, the only place most people see an icebox is in a museum or a vintage catalog.

Milk Delivered to Your Doorstep

Every morning in many American neighborhoods, a glass bottle of milk would appear by the front door.

Milkmen were a normal part of daily life. They brought milk, cream, eggs, and sometimes even butter, all packed in glass bottles.

You left the empties out, and they swapped them for full ones, no online ordering required.

Today, it sounds quaint. Back then, it was just how you got dairy.

Dress Clothes for Everyday Errands

Even if you were just going to the store, the 1940s dress code was sharp. Men wore slacks and button-ups. Women wore dresses and did their hair.

Casual wear existed, but it wasn’t the norm. Even kids looked tidy compared to today’s laid-back wardrobe.

There was pride in “looking presentable” no matter where you went.

These days, running errands in sweatpants is standard. But in the ’40s, it would’ve raised some eyebrows.

Handwritten Letters as the Main Form of Communication

Long-distance phone calls were expensive, so people stayed in touch the old-fashioned way: by writing letters.

Whether it was to a family member overseas or a friend in another town, people wrote regularly and waited days or weeks for a reply.

Mailboxes were full of real, heartfelt messages, not junk and bills.

Now, with instant messaging and email, the art of the letter is nearly extinct.

War Bond Posters in Every Window

Supporting the war effort wasn’t optional. It was expected. And one way Americans did that was by buying war bonds.

Posters hung in schools, shops, and homes, urging people to “Do your part.”

Even children were encouraged to buy stamps and save up.

Buying a war bond was more than patriotic. It was a sign you were part of something bigger.

Those posters might seem like relics now, but they once covered entire towns.

Tin Toys and Wind-Up Gadgets

Toys in the 1940s weren’t battery-powered or digital. They were made of tin, wood, and metal—built to last, and often powered by a simple wind-up key.

Cars, animals, and trains clattered along the floor. Dolls had stitched faces and handmade dresses.

There were no screens, apps, or Bluetooth speakers. Just imagination, motion, and mechanical clinks.

Most kids today have never held a toy that didn’t light up or talk back.

Home-Cooked Everything

The idea of “eating out” was a luxury in the 1940s. Most meals were homemade, using simple ingredients and a whole lot of creativity.

Families ate together, often with food grown in the garden or bartered from neighbors.

Cookbooks were handwritten, passed down, and dog-eared from years of use.

Fast food didn’t really exist yet, and no one had a microwave to cheat with.

Party Lines on the Telephone

In many parts of 1940s America, phone lines were shared between households, called “party lines.”

You might pick up the phone to make a call and hear your neighbor chatting already. The polite thing to do was to hang up and try again later.

Privacy was limited, and eavesdropping was a constant temptation (and sometimes a scandal).

Today, with smartphones in every pocket, the idea of sharing a phone line with strangers sounds almost unbelievable.

Saving String, Foil, and Bacon Grease

Nothing went to waste in the 1940s. People saved string from packages, foil from gum wrappers, and especially bacon grease from the skillet.

String got stored in drawers or rolled into balls. Foil was flattened and reused. Bacon grease was saved in jars and used for frying or flavoring other dishes.

These habits weren’t quirky. They were smart, thrifty, and passed down like family recipes.

In a throwaway culture, these tiny acts of reuse seem almost revolutionary now.

Coal Furnaces and Manual Heating

Central heating wasn’t a given in 1940s homes. Many families heated their houses with coal furnaces, wood stoves, or oil burners.

Coal deliveries were common, and someone (often a kid) had to shovel it into the furnace.

If the fire went out overnight, you’d wake up freezing and have to get it going again before breakfast.

It made heating your home a physical job, not something controlled by a smart thermostat.

Victory Rolls and Pin Curls

Hair wasn’t low-maintenance in the ’40s. Women curled, rolled, and pinned their hair into elaborate styles, even if they were just going to the grocery store.

Victory rolls were especially popular—voluminous, styled sections meant to show pride and femininity during wartime.

These looks took serious time, effort, and often a lot of bobby pins.

Today’s “messy bun” crowd might faint at the idea of daily pin curls.

Community Bulletin Boards and Word of Mouth

Before social media or online listings, people shared news through bulletin boards—real ones—at post offices, churches, and general stores.

You’d find everything from job postings to lost dogs to notices about upcoming dances.

If you wanted to sell a bicycle or advertise a bake sale, you didn’t post it online. You tacked it to the board or spread the word face-to-face.

It was analog, informal, and surprisingly effective.

Wringer Washers and Clotheslines

Before modern washing machines took over, many American homes relied on wringer washers—a tub-style machine with a manual crank to squeeze out water.

Doing laundry was an all-day chore. You had to fill the tub, wash the clothes, run them through the wringer, then hang them outside to dry.

Rainy days were a problem. Winter ones were worse. Stiff, frozen pants on the line? Totally normal.

Clotheslines weren’t a trend. They were a necessity, and nearly every backyard had one.

Sunday Dinner as a Weekly Tradition

In the 1940s, Sunday dinner was a sacred ritual in many households. Families gathered—often extended family, too—for a big, home-cooked meal after church.

It wasn’t just about the food. It was about sitting down together, sharing stories, and checking in before the workweek started.

Roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and pie were common. So were cloth napkins and actual conversation.

Today, that kind of weekly gathering feels rare. But back then, it was a way of life.

Church Bazaars and Social Clubs

Social life in the 1940s wasn’t driven by apps or algorithms. It happened at the church, the VFW hall, or the local women’s auxiliary.

Church bazaars, potlucks, dances, and bake sales were more than events. They were how communities connected.

Kids played tag while adults caught up on local news and swapped recipes or garden advice.

These small, in-person traditions made neighborhoods feel like extended families.

Manual Labor for Kids and Teens

Many children in the 1940s had responsibilities modern kids might find shocking. Helping chop wood, carry coal, or fetch water wasn’t unusual.

Older kids often worked part-time delivering newspapers, pumping gas, or helping on family farms.

After-school sports existed, but chores came first. And no one got an allowance just for existing.

It wasn’t considered harsh; it was just how you pitched in, learned discipline, and became dependable.

Were You Meant for the 1940s?

You’ve just walked through a time when bacon grease was saved in jars, milk came in glass bottles, and the whole town gathered around a radio on Friday night.

Take our Decade DNA Quiz to discover which classic American decade matches your personality best. You just might be a 1940s soul with a knack for rationing, letter-writing, and fixing things instead of replacing them.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

17 Common Sense Rules Everyone Knew in the 1940s That No One Follows Today

Image Credit: Elzbieta Sekowska/Shutterstock.com.

Common sense wasn’t something you had to study in the 1940s. It was baked right into everyday life, like apple pie or ironing your best shirt for Sunday church.

These are some of those everyday rules everybody knew and too many people forget now.

17 Common Sense Rules Everyone Knew in the 1940s That No One Follows Today

24 Old-Fashioned Candies That Need To Make a Comeback

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From childhood classics to forgotten chocolates, these treats bring back memories of simpler times. Rediscover the joy of beloved confections that deserve to make a comeback.

24 Old-Fashioned Candies That Need To Make a Comeback

19 Ways Life in 1940s Delaware Stands Apart Today

Travel

12 Items Wisconsinites Are Smart to Grab at Dollar Tree Instead of Walmart

Everyone loves a good deal, right?

But sometimes, Wisconsinites think the cheapest option is always at Walmart—until they step into a Dollar Tree. That place is a gold mine if you know what to look for.

Sure, you won’t find fancy brands or the latest electronics. But for everyday stuff, Dollar Tree can save you a ton of money.

In fact, some of the things you buy all the time are way cheaper at Dollar Tree and work just as well—or even better. In our humble opinion, these are some of the best things to grab at Dollar Tree instead of Walmart.

Greeting Cards

Greeting cards at Walmart typically cost anywhere from $2 to $7. That’s a lot of money for something most people read once and toss.

At the Dollar Tree, you can get cards for just $1.25—and sometimes even two for a buck! They have cards for birthdays, weddings, holidays, and even “just because” cards.

The best part?

They actually look nice. Some are just as cute and thoughtful as the expensive ones.

Unless you’re giving a card to someone super picky, most people won’t know the difference. A card is a card when it comes from the heart.

So why spend $5 on a card when you can spend $1.25 and still make someone smile? Save that extra money and buy yourself a candy bar or latte.

Party Supplies

Planning a party? Skip Walmart’s relatively pricey party aisle and hit up the Dollar Tree.

You can find balloons, plastic tablecloths, paper plates, cups, napkins, streamers, and even party favors—all for $1.25 each. It’s perfect for birthdays, graduations, baby showers, and more.

Walmart has a bigger selection, sure. But its prices are almost always higher; a set of party plates might cost $3 to $5, and that adds up fast.

At Dollar Tree, you can decorate an entire party space for the cost of just a few items at Walmart.

And let’s be honest—people throw all that stuff away when the party’s over anyway.

So why waste extra money on something that’s going straight into the trash? The Dollar Tree helps you party big without spending big.

Gift Bags and Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper and gift bags at Walmart can be oddly expensive. A big gift bag can cost up to $6, and wrapping paper rolls can be $4 or more.

The Dollar Tree has a whole wall of gift bags, bows, tissue paper, and wrapping paper—everything for just $1.25 each.

You don’t have to settle for ugly prints either. They actually have really cute designs for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Plus, if you’re in a rush, it’s way faster to grab a gift bag at the Dollar Tree than wading through what are often Walmart’s long lines.

Buying wrapping supplies at the Dollar Tree saves a ton, especially during the holidays when you’re wrapping gifts for everybody and their grandma.

That stuff adds up, so why not save where you can?

Kitchen Utensils

If you just need some basic kitchen tools—like a spatula, a whisk, or tongs—Dollar Tree is the place. Walmart has higher-end utensils, but many cost $3 to $10 each.

Unless you’re a pro chef, a $1.25 spatula gets the job done just fine.

The Dollar Tree also has measuring cups, peelers, mixing spoons, and even can openers. They might not be super fancy, but they work.

And if one breaks, it only cost you a buck and change.

These tools are especially great for college students, new apartment setups, or just replacements for old stuff. Save the big bucks for cookware; grab your small tools cheap at the Dollar Tree.

Cleaning Supplies

Basic cleaning supplies are almost always cheaper at Dollar Tree than Walmart. You can find sponges, scrub brushes, glass cleaner, bathroom spray, and even bleach for just $1.25.

At Walmart, similar products can cost two or three times as much.

Some of the cleaning brands at Dollar Tree might not be as famous, but many work just as well. For things like cleaning the toilet or wiping the counter, you don’t need the fanciest spray bottle on the market.

If you’re just looking to keep things clean without draining your wallet, the Dollar Tree has you covered.

Snacks and Candy

Believe it or not, Dollar Tree is a snack lover’s dream. You can find name-brand chips, cookies, gum, and candy for just $1.25.

Walmart might have bigger sizes, but the prices per snack are sometimes higher.

The Dollar Tree snacks are perfect for school lunches, road trips, or just something sweet after dinner. Plus, they often carry movie theater-sized boxes of candy, just like the ones at Walmart—but for less money.

This is one area where buying small can be smarter. If you’re craving a treat but don’t want to blow your budget, hit the candy aisle at the Dollar Tree and walk out with a smile.

Picture Frames

Walmart has some nice picture frames, but even the cheap ones can cost $4 to $10.

In contrast, Dollar Tree has tons of frames in different sizes and colors, all for $1.25. Some even look kind of fancy!

They’re great for displaying family photos, kid art, or even small posters. You don’t need a $15 frame to hang something on your fridge or bedroom wall. Most of the time, it’s what’s inside the frame that matters anyway.

These are also awesome for DIY craft projects. If you mess one up with glue or glitter, no big deal—it only cost you a buck and change.

School and Office Supplies

When it’s back-to-school time or you just need to restock your home office, Dollar Tree is a great place to visit. You can find notebooks, pens, folders, sticky notes, and even glue sticks for way cheaper than at Walmart.

A notebook at Walmart can be $2 or more.

At the Dollar Tree? Just $1.25.

And when kids lose stuff (which they always do), it’s way less painful to replace things that didn’t cost a fortune in the first place.

Teachers also love shopping there because they can stretch their classroom budgets. Whether you’re organizing a desk drawer or sending kids to class, Dollar Tree makes it easier on your wallet.

Hair Accessories

Hair ties, headbands, clips, and brushes can get pricey at Walmart, especially if you go for name brands.

At Dollar Tree, you can get packs of hair stuff for just $1.25. It’s perfect if you lose them all the time (and let’s be honest, what woman doesn’t?).

They even have brand-name hair accessories sometimes, just in smaller packs. Still, it’s a great deal if you’re just looking for something simple to keep your hair out of your face.

And since hair stuff has a magical way of disappearing, it’s smart to keep a cheap backup stash.

Your future self will thank you.

Storage Containers

Walmart has a big selection of storage bins, but prices can get high, especially for name-brand plastic containers. The Dollar Tree has smaller bins and baskets for just $1.25, which are great for organizing drawers, closets, or shelves.

They even have cute colors and styles now, so things don’t just look organized—they look good too.

Use them for crafts, pantry items, toys, or school supplies. There’s no limit to what you can store in a dollar bin.

And if you change your mind or want to reorganize, you’re not stuck with expensive bins you don’t need anymore. You can switch it up without wasting money.

Seasonal Decorations

From Halloween to Christmas to Easter, Dollar Tree is full of fun seasonal decorations. You can get signs, lights, garlands, ornaments, and more for a fraction of Walmart’s prices.

Sure, they’re not super fancy—but they’re cute and festive.

Walmart’s holiday stuff is nice, but you’ll definitely pay more. A single decoration might cost $5 or $10.

At Dollar Tree, you can get four or five things for the same price. And guess what? They all go back in a box once the season’s over anyway.

It’s a fun and cheap way to get in the holiday spirit without spending big.

Deck the halls, your windows, and your front porch—all without draining your wallet.

Reading Glasses

If you just need basic reading glasses, Dollar Tree is a secret superhero. You can find them in different strengths, and they only cost $1.25. At Walmart, even the cheapest pair often starts around $7 or more.

Dollar Tree’s reading glasses may not be fancy, but they work. And if you’re always losing your glasses, it makes sense to keep a few extras around the house or in your car.

You won’t stress as much if you misplace a pair that cost almost nothing.

It’s worth trying out Dollar Tree’s reading glasses before spending big bucks somewhere else.

The Flip Side

While Dollar Tree’s $1.25 prices sound like a great deal—and they often are—it’s not always the cheapest option in the long run.

Some items are actually smaller in size or lower in quantity than what you’d find at Walmart. That means you might be paying more per ounce or per item without even realizing it.

For example, a cleaning spray might cost $1.25 at Dollar Tree but only be 12 ounces, while Walmart sells a 32-ounce bottle for $2. So, you’re getting more for your money at Walmart in some cases.

Another thing to watch out for is quality. Some Dollar Tree products, especially things like electronics or tools, just don’t hold up. They might break faster or not work as well.

So even though it’s cheap up front, you could end up spending more later to replace it. That’s why it’s smart to stick to simple stuff like paper goods, party supplies, or snacks and avoid items where quality really matters.

Just because it’s at Dollar Tree doesn’t automatically make it the best buy.

25 Discontinued Foods That Americans Miss Seeing on the Shelf

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Every once in a while, big-name brands pull products with huge followings off the shelf, saddening Americans across the country. These are the foods Americans want back the most.

25 Discontinued Foods That Americans Miss Seeing on the Shelf

24 McDonald’s Facts You Never, Ever Knew

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Think you know McDonald’s from the inside out? We’re willing to bet you don’t. Discover just how McDonald’s-savvy you are by seeing how many of these facts you can answer.

24 McDonald’s Facts That Will Forever Change Your View of the Fast Food Chain

Think You Belong in a Different Decade?

From big bands to big hair, our playful Decade DNA Quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair. Oh, and it’s free.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

12 Items Wisconsinites Are Smart to Grab at Dollar Tree Instead of Walmart

Travel

11 Vintage Tunes That Wouldn’t Fly in Modern Connecticut

There’s something magical about the sound of a needle hitting a vinyl record. The soft crackle, the warm tone.

It’s like a time machine back to Connecticut soda shops, drive-ins, and sock hops.

But as catchy as those doo-wop choruses and smooth crooner ballads are, some lyrics from the ’50s and ’60s come with a strong dose of discomfort today.

“Thank Heaven for Little Girls” – Inappropriate Praise

This tune, famously performed by Maurice Chevalier, was originally part of the 1958 film Gigi. With a waltzing tempo and a French accent, it was packaged as whimsical and sweet.

But listen to the lyrics and you’ll hear an older man expressing his admiration for “little girls” because they grow into attractive women.

It might have been charming in its original context. Now it just feels unsettling. The line between appreciation and objectification gets blurred, especially when directed at children.

Culturally, we’ve grown more aware of how adults should speak about kids. Songs like this are no longer seen as harmless.

Even if it was meant with innocent intent, the effect today is a hard cringe.

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – The Consent Conversation

Originally written in 1944 and popularized in the ’50s, this duet was once considered playful and flirtatious.

The setup?

A man tries to persuade a woman to stay the night while she repeatedly says she needs to leave. He counters every objection with charm—and pressure.

What makes it stand out today is how it brushes off consent. Lines like “What’s in this drink?” may have been meant as a joke back then. But now they strike a nerve in a culture that takes boundaries and coercion more seriously.

Modern audiences have scrutinized the song so much that several artists have re-recorded it with updated, consent-affirming lyrics.

It’s an example of how norms shift, and how what once sounded romantic can now sound tone-deaf.

Even though “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is still played during the holidays, it’s often followed by a lot more side-eye than swooning.

“I’m Your Man” – Possession, Not Partnership

Romantic desperation was a big theme in 1950s love songs, and “I’m Your Man” by Bo Diddley is a prime example.

It’s filled with promises of devotion—but not the healthy kind. It’s “I’ll do anything for you” with an edge of “because I need to own you.”

The lyrics reflect a time when intense male pursuit was considered noble, not invasive. Repetition of “I’ll be whatever you want me to be” doesn’t sound sweet anymore—it sounds like the beginning of an identity crisis or an unhealthy obsession.

This kind of exaggerated self-sacrifice doesn’t resonate well in a world that values boundaries and personal growth.

Today, love songs that emphasize equality tend to get more airplay than ones that feel like emotional contracts.

“Put Another Nickel In (Music! Music! Music!)” – Simplifying Women

This hit from Teresa Brewer is catchy, upbeat, and fun. But beneath the surface, it offers a one-dimensional take on women’s happiness.

The woman just wants to dance and hear music, and that’s… pretty much it.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with liking music. But the song plays into a common 1950s stereotype: that women are simple, cheerful, and easily entertained.

By modern standards, it feels a little patronizing. Women can love music and want something deeper.

It’s a reminder that sometimes even the most innocent-sounding lyrics can carry outdated assumptions.

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – A Confusing Message for Kids

Okay, this one isn’t offensive, but it’s worth including because it’s just weird.

The song is sung from a child’s point of view, catching Mommy in a compromising moment with Santa. The twist? It’s probably just Dad in costume.

Still, for generations of kids, it’s been a head-scratcher. The implications are confusing, and it casually introduces infidelity into a supposedly wholesome Christmas setting.

It’s not that this one’s unacceptable—it’s just another reminder of how casual some storytelling choices were in the ‘50s.

Even festive tunes weren’t immune to strange messaging.

“A Guy Is a Guy” – Reducing Romance to a Stereotype

Doris Day’s 1952 hit “A Guy Is a Guy” sounds cheerful and playful, but the lyrics paint a pretty narrow picture of gender roles. The basic message?

Boys will be boys, and girls should just go along with it.

The song follows a woman who keeps running into the same guy. No matter what she does, he pursues her, eventually wins her over, and—voilà—marriage. The tone is meant to be light, but it plays into the idea that relentless pursuit is romantic and that women should just give in to it.

In today’s context, that kind of message feels outdated and a little exhausting. Romance isn’t supposed to be about resignation—it’s about mutual interest and respect.

It’s a reminder that even the sweetest voices of the ’50s sometimes carried messages that don’t quite harmonize with modern values.

“Under My Thumb” – Control Masquerading as Love

While this Rolling Stones song hit radios in the mid-1960s, it echoed the possessive undertones that were common in ‘50s relationships.

The lyrics celebrate a shift in power—he used to be bossed around by a woman, and now she’s “under his thumb.”

The implication? Dominance equals success in love.

It reflects a broader pattern from the past where men were expected to lead, and women were expected to follow. Songs didn’t have to be outright angry to push that idea—they just had to repeat it enough.

Nowadays, we look for relationships based on equality and respect. A song built on triumphing over someone else’s autonomy doesn’t fit that mold.

It’s no wonder this song is now dissected more than it’s danced to.

“Wives and Lovers” – The 9-to-5 Double Standard

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and performed by Jack Jones, this song was released in 1963. It advises married women to look beautiful and be attentive so their husbands don’t cheat.

The entire premise is that it’s the woman’s job to maintain the man’s interest—or suffer the consequences.

It’s a lyrical pep talk that feels more like a scolding. While it may have felt motivational to some housewives at the time, now it just feels like a musical hostage situation.

We’ve come a long way from the days when “put on your makeup or lose your marriage” was an acceptable message in a pop song.

And thank goodness for that.

“He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss)” – Abuse Romanticized

This song was recorded by The Crystals in 1962. Written by legendary songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin, it was inspired by a real woman who believed that violence from her partner proved he loved her.

The song’s message is haunting. It doesn’t just condone abuse—it presents it as evidence of affection.

That kind of logic was disturbingly common in a time when domestic violence was rarely talked about, and often not condemned.

Today, we recognize the damage caused by romanticizing abusive relationships. The song has been heavily criticized for decades and rarely receives airplay now.

It serves as a chilling reminder of how silence and normalization once masked very real harm.

“Young Girl” – A Song That Admits Too Much

Released in 1968, “Young Girl” by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap tells the story of a man who realizes his romantic interest is underage… after they’ve already been involved.

He pleads with her to leave and blames her for appearing older than she is. That might’ve passed as self-flagellation back then, but today it just sounds like deflection.

She’s a child. He’s an adult. That’s all that matters.

Modern listeners don’t let the catchy melody distract from the very troubling premise. If this song were released today, it would never make it past a record label’s legal team, let alone top the charts.

Back then, people might have seen it as a cautionary tale. Now, we see it as a glaring ethical failure.

“Johnny Get Angry” – Toxic Masculinity on Display

In this 1962 hit by Joanie Sommers, the singer asks her boyfriend to stop being so nice and start being more aggressive. She wants him to “get mad” and “act like a brave man.” Basically, she equates strength with aggression and passivity with weakness.

This was peak gender coding back in the day. Men were expected to be dominant. Women were expected to want that.

These ideas have been challenged (and largely dismantled) in today’s dating culture. Encouraging emotional repression and physical aggression just doesn’t fly anymore.

It’s one of those songs that makes you wonder how many people internalized its message—and how long it took to unlearn it.

Your True Retro Era

Now that you’ve taken a musical trip through some of the more questionable 1950s and 1960s tunes, it’s time to find out which classic American decade really matches your soul.

Whether you’re a crooner at heart or more of a synth-pop rebel, our Decade DNA Quiz will reveal your true retro spirit.

Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

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