The roaring ‘20s were a time for parties, dancing and having a good time. Nestled just before the financial crash of the Great Depression, the ‘20s were a time of luxury and comfort, in which anything was ok. Disregarding the old and exploring the new were what the age was all about and over the course of the decade, some of the strangest inventions were put into production. These items might not be a part of your everyday life but at the time, they were at the height of society.
- The Anti-Flirt Club
(source: sciencepole.com)
Despite their reputation for being a time of debauchery, the ‘20s had a much more refined alter ego. For people who preferred a more chaste, respectable existence, the social flexibilities of the time were nothing short of shocking. For one group of women, it was enough for them to start a movement of their own. The Anti-Flirt club was founded by a group of women in Washington D.C., designed to protect women from unwanted romantic acts. The group focused their attentions on men who hung out on street corners and on motorcycles, using their collective force to drive them away.
- The Isolator
(source: strangerdimensions.com)
What do you do when you want to lock out the world and work? Just pop yourself in the Isolator for an hour or two! A head device, this invention blocked out surrounding sights and sounds, making it easier for the wearer to focus their attentions on what they were writing. Featuring two tiny eye holes, the helmet made it just possible to see directly ahead but other forms of communication were strictly ruled out. While it was invented as a helpful tool for writers, the Isolator didn’t exactly look inviting and soon fell out of favor.
- Eyeball Massagers
(source: allday.com)
What do you do when you’ve had a long day at the office? While a massage might be the top of your list, you’re not likely to focus on the same part of the body as people from the 1920s might have. When people suffered from eye strain, individual massage balls were prescribed as a form of light relief. Twisting the eyelids and sending puffs of air into the eyeballs, the device was used as a supplementary treatment for those who needed glasses. Although it might not have had any lasting results, it was still a relative success.
- Waterproof Beach Jumper
(source: oddeory.com)
When the temperature drops and you still want to go for a swim, what do you do? People in the roaring ‘20s turned their attentions to the beach jumper. A waterproof item of clothing, the beach jumper was designed to be worn by women on the beach, covering up their bodies from prying eyes. The item was worn to and from the beach, helping women to keep a modest appearance when on the road.
- Motorized Surf Board
(source: distractify.com)
Wouldn’t surfing be easier for all if the boards were motorized? Inventors from the 1920s certainly thought so. Wider and more sturdy than the boards of today, the motorized boards were designed to let passengers stand up without the risk of tumbling into the water. A precursor to the paddleboards of today, the motorized surfboards certainly did the trick!