8 things that were considered ordinary in the 70s but are now considered priceless
Things certainly have a way of changing over time, don’t they?
Back in the 70s, there were countless items and practices that were seen as just ordinary, everyday stuff.
Now, several decades later, some of these ‘ordinary’ things have taken on a whole new value and are considered priceless.
In this article, we’re going to journey back in time and take a look at eight of these gems from the 70s. Buckle up for some serious nostalgia!
1) Vinyl records
Who would have thought that those old vinyl records gathering dust in the attic would be a hot commodity today?
In the 70s, vinyls were just the standard way to listen to music. They were everywhere, and most homes had a collection of them.
Fast forward to today, and vinyl records are now highly sought after. There’s a certain nostalgia and unique quality of sound that a vinyl record provides, which digital music simply can’t replicate.
So, if you’ve got a stack of vinyl records from the 70s lying around, you might just be sitting on a fortune! But even beyond their monetary value, they’ve become priceless artifacts of a time when music was experienced in a completely different way.
2) Polaroid Cameras
Ah, the Polaroid camera, a gadget that holds a special place in my heart.
Back in the 70s, my family had a Polaroid camera that we’d use to capture all our special moments. Christmas mornings, birthdays, family gatherings – every event was faithfully recorded with a click and a whirr.
At the time, it was just an ordinary household item. But today, it’s a priceless piece of nostalgia.
In our digital age, where photos are taken and deleted within seconds, there’s something incredibly special about the physicality of a Polaroid picture. Each one captures a unique moment in time and there’s no do-overs or filters – just raw, unedited life.
And don’t get me started on the joy of watching the photo develop in your hand!
So yes, that old Polaroid camera from my childhood is now considered priceless. Not only does it remind me of simpler times, but it’s also become a vintage treasure in today’s photography world.
3) Rotary Dial Telephones
Remember those chunky rotary dial telephones that were a common sight in homes during the 70s? They were a far cry from the sleek smartphones we use today.
But here’s something you might not know. The design of the rotary dial telephone was actually based on the human pulse rate.
This was done to ensure that the dial returned to its home position in time for the next digit to be dialed. It’s a perfect example of how technology was designed around human biology, long before we had digital tech to do the job for us.
Today, these rotary dial telephones are highly sought after, both as collector’s items and as nostalgic decor pieces. They’ve become a priceless symbol of a time when communication was slower and more deliberate.
4) Classic Cars
Let’s shift gears and talk about something that was a common sight on the roads in the 70s – classic cars.
Back then, these were just your average, everyday vehicles. They were simply a means to get from point A to point B.
But as the years rolled by, many of these vehicles have transformed into vintage classics. Some models, especially those that were popular or had limited production runs, have seen their value skyrocket.
Cars like the Chevrolet Camaro or the Ford Mustang from the 70s era now command high prices in the vintage car market. They’re not just vehicles anymore – they’re priceless pieces of automotive history, cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
5) Handwritten Letters
There’s something undeniably touching about a handwritten letter, isn’t there?
In the 70s, before the digital revolution changed the way we communicate, handwritten letters were the norm. They were a simple, everyday part of life.
Today, in our world of instant messaging and emails, the art of letter writing has become somewhat of a lost tradition. And that’s what makes these old letters so priceless.
They’re tangible pieces of our past, filled with emotions and memories. Each one is a snapshot of a moment in time, reflecting the thoughts and feelings of the writer.
So if you happen to stumble upon a stack of old letters from the 70s, take a moment to appreciate them. They’re more than just pieces of paper – they’re priceless mementos from a bygone era.
6) Family Recipes
Growing up, Sunday dinners were a big deal in my house.
It was a tradition that my mom carried over from the 70s, cooking up a storm in the kitchen with recipes that had been handed down through generations.
Her spaghetti Bolognese was legendary. There’s something about that particular dish that just takes me back to those simpler times.
In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it’s easy to overlook the value of such traditions. But these family recipes, with their well-worn index cards and handwritten instructions, are now priceless gems.
They’re not just about food, but about love, connection and shared history. They’re cherished reminders of family bonds and the delicious legacy of home-cooked meals.
7) First Edition Books
Books have been a source of knowledge and entertainment for centuries. But did you know that some books from the 70s are now considered priceless?
First edition books from this era, in particular, are highly sought after by collectors. These include popular titles like “The Shining” by Stephen King, or “Interview with the Vampire” by Anne Rice.
These books were once easily available off the shelf, purchased for a few dollars and read for pleasure. Today, well-preserved first editions can fetch a handsome price at auctions.
But it’s not just about the monetary value. For many, these books hold a certain sentimental value, a reminder of the love of reading instilled in them at a young age. They represent a time when stories were savored page by page, rather than on a screen.
8) Personal Photographs
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about personal photographs from the 70s.
In an era before digital cameras and smartphones, photos were not as plentiful or as easily accessible as they are today. Each click of the camera was a considered moment, captured on film and developed with care.
These old photographs are now priceless treasures. They provide a window into the past, capturing moments of joy, sadness, celebration, and everyday life.
From hairstyles to fashion trends, to the backdrop of the evolving world, these photographs tell a story that is unique and deeply personal. They are reminders of our shared humanity and the passage of time. Most importantly, they hold within them the power to transport us back to those moments, however fleeting they may have been.
Final Reflection: The Value of Time
As we journey through the corridors of time, it’s fascinating to see how the mundane can transform into the priceless.
These eight ordinary items from the 70s, from vinyl records to personal photographs, are now considered priceless. Why? Because they’re tangible pieces of a bygone era – a time that’s slipping further and further into the rearview mirror.
Their value doesn’t lie in their material worth, but in the memories and emotions they evoke. They remind us of a simpler time, before the digital age took over. A time when communication was more personal, music had a distinctive warmth, and family recipes were treasured.
These items serve as a gentle reminder that value isn’t always about price tags or market rates. Sometimes, it’s about nostalgia, sentimentality, and a longing for days gone by.
As we continue to move forward, let’s not forget the value of these seemingly ordinary things from our past. After all, who knows what everyday items of today might become the priceless treasures of tomorrow?
