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Imagine stepping into a store in the 1920s, handing over a few dollars, and walking out with a phone, a men’s suit, or even a car. It might sound like a fantasy, but it was a reality until inflation and the passage of time caused prices to skyrocket.
From a nickel for chewing gum to $1.75 for a good watch, prices in the Roaring ’20s were so low that they almost appear comical by today’s standards. Are you ready to be astounded by how much prices have changed? Let’s delve into it.
1. Affordable Chairs at C.A. Dorney Furniture
Back in the 1920s, you could purchase a mahogany rocking chair at C.A. Dorney Furniture for just $9 and a full 10-piece dining room suite for $337.50. Today, a mahogany rocking chair would cost you around $200. Adjusted for inflation, these prices seem charmingly low, reminiscent of an era when quality craftsmanship came at a modest price.
2. Budget-Friendly Suits at Koch Brothers
Imagine getting a men’s suit for just $49.50 — not on sale, but at the regular price according to a 1920 advertisement by Koch Brothers. For less than $50, you could walk out in a sharp, dapper outfit that exudes presidential style. The idea of buying a suit for under $50 seems almost mythical now, akin to catching a cab for a nickel or purchasing a house with loose change.
3. Eureka Vacuum for $45
In 1922, you could purchase a Eureka vacuum for $45 with only $5 down. Nowadays, $5 might only buy you a bottle of cleaner. Most of Eureka’s vacuum models now cost at least double that amount, with their robot vacuum priced at just under $1,000.
4. Affordable Cars at Lawfer Automobile Company
In 1924, you could drive away in a refurbished or used car from Lawfer Automobile Company for only $25 down and $10 a month for six months. That included the entire car. Today, $10 might barely cover a car wash, and six monthly payments wouldn’t even touch your insurance costs. No elaborate leases or 72-month financing plans — simply hand over less than $100 and cruise off into the sunset.
5. Campbell’s Vegetable Soup for 12 Cents
Back in 1927, a can of Campbell’s Vegetable Soup was priced at twelve cents. Nowadays, the same can can cost you $1.00 or more. Imagine walking into a store with a crumpled dollar and emerging with eight cans of soup. It wasn’t a dream; it was a reality back then. It’s astonishing to see how the price of a staple has increased over tenfold.
6. Inexpensive Ingersoll Watches
In 1925, you could purchase an Ingersoll
In today’s world, staying connected comes at a high price. The latest models of iPhones and Androids can cost anywhere from $599 to $1,300, accompanied by monthly bills that strain your wallet. The evolution from the days of dial tones is stark.
Back in the 1920s, a pack of chewing gum could be purchased for just one cent. What was once a simple everyday pleasure now feels like a rare indulgence for your taste buds. The gratifying sound of snapping a fresh piece remains unchanged, but the affordability has drastically shifted. In the past, you could purchase several packs for the cost of a bus ride, whereas today, acquiring more than a single piece is a challenge.
These vintage ads from the Roaring ’20s illustrate the significant changes in prices over time.
