Site Logo

Life of an Architect

  • Podcast
  • about me
  • Questions / Contact
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Architecture Books+
You are here: Home / Life in General / Ads from Architectural Forum Magazine

Ads from Architectural Forum Magazine

June 14, 2011 by Bob Borson 5 Comments

It’s been a while since I thumbed through my old Architectural Forum issues for hilarious (yet insightful) ads for architectural and interior building products. This time I grabbed the October 1940 issue and sorted through the ads looking for anything that made me shift in my chair a little bit. As it turns out, almost every ad had something to offer, but these were some of the best. I hope you enjoy them just like I did – with one hand over an agape mouth and the other clutching at a pearl choker necklace.

Reminder – all of these ads can be clicked in order to enlarge the image so if you want to really get in there and read and study them – knock yourself out.

 

Stanley Hardware Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

Remember, 3 Butts to a Door

Sure, it’s 3 butts to a door but it takes 4 butts to party…


 

Sunchek Venetian Blinds Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

Sunchek Blinds launder easier than curtains. Simply “tubbing” them in warm Lux or Ivory Flakes – metal parts and all – then rehanging at the window to dry, restores their natural beauty and freshness.

I love that they used the words “tubbing” and “freshness“. In my mind, “tubbing” sounds more like a fraternity hazing experience than anything associated with beauty and freshness.


 

Westinghouse Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

We know how you’ve felt about it and we, too, have done some tossing and turning

Let’s see … some dude laying in bed, it looks like he has “pitched a tent”, and is tossing and turning while he’s thinking about a dozen men calling on him … not that there’s anything wrong with that.


 

Pitch and Gravel Roof Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

When you realize that the pitch and gravel roof not only has greater resistance to wind damage, but also greater resistance to sun damage, to water damage, to hail damage, to fire damage …

But apparently, it has no resistance to “googly-eye” damage


Modine Unit Heater Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

Workers have slowed up! Production has bogged down! Morale is low! Costs are high! And it’s all the fault of Simon Degree … the silent saboteur of production and profits.

Let’s see … handlebar mustache – check. Cowboy hat – check. Whip (for impacting the workers) – check. Uhm, pretty sure that Simon Degree was modeled after historical caricature from around 1860,  …. hmmm – I just can’t quite put my finger on it. I could probably figure it out except I’m distracted by those fancy boots he’s wearing. They look a little too fancy for someone who a whip cracker.


Hoffman Hot Water Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

No icy floors in our house!

Couldn’t they have rotated that baby just a little bit more so he could have been spared a life of therapy and a diet of canned beans and antidepressants? No?


 

General Electric Home Sales Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

Today Mrs. America has to be sold, too, and she’s far more interested in operating equipment than she used to be.

Yes, we get it – snake oil salesman, a huckster peddling Dr.Popper’s fix all linament juice … but that is a sporty coat he’s got on. The cane is a nice touch – paints a fuller picture.


Alcoa Aluminum Glass Block Ad Architectural Forum Magazine

No fooling! … Those glass block partitions go up faster’n they can make vice presidents.

Nothing says glass blocks are classy like tall thin blonde’s bald servant’s carrying cocktails on a platter … and an art deco handrail.


I hope you have enjoyed another installment of really silly ads from a long time ago. I know I have.

Cheers.

 

Bob signature FAIA

even better stuff from Life of an Architect

Architectural Graphic Standards Collection

004: Architects and Traveling

017: Quitting Your Job

Cottonwood Modern Update

Ep 137: Is Architecture School Broken pt. 1

Architecture and Graphic Design

Sexy Retaining Wall

Attitude Reflects Leadership

Life of an Architect: The Graphics
The Blame Game - Job Site Conflict Resolution

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Filed Under: Life in General Tagged With: ads, Architectural Forum

Search Life of an Architect

Subscribe to Podcast

Apple PodcastsSpotifyAndroidiHeartRadioby EmailTuneInRSS

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Apparel for Architects

T-Shirts for Architects - Bob Borson

Support for Advice or Guidance - or if you simply want to show appreciation for the content produced on this site

Thanks!
Other Amount
Project Reference or Support for Questions Answered:

Trending on Life of an Architect

Ep 178: Under Pressure
Architectural Graphics 101 - Symbols
Ten Cathedrals to see before you die
Architectural Graphics 101 - Reflected Ceiling Plans
Architectural Graphics 101 - Window Schedules
Architectural Graphics 101: Cover Sheet
Architectural Graphics 101 - Wall Types
Architectural Graphics 101: Finish Schedules
Architectural Graphics 101 - Layers
Graphic Standards for Architectural Cabinetry

My “Serious” Disclaimer

The complimentary advice provided on ‘Life of an Architect’ is based on an abbreviated examination of the minimal facts given, not the typical extensive (and sometimes exhaustive) analysis I conduct when working with my clients. Therefore, anything you read on this site is not a substitute for actually working with me. Following my casual advice is at your own peril … if you want my undivided attention, I would recommend hiring me. Cheers.

Pages

  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Architecture Books+
  • about me
  • Questions?
  • F. A. Q.
  • Do you want to be an Architect?
  • Podcast

Life of an Architect | Bob Borson

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Archives of Awesomeness

Copyright © 2025 Life of an Architect

 

Loading Comments...