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Curated by: Philip Mershon (110 videos)
Did you know the most iconic material of the 1950s kitchen started out as industrial insulation for electrical wiring!?!?! Welcome back to the Mid-Century Vault! Today, Philip Mershon peels back the laminate layers to reveal the surprising, industrial history of Formica. While we associate it with pastel pinks, boomerang patterns, and the "Atomic Age" aesthetic, Formica’s origins in 1913 were dark, industrial, and strictly electrical. From a substitute "for mica" to the colorful skin of the American Dream, discover how two Westinghouse engineers accidentally revolutionized interior design. Plus, are we finally tired of the "operating room" look of granite and stainless steel? It might be time to bring the fun back to the kitchen. In this video, we cover: The 1950s kitchen aesthetic: Chrome, color, and optimism. The Origin Story: How Herb Faber and Dan O’Conor invented Formica in 1913. "For Mica": The literal meaning behind the famous name. The transition from radio parts to the "Boomerang" pattern. Why Formica might be making a massive comeback against granite. 👇 DROP A COMMENT: Do you have a specific Formica memory? Did your grandmother have the "Mamie Eisenhower Pink" bathroom or the "Seafoam Green" table? Let us know below! If you'd like to further support my work, here's my buy me a coffee link: https://coff.ee/philipmershon For more Mid Century Vault adventures, just go here: https://www.youtube.com/user/philipmershon New episodes release every Friday and Sunday. Please watch videos to the end, this really helps as much as liking and commenting, which, of course, helps like crazy. Be sure to subscribe and become part of our new community, thanks! #midcenturyvault #popculturehistory #nostalgia