Description: An international co-production between the Philippines and the United States, Vampire Hookers is a 1978 sexploitation horror oddity directed by Cirio H. Santiago and written by Howard R. Cohen. Released under a variety of titles—including Cemetery Girls, Night of the Bloodsuckers, Sensuous Vampires, and Twice Bitten—the film dives headfirst into pure grindhouse insanity. Its story follows a vampire pimp running a brothel filled with undead prostitutes who lure unsuspecting men in for what they think is an evening of pleasure, only to discover they’ve become the main course. Shot on gritty 16mm film, Vampire Hookers embodies everything fans love about ’70s exploitation cinema: harsh lighting, awkward dubbing, and over-the-top performances.
Description: Boasting an eclectic inventory that stretched well into the hundreds of thousands, Car City Records earned a reputation as one of the Detroit Metro area’s premier used record stores. Founded in 1984 by longtime vinyl enthusiast Bob Setlik—who began dealing jazz records in the mid-1970s—the shop became legendary among collectors for its deep selection of jazz, rock, blues, and classical LPs. Car City embraced an independent spirit and never tried to chase the trends or compete with chain stores pushing the latest chart hits. Instead, it focused on what it did best: offering crate diggers and music obsessives a true vinyl-hunter’s paradise packed with rare finds, forgotten gems, and shelves upon shelves of used records.
Description: Paul Harris was a women's clothing store founded in 1952 in Indianapolis by Gerald Paul and Earl Harris, initially operating as "Packaged Apparel" to sell prepackaged clothing in supermarkets. They opened their first retail clothing store in 1954 in a strip mall in Plainfield, Indiana, eventually expanding into a national women's apparel chain that grew to 377 stores in 37 states at its peak in the late 1980s before beginning a slow downward slide before closing in 2000. The stores were known for targeting young, working women with their fashion forward designs that were offered long before other midwest retailers. This design is based on the company's 1973 rebrand featuring a colorful Saul Bass designed logo treatment.
Description: 'Orange Smile' was a popular orange-flavored soda produced by the St. Louis-based Orange Smile Syrup Company, which operated from the 1920s through the early 1960s. Often sold in distinct 6 oz embossed glass bottles patented in 1922, the brand was known for its 'orange man' mascot who wore nothing but a smile. While available nationwide, Orange Smile was most popular in the Midwest, though we're unsure if it's due to the mascot that doesn't wear pants.
Description: WPLJ 95.5 FM became one of New York City’s defining rock radio stations after adopting its famous call letters and progressive rock format in 1971. Broadcasting from Manhattan, WPLJ helped shape the sound of FM radio during the '70s by introducing listeners to album-oriented rock, deeper cuts, and emerging artists that AM stations often ignored. The station’s call letters came from “White Port and Lemon Juice,” a blues song by The Four Deuces, reflecting the era’s free-form rock spirit. Over the decades, WPLJ evolved through rock, Top 40, and hot adult contemporary formats while becoming home to legendary New York radio personalities and morning shows, remaining a major presence on the city’s air waves until its final sign-off in 2019.
Description: Super Cock (no laughing) was a brand of batteries produced by Thailand Trading Co. Ltd. in Bangkok, Thailand that featured a large rooster on the label. They originally produced batteries for automobiles and heavy equipment, but soon added non-rechargeable batteries to their production line. These disposable cells became more profitable than the heavyweight line, and Thailand Trading shifted production accordingly. Albeit somewhat humorous in modern western eyes, his design is based on wholesale advertising materials that were set in a mix of English and Thai espousing the 'premium quality' of these bottom shelf batteries.
Description: El Rancho Bowl, located in West Los Angeles, opened its doors in 1941 and quickly became a cornerstone of the local social scene. Built during the golden age of bowling, it blended classic mid-century design with the booming popularity of league play, drawing in everyone from serious competitors to casual weekend bowlers. With its lively atmosphere, glowing lanes, and distinctive signage, El Rancho Bowl wasn’t just a place to knock down pins—it was a neighborhood gathering spot where families, friends, and co-workers came together. Over the decades, it stood as a snapshot of American leisure culture, reflecting both the wartime era it was born into and the postwar boom that followed.
Description: The Los Santos Golf Club (LSGC), also known as the Los Santos Country Club, is a fictional golf course in the equally fictional Los Santos, San Andreas. The course features nine holes with a 36 regular par and a total yardage of 3,464, and players can actually play and compete against one another. Located in the upscale Richman neighborhood, LSGC is the most expensive property that any of the three characters can buy in the game and in the entire series with a price tag of $150,000,000. The LSGC is the most profitable business, generating a weekly income of $264,500, however, if purchased, the property will take 568 weeks to turn a profit over the initial investment.
Description: Hartge Motorsport was a third party car tuning company specializing in German cars. Founded in 1971 in Merzig, Germany, the company moved to larger facilities in Beckingen in 1974. Hartge followed the classic hot rod rule based on power to weight ratio and was known for putting larger, more powerful factory engines in smaller cars. In 1985, Hartge was granted manufacturer's status in Germany, at which point all vehicles built from then on received a Hartge Motorsport VIN plate in place on the factory VIN plate. Despite decades of turning out high performance vehicles, the company folded in 2019 and deleted from the commercial register in Germany. Hartge tuned vehicles remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts to this very day
Description: The Major Matt Mason toy line introduced in 1966 captured the excitement of the early space race with a unique, bendable astronaut figures designed for imaginative play. Unlike rigid action figures of the time, Major Matt Mason and his friends featured a rubbery body over a wire armature that allowed kids to pose him in realistic zero-gravity stances, making him perfect for space adventures. The line expanded to include a full cast of characters, space stations, and vehicles like the Space Crawler and Space Station, all inspired by Apollo-era missions. With its mix of science fiction and real-world space exploration, Major Matt Mason became one of the era’s most distinctive and memorable toy lines.
Description: “Loose lips sink ships” was a widely used American slogan during World War II, part of a broader campaign to prevent careless talk that could aid enemy intelligence. The phrase warned civilians and service members alike that even seemingly harmless conversations—about troop movements, ship departures, or military plans—could be overheard or pieced together by spies and lead to deadly consequences at sea. The slogan became one of the most memorable expressions of wartime vigilance, capturing the real risks of information leaks in an era of global conflict. This design came out of Naval Training Station Great Lakes as a way to remind new recruits not to get too 'deep' in conversation.
Description: Sponsored by local sporting goods chain, SportsWest, the Seattle Women’s 10,000 Meter Run was held at Green Lake on August 13, 1977. The 6.2 mile 10k road running event started in Green Lake Park along the lake's paved trail before climbing up along Phinney Ridge for views of the city before dropping back down through Wallingford and circling back towards Green Lake. It may be hard to believe, but in the '70s, women were still banned from most major running events, so this marked a pivotal moment in the rise of women’s distance running in the Pacific Northwest, and played an important role in expanding access, building confidence, and paving the way for greater inclusion in competitive running nationwide.
Description: In the early 1970s, skateboarders were still riding on clay wheels, and even as urethane wheels began appearing around 1973, most setups still relied on loose, inefficient cup-and-cone bearings. That changed in 1974 when Rhode Island innovator Anthony Roderick introduced a game-changing concept: precision ball bearings built into urethane wheels. Branded as Road Riders and produced in Southern California, his design delivered a smoother, faster, and more dependable ride. The impact was immediate—Road Riders set a new standard, inspiring the entire industry to adopt precision-bearing urethane wheels, paving the way for modern skateboarding across every style, from pools and ramps to street and slalom.
Description: Bionic Six debuted in 1987 alongside a toy line known for die-cast metal and translucent parts showing bionic upgrades. The series ran for two seasons (April 19–November 12, 1987), producing 65 episodes. It followed the Bennetts, a multiracial blended family built on teamwork. Their lives change when an alien-triggered avalanche buries them in radioactive snow. Jack, secretly a bionic agent, rescues them and turns to Dr. Amadeus Sharp of Special Projects Labs, who implants them with bionics. They awaken with powers, adopt codenames, and become a team of secret agents—classic ’80s sci-fi adventure.
Description: The Grim Reaper is a haunting personification of death, most often depicted as a skeletal figure cloaked in a shadowy hooded robe, carrying a long, gleaming scythe. Emerging in Europe during the late Middle Ages—when the devastation of the Black Death left death ever-present in daily life—the Reaper came to symbolize the inevitable end that awaits all. His scythe, a tool of harvest, reflects the idea that souls are “reaped” like crops when their time has come. This old school tattoo style design reflects the steely, cold stare of the Grim Reaper, and while often portrayed as menacing, the Grim Reaper is not typically seen as evil, but rather as a neutral force - an unfeeling guide who escorts souls from the world of the dead.
Description: Psilocybin mushrooms, or “magic mushrooms,” are fungi containing psychedelic compounds that alter perception, mood, and thought. When consumed, they can produce visual distortions, heightened sensory awareness, and feelings of euphoria or introspection. Recreational use became widespread in the 1960s, tied to countercultural exploration of consciousness. Effects vary based on dose, environment, and mindset, ranging from meaningful experiences to anxiety or confusion. Today, interest in psilocybin is growing, both for recreational use and for its potential therapeutic benefits in controlled settings.
Description: California Western University was a private college in San Diego that played a notable role in the region’s mid-20th-century higher education landscape. Originally rooted in Balboa Law College, founded in 1924, it expanded into a broader university offering undergraduate and graduate programs before adopting the California Western University name in 1952. The school emphasized innovative, globally oriented education under the leadership of President William C. Rust, eventually growing into an international network of campuses. In 1968, California Western University transitioned into United States International University (USIU), reflecting its global ambitions. In 2002 USIU merged with two other schools to form a new global college network.
Description: The 101st Airborne Division was activated on August 16, 1942, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, as part of the U.S. Army’s expansion of airborne forces during World War II. Trained for parachute and glider assaults behind enemy lines, it developed elite tactics under Major General William C. Lee, earning the “Screaming Eagles” identity. In the late 1960s, the division shifted to helicopter-based airmobile operations in Vietnam, becoming highly feared by enemy forces. Its success with air assault tactics led to its official redesignation as an Air Assault division in 1974.
Description: In 1892, the brothers Pétrus and Lazare Digonnet founded a company for the import, manufacture, and sale of tea under the name of Maison P.L. Digonnet et Cie in Marseille, France. Their primary tea line was sold under the Thé de l'Éléphant (or simply Éléphant) brand, and was the first label to introduce scented infusions in France, moving beyond traditional black teas to gourmet herbal blends and expanding the palates of French tea enthusiasts. This design is based on the mid-century advertising for Thé de l'Éléphant that featured a clean, playful art style.
Description: The 1978 Pontiac Trans Am stood at the height of late-’70s American performance styling, blending muscle car attitude with bold, unmistakable design. Part of the second-generation Firebird lineup, it featured aggressive front-end revisions, a low, wide stance, and the iconic “screaming chicken” hood decal that became a cultural symbol of the era. Engine options ranged from the reliable 400 cubic-inch V8 to the smaller but still capable 403 Olds-sourced V8, balancing performance with tightening emissions standards. Inside, the Trans Am offered a driver-focused cockpit with engine-turned dash accents and sporty trim. Immortalized by its appearance in Smokey and the Bandit, the 1978 Trans Am was more than just a car—it was a pop culture icon.
Description: The Shamrock Shake, a cult-classic mint-flavored green fast food milkshake, was created by a Connecticut franchisee in 1967 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It was a such a hit that word got back to corporate, and just a few years later, it debuted nationally. While famous today for its mint flavor, the shake originally used a lemon-lime sherbet blended with vanilla soft serve. By 1973, it was changed to a plain vanilla shake with green dye, before adopting the green mint-flavored syrup everyone knows and loves. Beginning in 1975, the shakes were promoted by a character named Uncle O'Grimacey, but in 1979, he got the boot in favor of a group of leprechauns like those we see here.
Description: The Davis–Besse Nuclear Power Station, located on the shores of Lake Erie in Oak Harbor, Ohio, began operation in 1978 as a key part of the region’s growing demand for reliable electricity. Named after Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company chairman John K. Davis and FirstEnergy executive Ralph M. Besse, the plant features a single pressurized water reactor designed by Babcock & Wilcox. Over the decades, Davis–Besse has played an important role in supplying carbon-free power to northern Ohio, while also becoming widely known within the nuclear industry for both its longevity and safety challenges. The plant has continued operating with upgrades and oversight, remaining a significant contributor of clean nuclear energy.
Description: NeXT Computer, Inc. was founded in 1985 with a mission to build high-end workstations for education and research. The company’s signature product, the sleek black magnesium NeXT Computer—often called “the Cube”—was as notable for its design as its advanced software. NeXTSTEP, its object-oriented operating system, introduced innovations like the Dock, Interface Builder, and development frameworks that would later influence modern computing. Although NeXT hardware struggled commercially due to high costs, its software proved groundbreaking; in fact, Tim Berners-Lee created the first web browser and server on a NeXT machine. In 1997, NeXT was aquired and NeXTSTEP would live on as the foundation of OSX, cementing NeXT’s lasting legacy.
Description: The Crimson Ghost is a 1946 serial that blended crime, science fiction, and pulpy adventure into a fast-paced, cliffhanger-driven story. Directed by Fred C. Brannon and William Witney, it follows a masked villain known as the Crimson Ghost, who seeks to steal a powerful device called the Cyclotrode, capable of controlling atomic energy. Opposing him are Professor Chambers, the inventor, and a group of determined allies trying to keep the technology out of the wrong hands. Like many serials of the era, it unfolds across multiple chapters filled with chases, fistfights, and narrow escapes. Though modest in its original release, the serial later gained cult status, especially for the Ghost’s skull-like mask, which would go on to become an icon
Description: South Beach is one of the most iconic coastal destinations in the United States, known for its vibrant energy, white-sand shoreline, and colorful Art Deco architecture. Located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, it blends tropical scenery with a lively cultural scene, from world-famous nightlife and restaurants to outdoor cafes along Ocean Drive. By day, visitors relax under the sun or stroll the scenic beachfront, while at night the area transforms into a hub of music, fashion, and entertainment. With its mix of historic charm and modern glamour, South Beach remains a defining symbol of Florida’s coastal lifestyle.
Description: The Southwest Peace Festival was a doomed multi-day music event held in Lubbock, Texas, in March 1970, meant to promote unity during the Vietnam War era. Thousands arrived early, camping on open farmland, but freezing temperatures and 40+ mph winds made conditions miserable. The festival’s start was delayed as organizers hoped for better weather, but blowing dust, equipment failures, and bitter cold forced further postponements. Bands began dropping out and crowds thinned. Then came the rain, turning the grounds into deep mud. With shrinking attendance and fewer performers, the festival quickly collapsed into a complete disaster.
Description: Koko's Copy Center is a fictional copy, print, and ship business that showed up in several TV shows in the 1990s and 2000s, though is probably best remembered from Season 7, Episode 20 of the X-Files where the agents cross paths with a pair of doppelgängers whose close proximity leaves a trail of destruction. Based on its similarly named real world counterpart, Koko's offered everything a college student or small business owner might need. From printing and copying to scanning and high speed internet access, Koko's Copy Center was a one-stop shop.
Description: Dusty Wheels was a Shreveport, Louisiana dirt bike club founded in sometime in the 1950s. The club was active well into the '80s, hosting a wide array of races and events ranging from motocross to enduro, ensuring that there was truly something for everyone. This design is based on one of their Family Day events from 1978, which was a true 'come one, come all' event where fun for all ages was put ahead of competition.
Description: Located at 37 Pimlico Road in Belgravia, London, The Orange Brewery, was founded as a brewpub in February 1983 inside of a long-standing pub that was originally built in 1845 and named 'The Orange' after Sir William of Orange. The Orange Brewery opened their doors during a pivotal time in Britain’s evolving beer culture, as independent and craft-minded brewers began pushing back against the dominance of large industrial producers with traditional English brewing methods with a slightly more experimental edge, incorporating citrus notes and brighter hop profiles that set their beers apart at the time. Its taproom quickly became a gathering place for a younger, more adventurous crowd, helping to cultivate appreciation for craft beers.
Description: Artemis II was the first crewed mission of the Artemis program and the first time astronauts traveled to the Moon since Apollo. Using the Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System, the mission sent a crew of four—including Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—on a roughly 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. The flight tested life-support systems, navigation, and deep-space operations with humans on board, paving the way for Artemis III, which aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface. Artemis II represented a critical step toward establishing a sustained human presence on and around the Moon.
Description: 1931's Dracula is one of the defining films of early American horror that brought Count Dracula to life for a new generation, establishing many of the visual and performance traits still associated with the character today. Adapted from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, the movie relied heavily on atmosphere, shadow, and hypnotic presence rather than explicit horror, reflecting the limitations and style of early sound cinema. Its success cemented Dracula as a cornerstone of pop culture horror and inspired countless other works around this uniquely frightful character.
Description: Mugen is a vagrant outlaw from the Ryukyu Islands who uses self-taught sword techniques. Having lived a harsh and solitary life since childhood, he has a deep mistrust and disdain of authority and lives to fight strong opponents. Ji is Mugen's antithesis, a calm and stoic ronin wandering Japan after being forced to kill his master and consequently wearing glasses to disguise himself. He is the best at sensing danger, and prone to risking his life to prove his worth. Fuu is a cheerful and spirited young woman who brings Mugen and Jin together, helping them to learn that they make a formidable team as they travel the fictionalized version of Edo period Japan that they inhabit in their anime world.
Description: The military draft in the United States, also known as conscription, has been used during major conflicts to quickly expand the armed forces. It was first implemented during the Civil War and later during World Wars I and II, when millions of men were required to serve. The most controversial period came during the Vietnam War, when the draft system—based on a lottery—sparked widespread protests. In 1973, the U.S. ended active conscription and transitioned to an all-volunteer military, though the Selective Service System still requires most men aged 18–25 to register in case a draft is reinstated. This early '80s design is a tongue in cheek anti-draft statement saying that draft beer is preferable to drafting people.
Description: The Diamond Horseshoe Truck Stop in Laramie, Wyoming was a classic mid-20th century roadside stop that reflected the era when U.S. Highway 30 carried steady streams of cross-country travelers and truckers. Located just north of town before Interstate 80 rerouted traffic, it combined a motel, restaurant, lounge, and service station - essentially an all-in-one stop for long-haul drivers and road-trippers alike. In its heyday during the 1950s and 1960s, it was known for hearty meals and even what was then considered “exotic” - a Chinese buffet that stood out in the region, making it a destination for locals and travelers. Like many independent businesses, its fortunes declined after I-80 bypassed Laramie, leaving it to fade into history.
Description: Let's face it, can straight up out style anyone - no big-name designers required - just thrift store pieces and an eye for cool. While she has always been known for her effortless thrift-store t-shirts, this Vultures tee is easily one of her most iconic and its understated simplicity that gives a nod to the front-woman leaves people wondering WTF it's all about. As might say, let them talk...
