World of Tomorrow
“Here, Peter. Here’s what’s inside. A microfilm essay that provides a description of life in our time and a microfilm reader. And just in case the reader no longer works, it contains instructions for how to build one. There’s a pack of Camel cigarettes, a toy car, a dollar in change. There are issues of LIFE magazine and an artificial leather asbestos shingle—something we use in all kinds of buildings we live in today. It contains a seed bank, and seventy-five different types of fabrics and metals. And even some silly things, like Dr. West’s tooth powder, a Mickey Mouse watch, a View-Master and a Scent-o-vision.”
The Hall of Electrical Living was a stainless steel gleamingly fantastical place where every home had an electric waffle iron and an automatic washing machine. It showcased miracles such as electric refrigerators and calculating machines.
“I can’t believe a machine would be cleaner than washing my own dishes by hand,” Evelyn commented, glancing at her watch as they left the Westinghouse building. The majority of their morning was already gone and she knew Peter especially would be getting hungry soon.
As if he’d read her mind, the boy chimed, “I
’m getting hungry. Can we have a snack?”