Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Going Viral > Baba Recommends

How People Got Things Done Without Gadgets: 14 Photos

Edited By: Bhavesh B.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

Life wasn’t always as convenient as it is now. Before the era of smartphones, computers, and automation, everyday tasks required time, patience, and plenty of hard work. From filing systems to manual labor, people relied on their determination and creativity to get things done. These old photos remind us of a time when every step of the process took longer. So, next time you’re frustrated by a slow internet connection, take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come!

Related: Time Capsule: See Old Ads for "New" Technologies

1. Using the card catalog at the library in the 1970s.

Old Photos That Show Just How Hard Life Once Was

2. Humans vs. IBM 360 at NASA's Glenn Research Center in 1973.

3. Official FBI Fingerprint Database during WWII.

4. 4.5 megabytes of data in 62,500 punched cards, USA, 1955.

5. U.S. census tabulators calculating mortality rates, 1940.

6. Electric elevator desks in Prague, 1937.

7. Looking up information, quick and easy, 1970s.

8. NASA scientists doing their calculations.

9. Spectroscopy research at the National Bureau of Standards in 1948.

Related: 13 Quirky Vintage Inventions That Should Be Brought Back

10. Census Bureau employees processing data using an early computer in 1939.

11. Hollerith Electric Tabulator from the 1908 Census Bureau.

12. Spool of magnetic tape - used for data storage on early model desktop computer, 1970s.

13. Barry Manilow, American singer and songwriter, working in the file room at CBS, 1965.

14. Rochester, New York: life line counselors sitting around a 'lazy Susan' information and reference file at the phone center. May 6, 1979.

All images: eBaum's World

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Baba Recommends

You’ll Never Forget These Fascinating Historical Pics

Rare Interesting Historical Photos That are Must-See

You won’t find these rare photos in your history books.

Baba Recommends

Relive the Past with These Poignant Vintage Photos

25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be

Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.

Baba Recommends

25 Fascinating Stories That History Books Forgot

Facts from History You’ve Likely Never Heard Before

If you’re someone who loves uncovering the lesser-known corners of the past, you’ll find something special here.

Cute overload

Dogs of Yesteryear: Vintage Photos Through the Ages

16 Vintage Photos of Sweet Dogs Throughout History

If you’re a dog lover, this post is for you!

Design & Photography

These Unforgettable Historical Photos Will Stay With You

30 Vintage Pics That Are Worth More Than a Million Words

Enjoy this great collection of rare historical photos.

Design & Photography

16 Rare Photos That Tell Forgotten Stories of History

16 Rare Historical Photos You’ve Never Seen Before

Check out these fascinating and rare historical photos.

Health

Lost Your Voice? Here's What You Can Do

Four most common reasons why you no longer sound like yourself.

Family and parenting

How to Avoid Giving Bad Sleeping Habits to Our Children

How We Might be Giving Our Children Bad Sleeping Habits

To help you understand exactly what you’re doing wrong and what you should be doing, we have some tips from pediatricians that will help ensure every child's age.

Send Comment

Related Topics: gadgets, old photos, historical photos, history facts, technological developments, old technology, old gadgets

Quizzes

Vocabulary Test

Ready to prove your verbal prowess?

Which Species is Endangered?

Which of these endangered species is STILL endangered, can you tell?

What Do You Know About the Gulf War?

With 15 thoughtfully crafted questions, this quiz is designed for history enthusiasts who want to delve deeper into the details of Operation Desert Storm and its global impact.

Most popular in Baba Recommends

Found It! Rare Old Photos of Famous People

These rare photos of some of the most well known names in the world give us a glimpse into what is true.

Museums Are Simply Treasure Troves - 16 Fascinating Photos

These incredibly cool and interesting exhibits prove what treasure troves museums are!

The Weirdest War Weapons You Won't Believe Were Invented

These War Machines Were Truly One-of-a-Kind

It’s crazy to think these war weapons actually existed.

12 Vintage Items That Might Just Be Valuable

Did You Know These Vintage Items Might Be Worth Something?

Did you know that there are certain items in your home that might just be worth something? Take a look at these 12 vintage items that may be valuable.

These Historic Photos Illustrate Love Among War Couples

Love is Beautifully Captured in These Historic Photos...

While much has changed over the last century, there is one thing that has always remained the same, and that is love. Take a look at this photo collection.