Man has been on earth for 4000 to 5 million years depending on your perspective and beliefs. Regardless, our dwellings were primitive prior to the last century. In that time, we have seen giant steps in creature comforts and safety. The one I am most grateful for is the indoor flushable toilet. While available for some time, it was not common in US households until the 1920’s. Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Crapper did not invent the toilet. He made improvements to it and manufactured them under his name. This one is a plus that stuck.

Landline phones were becoming common installations in homes in the early 1900s. By the 1960’s, 80% of homes had one, and it went up from there, until the 2000’s. Now, under 40% of homes have landlines and that number will continue to drop, making them a minus.

Encyclopedias were used for research prior to the internet. They were expensive, and those of us who did not have a set had to go to the library and use theirs. These go in the minus category.

Televisions were introduced in 1939 and became common in homes in the late 1940’s, and they are still with us today. A resounding plus.

Whole house fans were large fans located centrally in the house. They pulled air through the house and out through the attic. These were and are very effective at making a warm house comfortable. They were popular when air conditioners were not the norm but still could have a place today. Unfortunately, a minus.

Cisterns were large water tanks built underground, typically out of brick. Water from the roof was routed to them, and the water was piped into the house. It was a good idea, and I for one, think it should be brought back and the water used for irrigation and possibly for other non-potable uses. Unfortunately, a minus.

Dishwashers were invented by Josephine Cochran in the late 1800’s. She is quoted as saying “If nobody else is going to invent a dishwashing machine, I’ll do it myself”. She patented it and showed it at the 1893 World’s Fair. The orders started, and she opened a factory. A plus with a great back story.

Some minuses not commonly known: Servants call buttons on the floor under the dining room table to be pushed by one’s foot. Servants, coal chutes, gas piping to interior lights, washboards built into the basement sinks, ice boxes, milk boxes, bomb shelters, and hidden rooms for the underground railroad. We have seen all of these and in some cases lived with and used them. The entry level home being built today affords the owner luxuries that kings and queens did not have just a short time ago.