20 Things From the Past That Don’t Exist Anymore (And We Kind of Miss Them)

Roy

1 year ago

Credit card imprint machines. I worked when the crossover to electronic scanning was taking place. When ever the the electronic POS went down, we'd have to pull out these babies.

Things that don’t exist anymore

Growing up in the pre-digital age, there were so many little things we took for granted. Remember payphones on every corner? Or car cigarette lighters that nobody questioned? These 20 things that don’t exist anymore are a trip down memory lane for Gen X, a time when cassette tapes and beepers ruled the day. If you’ve ever looked around and wondered what happened to these iconic objects from childhood, you’re in for a nostalgic ride.

This collection of 20 things that don’t exist anymore showcases the disappearing icons of childhood. From rotary phones to Blockbuster movie nights, these photos highlight everyday items that defined a generation, now gone in the blink of an eye. While technology has advanced, these nostalgic items evoke memories of simpler times when you could leave the house without GPS and enjoy a soda from a glass bottle. As you scroll through these pictures, you’ll probably recognize a few and maybe even feel a pang of longing for the days before everything went digital.

What was common when you were a kid, that since mysteriously disappeared? Nostalgia My answer might surprise you: I'm amazed that I can now drive hundreds of miles with barely any bugs on my windshield. When I was a kid, it was a completely different story. Bugs plastered our windshield, even on short drives. There is a substantial, and noticeableceable, decrease in insect populations.
I wonder what that feels like if I touch it. Oh wow, no more fingerprint!
Credit card imprint machines. I worked when the crossover to electronic scanning was taking place. When ever the the electronic POS went down, we'd have to pull out these babies.
As a younger Xer .... This.
That's another thing that's disappeared. Ashtrays.
Smoking sections in restaurants.
Saturday morning cartoons. I miss them.
Keeping long distance phone calls short
You notice that since GPS few people go missing in the Bermuda Triangle anymore. Because there is nothing. I've sailed through it. I spent nights anchored on it. The only thing "mysterious" is that there IS a slight compass deviation you have to correct your navigation for, but GPS eliminates this.

After going through these 20 nostalgic items, you’ve probably been reminded of simpler times when everyday objects like payphones and car ashtrays were staples in your life. The pictures brought back memories of the small things we once used without thinking, and now you can’t help but wonder where they’ve all gone.

If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, you’ll love more nostalgic galleries on Thunder Dungeon. From throwback memes to retro gaming memories, there’s plenty more content to remind you of the good ol’ days. Explore more about vintage toys, lost snacks, and forgotten trends, and get your fill of 80s and 90s nostalgia.

Roy

Roy R., Chief Meme Curator Roy founded Thunder Dungeon in 2012 and has since guided its growth into a 2.5 million‑strong community of meme enthusiasts. With over a decade of digital‑media experience and a nose for viral humor, Roy oversees content strategy, ensuring every post is both hilarious and high‑quality

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