Radios Make Big New Waves in Tech

Telecommunication advances during World War I helped advance telecommunication at home shortly after, specifically advances in radio communication, telephones, and telegraphs. These led to broadcast radio in the 1920s – an important form of communication between the government, news, and people of the USA. By the 1940s, some radios could transmit the sound from televisions as well. Below is a Philco Radio from 1939 that was in a Buffalo Grove home. 

1960: Buffalo Grove Expands And So Does Communication

In 1958, there were 164 people in Buffalo Grove but by 1961, there were 1,492. Buffalo Grove started to grow and FAST! Things were beginning to change in the Chicago suburbs and for Buffalo Grove’s residents. Many of the oldest farmers where retiring and their families did not want to continue the tradition. In addition, returning servicemen from WWII and Korean War could get a Veterans Affairs (VA) loan and buy a house. The suburbs were affordable, easy to get to with new highways, and had lots of space. By 1970, there were over 11,000 people in Buffalo Grove.

As Buffalo Grove developed, technology to communicate was way more affordable and accessible. By now, telephones could easily be found in every home, plugged into the wall. This freed up space in the house for other things. 

Typewriters Get a Makeover

Like the telephone, typewriters made some advancements too but the standard design was still popular since the early 1900s. Electric typewriters became popular in the 1950s as well. Electric typewriters made typing less laborious, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. In addition, typewriters were much more portable. They were made with lighter parts and more compact. In addition, typewriter manufacturers spent more time making the typewriter look chic! Typewriters and their cases now came in a variety of colors.