This 1950s comic strip boldly predicted the future

There are no flying cars, but it got some things right.

Looking back, the 1950s and early 1960s was a time when people created an idealized version of the future. Flying cars, jet packs and cities in the sky all seemed like possibilities by the time the 21st century would roll around.

But before The Jetsons launched in 1962, the future was already being envisioned by illustrator Arthur Radebaugh. 

In 1958, at the height of the Space Race and Cold War, Radebaugh created the syndicated comic strip "Closer Than We Think," which featured illustrations of what life might be like for future generations. 

The comic strip carried an optimistic tone during a time of paranoia and fear. There was no mention of a Soviet takeover, no robots roaming around and no signs of extraterrestrial life.

Let's take a look at what Radebaugh envisioned, and what ended up becoming reality.

1. A highway connecting Russia and the United States

2. Mail carriers blasting from house to house wearing jet packs 

The Belated Nerd

3. A snowplow that melts snow along the way 

4. Rotating houses that harness the most of the sun's energy 

5. Agriculture that resemble factories more than they do farms 

6. Giant "disaster vehicles" that will help cope with catastrophies 

7. Covered stadiums that serve a multitude of events 

8. Drive-up grocery stores on every corner 

9. Solar powered cars, fittingly called "sunmobiles" 

10. A centralized, worldwide job market 

11. 24 hours of daylight, created by man-made balls of fire! 

12. Computerized trains that don't need conductors 

Do you remember this comic strip?

 

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3 Comments

RobChapman 41 months ago
Well, we do have modular stadiums. Watching a video of an indoor arena being converted from a basketball configuration to, say, a wrestling or boxing config is pretty interesting. And, of course, automated trains exist.
idkwut2use 50 months ago
I was JUST wishing for a transatlantic highway. ;; And I'm ALWAYS wishing for a jetpack, flying car, etc. Few things are more infuriating than being stuck to the ground like ants. I want to be able to step outside and take off into the air, head any which way I please! Unlimited space to move around and avoid collisions! Where. Is. This. Should be here by now.

Unfortunately we do have factory farms...:/ Figures. The worst one is the one that exists.
CaptainDunsel 63 months ago
"There are no flying cars..." I keep reading versions of this sentiment.
Flying Cars? Seriously?! Hell no! I've *been* to a shopping mall parking lot at Christmas. I DO NOT want these people operating in three unrestricted axes of motion!
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