Timeless Life Hacks From a Century Ago That Still Work Today

At the dawn of the 20th century, cigarette packs often included collectible cards featuring intriguing life hacks. Today, these vintage cards are rare collector's items sold for high prices, but what truly captivates us are the timeless tips they shared. Here are 10 classic life hacks from those cards that remain surprisingly practical even now.

In the late 1880s, cigarette manufacturers began inserting sturdy cards into their paper packaging to enhance durability and convenience. Soon after, these cards started showcasing images, famous personalities, and charming illustrations grouped into collectible series.

This tradition lasted until the 1940s, and some of these cards have fetched millions of dollars at auctions. However, our focus is on the valuable advice they contain. In 1910, Gallaher Ltd in Belfast and London, along with Imperial Tobacco Co in Ogden, released a How-To series packed with clever survival tips—from crossing turbulent streams to defending against aggressive dogs. Many of these hacks are still relevant today.

1. Homemade Fire Extinguisher

Mix 500 grams of salt with 250 grams of ammonia in 2 liters of water. Pour this solution into glass bottles. If a fire breaks out, throw one or more bottles into the flames to extinguish them effectively.

2. Removing a Splinter

Fill a bottle with a wide neck with hot water and press your hand tightly against it. The suction created will pull the skin outward and help draw out the splinter.

3. Preserving Eggs

Completely bury eggs in salt to keep them fresh for an extended period. Ensure that no air reaches the eggs to maximize preservation.

4. Felling a Tree Safely

Decide the direction you want the tree to fall. Then, cut notches on both sides of the trunk—one higher and one lower—as demonstrated in the illustration to control the fall safely.

5. Defending Against an Aggressive Dog

If a dog attacks, place any object like a hat on a stick or a cane horizontally between you and the dog. The dog will try to remove the obstacle first, giving you a chance to kick it away and escape.

6. Self-Watering Plants While Away

If you’re leaving on vacation, braid together 3 to 6 wool threads to create a thick cord. Place one end in a water basin located higher than your plant pots and the other end in the soil of the pots. This setup will draw water to your plants automatically.

7. Lighting a Match in Windy Conditions

Before lighting a match on a windy day, make small notches on its head by scraping off a thin layer without cutting through completely. This helps the match catch flame more reliably.

8. Crossing a Swift River Safely

If some members of your group can’t swim, use a rope to ferry them across. A strong swimmer carries one end of the rope to the far shore and anchors it to a tree. Then, create a loop seat from another rope to secure the person and pull them across safely.

9. Rescuing Someone from Electric Shock

If someone grabs a live wire, do not touch them directly unless your hands are protected with rubber gloves, a waterproof coat, or multiple layers of dry fabric. Stand on an insulating material like glass or dry wood before providing aid to avoid getting shocked yourself.

10. Building a Water Filter

Use a galvanized container with a hole and a small pipe fitted at the bottom. Fill it with layers of fine and coarse sand, gravel, and small stones. Water passing through these layers will be naturally filtered before flowing out through the pipe.

While today we have easy access to modern fire extinguishers, windproof lighters, and pepper sprays, many people neglect to prepare for emergencies until they happen. These age-old life hacks provide simple, effective solutions that could be lifesaving in critical moments. Hopefully, you’ll remember them when it counts.

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