# What "obsolete" services and/or products are still available today? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 3, 2014, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307 "2014-09-03T00:05:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/21 "2014-09-03T03:11:14Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Vacuum tubes in high-end audio amplifiers. Or high-end military equipment. (Vacuum tubes are much more resistant to electromagnetic pulses.) ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/22 "2014-09-03T03:11:39Z")
I own a flintlock musket (model 1756 British infantry musket), a caplock musket (model 1853 Enfield), and a cap and ball revolver (model 1851 Navy) , all of which were produced within the last couple of decades. The place where I bought the flintlock from sells even older matchlock muskets as well. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/23 "2014-09-03T03:35:36Z")
I bought a wristwatch a few months ago that had hands that went around and pointed at numbers. I wonder if any 12-year-olds would be able to tell time on it. Do you suppose they still teach that in school? ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/24 "2014-09-03T03:39:00Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > I bought a wristwatch a few months ago that had hands that went around and pointed at numbers. I wonder if any 12-year-olds would be able to tell time on it. Do you suppose they still teach that in school? Lots of pilots still use them. When the big hand points to the right (3) switch to the right tank, when the big hand points to the left (9) switch to the left tank. Oh, and they tell time too! Of course, there aren’t many 12-year old pilots. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/25 "2014-09-03T03:39:05Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > I bought a wristwatch a few months ago that had hands that went around and pointed at numbers. I wonder if any 12-year-olds would be able to tell time on it. Do you suppose they still teach that in school? Lots of people have round clocks in their homes or businesses, so I think most young’uns still can read watches like this. (or am I being whooshed?) ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/26 "2014-09-03T04:39:06Z")
Phone books, especially the yellow pages. Yes, I know that they still deliver them to just about everyone, but that’s because they don’t ask people if they want them. They just leave them on their porch or at their mailbox. If they asked people, I expect most would turn them down. Eventually they’re going to go away when advertisers stop buying ads in them. That is, if they aren’t outlawed first. Some cities have tried to ban their unsolicited distribution. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/27 "2014-09-03T04:44:50Z")
I saw a good article recently about some old jobs that are making a comeback. I think they were; 1. Butchers - because more and more people are getting into custom meats we are seeing a return to the neighborhood butcher. 2. Chimney sweeps - needed for fireplace safety. 3. Milkman - because people want fresh and local. 4. Cloth diaper service - better for the environment. 5. Barbers - instead of hair stylists. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/28 "2014-09-03T04:55:28Z")
Last decade or so, house call physicians have made a comeback. I first saw those in England, having only read about them before. Since then, there is a practice near my house which provides regular home visits for the elderly and if you buy their plan, they also tack on home visits for family members. It’s a niche market, but one that’s there. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/29 "2014-09-03T05:06:19Z")
> [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](#): > > But only anthropology students make that old paleolithic junk.🙂 Well…[except maybe for Brazil.](http://assets.survivalinternational.org/pictures/670/braz-unc-gm-10_screen.jpg) :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Artemis\_Tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4bbf92/32.png) [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/30 "2014-09-03T05:19:10Z")
Yes. Here in Sao Paulo there is an old japanese guy who has a small office no the ninth floor of an old building on the city centre. He develops b&w film. We have many other stores that do that. Telegrams are avaliable. And dial-up internet is still out there on really distant regions. ---
**Author:** ![Artemis\_Tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4bbf92/32.png) [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/31 "2014-09-03T05:21:54Z")
There are some REALLY cool barber shops here as well. check THIS out: [http://www.delavie.com.br/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/RETROHAIR-03-FOTOS-CASADEMODA-ESTUDIO-AMBIENTES-DECOR2616.jpg](http://www.delavie.com.br/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/RETROHAIR-03-FOTOS-CASADEMODA-ESTUDIO-AMBIENTES-DECOR2616.jpg) We also have many used book stores. And a book binding company. (they do leather) I love those stores. Feels like you are going back on time. If there is any interest I might set up a post with some pictures. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/32 "2014-09-03T05:27:10Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > I can still get a Shure V15 Type III phonograph stylus, not that I need it every day . . . or every month . . . or every year. But it’s nice to know I can still buy one if I ever need it. Better buy a lifetime supply while you still can. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/33 "2014-09-03T05:30:12Z")
In the little village where I now live (and another where I lived about 15 years ago), the local volunteer fire department sounds the local civil defense siren every day at exactly 12:00 noon. ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/34 "2014-09-03T05:38:04Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > I was staying at my cousins house in Sheboygan about 2 years ago. At 7 in the morning he stepped out his front door wearing his robe. I thought he was out to get the morning paper. But he came back in with a 1/2 gallon of milk, and a carton of eggs. I said “where the hell did you get those?” He tells me the milk man left them. > > I thought for sure the “milk man” was obsolete. This subject comes up occasionally here and I am always a little shocked when it does. In Colorado, at least in the more densely populated areas of it (Pueblo to Ft. Collins) you can get milk delivered anywhere and tons of people do. I live in a small U-shaped neighborhood that is one block long on each side, so maybe 40 or 50 homes, and there are probably ten or twelve of them that have milk boxes on the porch. I used to get milk delivered until I started travelling so much and came home to the stench of spoiled milk in summer. I’d think Wisconsin of all places would still have it. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/35 "2014-09-03T06:04:57Z")
Not only are there vacuum tube electronic gear, but there are people who custom-make tubes that are no longer mass-produced. Most marine navigation today is done with satellite gear, but sextants are still being made and occasionally used. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/36 "2014-09-03T06:14:14Z")
You can still make a decent living as an armourer or swordsmith, if you’re any good, thanks to the SCA and other reenactment groups. Enough so that not just hobbyists do it - there’s even a thriving manufacturing industry in India to serve the munitions-grade of the market. There are still people who make parchment and vellum. And papyrus. I don’t think clay tablets for cuneiform are commercially available, though 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![kk\_fusion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kk_fusion/32/15276_2.png) [@kk\_fusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kk_fusion)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/37 "2014-09-03T06:18:05Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Phone booths serve a valid purpose, they are hard to find but you can still find them. They are almost totally useless nowadays though. International travelers often use payphones, though not in actual booths. Their mobile plan often doesn’t work abroad, or only under considerable roaming fees. With the growing number of people traveling, I don’t expect payphones to disappear anytime soon. Also a good institution for cellphone-haters like me. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/38 "2014-09-03T06:40:11Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > There’s one by my house as well (it might have closed up a year ago, I’m not sure). My brother got a pair of Berkinstocks re-soled. When I asked him why he’d do that, he said that they’re expensive enough that’s it’s cheaper to do that. From what he said, it’s pretty common to do that with Berkinstocks. I bet his were B **i** rk **e** nstocks though. Berkinstocks you can pick up by the barrelful anywhere that sells cheap knock-offs. ---
**Author:** ![furryman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/furryman/32/99_2.png) [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/39 "2014-09-03T06:44:21Z")
I’ve seen tack shops. There’s also a company in Annapolis that calls itself a chandler as well as a company that still call itself a haberdasher. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2014, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307/40 "2014-09-03T06:53:30Z")
Hell, the following surnames are derived form occupation. See how many you recognize: Cooper Fletcher Smith Thatcher Last I heard, there were still a few people in the known world expert in these. Newspapers and there delivery persons. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-obsolete-services-and-or-products-are-still-available-today/697307.md?page=3)