5 Bizarre and Strange Items Sears Used to Sell

Sears in Sangertown Square is set to close for good on June 28th. Way back in the day before they opened their store in New Hartford, they sold some pretty unusual stuff!

Sears at Sangertown Square Mall has been a mainstay in New Hartford since the early 1980's. We certainly will miss them, but mall management is working to bring entertainment and higher end retail outlets to the soon to be vacated space.

Back in 1902, Sears sold some pretty weird stuff! This is what they used to offer up back in the day according to Mental Floss.

Dr. Roses French Arsenic Complexion Wafers

Have you ever wanted to rub your face with arsenic? These dangerous wafers were advertised as having magical effects on your complexion. They promised to improve even the "coarsest and most repulsive skin and complexion." The wafers were to be used on a regular basis and the results were supposed to be mesmerizing. Ummm, right.

The Toilet Mask

Huh? This sounds relatively harmless right? Actually, once you learn what this mask is made of, you'll gladly cover your face in mud instead. This mask doesn’t use comforting cucumber extracts to make your skin look nice, instead it uses acid. What? Yes acid. The acid cured mask was designed to diminish “freckles, liver spots, and other facial blemishes.” I wonder if it also diminished other parts of the face, like the nose, mouth, and eyelids.

Spirits of Turpentine

Vicks vapor rub is made with turpentine, and so is shoe polish. Would you drink Vicks or eat shoe polish? No? Me neither. However, back in 1902 a supposedly "harmless" drinkable turpentine elixir was sold at Sears. The liquid was to be ingested in the hopes of killing intestinal parasites; if it didn't kill the consumer first.

Magic Flesh Builder and Cupper

This toilet accessory looks more or less like an oversized suction cup. What is this thing supposed to do? It permanently removes wrinkles, buy restructuring skin tissues in the neck, arms, and bust. How does it work? It's quite simple actually. The device sucks the skin back in to place. Oh man, I can't stop laughing. I'd hate to be the sucker who tested this thing out.

Giant Power Heidelberg Electric Belt

I've heard of shock treatment, but this is ridiculous. This ludicrous invention was meant to cure infertility, and nervous disorders. Simply wrap it around your waist, turn it on, and shock yourself back to health! After wearing the belt for a few minutes, (according to belt manufacturers,) "a cure is certain!" I think I'd rather stick my finger in a light socket.

Here's this morning's Just Jen segment.