1910s: The first phonograph is introduced by the Victor Talking Machine Company. By 1919 Americans spend more on phonographs and recordings than on most other forms of home entertainment.

Today: Phonograph records are no longer manufactured. The compact disc has replaced the phonograph record and many people own a compact disc player.

1910s: The average price of a new car is $600. A Model T costs $360. Most Americans do not own an automobile.

Today: Almost everyone has at least one car. The price of a bottom-of-the-line new car generally exceeds $10,000.

1910s: Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, becomes the first intersection in the United States to be equipped with an electric traffic light on August 5, 1914.

Today: Traffic lights are found in every major city in America. The colors red, yellow, and green are recognized as symbols for stop, caution and go, across the...