A STOCKPILE of vintage papers and magazines found under floor boards were recently handed to the NewsMail. We've made a gallery of one issue of the Women's Weekly from 1940. 

Here's a few things we noticed looking through the pages. 

1. People dressed classy

Clothing and outfits were gorgeous. Maybe slightly impractical and totally bothersome in our climate but heck, it would be quite nice if people put this much work into their outfits today.

Buttons and collars and gloves just look so much cuter than butt hugging short shorts.

2. Laxatives seemed to be a cure for literally everything

Are you kids looking tired? Are you overweight? Laxatives, apparently, were the answer.

It's hard to look at an old paper or mag without seeing ads for things to keep you regular.

3. Even in tough times, people seemed upbeat

By 1940, the Second World War was in full swing. But spirits were in good order.

Even letters from soldiers seemed filled with duty and optimism.

4. Women got a raw deal

A letter to the editor says women need to be well groomed in home and street. It goes on to say that if wives had made themselves prettier in marriage, their husbands wouldn't need to cheat.

Ads for soap show women being shunned by their lovers because of "BO" and being told to "please" their man so he won't cool off.

Perhaps not a lot has changed - when we think about it, beauty products still market to our insecurities.

5. Things weren't as prudish as we may think (in ads at least)

Cartoons of couples passionately kissing, women in underwear and a less than subtle dose of topless side boob.

It seems ads were pushing the boundaries even then. 

TAKE A LOOK AT THE ENTIRE MAGAZINE