Imagine a place where you can find your soul mate, search for lost items, announce found objects, and sell goods that are no longer wanted or needed. To some people, this might seem like an alternate reality. After all, nowhere can you do all these things in one place, but for those who frequent the local or national classified section, you know such a place exists.  Because this realm of exchange is real, unusual listings are bound to crop up.

Got to Have a Picnic Table and Chair Set at all Costs

SWAP – Will Swap my .410 shotgun with box of buck shells for picnic table or chairs

Posted: 1940s

Today, people would be horrified at the thought of trading a gun for a picnic table and chair set, but in the 1940s, this was the norm for business transactions. Obviously, this picnic set was more important than life itself, as a .410 shotgun was a highly valued possession.  These days, getting a picnic table or other outdoor supplies is as easy as going to eBay.

Have You Seen a Strange Red Cow Acting Strangely?

FOUND – Strange red Cow

Posted: 1770s

In a time when most classifieds were short and to the point, this simple, yet humorous classified brings up more questions than answers. What makes the cow strange? Was it acting in a peculiar manner? Why is a random red cow running loose in America in the 1770s?

Of course, we’ll never know if the strange red cow found its home or rightful owner, but it’ll live on as one of the first classifieds that made you laugh. Too bad they didn’t have an online lost and found back then.

Every Surgeon has to Start Somewhere

WANTED – Surgeon for a new health clinic opening in the area. No experience needed. Must have own tools.

Posted: Late 2000

Just the thought of an out-of-work, inexperienced surgeon walking around with his or her own tools is enough to send shivers up your spine. But let’s face it, every surgeon has to start somewhere and gain experience. It just makes you curious to know how the clinic advertises their services to their clients.  Thankfully, sites that allow you to check doctor certifications exist.

Sometimes the weirdest ads are the ones that engage you the most.  They have an air of mystery to them — what’s this person’s story? What possibly possessed him or her to put out an ad like that? We may not know the answers, but thinking about strange ads is a fantastic way to exercise your imagination.