They're still super common in NZ, a lot of older suburban houses have them, particularly outside of Auckland. We have one at home but it's not the folding down

They're still super common in NZ, a lot of older suburban houses have them, particularly outside of Auckland. We have one at home but it's not the folding down type. I never thought of them as being an Aus/NZ thing. I like the idea of using it for an outdoor shade structure (vintage ad in the OP), will have to try that this summer..