If there’s one thing that photographs can teach us, it is that there is so much to a time period than what meets the eye. This couldn’t havebeen truer as far as the 1950s were concerned. Coming off the back of World War II and entering the Cold War, people ignore the things that made this time period so great. However, through the power of photography, some truly amazing moments and images have been captured, giving us a fresh new insight into all things ’50s-related. One thing is for sure; every photo in this list gives a fresh, unique insight into what it was like to live in America during the 1950s.
Bathing Beauty
It’s amazing how a photo can transport you back to the era it was taken in. The following photos do just that. However, they are all bound by the same time period and place – 1950s America.
In a time when things were a bit more simple, a woman can be seen enjoying herself on a Florida holiday resort, about toembark on her first snorkeling adventure. With the sun, water, sand and palm trees around her, life couldn’t get much better.
Cadillac Cowgirls
While many often associate Palm Springs with California, there is also a neighborhood with the same name in Florida. This is where this particular 1950s photo is set. You can see a pair of cowgirls basking in the sun on top of this car.
It was here in Palm Springs, Florida where the annual car parade took place. Notice the formal dress code of the people in the background in stark contrast to the young ladies’ Western attire.
Latest Technology
Is it just us, or is technology constantly getting smaller and smaller? If you go back in time and look at photos from the 1950s, this concept is extremely clear. Take cell phones, for example, which started off as brick-sized devices.
However, they are now incredibly small and thin, perfectly fitting in one’s hands and pockets. This also applies to televisions, which were at times, smaller in width, but certainly much thicker. Although this lady looked thoroughly impressed with her new TV, she’d be surprised to see what’s available now.
Convertible Queen
We’ll forgive you if you assumed that this 1950s photo was taken in Orange County, California. We don’t think that we’ve seen so many oranges in one convertible at once.
One thing’s for sure; this was a time when more and more Americans were becoming automobile owners. This image is a perfect example of how the car clearly showed if someone was living the American Dream. By the looks of this particular lady, it looks like she definitely was.
Date Night
For a while now, dating has been a standard procedure between individuals who are looking for some form of romance in their lives. The 1950s was a prime era for dating.
On the streets of New York City, it was perfectly normal to see many couples walking past the many neon lights, either on their way to the movies or for a fancy dinner somewhere. And while some people still wear suits and dresses on a date night, it was the standard dress code back then.
Ship Of Liberty
If there was one particular thing that symbolized the 1950s more than anything, it was liberty ships. These innovative sea vessels that came about post-World War II have been synonymous with American life over the last half-century and this particular ship, the USS General J.C. Breckinridge, is an absolute beauty.
In this photo, the ship is at Keelung Harbor. However, there are other indicators of the era in this image such as stunning cars of the time.
Need A Ride?
Due to the heavy exodus of American men during World War II, the women of the nation were forced to get jobs to provide for their families.
This meant that they were forced to go out of their comfort zone and sometimes do jobs that were traditionally considered as “men’s jobs.” Take this lady, for example, who was one of the very first female taxi drivers in the country. Even after the war ended, she was determined to keep her job.
Picture Perfect
If there is one thing that the 1950s can teach us, it is that you don’t necessarily need a wedding to go to or a big event in order to dress well. This beautiful young lady wasn’t going to any special event; she simply wanted to go for a walk down the main street.
See, this was the mentality of the 1950s. If you were going out, you had to present yourself in a classy, elegant way. Her name was Verna Colleen, and she was labeled as the “original Twiggy.”
Boy & Duck
In this day and age, kids are so used to staying indoors and with the click of a button, they have all the games and TV shows that they need. However, this simply wasn’t possible in the 1950s.
If a child wanted to have some fun, they had to look beyond a black screen. They had to go out, play with toys, and socialize with their friends in the park. Some kids were just happy to walk outside their house and marvel at the world around them – like this boy who bumped into a duck.
Prom Ready
It’s amazing how much fashion trends can change. With that said though, it has been over 60 years since this photo was taken! Here is a perfectly normal looking young lady getting ready for her prom party.
At the time, the young lady was probably considered one of the best-dressed people at that party. With a tiara and cat-eye glasses straight out of the 1950s, this is a perfect symbol of a simpler time when people were a lot less judgmental.
Lilo, Is That You?
Ever seen the classic Disney movie Lilo & Stitch? If you have, then it’s difficult to disagree that this little Hawaiian girl looks just like the main character of that charming story.
Although Hawaii has since become an American state, the archipelago was as exotic as any other collection of Pacific islands. Even still, Hawaii was a safe haven for tourists from all over the world and to this day, it isn’t strange to be acquainted with similar looking girls, dressed in traditional Hawaiin attire.
Public Spectacle
In this day and age, we do take for granted the engineering marvels that are airplanes. However, back in the 1950s, these air vessels were looked at with sheer awe by whoever laid eyes upon them.
Take this Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, for example, which was being towed to its first airport. People simply needed to stop their cars on the freeway, get out, and look in absolute awe. Nevertheless, this plane is particularly stunning for the era that it came from.
Grandma & Grandson
There is something about car designs from the 1950s that keeps avid collectors coming back for these models even now. Based on this photo, it’s not surprising to see why.
As previously suggested, owning a car in the 1950s was a clear indicator that the owner was fully realizing the American dream. As for this lady, she is proud to display this by sitting her grandson on top of her beautiful car. This was a proud lady who was grateful for everything she had.
Picnic In The Park
Believe it or not, but this is not an ad for The Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company – it’s a real photo! Here are four L.A. friends who were having a fun picnic one day in 1953. Schlitz was known for being “the beer that made Milwaukee famous.”
However, the company hasn’t been running for nearly two decades. Back in the 1950s though, Schlitz was the beer that everyone was drinking. “When you’re out of Schlitz, you’re out of beer” was the motto.
Filling Up
If there was any photo on this list that is bound to take you back in time, then it’s this one. With the appropriate clothes and glasses for a gas station worker of the time, this guy is quintessential 1950s.
However, it’s not even the car or the worker that speak volumes about the era this photo was taken in; it is the price of gas at the time. At 26 cents per gallon, it was a truly amazing time to live!
Have Yourselves A Merry Little Christmas
One thing that has remained a special occasion for families up until this very day is Christmas. The levelof excitement that kids manifest during this heartwarming time has never changed.
Even back in the 1950s, kids would stay up all night waiting patiently for Santa to come down the chimney and fill the bottom of their Christmas tree with presents. Here are two sisters halfway through opening their own gifts. As you can see, they were thoroughly thrilled to receive a bike and a scooter.
Pit Stop
These days, product placement and advertising is a tricky procedure. You need to buy the space to advertise your product. However, the 1950s was a glorious time for companies who were pretty much able to put ads wherever they pleased.
Take this convenience store, for example, which was laden with ads from tobacco companies and Coca-Cola. It was a typical visit to the convenience store back in 1956 to pick up some cola and a pack of cigarettes for the ride.
Old School Glamor
Another photo that could be mistaken for an ad; here is a young lady charmingly posing by her car and having a soft drink. Everything about this woman seems to depict the era in which we came from; class, beauty, and confidence, all traits associated with fellow blonde beauty icon of the time, Marilyn Monroe.
Sadly, someone actually posted this photo on her Facebook account, writing that the lady was, in fact, her grandmother who recently passed away.
Vintage Times Square
Although it wasn’t filled to the brim with tourists like it is now, Times Square back in the 1950s was still an entertainment hub full of large neon signs and bright lights.
Nowadays, it is known for being a fairly grimy environment, especially down its side streets. However, this photo harks back to a time when this important cultural site was just a bit more relaxed, while still retaining its charm. Of course, the Marilyn Monroe billboard says it all.
Built To Take A Hit
This particular photo speaks volumes about how far the railway industry has come in the last half-century. Back then, if an L.A. train crashed into a car, it was damaged, but certainly not beyond repair.
However, if this happened in today’s climate, the car would most certainly get crushed into pieces, along with everything inside. The reality was that cars were just more durable, especially when considering the 40-mile-per-hour speed that the train was going at.
Top Gun
Upon first glance, you might assume that these three were stars from a war movie. However, they were actually real airmen who were standing at an airbase in New Mexico during the Cold War.
Somebody recently posted the photo online, specifying that the man in the middle was his grandfather. “He never talked much about what he did during his time in the service,” the person said. Nevertheless, the online user must’ve been very proud of his grandpa.
Pretty In Pink
It’s amazing what Kodachrome film could do back in the 1950s to enhance the quality of a photo. At the time, this was the most expensive kind of film one could use to take a photo.
This image taken in Indiana back in 1958 is perfect proof that you don’t need to be a professional to capture a great moment on camera. It makes sense, seeing that the lady in the photo seems to dress well and is sitting on top of an expensive car for the time.
Easy Riders
Although it is unclear what a group of Americans might be doing in Hawaii in 1952, we can assume that these men were serving their country during the time. As a result, they were stationed in Hawaii and were enjoying a day off, cruising in their Cadillac convertible.
At the time, convertibles were considered to be dangerous seeing that they didn’t have a roof. Just another example of something that drivers simply take for granted in this day and age.
Wild West
This photo was taken in 1954 during a parade in Pasadena, California. Unless you’re some sort of film buff, you might not realize that the man riding the horse is classic actor William Boyd.
He was in attendance at the parade and dressed up as cowboy legend Hopalong Cassidy. Not only did his character strike a chord with the audience that day, he also ended up reprising the role in a number of movies, a TV show, and even a radio show.
Vintage Firetruck
When you think of firetrucks in this day and age, you think of towering vehicles that bully their way to the rescue during the direst of circ*mstances. However, back in the 1950s, firetrucks weren’t necessarily so big.
In fact, the way that firetrucks looked completely varied from station to station. The only real thing that these vehicles had in common was the red color. One thing was for sure; firetrucks had a touch of class about them back in the 1950s that you don’t really see anymore.
Beach Days Are The Best Days
While the way that people dressed for the beach was a bit more conservative back in the 1950s, it was clear that people enjoyed going to these sandy havens just as much as people of today.
Take this family, for example, who are all loving the summer sun while also enjoying each other’s company at the same time. Like many pastimes back then, going to the beach was an occasion for the entire family.
The Dreaded Dentist
One thing that hasn’t changed since the 1950s is kids’ inherent fear of going to the dentist. These days, “tooth doctors” try to make the experience for their patients as relaxing and even “fun” as possible.
Back then, before technology became front and center of medical practice, dentists used heavy machinery to treat people’s teeth. One thing is for sure; going to the dentist continues to be a daunting, unsettling prospect for kids all around the world.
Dressed To Impress
Look, the world hasn’t become any less colorful. However, there was something about the ’50s and its ability to apply bright colors to the fashion of the time with class and finesse.
Even the most formal of occasions were acceptable to wear bright colors. In fact, people would take it so seriously that they would even try matching their clothes with the color of their car! Take this lady, for example, who was in the right place at the right time.
The Real-Life Sandlot
Here is another piece of evidence that kids knew how to enjoy themselves in a wider variety of ways back in the 1950s. Unlike the youth of today, who are prone to staying indoors and playing on their video games, here are a group of neighbors who regularly went outside to play baseball.
However, you can rest assured that they would often smash windows of both the neighborhood’s cars and the houses too. Maybe it’s a natural evolution that has resorted kids to their indoor pastimes.
Poolside Chillin’
For a pair of female friends back in the 1950s, there was nothing they loved more than to hang out during the weekends with their families by a pool. It was a marvelous opportunity to dip one’s feet in the shallow end, talk about the week just gone, and bask in the summer sun.
It was as if everything came together perfectly during the ’50s. People just wanted to get together and enjoy the communal vibes. Of course, the sun helped a lot.
Making New Friends
When you have a baby in your arms, you’re bound to feel much happier. But when you’re holding a baby monkey, then life doesn’t really get any better. This is what happened to this young lady, who happened to be holding this adorable little thing in the middle of a market, of all places.
Although there really isn’t any other context surrounding this photo, we know for sure that it was taken at some point during the 1950s.
Snow Day!
No matter what time period it might be, kids are always going to have an amazing time playing in the snow. However, like most things in life, the fun doesn’t come without its fair share of work.
These kids knew that lesson all too well, especially after helping their dad clear the driveway with a couple of shovels. This photo shows the family halfway through their snow clearout. However, it was obvious that the kids got to make snowmen and have snowball fights afterward.
Road-Tripping
Is it just us or do you think that this woman might actually be Marilyn Monroe? Despite our intense speculation, it is believed that this lady actually isn’t the Some Like It Hot star, she simply looks a lot like her.
This photo depicts a married couple posing in front of their 1952 Cadillac. Apparently, they had graduated from college together before embarking on an unforgettable cross-country trip. In fact, they ended up going to every single state. This photo was taken in Washington, D.C.
A Chef In The Making
Many kids love nothing more than just going outside and playing ball games in the sun. However, this boy had other plans. After watching his parents have BBQs time and time again, he was determined to have his very own for the first time.
It looks like the boy was a natural as he flipped his burgers over the makeshift BBQ. It’s unconfirmed as to whether the boy ever made a name for himself in the culinary world, but that’s beside the point.
Ladies in the City
This photo serves its purpose in showing how women would dress in their best attire before hitting the streets of New York City in the ‘50s. The fashion then was all about wearing your most regal garments from fancy dresses to leather gloves, hats, and heels.
If you feel this image looks too perfect to be real, you’re absolutely right. It’s a staged photo that was taken by a famous fashion photographer of that time, Mr. Sante Forlano.
Florida’s Daytona Beach
Famous for its hard-packed sand that is strong enough for cars to drive on, Daytona Beach has been a tourist attraction for many years. This picture was taken in 1957 and nicely captures the energetic atmosphere of the area.
Interestingly enough, this beach would host auto-racing competitions until the late ‘50s, when the national speedway was built. Even though racing no longer takes place there, we’re still impressed by the dual purpose this beach once had.
Grandma’s Smile
Don’t you enjoy digging into the archives and pulling up old photos of your grandparents? Well, we sure do and so does this poster who chose to share this shot and show the world how beautiful his/her grandma was.
While the ‘50s were a long time ago, a smile like that is truly timeless and can always be appreciated. Even though we don’t know this woman personally, we can tell from her happy expression that she was having herself a splendid day in the sun when this was snapped.
James Dean
James Byron Dean was an American actor who is remembered as a cultural icon, to this day. The gorgeous star sadly passed away in a car accident at the tender age of just 24 years old.
This photo was taken on September 30th in 1955, just a few hours before that fatal crash, and you can see James alongside his silver Porsche. The photo also shows a few other popular cars during that decade at a local gas station in California.
The Girl in the Red Dress
This lovely lady was captured all dolled up for a party circa 1956. As you can tell, the fashion for dressing up has changed drastically over the years. While today, we are much more casual (unless it’s a dress-up-themed party), we can still look back at the older generations and admire the fashion.
We love how this stylish woman chose to accessorize her vibrant red frock with sparkling diamond jewelry. She was most definitely the belle of the ball that night.
Welcome to San Francisco
This idyllic picture of San Francisco was taken in 1957 and helps us to see what it was really like during that time. The city was home to several creatives and many book stores and cafes were built during the ‘50s to bring these minds together.
Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg are examples of legends who would frequent the area. On another note, we wonder how many of those colorful vintage cars are still around today because we’d love a ride in one!
Ladies Who Lunch
This next photo of these bundled-up young girls snacking on their food in Chicago circa 1953, is making our hearts extra warm. From their naughty yet cute faces to the chic coats they have on, we just can’t stop admiring this shot.
Plus, those plaid coats are stylish enough to be rocked today. Any ideas where we could frame this beaut of a picture? Perhaps in a museum or some trendy hotspot?
Grandpa Cool
Someone delve deep into the archives to find this photo of their grandpa in the ‘50s. This ‘Grandpa Cool’ as we’re calling him can be seen here, with his fishy prize during a fishing trip with other sailors.
We also like how he has a novel tucked into his all-white outfit. While we don’t know much else about this man, we certainly want to. With that pretty face, he looks like he could have easily been a celebrity.
The CRT Television
From 1949 through to the early 1960s, there was a popular trend of owning rectangular CRT TVs. This photo was captured during the ‘50s and helps paint the picture of what a typical living room looked like during this decade.
From the wooden walls to the stone fireplace and of course, the classic CRT telly. We also love how glamorous this woman looks in her red heels and matching puffy jacket. We wouldn’t mind time-traveling back to this time!
Ski Trip
This happy couple seems to be enjoying their ski trip and while the quality of the picture is great, there are a few giveaways that tell us this was actually taken back in the ‘50s.
The vintage car would be the most obvious clue but the fashion the two are sporting also reflects an older time. However, it is hard to be sure when it comes to fashion as clothes constantly go in and out of style.
A Layover to Remember
When most people think of layovers, they think of quick stopovers that rarely give you enough time to recheck your bags, let alone grab a quick coffee. For soldiers heading to the Tsuiki Airfield in Japan, a quick stopover in Waikiki, Hawaii, was quite common. This photo shows a young member of the United States Air Force as he enjoyed his last few days in paradise, before heading back to the airfield.
Wrestling Alligators and Stealing Hearts
During the 1950s, Florida became a popular travel destination. People from all over the United States flocked to the Sunshine State in order to escape the harsh winter or to just let loose and have fun. We’re sure audience members were both shocked at, and swooning over, this James Dean look-alike wrestling the large reptile. It’s incredible to see how his perfectly pomaded hair stayed in place during this rough sport!
Mama’s Little Helper
Women in the 1950s were often limited by the era’s old-fashioned views on what their role should be. Women in the 1940s often found themselves taking on traditionally masculine jobs in an effort to support the country during times of war. By the 1950s, a more traditional view of women had returned. This man, however, is poking fun at the stereotypical notions about women with his funny apron and pose.
Making a Splash!
For close to a century, various marine parks have operated across the state of Florida. One of the most popular was Marine Studios, or Marineland of Florida as it was later called. Crowds of tourists flocked to this attraction located in Florida’s northeast to see the resident bottlenose dolphins perform. In its heyday, the park boasted its own restaurants and a hotel. The park also served as the filming location for popular movies such as Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Revenge of the Creature.
No Bones About It
While many photos from the 1950s often show immaculately dressed women, this photo shows that the women of this era also knew how to let down their hair and have a good time. These women are gathered around the dinner table, after consuming a fish course. As one woman pours the after-dinner coffee, another woman provides the evening’s entertainment – making silly faces with the fish bones from that night’s dinner.
Welcome to Arizona
The United States is an expansive and fascinating country. The idea of having a foot in each state still causes people to pull over and take a picture of themselves at the state border, even today. We’re assuming that this woman was very proud to arrive in Arizona as she poses in front of the state’s welcome sign. It’s interesting to note how formally dressed she is for a road trip, a significant difference compared to the comfortable clothing most people wear today for long trips.
Meat the Butchers
Before we could order groceries over an app or online, people had to physically go to their butcher shop if they needed a meat product. Unlike in today’s grocery stores, where the butcher occupies a small counter or area within a larger store, most old-fashioned butcher shops were stand-alone businesses that specialized in meat only. Small towns often had a single butcher who usually knew the townspeople and their shopping preferences quite well. It’s also shocking to see the prices of these products – most items are less than a dollar a pound!
Summer at a Sparkling Lake
At first glance, it seems like this woman is posing in front of the glistening Mediterranean sea or another exotic beach locale. Surprisingly, this woman was actually photographed in front of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is located on the border between California and Nevada and is a major tourist attraction for people in those states. During the summer, people flock to the lake’s refreshing and clear water. During the winter, people enjoy skiing in the area’s mountains. It is believed that this photo was taken in the early 1950s.
What’s So Funny?
This candid photo was taken of two couples as they took a boat ride to a luau on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Luaus are popular events for tourists visiting the Hawaiian islands. Luaus are usually dinners or parties that combine Hawaiian cuisine with entertainment such as traditional Hawaiian music and hula dancers. We’re not sure what made the woman in the plaid dress giggle, but it’s nice to see these two couples having a good time together.
Don’t Be So Crabby
This man evidently had no issue handling a large horseshoe crab as he posed with his mother in front of the wreckage of what was once the SS Atlantus. Launched in 1918, the steamer helped transport our troops home from Europe following the end of WWI. In 1926, a storm caused the ship to be shipwrecked off the coast of Sunset Beach in New Jersey. In this photo, taken around 1957, a humorous ad for boat insurance can still be seen. Today, most of the boat has disappeared below the waterline.
Please Don’t Feed the Animals
Most parks and wildlife centers ask that visitors refrain from feeding wild animals as human food can be harmful to wildlife, and it can encourage aggressive behavior as animals lose their natural fear of humans. This woman not only chose to ignore those rules, but she had no problem flaunting her reckless behavior on film. To be fair, we wouldn’t be able to resist the charms of an adorable little chipmunk either!
Keeping Cars Clean
While we typically associate the car culture of the 1950s with men, some women were just as wild about their vehicles. This woman proves that car maintenance isn’t just for men as she cleans her car using a garden hose and some rags. This picture is an interesting example of what probably was a weekend ritual for this woman. It’s interesting to note the unique brown color of the car, and its matte exterior – colors and textures that are not common today.
Taking a Peek
Some people go to the beach to catch some waves or to work on their tan. These women hit the beach to people watch. The two were photographed as they scanned the surf on a particularly busy day at a beach in Daytona Beach, Florida. While bathing suit styles may have changed over the years, Daytona Beach continues to be a popular spring break destination. We’re sure that the beach continues to be a site for the next generation of beach peepers.
Picnic Plans
Packing for a picnic at the park can sometimes be stressful, but not for these older women. The two came perfectly prepared for their outdoor feast with a loaf of bread, potato chips, and fruits. It’s also interesting to note that in addition to being prepared with food, they also came dressed in their best clothing and pearls. Most people today wouldn’t take a purse or fashionable hat to a picnic, but older women in the 1950s rarely ventured outside of their homes without a dress or elegant accessory.
Before Google, There Were Goggles
Goggles can be helpful when you want to be able to see clearly underwater or prevent water from getting into your eyes as you swim. This person discovered a new use for them as this photograph shows. This swimmer was photographed wearing his goggles as he perused what looks like a restaurant menu while relaxing on a lounge chair. While we’re not quite sure what use the goggles have outside of the water, perhaps he knows something we don’t.
Sailboat Photobombs
The practice of intentionally putting yourself in a photograph, either as a joke or to ruin the photo, is known as photobombing. This photograph proves that decades before the word would become part of our everyday language, people wanted to make silly faces in photos. This man looks perfectly content to clown around in this photograph taken aboard a sailboat. Considering his risky hands-free pose on the hull of the ship, we can imagine that he had no qualms about this funny moment being immortalized forever on film.
Photography Is for the Birds
In 1936, business owners and animal lovers Francis and Louise Scherr opened a wildlife attraction known as Parrot Jungle in south Miami. The park became a popular destination where tourists could learn about the area’s native animals and also interact with the park’s many exotic birds. One of the most popular activities in the park was to take a picture with the attraction’s macaw parrots. This couple, photographed in 1956, seem like they attracted one bird too many during this photoshoot!
Read All About It
In this photograph, taken in the early 1950s, a woman is sitting and reading the newspaper. Judging by their uniforms worn by some of the men in the photographs, they were in the Navy. The newspaper she holds is also from San Diego, the site of one of the United State’s most important naval bases. Naval Base San Diego expanded dramatically following WWII, it’s no surprise that she would want to keep up to date with the latest news regarding this important base in her backyard.
Summer Fun
Long before children were demanding the latest smartphone or video game, they used to find fun in the great outdoors. These children are spending the day with their family around a creek, trying to catch the evening’s dinner. This picture is a great example of simpler times when just being outside in nature with a makeshift fishing pole was the height of entertainment. It’s also interesting to see what children wore during this time. Looking at the rips in this child’s jeans, we can assume he really enjoyed playing outside.
Lazy Summer Days
There are few things better than getting to the beach early enough to snag a much-coveted spot on the sand and catch some rays. With a fashion magazine in hand and a comfy towel under her head, we’re sure she was there for hours. Though most people today tend to use their smartphones to catch up on the latest gossip and trends, the idea is still the same – nothing like relaxing on the beach as you listen to the waves crash.
Who’s That Woman?
For many women, taking pictures before an event is almost more important than taking them during the actual event. The hours of hair, makeup, and style preparation make some people want to document the entire process. This photograph perfectly captures the happiness this woman is feeling before the grand event. It’s interesting to note how her small smile shows how satisfied she is with her glamorous dress and look. This photo was taken decades before “mirror selfies” were even created, so we wonder, who was behind the photo?
Table for Two
Though this photo was taken in 1950 Galveston, Texas, it could have easily been snapped today. While vinyl seat coverings and Formica tabletops may not be as popular, the giddiness of love is still the same. This happy couple is enjoying themselves before they dig into their meal of a steak and a burger. We love how this photograph perfectly highlights their smiles, and obvious joy, during this happy moment.
Wedded Bliss
Good photography is one of the most underrated components of a successful wedding. Skilled photographers are able to capture the precious moments of a newly married couple in an everlasting way. This photograph shows a beaming bride as she cuts her wedding cake. Her new husband looks equally as happy as he guides his new bride’s hand. It’s amazing how one photograph can capture such a tender and loving moment.
Hello Out There!
If summer could be summed up with a single photograph, it would be this image. The blue sky, trees, and this woman in a light linen outfit are the perfect examples of summertime bliss. This effortlessly photogenic woman was photographed in an empty sailboat as she pretends to scan the horizon for the shore. This photo is interesting because her loose and unstructured outfit is vastly different from the typical fashions of the time which were often very rigid or nipped in at the waist.
Passing the Time
In honor of Veteran’s Day, this Reddit user posted a photograph of their grandfather on an air force base during the 1950s. Considering that the Korean War began in the summer of 1950, it’s surprising that he had so much free time on his hands to play the ukulele. Thankfully, this poster’s grandfather survived the war and lived on to tell his grandchild about traveling the world as a member of the United States Air Force.
School of Style
While most students today simply throw on whatever they can find when getting dressed for school, in the 1950s going to school was a special occasion. This high school student, named Rue Lawrence, was photographed as she sat in her classroom in Illinois. Lawrence’s photo appeared in a 1950 special edition of Life magazine that centered on the United States’ school system. Looking at Lawrence’s perfectly coiffed hairstyle, and the formal dresses of her classmates, it’s obvious that school fashion is completely different today.
The General Store
Before large chain grocery stores or big-box stores took over, most people shopped for basic necessities at their local general store. These independently-owned stores often offered food and household supplies. While this photo was taken in the 1950s, it’s fascinating to see how many of these products continue to be popular, and are still sold today. Though the packaging and size of these items have changed throughout the years, most of these products have stayed the same.
Girl in the Car
Having an attractive person demonstrate the features of a product is one of the oldest selling techniques in retail, and the 1950s were no different. This photo was snapped at an electronics show, where a booth was advertising a new model of camera. We’re not quite sure what a woman in a formal dress has to do with a camera, but we’re sure that her presence certainly helped that particular booth get attention.
A Moment in Time
There are some photographs that have an almost magical ability to transport you to a particular time and place. Looking at this photo, you can almost feel the salty ocean air hitting your face as you hear the sounds of children splashing in the waves. This photo, of a woman named Martha, was taken by her husband as they sat on Ocean Beach in San Francisco in 1954. In the distance, a historical building called the Cliff House can be seen.
Retro Fitness
While most women today wouldn’t apply red lipstick to attend a workout class, in the 1950s, women rarely left their houses without a bit of makeup. This photograph was taken of a workout class during the ’50s. It’s interesting to note that the women are all dressed in similar attire – white shorts and a sweater top. While leggings and other tight-fitting clothing are more of a popular choice when it comes to working out today, back then it was important to be stylish even when you were sweating.
Old Rec Room
If you are of a certain age, then this picture may seem all too familiar. For decades, and even today, many homes have included a special room in the house to be used for entertaining or recreational purposes. These rec rooms, or recreation rooms, are usually found in basem*nts or other parts of the home. This 1950s rec room featured what was probably a state-of-the-art built-in television set, linoleum flooring, and vinyl sofa set.
Old Garbage Truck
Before the automated garbage trucks of today, sanitation workers had to physically pick up and dump the contents of trash cans into the back of the truck. This poster on Reddit decided to share a picture of her grandfather when he was a sanitation worker in Oakland, California during the 1950s. Towards the end of that decade, a new technological innovation would be invented – the automated front-loading arm. This would eventually remove the need for sanitation workers to physically handle garbage cans.
Happy Holidays
Here’s another piece of proof that Christmas was just as exciting back in the 1950s as it is today. So many department stores, like this one, had trees put up and signs wishing its customers “Merry Christmas.”
What’s sweet about this photo is the way that the Christmas trees stand next to the natural palm trees of this hot part of America (the photo was taken in Santa Monica). Amazingly, both this Sears department store and the Christmas spirit are still alive.
Las Vegas Strip
If there was a more physical representation of the American Dream, then we would like to know. The loud, bright lights of Las Vegas are living proof that you can achieve anything in any part of the Land of the Free.
While it is still one of the most-visited cities in the country, Vegas had some true golden years back in the 1950s. Certain casinos have gone and new ones have replaced them, but the charm of the Las Vegas strip remains firmly intact.
At The Counter
The boardwalk diner is a classic component of American culture. Although many still exist today, this form of dining was mainstream during the 1950s. This particular one was located on the New Jersey shore and this photo was taken in 1958.
However, probably the most stunning thing about this image is the prices of the food. Back then, all you needed to part ways with was a cool 10 cents for a frankfurter or 30 cents for a pork roll.
If Looks Could Kill
Taken from a 1956 issue of Life Magazine, this photo was taken by the legendary Gordon Parks. He had been in Alabama in order to document the segregation going on there and it was also in light of the moment Rosa Parks refused to get out of her bus seat.
When Parks walked passed a church one day, he noticed that a baby was undergoing her baptism and he snapped away. The image has since become a classic in the photography world.
Theater District, New York City
One key component of New York City has always been its theater district. While many venues have closed and opened over the years, the essence and prestige of this popular part of the city have stayed true up until the present day.
These days, many tourists fill the streets of this district to get a seat somewhere. However, this area during the 1950s was a bit more relaxed. Nevertheless, the neon lights in this picture scream out “New York!”
