Ms. Janie takes a look back in time and touches upon important events, fads, and style. This will be an ongoing segment, which should prove to be educational, interesting and allow you to drift back in time, reminisce and hopefully relate.
The 50's were an exciting time in history, rich with memories, style and fads, with many still remaining popular this day.
This time frame represented an era where the word 'Family' had true meaning! Families played together, vacationed together, worked together and most importantly, stayed together. Fun outings would include a Saturday night drive-in movie, a trip to a theme park like Disney World or a simple picnic at the park. They may also include watching and dancing to Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
Many
exciting toys and fad would be introduced in the 50's.
Maybe you recall the little propeller hats worn throughout the
50's? Beany and Cecil, the animated cartoon may have contributed
to the popularity of Beany or Beanie caps. Their popularity exploded
in 1952 and can still be purchased this day.
Fess Parker the star of the popular TV show known as 'Davy Crockett' can take credit for the popularity of coonskins hats. The hats became a huge fad in the 50's and there have even been reports where young boys would wear them to bed.
The Hula Hoop toy manufactured
by Wham-O is the most popular American toy ever made. It
is a brightly colored hoop of plastic, which rotates around the
body as you move your hips. The toy was introduced in 1958 and
sold for $1.98. It's popularity would often times leave store
shelves empty, as it would sell out time and time again. It's
been reported that Americans purchased 20 million Hula-Hoop toys.
In 1958, 100 million were sold worldwide.
Many believe the yo-yo originated in China. But one thing is for certain; the yo-yo has proved to be a very popular toy played with and collected by many. Throughout the years the design has been altered but the mechanic are still the same. The colors are explosive and there are even yo-yo competitions held yearly.
Those were the days! Important Historic and Cultural Events
1951 - Transcontinental
television begins with a speech by Pres. Truman.
Dwight D. Eisenhower is president from 1953 until 1961
1955 - The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial
Organizations merge making the new AFL-CIO an organization with
15 million members.
1956 - The federal Highway Act is signed, marking the beginning
of work on the interstate highway system.
Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine for polio
1958 - Explorer I, the first U.S. satellite, successfully orbits
the earth.
December 10, 1958 - The first domestic jet-airline passenger service
is begun by National Airlines between New York City and Miami.
1959 - Alaska and Hawaii become the forty-ninth and fiftieth states.
Television was a major form of entertainment and the following shows captured the viewing audience attention.
Top 10 Television Programs
I Love Lucy
Dragnet
Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts
You Bet Your Life
The Bob Hope Show
The Milton Berle Show
Arthur Godfrey and His Friends
Ford Theatre
The Jackie Gleason Show
Fireside Theatre
Academy
Awards
Best Picture: From Here To Eternity
Best Actor: William Holden (Stalag 17)
Best Actress: Audrey Hepburn (Roman Holiday)
Best Supporting Actor: Frank Sinatra (From Here To Eternity)
Best Supporting Actress: Donna Reed (From Here To Eternity)
Hit
Singles
Your Cheatin' Heart - Hank Williams
Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes - Perry Como
Rags To Riches - Tony Bennett
I'm Walking Behind You - Eddie Fisher
How Much Is That Doggie in the Window - Patti Page
Vaya con Dios - Les Paul and Mary Ford
Many of these hit singles could have been heard on a jukebox such as this one. Jukeboxes were very colorful and allowed individuals to select which songs they preferred to hear.
Wages
Average Weekly Salary: $70.00
Some Retail Prices
First Class Stamp: 3 cents
Postcard: 2 cents
New Chevrolet Corvette: $3,250
Bread: 14 cents
Candy Bars: 5 cents
45 RPM Singles: 89 cents
Other
Statistics
World Population: 2.681 Billion
U.S. Population: 160,184,192
Federal Spending: $76.10 Billion
Federal Debt: $266.0 Billion
Fifties clothing were conservative. Men wore gray flannel suits and women wore dresses with pinched in waists and high heels. The classic black dress was a timeless piece and worn on many special occasions.
Poodle skirts made of felt and decorated with sequins and poodle appliques were very popular during this time fame. Popular hairstyles included ponytails for girls, and flat tops and crew cuts for guys. Teenagers were defined as a separate generation and were represented by James Dean who wore blue jeans in Rebel Without a Cause and created a fashion and attitude sensation. Many boys wore belts on their left side as a fashion statement.
Blue plate specials were introduced in the 50's and proved to be very popular.
The term "Blue Plate Special" is believed to have originated when diners served an inexpensive meal on white plates that had a blue band around them. They were comfort foods that made you feel good. Many of these specials included mounds of mashed potatoes and gravy and on occasion meatloaf.
1950's SLANG
Ankle bitter
Term to describe a child
Bash
Term to describe a great party
Cat
Term to describe a hip person
Dibs
I got dibs on it first
Flattop
A crew cut which is flat on top
Grody
Someone who is sloppy, messy or dirty.
Hip
someone who is cool
Jelly Roll
Men's hair combed up and forward on both sides, brought together
in the middle of the forehead.
Knuckle sandwich
A fist in the face
Make the scene
to attend an event or activity
Nest
A hairdo
Odd ball
Someone a bit off the norm
Peepers
glasses
Rag Top
A convertible car
Souped up
A car modified to go fast
Tank
A large sedan (usually driven by parents)
Unreal
Exceptional
What's you tale, nightingale
What's the story?
