My quick answer to my title question is - "Yes, the 1950s were fabulous" - at least for me - a kid growing up in the 50s.
Like most mothers-of-the-time, my mom did not work. She was always there for me. My dad, fresh from World War II, worked two jobs to make sure we could live (somewhat) comfortably.
Television was a fairly new arrival for folks, and even our black-and-white TV was a treat, particularly when the westerns were on screen. Drive-in movies were also new and it was a great night out with the family.
Count me as biased, but the late-50s brought the very-best music. Adults were absolutely buzzing over the rise of Elvis Presley. And he was as good as advertised. But we also had The Platters, Johnny Mathis, The Five Satins, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers and Little Richard. The radio was on almost all of the time in our house.
Yes, there was turmoil back then. "McCarthyism" and fear of communism had gained momentum - racial bigotry was rampant - and the Korean War was raging. But, as a kid, none of that mattered. Moms often left their toddlers outside in a carriage or stoller while they shopped. I remember having two bike accidents, resulting in total strangers delivering me and my banged-up bike back home. And, with the knowledge of my parents, my cousins and I often thumbed rides to the local pool or zoo. I felt safe in the 50s. By the way, how many people do you see thumbing rides in this day and age.
Admittedly, I may be glorifying the 1950s a bit much because, frankly, I was a kid at the time - with great parents who remained together through a lot of struggles and worked hard at parenting. What the Hell happened to sound, consistent parenting?
I was a happy kid in a happy time - fishing the local reservoir, searching the swamp for wildlife, eating too many candy bars, adjusting the TV rabbit ears to watch Western Playhouse, raising homing pigeons, watching the movie, High Noon, at the drive-in, and listening to Johnny Mathis.
At the present age of 81, I try to do the simple things that gave me pleasure as a young boy. I tell young people to never lose the kid in you. I never have. I was a happy kid growing up in a safe, protected environment in an era that many hold near-and-dear in their hearts.
Although I grew up in the 1980s I always wanted to live in the 1950s. Did you read Bill May's book "American Boomer"? Looks like you guys both grew up at the same time, in the same place, and went into the same careers. It's a hilarious memoir of his childhood in Townsend, MA during the 1950s.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your posts!
Thanks for the input. No, I have not read Bill's book, but we have been friends for many years.
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