"How Rock and
roll changed a generation: 1. 1950's Parents and teens Before rock and roll
:children were seen and not heard. After rock and roll started ( see one of my
other webpages): 1950's teens
struggling to be heard 2. 1950's Clothing Before Rock and Roll: very
conservative clothing. After rock and roll started.(see one of my other
webpages): 1950's
fashion Elvis Presley was the singer that symbolized Rock and Roll -
colorful turned up collar..... 3. 1950's Music Before Rock and roll: performers
were pretty conservative in their stage performances. And teenagers and parents
were in general pretty conservative when they danced. After rock and roll
started: performers really moved to the music( see the same wepage as above)Elvis rocking and
rolling and the following webpage 1950's music 4.
1950's Hair styles Before Rock and Roll: Teen boys hair was cut short and or
combed to the side with a part. After rock and roll: Side burns and longer hair
(see my webpages)fifties hairand fifties hairstyle In
general for a list of 1950's fashion, clothing, hair( see my following webpage:
List
. When rock and roll became popular, some clothing for teens became looser. As
teens rocked to the music they liked wear that let them move more freely.
Baggier pants for teen boys, and full skirts for teen girls become popular.
Clothing
Styles it was the beginning of a transition in style--- from the height of
formality evidenced in the 40's, to an ever-increasing informality in styles
that were present by the late fifties.
Elvis
Presley and clothing styles:In the Mid 1950's, there were rumblings about
this young singer and fashion rebel, Elvis Presley. In 1956; Elvis, with his
first #1 hit Heartbreak Hotel and his appearance on the Ed Sullivan show,
becomes the symbol of fashion for the young generation. Examples of clothing….
Loose, longer jacket, more color.
Fifties
Actresses and Models, thin or curvy I would say that in the 1950's actresses
would be, in general, catagorized curvy. The bust and hips, I would say, were in
general, a bit larger than present day actresses. Although the Bust and hips
size were mostly larger in the 1950's; it was the waist size that was most
important to be small. Waists were cinched in by belts, and even clothing was
designed to be tight around the waist area. 1950's: The WAIST size and BUST size
was advertised and most important....not Weight. For instance, magazine stories
would print the stastics of actresses..Bust size, waist size, hip size. Perfect
was for the bust and hips to be about the same size and the waist size to be as
small as possible; yet usually not even a mention of weight. IN THE EARLY 1950's
there was Marilyn Monroe who was heavier; but some stars like Katherine Hepburn,
Audrey Hepburn weighed less. IN THE LATE 1950's, there was Sandra Dee who's
weight was more, rather than less. However she too had a larger bust and small
waist. [NOTE: In the 1960's she became thin and concerned with weight.] To sum
up, I would say that presently it is WEIGHT(low weight) that seems to be
important for present day actresses.(good news is this present day low weight
trend might be changing to a bit more rounded) In the 1950's, I would say an
actresses figure was judged by the Bust size(bigger better) and Waist
size(smaller better) , and not necessarily on weight.
Here
is a list - names of 1950's clothing styles.: poodle skirt :Girls wore full
skirts with motifs on them (ex. poddle with a leash)and tight fitting blouses
tucked into the waist capri / pirate pants, pedal pushers, jeans / dundareees,
petticoats, "can-can" peticoats, peter pan collared blouse, twin sweater set,
cinched belt, pleated skirts, ginham dress, bathing suits: starpless, or
haltered one-piece suits, motor scooter slacks, stirrup pants, motorscooter
pants, shoes: penny loafers, white buckskin lace up shoes, saddle
shoes,pumps,stiletto heel, plastic poppet beads, sloppy joe sweater and leotard,
bermuda shorts and hawaiian shirt, bobby sox, ankle sox, jeans, t-shirt, leather
jacket or denim jacket, glasses: black horned rim, neckerchief, cardigan,
turtleneck (black). Note: for men's formal wear: The White Sports Coat became
popular. There were other styles of wear but I don't think some of them had a
name. For instance,the jackets that men wore got longer, looser, and less
shoulder padding. Women's formal wear, stapless was popular.
Jobs
- work in the 1950's. The 1950's: It was more a manufacturing and
agricultural age, rather than the present day information age. There were more
blue clollar jobs and less white collar occupations --more manufacturing and
food processing; lot more smaller farms all over the country. There was more
need for secretaries, receptionist and support work. Typing pools in big offices
mainly women tyuping letters, contracts, things that computers generate now.
Presently, the computer has truely reduced that kind of work.
Some
1950's topics / ideas for school papers: 1. 1950's fashions - clothing 2.
1950's teen music 3. 1950's television programs for the younger generation 4.
1950's and rock and roll 5. a day, year in a life of 1950's teen 6. cruising 7.
1950's cruising 8. 1950's cars You probably should narrow any of the above
topics down (more specific) when writing class papers. For example: What effect
if any did Elvis Presley have on the mid and late 1950's ( fashions, music,
teens and parents) or... Superman during the 1950's, his fashion, the TV show,
the actor, his image or look, the younger generation. or...the diary of a
fictional 1950's teen or you could do an interview and ask question of a 55 - 65
year old and ask them what it was like....
1950's
Food, beliefs, clothing 1. The food: The Betty Crocker cookbook was the
model for most family receipes. There were lots of casserole receipes in the
Betty Crocker cookbook.. Pot roast, and fried chicken with mashed potatoes were
probably among the most prominent of family meals.....And anything BBQ'd.
Popular on most weekly cafeteria school meals were: tamale pie, dog in a
blanket. Popular desserts: jello, tappioca pudding, and bananna and vanilla
wafer pudding. Popular at the drug store fountain: bananna splits. Good
webpage:what shall i cook tonight 2. Beliefs: Society was very
different, much more strict and more structured. Rules were important and not to
be broken. Most agreed on and knew what was right and what was wrong.....no
shades of gray...everything was black or white. There was more emphasis on
consequences of ones action. People were held much more accountable for their
actions. Men were mostly the bread winners, the ones who worked, had careers,
and made the money to support the family. Women were mostly expected to stay
home and be in charge of the home and taking care of the family. 3. Clothing
descriptions. Here is one of my pages where I have put links to lots of materals
about 1950's, including 1950's fashion. more 1950's
links
Superman
- 1950's clothing style George Reeves: The Superman of the 1950's. "Even
Superman pays attention to 1950's fashion-- from proper business attire(the
business suit) to a more casual look (in his standout, blue and red worksuit)."
Here is a website with good photos - collage of Superman in his work suit and
his business suit: Superman photos
Superman -
Every kid's Hero
1950's Teenager and
Civics class The fifties teen, practiced etiquette and proper dating
coutesies. (At the end of the date say you had a good time and thank you for the
date.) She was taught this in her highschool "Civics class". She learned the
proper way to sit, stand and walk (using a book on the head to practice proper
alignment. In her physical education class she learned how to social dance along
with the boys. And the proper ettiquettes..."to graciously accept when a boy
asked you to dance and "thank you " at the end of the dance.
Here
are names of some of those 50's magazines: hep cat, photoplay, popular
screen, screenland , tv radio mirror , movie stars magazine, song hits magazine,
teen beat, teen star album, movie world, teen magazine, teen screen, movie life,
motion picture, hollywood magazine, hollywood secrets, hollywood movie parade,
movielife, movie screen, modern screen, teen star album, stardom magazine, teen
world magazine, dig magazine, teen pinups, screenplay, movie teen,stardom
magazine, pinups magazine.
1950's
Teenager and the Movies A fun way you might want to go for some material
would be to check out some of the fifties movies. The following Sandra Dee and
Doris Day movies were very influencial in my teeny bopper life and my friend's
life, growing up in the fifties. "A Summer Place" starring Sandra Dee and Troy
Donahue This movie emphasized the importance in society of being a "good girl".
"Pillow Talk" starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson. The movie dramatized societies
view of the dating roles of girls and boys.
Teen Rebellion The very early 50's were still strict. You can kind
of think of it as a build up towards rebellion...The movie, Rebel without a
cause played in 1955. The real in your face rebellion began showing itself with
the upstart of rock n roll and Elvis Presley...beginning 54, 55....But 1956 was
a big year for public Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show and the big outbreak that he
caused with parents. See my Elvis
Presley webpage
1950's
lip sync - A big Craze! Good lip sync songs: Connie Francis( the #1 female
singer) singing "Lipstick on your collar" Or "Stupid Cupid" She has a very
unique voice and fun songs. Mary Wells singing "My Guy". Note: You could also
use the "My Guy"version from the movie "Sister Act" 1 or 2? Also from "Sister
Act 1 or 2?" the song "I will follow him" Patsy Cline ( the 1950's western/pop
singer) singing "Back in Baby's arms" This has a great swinging beat that will
have the crowd humming the tune later. Songs from the movie "Grease" staring
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John: "Freddy my love" Almost any song by the
Supremes would be fun. "Baby Love" is good and has background fun vocals for
more than one person. Millie Small singing "My boy Lollipop" Her voice is so
high but very good voice and a very fun song. Other good 50's songs: "My boy
friends back" , "Chapel of Love", "And then he kissed me". Lastly: Aretha
Franklin" "RESPECT" and Sonny and Cher's "I got you babe"(this is a boy and girl
number)
Photos
of teen idols and their clothing styles Here are some pictures from some of
my other 1950's sites that might be of use to you. Annette Funicello in capris,
scarf, and flat shoes Annette in
capris Sandra Dee in capris(pedal pushers). Sandra in
pedal pushers Sandra Dee: tight fitting bodice and flaring skirt with nylon
fabric petticoats. Sandre Dee skirt
style Pat Boone clothing style: Pat Boone
style Leisure wear, open-necked shirt, white buck shoes, twill trousers.
Elvis clothing Style: Loose, colorful, longer jacket, open necked shirt--no tie
Elvis Style and
Elvis Style 2
Pictures from the movie "Grease" Grease
50's style clothing
Popular Dances: bop, stroll( line dance), swing, hully gully,
peperment twist, twist, mashed potato, the pony, swim
Dating: Dating in the fifties was based on
etiquette. Basic Dating ettiquette was actually taught in schools, as part of
the Civics class. Girls were taught how to sit properly,what to say at the door
at the end of the date, how to walk, sample topics of conversation,etc. The
boys, the proper way to ask a girl to dance. Dance classes were taught in
school, and at ettiquette schools. First dating was usually at school dances.
Some boys and girls were going steady, which meant you wore the boys ring or a
special necklace such as a heart around your neck. Young girls and boys were
dropped off by their parents for highsschool dances. Some highschool teens were
able to date especially by their senior year. Such dates could be double dates;
for some soda shop dates, drive in movie dates.
Fads: hula hoop, pop beads, skating, dance
hops, bowling, cruising
PASTIMES of the 1950's & Recreational Activities: hula hoop,
Roller skating, dance hops, bowling, cruising.. soda shops, drive in movie,
boating, listening to 45" records at the record store booths. Saturday movies
were big pastimes it would be an all afternoon event - a live act was
onstage(sometimes a big movie star) before the newsreel; cartoon and feature
movie. After school sports: for girls it was the GAA..Girl's Athletic
Association. Attendance at football games was big pastime for the family. Out on
the farms fishing was great, horseback riding. Families played games together at
night. For instance board games of Monopoly, card games, recreational games like
hide and seek, tag, musical chairs.
Clothing looks You might try your local library. There is a pretty
good book titled "Fashions of a Decade The 1950s" by Patricia Baker. The book
has a picture of Thelma Ritter who was probably in her fifties at the time, and
pics of slingy capri jazz style model..and more 1950's fashions. For a 25-30
year old kind of sexier look first choices: You might look for picture of
Brigette Bardot; or a pic of Jane Russell,Jane Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe (see my
webpage url below), Liz Taylor or Cyd Charisse. For the 60 year old look, try
finding a pic of the Aunt Bee character from the Andy Griffith show. Here are
some of my 1950s webpages that might help you with 25-30 age-group clothing
pics. Boomers Pinups of Rita Hayworth Rita
Hayworth (when you arrive,be sure to scroll down to see more pics of her)
Boomers Pinups of Anne Baxter Anne Baxter
Boomers Pinups of Marilyn Monroe Marilyn
Monroe
The Fashion of
teens in the 50s compare with the fashion of teens today: The fashion of the
50's much more conservative., although there was some loosening growth of style
and color that began with rock and roll around 1956. But this was a very slow
process with "mainstream" america throughout 1956- 1959. Some areas in which
50's clothing was conservative.....1.color: plaids, less colors and mostly the
true colors 2. lengths were longer below the knee. Actually, girls skirt lengths
were monitored (measured) at school.. Showed less of the bodies skin...no
midriff showing.. 3. less style choices. 4. shoe: color mostly black or white.
Teens wore their dress shoes to school.Girls wore flats.. 5. Teen girls wore
dress or skirt and blouse or sweater, boys nice buttoned shirt and pants
although jeans (and a nice buttoned shirt) became ok in later 50s
Politics in the 1950's
I know most about pop history from a 1950s teen's point of view. However; I like
some of the 1950s political articles/info on the following webpages: The American 1950s
Timeline of the 20th century
READINGS IN THE AMERICAN 1950S
Prep school clothing style British /
English prep school 1950
Boy's
prep school clothing 1950s
Movie review of School Ties, about 1950s prep school
Notes on ways American Bandstand
influenced hair and clothing styles:
1. The number of teens the program
reached-viewing audience of 20 million annually
2. Saw teen idols (regular
guests on show) with their hair and clothing
3. Saw the regulars each week
with their styles and copied them.
4. The styles on bandstand were more
sophisticated than some teens experienced in small towns. The styles and makeup
on bandstand were from teens that lived in Philidephia.
5. Viewed the
bandstand teens dancing, and what styles looked the best while dancing.
6.
Commercials were geared to the teen, make up, hair products for hairstyles and
clothing.
7. Saw "couples" and what they wear, influenced what one might wear
on a date.
American
Bandstand Dancers' Story
Teen jobs: As I remember those times it seems as if the jobs were
mostly given to teenager by family and friends. And it seems as if the boys had
more choices. Here are some of the kinds of jobs my girlfriends and I had: Baby
sitting probably the no. 1 job of teen girls. Got jobs Ironing clothes for
family and neighbors...no.2 most popular job. Clean house for family, or
neighbor. My teen brothers: worked on the family farm bailing hay, milking cows,
stacking hay, cleaning stables, driving tractor, etc. Also found jobs on
friend's farms doing same types of jobs. Some of their friends in town, worked
as bus boys for their family restaurant. Most other jobs of teen girls and boys
were in their family's business. Then there were the teenage idols, teen movie
stars and singers boys and girls who were paid for acting and singing. Ex.
Frankie Avalon, Fabian, see my website: The Fifties Teen Idols Example;
Teen moviestar Sandra Dee see my website: Sandra Dee
Health and Medical care, Food, Diseases,
Exercise The home remedies(see below "holistic health alternatives") are
things that my mom used on us when young. I lived in a rural area, but not too
far (6 miles) from town, the town size in the 50's was about 8,000-18,000
people.
New diseases: Polio was the big one. Another would probably be
drinking problems. A person who drank too much in the fifties was considered
funny and was likeable. A lot of the comedic jokes were drunk jokes that made
everyone laugh….today those jokes might be sad, not funny.
Health and
exercise: In high school students had physical education class( required),
played mostly team sports. In grammar school there was one period of organized
physical activity, usually baseball, volleyball. Also after school teams which
played other schools. Jack LaLanne with his TV show, an exercise program, and
some talk about healthy eating. The show focused on the housewife and I believe
that most (rather than participate fully) watched Jack doing the exercises.
There wasn't much talk about fitness and fat calories in the fifties. The focus,
for women was the hour class shape...ratio of hips to shoulders. In other words
fat was ok if it was in the right place ( example Marilyn Monroe...considered
the perfect woman). Even the 50'sTV Superman, George Reeves was not lean.
Holistic health alternatives: Hot springs spas were considered good for
you, also with mud baths, mineral baths, and massage. There were quite a few of
these types of spas in the 50's. People still used some home remedies: warm
olive oil applied inside ears for earaches,popular help for colds= Vicks vapor
rubbed onto chest, Vicks boiled in water tent over bed and let fumes go inside.
For cuts: at the beginning of the fifties soap and water, cow salve applied and
gauze as the wrap.
The medical system: People went to their private
doctors and paid their own bill. After a hospital operation, they would send you
a bill and you would pay for it. NOTE: The overwhelming cost of medical bills
was not like it is now.
Popular food, fried chicken (most popular home
meal), stews, roast, tuna casseroles, steaks BBQ. Eating meats like beef, was
considered good. A balanced meal=The pyramid diagram model of eating. Starch
(potatoes, bread) good . 1950's diner food and drive-in (A& W) was
hamburger, fries, coke, shakes, banana splits....desert very popular....ice
cream the no. 1 desert. . No. 2 would be cake usually from the box Betty
Crocker. Most always had desert following a meal. Still , people of 1950's,
didn't eat out on a regular basis like people do nowadays and ate better more
home cooked meals made from scratch (healthy ingredients). Even on outings and
vacations, familes cooked their own food more ( brought food with them to eat).
Families still canned their own fruit, made their own preserves.
People
of the 50's worked off calories with more physical activities. Popular pastimes:
Roller skating, everyone kids and adults owned metal adjustable skates that fit
on their shoes. Pogo sticks, bikes , outdoor games played bny the whole family,
hide and seed, tag, hula hoop. Kids played outdoors, popular pastimes were
playing cowboys and Indians, Superman. Parents had more free time and
participated in activities with their children. Swimming, public swimming pools
were very popular.
1960's: Popularity of cigarette smoking of the 1950s
leads to cancer in 1960s and after. Cigarette smoking high, most movies featured
the stars smoking...it was considered cool. In fact there was a cigarette name
called Kools. The 50s were the years of print ads, and television commercials
promoting how cool it was to smoke. There was the Marlboro Man...a real rugged
type (cowboy) . Smoking lead to cancer cases in the 60's.
President
Kennedy in the 1960s focused on pysical fitness, physical fitness test were
given in the schools and those who passed received the presidental award for
fitness.
Rebellion and the
1950s Cafe Society 1952-58 early fifties: beatniks..the
coffeehouse...conflict with values was reflected in their anti fashion
dress...freedom of movement clothing ..striped knit top turtle neck (usually
black), and unpressed trousers, kahki or jeans, the sloppy joe sweater, black
tights, flat heeled ballet pumps. Short haircuts (women), head scarf and capris
(calf length) for motor scooter rides, beatnik talk - like cool Daddy-O. See
Tuesday weld click
here in striped beatnik top.
The spirit of the teen rebellion Elvis and James
Dean
Important movies and movie stars with the theme of 1950's
rebellion: The wild one 1953 - motor cycle clubs, bikers, greasers. On the
Waterfront 1954 - one man's rebellion against authority. Rebel Without a Cause
1955 - defiant teenager. Blackboard Jungle - juvenile misbehavior.
Perfume Most
remembered perfume received by this 1950's teen would be Evening in Paris, and
Lilly of the Valley. Evening in Paris was marketed in a beautiful blue bottle.
Also boxed together with talc which made it a very attactive present for xmas
gift.
Notes on Prices:
1956-1957 Coke in 1956 10 and 15 cents; gallon of gas 1956 23 cents per gal;
movie 1956 about 50 cents, the drive- in movie carload 1 dollar; glass of milk
about 15 cents; ice cream soda about 23 cents; hamburger 15-18 cents and 6 for a
dollar; fries 10 and 20 cents.
2. 1955 Mcdonald's menu: hamburger 15, fries
10, coke 10 and 15, coffee 10
Thanks to all of you who wrote and asked such good questions. Hopefully
the materials will be of use to others seeking 1950's information.
Best regards,
Carolyn Passalqua
Boomer's Fifties Teen Idol
Magazine
Email: boomers.fifties.teenmag@worldnet.att.net
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this great site above, lots
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