THE STAR

Music and dance were studied in hopes of getting to Hollywood.  Silver Screen and Photoplay were scrutinized and autographed photos of movie stars prized.  Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher were loved, but Eddie became less popular when he left Debbie for Elizabeth Taylor.

CAUGHT!

Most children tried smoking at some point, and were easily discovered because of their increasingly loud coughing sounds, the puffs of smoke coming from hideouts, missing cigarettes, and sometimes crying.  Warnings and/or punishment usually followed.

I Dreamed I Was Uplifted in My Maidenform Bra

Purchasing one's first bra and enduring the embarrassing but necessary fitting was a major event.  Popular advertising slogans described the hopeful nature one felt - an overnight transformation, with beauty, maturity and desirability following.

BURNING AT THE BEACH

What could possibly be more fun than a day at the beach!  No one worried about the sun's rays - just having a good time.

TELEVISION

The advent of television brought a variety of entertainment right into homes - no need to attend concerts or movies.  Favorite programs were "Hit Parade", "Dragnet" and "I Love Lucy".

FEED SACKS

Feed companies began selling their products in more closely woven and colorful fabrics, instead of the usual burlap.  Women accompanied their husband when shopping for feed to make sure favorite patterns were purchased.  The fabric was sewn into wearing apparel as well as used for home decoration.

UNWANTED VISITOR

Couples looked for privacy in cars parked at secluded spots unknown to their parents.  The couples weren't completely alone though since double-dating was popular, there was a tendency to park in groups, and occasionally, an observer would present himself. 

PIGGLY-WIGGLY CAME TO TOWN

Townspeople were excited when the new supermarket, Piggly-Wiggly, arrived.  It can be compared to the Wal-Mart of today, since lower prices, larger inventory and the distribution of S&H Green Stamps made it difficult for small grocers to compete.  The arrival Piggly-Wiggly was quite a happening!

OUTSIDE DINING

Diners ate out-of-doors almost year round, and met many interesting people in the process.  The only fast food available was fresh fruit.

GOOGLE-EYES

     Chaperones were everywhere.  It was not considered "healthy" for a boy and girl to spend time together without proper supervision.  Girls' parents were especially protective.

She Can Sew - She'll Make a Wonderful Wife

Training began in early childhood.  Sewing as well as cooking and ironing were considered prize attributes.  Girls were expected to be accomplished in those areas while demonstrating a sweet disposition, so Mr. Right would be knocked off his feet and want to marry them.

MISS FIRECRACKER LEGS

Beauty pageants existed for every conceivable event - Miss Water Sports, Miss Neches River Festival, Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Exposition Queen; even Miss Firecracker Legs.  Girls paraded across the stage one Fourth of July in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the curtain lowered to reveal only their legs.  Judging took place solely on the basis of the beauty of the contestants' legs.

DOUBLE FEATURE

     

     The drive-in was a very popular attraction.  Families enjoyed an evening under the stars, while dating couples also attended.  One never knew who or what they might encounter, and sometimes it was more enjoyable to watch the patrons rather than the movies.

WHOOPS!

Sex education was virtually non-existent.  Sex was not discussed.  Parents made the book, Growing Up, available, and children relied on older siblings, National Georgraphic and art books for additional information.  Being caught doing "research" at the library was very embarrassing.