Johann H
The 1950s were a time of optimism, prosperity, and wholesome family values…or so it seemed. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some truly weird habits that define daily life. Read on as we explore 25 strange habits from the 50s that will leave you both laughing and wondering how much time has changed since then.
The Love for Jell-O Salads
Nothing screams the 1950s like a Jell-O salad—except these “salads” were not what you’d expect. People would mix everything from vegetables to meat into their gelatin molds, creating wobbly, questionable dishes that somehow ended up on dinner tables across the country.
Milk Deliveries to Your Door
Imagine waking up in the morning to find fresh milk on your doorstep, left there by your local milkman. Milk delivery was a staple in the 1950s, with homeowners trusting that their daily dairy would be waiting for them in glass bottles—no grocery trips required!
The Daily Cocktail Hour
Having a daily cocktail hour was a common ritual in the ’50s. It wasn’t unusual to see parents sipping on martinis while their kids played. Today, that habit would be considered overindulgence, but at the time, it was a symbol of sophistication and relaxation.
The Obsession with Tupperware Parties
Tupperware was more than just plastic containers—it was a lifestyle. Women would gather at tupperware parties to gossip, snack, and, of course, buy the latest storage innovations. These parties were like the social media shopping events of their day.
Housewives in Heels and Pearls
In the 1950s, the “perfect housewife” image was promoted everywhere. Women were expected to vacuum, cook, and clean while looking their best, often wearing dresses, high heels, and pearls while performing daily chores. Comfort? Who needed that when you had style?
Fads Like Hula Hooping Swept the Nation
The 1950s saw a slew of weird fads, including the hula hoop craze. Children and adults alike were obsessed with spinning plastic hoops around their waists, and it became a full-on fitness trend. This simple hula hoop sold millions, proving that strange trends could truly take over.
Radiation for Everything
Need your feet measured? How about a little radiation? Shoe stores in the 1950s used X-ray machines to help customers find the perfect fit. The machines were eventually banned for safety concerns, but at the time, people had no idea they were exposing themselves to harmful rays.
Using Lard for Cooking (A Lot)
In the 1950s, lard was a kitchen staple. People cooked with it, baked with it and fried just about everything in it. The high-fat cooking oil was believed to add flavor to every dish, from pies to fried chicken, which made lard a household essential.
Discrimination in Public Spaces
While the 1950s may be remembered fondly by some, it was also a time of harsh race-motivated segregation in many parts of the world, particularly in the U.S. Schools, buses, restaurants, and even drinking fountains were often segregated by race.
Varsity Jackets
Varsity jackets, or “letterman jackets,” were the thing to wear, especially if you were an athlete in high school. The jackets, often made of wool and leather, featured a school’s colors and a letter sewn onto the chest. If you were wearing one, it meant you were part of the in-crowd.
Weird Beauty Products
In the atomic age of the 1950s, the fascination with all things nuclear extended even to beauty products! Some skincare and beauty items were advertised as containing “atomic” or “radioactive” ingredients, with the idea that they would bring a healthy, glowing complexion.
People Cramming in Telephone Booths
If there was a weirder fad in the 1950s than telephone booth stuffing, we’d like to hear about it. This odd craze involved college students cramming as many people as possible into a single telephone booth. It was a challenge and apparently a fun way to spend time.
Kids Playing Outside
It was a different time in the 1950s, and one of the biggest differences was how kids spent their days. Children would leave the house in the morning and roam the neighborhood unsupervised. They’d ride their bikes, play games, and explore—only coming home in the evening.
Bouffant Hairdos That Defied Gravity
The bigger, the better! In the late 1950s, women went wild for bouffant hairstyles that involved massive amounts of teasing, hairspray, and often even hair padding to achieve gravity-defying heights. Hairdressers made fortunes, creating these towering masterpieces.
Beauty Pageants for Toddlers
Beauty pageants for toddlers were just getting started in the ’50s, and while they still exist today, they remain controversial. The idea of dressing up young children in makeup and glamorous outfits for the competition was a curious trend back then, and parents signed up their kids.
Girdles for Women
Fashion at the time emphasized a tiny waist, so women often wore girdles—uncomfortable undergarments designed to shape the body. These were far from the stretchy shapewear we see today, and many are glad they’re no longer a wardrobe staple.
Baby Formula as the “Better” Option
Mothers were encouraged to use baby formula over breastfeeding, believing it was more modern and “scientific.” It wasn’t until later that people realized breastfeeding had health benefits that formula couldn’t replicate.
Carhops
Did you know that back then, there were drive-throughs, but they operated differently? Carhops—waiters and waitresses on roller skates—would zoom over to your car to take your order. Today, the concept of carhops is almost extinct, replaced by actual drive-thrus.
Men’s Hats Everywhere
It was almost unheard of for men in the 1950s to leave the house without a hat. Whether it was a fedora or a porkpie hat, these accessories were an essential part of a man’s outfit. Nowadays, hats are optional, and most men don’t feel the pressure to sport one for everyday activities.
TV Test Patterns
TV test patterns were broadcast when shows weren’t on the air. People would tune into static images or tones for hours as they waited for programs to resume. Today, with endless entertainment options, waiting for the TV to “turn on” seems archaic.
Outdoor Clotheslines for Drying Laundry
Most homes in the 1950s had outdoor clotheslines for drying laundry. This was the norm before dryers became widespread in households. Families would hang clothes outside to dry in the sun, and it was an integral part of household chores.
Waiting for “The Man of the House” to Make Decisions
It was a common practice that the major household decisions were often deferred to “the man of the house,” as gender roles were highly traditional. Women were expected to take care of the home, while men made decisions about finances and big purchases.
Lead in Gasoline and Paint
Lead was a common additive in both gasoline and paint. Due to its durability and bright colors, lead-based paint was common, while leaded gasoline improved engine performance. Unfortunately, the widespread use of lead caused significant health issues.
Kids in Cars Without Seatbelts
Cars with seatbelts were not standard features during that time, and parents regularly let their children ride in cars without any safety restraints. Safety laws and awareness campaigns weren’t implemented until much later.
Using Asbestos Everywhere
This was used in nearly everything—construction materials, insulation, fireproofing, and even household items like ironing board covers. It was hailed for its heat resistance and durability, but the severe health risks, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, weren’t fully understood.
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