The Fifties—sometimes called the Fabulous Fifties—was the era following World War II and the Great Depression in which people explored and enjoyed their newfound economic comfort. Sociologists have sometimes categorized the Fifties as a filiarchy: an era ruled by the perceived needs and wants of children by their indulging parents.
In his book Panati’s Parade of Fads, Follies, and Manias, Charles Panati writes:
“The nostalgic richness of the Fifties has much to do with the decade being a period of genuine and sustained economic growth. Upward mobility then meant something to every middle-class family.”
This was a time when the United States had a relatively large and still growing middle class.
One of the displays in the Ohio History Center in Columbus, Ohio focuses on life in the 1950s.
The Backyard
More exhibits from Ohio History Center
Ohio History Center: The Lustron Home (photo diary)
Ohio History Center: Early Ohio Room (photo diary)
Ohio History Center: Farming (photo diary)
Ohio History Center: A collection of ceramics (photo diary)
Ohio History Center: A collection of glassware (photo diary)
Ohio History Center: Chairs (museum tour)
Ohio History Center: Furniture (museum tour)
Ohio History Center: Teapots (museum tour)