Technically the first drive-in theater was opened in 1933, but it didn’t actually take off until the 50s. Probably because of the little war in between. When it did, the theaters were packed to the brim with folks, especially teenagers.
We’ve all seen “Grease,” haven’t we? Drive-ins were also a great place for young love to blossom. The movie-watching experience was great too, of course!
Candy Smokes
These days, smoking cigarettes is majorly frowned upon due to all of our modern knowledge of how it negatively affects our health. But back when boomers were young, it wasn’t uncommon to share a box of candy cigarettes with your six-year-old friends.
As far as candy is concerned, they were disgusting, with a chalk-like flavor and texture. But it wasn’t really about the flavor, was it? It was all about the aesthetics and the feel.
Wearing Coonskin Caps
Ala David Crockett. This crazy hat is not so common these days - thankfully. This fifties fad was particularly popular among rambunctious little boys fad of the fifties who all wanted to be the famed Crockett from the 1954 Disney miniseries.
The Disney show seriously drove coonskin sales up to a point, $100,000,000 in sales to be exact. All you needed was a play rifle and a coonskin hat. Oh, the power of Disney.
Mutton-chopping It
Along with the roundest 'fro, young boomer dudes loved their bushy long sideburns or mutton chops if you had good beard genes. Folks like Elvis Presley and James Dean sported glorious sideburns.
Throw in a leather jacket with a popped collar and faded jeans, and you were the hottest boy in school.
The 'Watch Out' Bra
The 1950s were really the beginning of an exciting new era. Don't forget that the era of free love wasn't far ahead. Perhaps we have the conical bra to thank for that?
Also known as the torpedo or bullet bra, the cone-shaped brassiere did get those eyes popping, even under those thick turtleneck sweaters.