Before vaccines came around, kids had to be intentionally exposed to a slew of infectious diseases. Most commonly, these ‘parties’ were held for Chicken Pox and Measles, sometimes Mumps and Rubella were thrown in there too for good measure.
People saw it as inevitable, and just did what they could to ‘get it over with’. Fortunately, kids recovered quickly and developed immunities. At least we have vaccines now. They have helped a lot.
Candy Store Hangouts
At one time, candy stores for kids were like bars for adults. Kids would hop on and line up at the counters, with lollipops in hand. This was also when candies were so cheap back then, that kids could guzzle up sugar-loaded sodas and egg cream for a nickel.
Kids were often seen sneaking in brown paper bags full of gummy bears, bubblegum, candy canes and much, much more. Of course, sometimes they would get caught by mom. At least they got to run around back then!
Nuns Who Disciplined
Generally, Catholic schools had pretty harsh rules. Step out of line, and you could easily get spanked. Talking in class could get a smack with a ruler over the palm of the hand. Getting pulled by the ear and sent to the principal's office was another favorite.
After that, it could be on your knuckles, and quite often it would get even worse. Of course, punishment in today's schools - even the Catholic ones, looks drastically different.
Girls Would Damage Their Hair
Painful hair rollers, peroxide that would burn the scalp and dry out hair, and even actual irons that you would use for your clothes. These were the things that girls would use for their precious hair.
Hairstyling for women sometimes resembled medieval torture methods. The term "beauty is pain" was in use then more than ever.
Sleeping in the Rear Window
During long family road trips, there were no electronics to keep everyone entertained. Families resorted to songs and games. Of course, after a while, this would get a little tiresome and the kids would need a rest.
Where would they do it? They would take a nap in the little nook up above the back seat, right by the car's rear window. If strapping kids in wasn't enough of a disaster, this was just too much.