The 1950s were a time of great change in America. The post-war boom led to a period of prosperity and economic growth, and new technologies were emerging that would change the way people lived. But some things from the 1950s have simply disappeared, becoming relics of a bygone era.
Drive-In Movie Theaters
Drive-in movie theaters were a popular form of entertainment in the 1950s. Families would pile into their cars and head to the drive-in to watch a movie on a big screen under the stars. Drive-in theaters reached their peak in the late 1950s, with over 4,000 theaters in operation across the country. But the rise of multiplex theaters and home video in the 1980s led to the decline of drive-in theaters. Today, there are only about 300 drive-in theaters left in the United States.
Soda Fountains
Soda fountains were a common sight in drugstores and ice cream parlors in the 1950s. Customers could order a variety of sodas, sundaes, and milkshakes, and they could watch the soda jerk make their drinks right before their eyes. Soda fountains were a popular place to hang out with friends and family, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. But the rise of fast food restaurants and convenience stores in the 1960s led to the decline of soda fountains. Today, there are only a few soda fountains left in operation, and they are mostly found in retro-themed restaurants.
Milkmen
Milkmen were a common sight in the 1950s. They would deliver fresh milk and other dairy products to homes and businesses every day. Milkmen were often trusted members of the community, and they would often chat with their customers while they made their deliveries. But the rise of supermarkets and convenience stores in the 1960s led to the decline of milkmen. Today, most people buy their milk at the grocery store, and milkmen are a thing of the past.
Party Lines
Party lines were a common way for people to share telephone service in the 1950s. A party line consisted of several households that shared a single phone line. When one household wanted to make a call, they would ring the bell on their phone, and all of the other households on the party line would hear the ring. If another household wanted to join the call, they would pick up their phone and listen in. Party lines were often a source of gossip and eavesdropping, and they could be a nuisance for people who wanted privacy. But the rise of direct dial telephone service in the 1960s led to the decline of party lines. Today, party lines are a thing of the past.
Rotary Dial Telephones
Rotary dial telephones were the standard type of telephone in the 1950s. To make a call, users would have to dial each digit of the phone number by rotating the dial. Rotary dial telephones were often slow and cumbersome to use, and they could be difficult to use for people with dexterity problems. But the rise of push-button telephones in the 1960s led to the decline of rotary dial telephones. Today, rotary dial telephones are a thing of the past.
Typewriters
Typewriters were the standard way to create written documents in the 1950s.
