Retro vibes seem to always make a comeback. However, there are many exciting things that only older people know about. The 50s, 60S, and 70s were marked by radical changes and cultural revolutions, and as such, the products and trends reflected the times.
For those who lived in these decades, there are experiences and knowledge unique to their generations. Here are 12 exciting things that only those who remember the “new” 50s, 60s, and 70s will truly understand.
1. The Joy of Record Players
For many, the ritual of removing a vinyl record from its sleeve and placing the needle down was a part of daily life. The sound, often accompanied by the soft crackling background, provided a warmth that digital music can’t replicate. Some hipsters are still keeping vinyl records alive and well.
2. Drive-In Theaters
The drive-in theater was a staple of American culture, offering a blend of privacy and community. Families and couples could watch a movie from the comfort of their car. Sadly, the drive-in movie has become another one of the exciting things that only older people know about. People are too spoiled by streaming services.
3. TV Test Patterns
Before 24-hour television broadcasting, stations would often sign off with a test pattern. Older generations remember waiting for their favorite shows to start as they stared at these geometric patterns. The creepy static was even part of the plot of the movie Poltergeist.
4. Manual Typewriters
Long before computers, people did work on typewriters. The tactile feedback of the keys and the bell at the end of each line are fondly remembered by many people who were alive and well in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
5. Party Lines
Shared telephone lines, or party lines, were common in the 50s and 60s. You could use these shared lines to eavesdrop on your neighbors’ conversations, which was a guilty pleasure for some and a frustrating lack of privacy for others.
6. Milkman Deliveries
Today, we have Instacart or Uber Eats to get food delivered to our doors. Back in the 50s, people would have their fresh milk each morning brought to them by the local milkman. The clink of bottles and the early morning greetings are cherished memories for many.
7. Psychedelic Posters and Art
The 60s introduced vibrant, often psychedelic art that decorated many teenagers’ bedrooms. These posters were often bold statements of a cultural revolution. Now, some teenagers still like the neon colors of this artwork, but for the most part, they’re exciting things that only older people know about.
8. TV Dinners
Introduced in the 1950s, TV dinners represented the height of convenience. Eating a meal from a tray while watching a newly bought television was the epitome of modern luxury back in those days. It seems silly since so many of us enjoy our dinners while watching TV now.
9. Roller Disco
The 70s brought in the craze of roller discos. Fluorescent lights and funky music combined to create an unforgettable dance experience, all done on four wheels! Disco is now dead, but you can still find the popular tracks on Spotify.
10. Catalog Shopping
Before the internet, catalog shopping was how many people did their shopping. The excitement of receiving a new Sears or JCPenney catalog, especially before the holiday season, was felt by millions of people.
11. Peace Rallies and Protests
The 60s and 70s were rife with political activism. Attending peace rallies and protests was not just about making a statement but also a rite of passage for many young people during these decades. Hippie chic is still a style trend in the world of fashion.
12. The Walkman Revolution
Introduced at the end of the 70s, the Sony Walkman was a revolutionary device that allowed people to take their music with them wherever they went, changing how people experienced music.
Goodbye to the Golden Era
These exciting things only older people know about may be on the rise once again. Some have even made it onto modern trending lists. For those who lived through these decades, these experiences bring back fond memories and stories they can share with younger generations. Let’s keep the legacy of the “new” 50s, 60s, and 70s alive!
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