Exploring Life in the 1950s: A Personal Reflection

Personal reflections on growing up in the 1950s offer a unique window into the cultural, social, and political landscape of an era that often feels distant but was profoundly formative. Born in 1951, I've been fortunate enough to share my memories with others, providing insights into a time that was both challenging and filled with notable innovation. This article delves into the everyday life of a child during the 1950s, highlighting the challenges, joys, and transitions that defined that pivotal decade.

The 1950s and Early Childhood

Life in the 1950s was punctuated by rationing, particularly for staples like butter and meat. Food items such as sausages and very cheap cuts of meat, like mutton flaps, were common. The scarcity of certain foods influenced the way we ate and the values we held.

Education and Social Anxiety

My education began in 1955, a journey that wasn't without its share of fears. I started school a mile away, with my mother walking me initially. However, my experiences at school triggered early signs of social anxiety and autism, setting the tone for future life challenges.

Health and Epidemics

The early 1950s were marked by a polio epidemic. Kids in my school wore calipers and used crutches, a stark reminder of the potential consequences of the disease. In 1955 or 1956, we received the polio vaccine. By 1959, we were given a booster in the form of a sugar cube—an improvement from the previous methods.

Entertainment and Communication

Television arrived in 1954, providing a new form of entertainment. It was a communal experience, with TV shows often aired from 6pm to 11pm. The show "Crusader Rabbit," the first I remember watching, marked a milestone in our young lives. By 1957, we had our own TV at home, a luxury that was soon to become a part of the norm.

Entertainment in the 1950s

The television was a window to the world, but it was also the medium through which we learned to entertain ourselves. The radio played a significant role, as did cinema and theater. My family would often go to the movies on weekends, enjoying the new releases that brought us all together.

Home and Community

The streets in East Victoria Park were made of gravel, and accidents were a common occurrence. Ambulances and fire engines did not have sirens; they had bells instead. Our house was our sanctuary, with a chip heater mounted on the end of the bathtub. Laying in the bath, feet warm from the heater, was a cherished moment of comfort.

Self-Sufficiency and Ingenuity

gode skills were essential. We built our own house, with my mother mixing concrete and making bricks by hand. On weekends, my father would lay the bricks. Bread, milk, meat, and vegetables were delivered by horse and cart, a process that required a lot of manual labor and cooperation. The horse knew its route and walked quietly, while my father ran to and fro, delivering the goods.

Chores and Responsibilities

My first chore was to bring in firewood, a task that required daily effort. The kitchen stove ran from early morning until bedtime, every day of the year. On cold mornings, we sat around the Metters stove, making toast with long forks made from fencing wire. On weekends, we set rabbit traps to supplement our meat supply, and my father fished regularly, often filling a 5-gallon kero tin with prawns in just two passes with the net.

Building and Repairing

I remember the joy of building my first bike with parts found at the rubbish dump, an act of creativity and resourcefulness that has stayed with me. My aunt farmed eggs in East Victoria Park and sold them to the neighborhood, with her clients providing kitchen scraps in return for cheaper eggs. If you wanted chicken for dinner, it often started with an ax, a stark reminder of the realities of life back then.

Technology and Communication

Our first telephone arrived in 1955, a prized possession that occupied pride of place in the hallway. Communication back then was simpler, more direct, and rooted in the community. The lack of instant messaging and social media forced us to rely on face-to-face interactions and letters, which had a lasting impact on my communication skills.

Living Conditions and Routines

Living conditions were modest. The house had a chip heater mounted on the end of the bathtub, and I often used my feet to flick wood into the firebox. My mother's superstitious beliefs and my father's often mean and critical demeanor were part of the backdrop of my childhood. Despite the challenges, my family and community provided a strong support system.

Superstitions and Beliefs

My mother had a multitude of superstitions, believing that eating the white of a watermelon or grapes could lead to death. She trained Jewish mothers to understand the dangers of certain foods. The threat of being sent to the "home" for children born out of wedlock was a reality that many faced, a stern reminder of the social norms of the time.

Social Norms and Expectations

People were often ignorant, uneducated, and superstitious. Religious beliefs and strict moral codes shaped our community. In some instances, the ignorance and superstition were so all-encompassing that they bordered on fear and intimidation. The "home" was a place for children of unmarried mothers, a stark symbol of the societal judgment of that era. There was also a strong sense of community; everyone knew each other, and mutual respect and cooperation were the norm.

The Significance of Schooling and Beyond

Education was a crucial aspect of life in the 1950s. Starting school a mile away and having to walk and ride a bike taught me perseverance and the importance of routine. Early signs of social anxiety were a shared experience for many, a challenge that had to be navigated with the support of family and friends.

Aspirations and Dreams

Despite the challenges, the 1950s were a formative time. The television, television shows, and the excitement of new technologies like my family's first TV came at a time when change was just beginning to take hold. My journey from Australia to London on a budget of 1 pound per day was a testament to the possibilities that lay beyond. Reflecting on this journey, I realize how much I have been shaped by the experiences of my youth, and how much I have to be grateful for.

Conclusion

Life in the 1950s was a mix of hardship and joy, shaped by the unique circumstances of the time. From the challenges of daily life to the joys of innovation and community, the 1950s left an indelible mark on my life and the lives of many others. These memories, often tinged with nostalgia, remind us of the importance of reflecting on the past and understanding the impact it has on our present and future.