Family traditions in the 1950s were a lot tougher and more hands-on than what we’re used to today. Back then, families took pride in doing things themselves, whether it was fixing their own cars, preserving food, or simply spending quality time together without the distractions of modern technology. Life in the ’50s revolved around hard work and self-reliance. People didn’t rely on takeout or store-bought solutions, they made do with what they had, often creating their own fun along the way.
These traditions were more than just practical, they were about building memories, strengthening family bonds, and fostering a sense of accomplishment in daily life. While many of these practices have faded in today’s fast-paced world, they offer a glimpse into a simpler, more connected time. Here are 20 family traditions from the 1950s that have become rare in today’s world.
1. Doing our own vehicle maintenance
Our ancestors from the ’50s would be thoroughly disappointed to know that we pay to get our oil changed. Back in the day, people did almost all of the work on their cars.
2. Making homemade jellies and jams
Families in the ’50s preserved fruits by making them into jelly or jams. This ensured that the family would have fresh-tasting homegrown fruits year-round.
3. Community barn dances
In the 1950s, rural towns often hosted community dances organized by local families. These gatherings were a cherished tradition, usually held in barns or other large, open spaces that could accommodate everyone. The dances were not just about the music and the dancing but served as an essential social event where neighbors could come together, share stories, and build connections.
4. Road trips in station wagons
Who remembers those long road trips with the entire family packed into one car? Today, it’s more common to fly across the country rather than drive.
5. Doing your own plumbing
In the ’50s, if you had a leaky faucet, you weren’t going to call someone to come fix it for you. Instead, you’d roll up your sleeves, grab a wrench, and get to work yourself. This was a time when people took pride in their ability to handle small repairs around the house.
6. Canning vegetables
Food is often a family’s biggest expense, and it was the same way in the ’50s. Teaching your children to be self-sustainable and well-fed during winter months is a pastime we shouldn’t abandon.
7. Making our own clothes
Many families would sew clothes together to provide cheaper clothing options for the family. Fabrics were much cheaper than buying clothes that were already made, and sewing machines were a staple in many households.
8. Tending to a victory garden
Many families had their own gardens to grow fruits and vegetables, especially in post-WWII years. This was both a practical and symbolic tradition of self-reliance.
9. Hand-written thank yous
It used to be common to send handwritten thank-you notes for gifts and favors. This tradition emphasized the importance of good manners but has strangely gone out of style. If you really want to show someone your appreciation for something, send them a handwritten thank you.
10. Fixing our own clothes
In today’s day in age with virtually everything at our fingertips, it is common to throw clothing away when it gets a small tear in it. But in the ’50s, you could either wear it torn or fix it yourself.
11. Visiting local farms for fresh milk and eggs
Many families would buy whatever they could from local farmers. This helped support local businesses and ensured access to fresh, unprocessed food.
12. Stovetop popcorn
I’d be very surprised if any kids today knew how to make stovetop popcorn. Making homemade popcorn was a fun and exciting event for families before game night or a trip to the drive-in.
13. Reading the newspaper as a family
At breakfast, parents would share current events from the newspaper with their kids to keep them up to date on current events, and if you were lucky, you could snag the comic section before you left for school.
14. Listening to the radio together
Televisions just started to become popular in households in the late 1950s, so many families relied on the radio for their entertainment. Shows like “The Jack Benny Program” and “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show” kept the people of America entertained.
15. Listening to vinyls
The current vinyl form was released in 1948, so it was a fairly new technology for people in the ’50s. Gathering with friends and family to listen to your favorite albums is a pastime that has sadly faded away.
16. Making homemade gifts
Rather than buying presents, families often gave homemade gifts, such as knitted scarves or baked goods. These thoughtful, handcrafted items made the holidays feel more personal and meaningful.
17. Family photo albums
Families used to carefully organize photographs into albums with handwritten notes detailing the story of each photo. With the rise of the smartphone, now we have entire photo albums in our pockets, unfortunately without the lovely handwritten notes.
18. Handwritten recipes
Cooking was a family affair, and trying to recreate your mother’s special dish was hard without her specific instructions on how to get it right. If you have the ability, have your loved ones write down the specifics of their homemade dishes.
19. Churning butter
Can you believe families used to churn their own butter? In rural towns it wasn’t just a chore, it was an event that children often enjoyed and participated in. Learning the art of buttermaking was a fun and exciting way for kids to spend the day.
20. Building furniture
Families used to craft their own furniture, often by hand, as a way to save money and add a personal touch to their homes. This furniture may not have looked as nice as the store-bought stuff, but it had a whole lot more personality.
