Vintage Photos

35 Vintage Photos of 1962

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Black-and-white photo of two men talking behind a diner counter as another man in a hat sits smoking; a staff member stands behind the counter. A coat rack and hanging coat are in the foreground, dividing the scene.
Via Anonymous9192

1962 stood as a year defined by bold change, numerous cultural milestones, and also global tensions that would go on to define an era. From the very peak of the Space Race to a multitude of iconic, unforgettable fashion trends and unforgettable music, the year of 1962 left an unshakable mark on history. This collection of 35 vintage photos will serve to capture the unmistakable spirit of 1962.

1. Two men playing chess in Mykonos in 1962

Two men play chess at a table on a sandy waterfront, with boats, fishing nets, and seaside buildings in the background. One man is making a move while the other watches.
ocava8/via reddit.com

2. Christmas back in 1962

A woman in a floral dress sits on the floor beside a decorated Christmas tree with tinsel and ornaments. Wrapped presents and a bouquet of flowers are arranged around the base of the tree in a warmly lit room.
familiarbig3322/via reddit.com

3. Mom’s bridesmaids holding it down with the grapes, circa 1962

Six women pose for a formal wedding photo; the bride stands in the center in a long white gown and veil, holding a bouquet, surrounded by five bridesmaids in matching short white dresses with bouquets.
jllr/via reddit.com

4. Someone’s grandmother raking leaves by the old family farmhouse, circa 1962

A dirt road lined with autumn trees leads to a white house with a steep roof. A person walks along the road under clear blue skies, with colorful fall leaves scattered on the ground.
mks113/via reddit.com

5. The ole elementary school “duck and cover” drills back in the ’60s were no joke

Children crouch under their desks in a classroom during a drill. Books and supplies are on the desks, and other students are visible seated in the background. The scene appears to be from a mid-20th century school.
anonymous989/via reddit.com

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6. A New York City diner back in 1962

Black-and-white photo of three men behind a diner counter and one man sitting on a stool, all engaged in conversation. A coat rack and coat partially obscure the scene. The setting appears casual and retro.
anonymous921991/via reddit.com

7. Piccadilly Circus, London 1962

A busy city street scene from the mid-20th century features colorful neon billboards and advertisements above pedestrians and vintage cars, including signs for Guinness, BP, Coca-Cola, and Gordon’s Gin.
deleted9019/via reddit.com

8. Hanging at the park in 1962

Three young boys sit on a park bench in the foreground, with two women and a small child blurred in the background. Trees and greenery fill the background. The mood appears casual and relaxed.
notbob1959/via reddit.com

9. Someone’s dad looking like a stud back in 1962

A man wearing a jacket stands outside holding a baby wrapped in a blanket. Behind him is a building with horizontal siding, a mailbox, and a sign reading "KXOL." The photo appears to be old and in black and white.
deleted99/via reddit.com

10. First communion, 1962

A group of young girls in white dresses, veils, and gloves walk in a line on a sidewalk, likely for a formal event or ceremony. Vintage cars and adults are visible in the background.
anonymous1929/via reddit.com

11. Children at Seattle World’s Fair, 1962

A young boy and girl holding ice cream cones look up and smile, with sunlight on their faces and a red balloon in the background.
mrhistoricalmaniac/via reddit.com

12. A laugh, a snuggle, and a cola in a cabin, circa 1962

A woman in a dress and apron smiles as a man hugs her in a retro-style wooden kitchen with patterned wallpaper, a brick counter, and vintage appliances.
mydoggoldi/via reddit.com

13. You know grandma’s extra cool when she’s going ahead and dying her hair green, circa 1962

A woman in a festive red dress with Santa face pockets stands smiling in a decorated room with holiday decor, including a table covered with a red Christmas tablecloth and a silver Christmas tree.
deleted9191/via reddit.com

14. What a festive scene down in Indianapolis in 1962

Black and white photo of people standing near a bus stop on a snowy street at night, with a large, illuminated Christmas tree in the background and city buildings surrounding the scene.
anonymous1919/via reddit.com

15. Thanksgiving in 1962, Jersey City

A vintage photo of seven people, both adults and children, gathered around a dining table set with plates of food, drinks, and desserts. The group is smiling, and the room is warmly lit with a clock on the wall behind them.
h_camino/via reddit.com

16. Having coffee and cake at the kitchen table in 1962

Four older adults sit around a kitchen table with tea cups, pastries, and a bottle of milk. The kitchen has a vintage refrigerator and patterned curtains. The mood appears relaxed and social.
deletedd9191/via reddit.com

17. Well, that pilot just ejected from the plane, circa 1962

A black-and-white photo shows a man on a tractor looking up as a military plane crashes nose-first in the sky above, trailing smoke and debris over a rural landscape.
deleted89191/via reddit.com

18. Stockholm Central Station in 1962

Busy indoor train station in black and white with people walking, a staircase, large windows, a clock, and a sign for Café Norr. Some people stand, others walk, and several are visible on an upper balcony.
mjomark/via reddit.com

19. Oxford Street, London, England, 1962

A busy city street scene with several red double-decker buses, crowded sidewalks with pedestrians, and various cars, including a blue sports car in the foreground. The buildings are tall and urban in style.
mrhistoricalmaniac/via reddit.com

20. 1962, Tokyo, Japan

Train station staff in uniforms push passengers into a crowded train car, helping them fit inside before the doors close. The platform is filled with several staff members assisting along the length of the train.
deleted8181/via reddit.com

21. Polio vaccine sugar cubes, 1962

A young child with short curly hair eats sugar cubes from a tray, looking directly at the camera with wide eyes. The image is in black and white, and people are blurred in the background.
anonymous9191/via reddit.com

22. Someone’s grandparents with their first TV in Belgium in 1962

A man and woman stand beside an old-fashioned TV in a vintage living room, while a young child in a cowboy hat sits on the floor, smiling and holding a toy. The room has patterned wallpaper and framed photos.
yonline/via reddit.com

23. Chicago in 1962

Three women walk on a city street; the woman in front wears a large pink flower hat, fur stole, white gloves, and holds newspapers. The background shows a building and an electric sign.
deleted/via reddit.com

24. A nice stroll along the International Promenade at Pacific Ocean Park, 1962

A man and a young girl walk hand in hand down a colorful, festive street lined with flags and banners, with a domed building and various storefronts visible in the background under a blue sky.
meundermatter/via reddit.com

25. Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia, 1962

A vintage green tram with passengers boarding in front of ornate, historic buildings on a lively city street lined with parked cars and trees.
hjuggernaut/via reddit.com

26. Back in Whitehall, London, 1962

A lone protester sits on the street facing a group of British police officers standing in a row, blocking the road. The protester holds a sign, and the officers wear long coats and helmets. The scene appears tense and serious.
deleted/via reddit.com

27. Hanging out in the Mercury Spacecraft, 1962

Young child sits inside a cardboard play rocket with illustrated control panels, wearing a paper astronaut helmet and smiling. The scene evokes imaginative play and space exploration.
jkastnerphoto/via reddit.com

28. A beautiful Thanksgiving moment in 1962

A family and two women dressed as nurses or nuns sit around a dining table with flowers, candles, and food, posing for a portrait in a warmly lit, wood-paneled room.
m33gs/via reddit.com

29. Portland, Oregon, 1962

Black and white photo of heavy traffic on a multi-lane highway in Seattle, with 1960s-era cars, large road signs, and city buildings in the background. A billboard advertises Ford and a bird food brand.
hjuggernaut/via reddit.com

30. A couple in a restaurant back in 1962

An older man and woman hold hands while dancing in a vintage bar, with a jukebox, a “No Dancing” sign, and retro posters visible in the background.
catinmyshoe/via reddit.com

31. Inspecting Polaroids at a school dance, 1962

A group of people in formal attire gather around a table, closely examining black-and-white photographs spread out on a white tablecloth during an indoor social event.
ipostonthursdays/via reddit.com

32. An elderly man holding a baby for a beautiful moment, circa 1962

An elderly man in a suit and hat sits on the grass, cradling a baby in his arms and smiling warmly at the child on a sunny day. A vintage car and trees are visible in the blurred background.
eam229834/via reddit.com

33. Roosevelt High School on parade, 1962

A group of cheerleaders in matching uniforms stand in a row on a parade float, each with a letter on their top spelling "ROOSEVELT," with a brick building and crowd in the background.
gagator43/via reddit.com

34. Someone’s dad at his end of year 6th grade dance, in California, 1962

Six children dressed formally, standing in pairs and dancing. The boys wear suits and the girls wear dresses. They are inside, posing in a line, with a wooden wall behind them. The image is black and white.
adinfinitumultra/via reddit.com

35. Now that’s a proper ride for the year of 1962

A man in a plaid shirt and dark pants sits on the hood of a vintage car parked on a suburban street, with houses and another classic car visible in the background.
mydoggoldi/via reddit.com

Explore more vintage content:

These captivating vintage photos of 1962 offer a glimpse into a world shaped by cultural shifts, iconic fashion, and unforgettable historical moments. From everyday life to the defining events of the decade, they reflect an era that continues to influence society today. If you enjoyed this look back, be sure to explore our collection of 35 Vintage Photos Of The Early 1960s and 35 Vintage Photos of the Early to the Mid-1960s for even more timeless imagery.

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Meet the Writer


Matt Staff

Matt has spent over the last 8 years as both a writer and editor, working in Seattle and Brooklyn, where he is now based. He loves escaping the tirelessly fast pace of the “Mad Apple” that is NYC by taking walks and runs through parks where he’s able to catch up on the latest tea about society from the city’s ever chatty, always hungry, occasionally maniacal, pigeons. They always have a lot to say. When he’s not taking his urban nature strolls, or dutifully combing the deepest rabbit holes of the internet to find the content that’s worth sinking your mind’s teeth into, he’s likely holed up at a dark-lit dive bar with a new book and/or some friends, or just as easily he could be on the hunt for the next addition to his steadily growing plant family.

These days Matt’s caught up in trying to provide folks as many vivid glimpses into the days long since passed as he can, through fun and engaging collections of hand-picked vintage photos.



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