20 Vintage Photos That Define Life in the 1950s

The 1950s are often remembered as a simpler time, before social media, when most people worked a standard 9-to-5 and family life followed familiar routines. But like any decade, the era had both comforts and challenges.

Though World War II had ended in 1945, its effects lingered well into the '50s. Rationing was still fresh in memory, and many households lacked modern conveniences we take for granted today. Refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions were considered luxuries. Families often bought food daily, and laundry was still washed and dried by hand in many homes.

The workforce also looked very different. Women made up just 30% of workers in the 1950s, compared with over 50% today.

To capture this contrast, we've gathered vintage photos that show what everyday life, leisure, and technology really looked like in that remarkable decade.

Although it may have seemed a bit scandalous at the time, in 1951, a Firestone Car Wash and Dealer held a beauty contest. This contest was to celebrate their 3 millionth car wash and a photographer from Life Magazine showed up to document the event.

Thanks to color we get to see the detail of these glamorous swimsuits which look even more out of place at a car wash than they did in black and white.

While sunbathing in the snow may seem pretty strange today, indoor tanning beds weren't invented until the 1960s. Since spending time indoors was no longer a sign of social status, women had to find a way to tan, even in the winter.

In color, the backdrop to the spot where these ladies have chosen to 'snow bath' looks a little like a painting.

Some of the most dangerous jobs in the 1950s were those that required men to work on top of buildings. While construction jobs are still some of the most dangerous jobs out there, technology has also changed a lot since then.

Now that the color is added, this cityscape contrasts greatly with those of today. There is not a shiny reflective surface in sight.

Even though washers and dryers started to become more popular in the 1950s, not everyone owned one. Additionally, some people still chose to hang their clothes to dry long after automatic dryers were invented.

In black and white this pic looks a bit ridiculous but in color, the bright blue sky is revealed and it looks like a great drying day.

Before most people owned a car, they would walk into town to go to the store. As more families moved into the suburbs, shopping malls and complexes provided a place for people to do all their shopping at once.

In color, it looks as if this Dad has fallen asleep by a vegetable patch.

Drive-in theaters gained popularity during the 1950s, but big-screen cinema was also taking off to compete with TV. Movie theaters had to create an experience that people couldn't get at home.

Color reveals this was a bright day and details of the smart outfits – including a lot of hats.

While modern business owners record the financial side of their businesses digitally, those running a business in the 1950s didn't have that luxury. Here, a businessman balances his accounts by hand.

Loads of warmth are added to this image by the color, and the beauty of the woodgrain of the desk and filing cabinets is revealed.

Leisure time looked different in the 1950s. One of the ways people enjoyed time together was playing cards or board games at home.

In color, your eye is drawn to the formal dresses these ladies are wearing – and the very ornate wallpaper.

Once World War II was over, manufacturers started focusing on consumer goods again. The United States became the largest manufacturer of automobiles with companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.

Even with color added, these cars are all the same. Clearly, there was little choice of car color in those days.

Prior to the 1950s, more people traveled by train than they did by plane. This changed in the 1950s as new technology emerged and flights became less expensive.

Now that this scene is in color, you cannot help but make comparisons with modern transport. This looks very luxurious and comfortable.

Although they existed before the 1950s, comic books became popular among children during this time. After the release of "Superman" in 1938, many other spin-offs were made. Here, a group of boys enjoy reading comics in a drugstore.

In full color you can appreciate why these kids are drawn to the comics.

In today's world, we think of drugstores like Walgreens or CVS as a place to pick up prescriptions or grab a few convenience items. In the 1950s, drugstores were completely different and many had food or soda counters where you could buy lunch or a sweet treat.

Even though it became more common in the 1950s for families to own a car, traveling by train was common. It made traveling long distances more efficient before construction began on Interstate Highways. Here, people are enjoying a meal in the the dining car of a train.

Even though it became more common in the 1950s for families to own a car, traveling by train was common. It made traveling long distances more efficient before construction began on Interstate Highways. Here, people are enjoying a meal in the the dining car of a train.

Gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931 in response to the Great Depression. The 1950s is when tourists started to flock to Las Vegas to gamble at places like The Mint Casino.

Thanks to the added color we can see that slot machines were much more understated in the 1950s.

Convertibles became increasingly popular after World War II. By 1950, all car manufacturers had their own version of a convertible. In this photograph, a group of teenagers enjoys a ride with the top down.

So much warmth and joy is added to this scene by the color, it immediately looks like a lot more fun.

While maps may seem like a thing of the past, they were the only way to get around before the invention of GPS devices. Here, a couple looks at a map in their convertible to figure out which way to go.

The interior colors of this car are gorgeous – and the lady is wearing a matching outfit.

Much like today, people enjoyed social time in pubs or bars. However, the scene at local bars was different than what you might see nowadays. Bars in the 1950s usually attracted a more sophisticated crowd.

The color reveals what this gent may be drinking – it looks too clear for whiskey, perhaps it is vodka?

The concept of a steam bath is not a new invention. Steam houses have existed since early Roman times, but these baths became popular in the US during the 1950s. Here, a woman relaxes in a 1950s-style steam cabinet.

Now we can see that much of this cabinet is made of wood – with some metal trimming.

While going fishing, a man uses newspapers to protect himself from the wind. Windbreakers, which serve the same purpose as the newspapers in this picture, weren't popular until the 1970s.(Don't miss 33 Photos That Show What Life Was Like in the 1960s.)

Color doesn't make this scene look any less strange. If anything, it just adds to the weirdness!