Baby boomers have witnessed incredible changes over their lifetim and are also America’s largest generation, with a peak of 79 million boomers in the U.S. in 1999. No wonder they’ve had a remarkable influence over the current culture.
From important events in the ’60s and ’70s to innovations in communication, technology and media, they’ve seen it all. To begin:
Tuning into ‘I Love Lucy’
On air from 1951 to 1957, Lucille Ball won the hearts of viewers as Lucy Ricardo, a middle-class housewife always involved hilarious antics and charmingly sticky situations.
The sitcom aired from 1957 to 1960 with 13 one-hour specials, dubbed The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show, and later on as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, in reruns.
S&H Green Stamps
Deciding what to do with a book of S&H Green Stamps was a time consuming decision since it was a big choice to make.
How about a new set of dishes? A toy guitar perhaps?
The S&H catalog was a treasure trove of options for many back then.
Driving into the movies
Drive-in movies will always be a nostalgic symbol across all generations, but only boomers remember this wonderful experience in its golden age.
Did anyone remember watching The Pink Panther or the original Parent Trap from their car?
Please bring these back.
Taking part in Beatlemania
If you remember the 1960s frenzy known as “Beatlemania” as a participant and fan, then you’re most definitely a boomer.
The Beatles shot into global superstardom around 1963, and the band’s then-unprecedented fan base is still an icon of the era.
Got those old records somewhere?
Following the Loving v. Virginia court case
Kids today might never realize that there were once laws banning interracial marriage, but that was the case then, until Mildred and Richard Loving took theirs all the way to the Supreme Court in 1967.
And so today, Loving Day is celebrated on June 12 as a means to commemorate the end of anti-miscegenation laws.
Never stand in the way of love.
Watching ‘Wide World of Sports’
ABC’s Wide World of Sports had to be one of the most sensational TV of the day.
In this episode which aired on February 5, 1976, two-wheeled daredevil Evel Knievel pulled off one of his famous jumps.
It can be argued that he was a sort of founding father of the X-Games.
Witnessing the ‘Miracle on Ice’
The 2004 Disney movie Miracle may give younger generations a recap of the story, but there was nothing like seeing the “Miracle on Ice” happen in real time.
It happened on February 22, 1980, when the U.S. hockey team beat the then-untouchable Soviet Union team in the semifinals of the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
Watching the wild west world of ‘Bonanza’
Bonanza was a sensation back then because it was one of the first television programs people could watch in color.
All you had to do was to befriend someone with color TV.
Just bring some chips and there you go.
Getting your mail twice a day
For the early boomers, you may recall seeing the postman more often than they do.
USPS says that mail carriers delivered to residential homes twice a day up until around 1950.
Those guys must have been lean and fit.
Marveling at electronic calculators
It is unbelievable how far technology has come.
Back in the day, electronic calculators were all the rage since they promised to make “long division” a thing of the past.
The original tool was way clunkier than today’s sleek handheld calculators though.
And now everyone has one in their phones.
Playing with a Howdy Doody doll — and watching his show
Debuting on NBC’s Puppet Playhouse TV show in 1947, the Howdy Doody puppet earned his own show soon after.
It became a household name throughout the ’50s and beyond.
The character’s popularity gave birth to lots of merchandise, including a namesake doll that you probably had or borrowed at some point or another.
Did you have one?
Dialing a rotary phone
It used to take a lot of time to dial someone’s phone number, especially if the number had a lot of nines or zeroes.
It’s a safe bet that people born after the baby boomer generation have only vague ideas on how to dial a rotary phone.
One mistake and you start all over.
Smoking on airplanes
Air travel has changed so much, but baby boomers remember when you could smoke on airplanes.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that smoking on airplanes was totally banned for many obvious reasons.
Looking something up in an encyclopedia
Before the internet and smartphones had us tapping for answers with our fingertips, people had to find the information they needed in an encyclopedia.
The set would often be sold to the family by a door-to-door salesman, himself another relic of the distant past.
Imagine lugging those around.
Clipping baseball cards to your bike spokes
The purpose of these was because they made the most satisfying noise when you rode down the street at speed.
Probably annoyed some neighbors but hey, they rode until mom called them home.
Eating Swanson TV dinners
To be fair these types of meals are still around today, but only a few will remember when these were invented.
The first of these Swanson-brand TV dinners were made up of a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, cornbread dressing, frozen peas and sweet potatoes.
Perfect for when you wanted to… watch TV.
Waiting for the milkman to deliver to your house
There was about 30% of milk still delivered to homes in the 1960s. But it used to be the most popular way for families to get their milk.
And even today, there is a small number of households who still have milk delivered to their home.
Seeing the TV channels sign off at the end of the night
It may be unimaginable now in the era of 24-hour TV, but TV channels back then did use to sign off at the end of the evening with graphics like this.
Others would even play the National Anthem to close out the night.
Shopping at the five-and-dime store
Before there was Target, Amazon and Walmart, people had five-and-dime stores where they could buy almost anything.
The first of these stores was created by Woolworths in 1879.
The prices have changed, but there are still a few of these you can shop at.
Watching ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’
Fact: Mary Tyler Moore made history by becoming one of the first women on TV to wear pants.
It was scandalous for their time so producers limited her to one pants-wearing scene per episode.
How far we’ve come, and how things have changed.
Talking to an operator
Today’s generation probably don’t know that you had to dial 0 then talk to a real person to direct your call.
To be fair, it is similar to how some hotels operate, except you get the front desk for whatever it is you need.
Wanting to be as cool as Paul Newman
The younger generations only know Paul Newman as the guy on the pizza or popcorn box from the store, but he was so much more than that.
For baby boomers, Paul Newman was the coolest guy ever. He was a movie star who drove race cars and rode bikes!
Seeing billboards advertising tobacco
Back in the ’60s and ’70s, cigarette advertisements were found everywhere, even on race cars and motorcycles.
Men and women (and kids) knew Joe Camel, the Marlboro Man and the classic Lucky Strike slogan: “It’s toasted.”
But then the public were informed and made aware of the dangers of smoking, so tobacco advertising on billboards were eventually banned.
The signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Some of the baby boomers may have been too young to remember President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Act.
This effectively outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
But they’ve probably experienced the effects of the changes in policy, like the integration of schools and what not.
Eating all kinds of weird Jell-O dishes
In the ’60s, people would put everything in Jell-O. We’re talking ham, salmon, lamb, cottage cheese, fruit, and whatever else they could think of.
Thankfully, this is one trend that has faded. And for the better.
Watching the first season of SNL
The first episode of Saturday Night Live aired on October 11, 1975 with George Carlin was the host.
Some of the show’s first cast members were Chevy Chase, John Belushi and Gilda Radner, who did go on to star in comedies.
The show is still going strong more than 40 years later.
Looking up a number in the phone book
Back in the day, when you wanted to call a friend or a business, you had to flip through the big phone book to find that number.
And you could find numbers from friends to restaurants and hotels in those big old phone books.
Were you listed in the white pages though?
Putting tin foil on the TV antenna
Sure it looked silly, but back in the day, people would really put tin foil on the TV antenna just to boost the signal and hopefully get a clearer picture.
Do you think it worked?
Riding a banana seat bicycle
These children’s bikes were really designed to look like a chopper, with their high handlebars, smaller wheels, and classic banana seat.
Kids must have felt so cool, especially when riding in a group. Way better than spending the day surfing the internet though.
Watching Black athletes protest the National Anthem at the Olympics
Baby boomers will remember this memorable image from the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City.
These are Tommie Smith and John Carlos. They were the first- and third-place winners in the 200-meter race, seen here giving the Black Power salute from the podium.
“If I win I am an American, not a Black American,” Smiths said. “But if I did something bad then they would say ‘a Negro’. We are Black and we are proud of being Black.”
Listening to music on 8-track tapes
The 8-track tape was a popular music format before cassettes took over. Many cars in the 1970s came equipped with 8-track players, making road trips a musical adventure.
Using a typewriter for documents and letters
Typewriters were the go-to device for creating official documents before the age of computers. The rhythmic sound of keys clacking and the bell at the end of each line are nostalgic for many.
The excitement of the moon landing in 1969
When Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon, millions watched in awe on their television sets. It was a monumental achievement that showcased human determination and ingenuity.
Watching the original “Star Trek” series on TV
“Star Trek” introduced viewers to a futuristic universe where space exploration was a norm. Its diverse cast and thought-provoking storylines made it a cultural phenomenon.
Using payphones to make calls while out and about
Before cell phones, payphones were the only way to make calls when away from home. It was common to have a pocketful of change just for making these calls.
The popularity of bell-bottom jeans
Bell-bottoms became a fashion statement in the ’70s, with both men and women sporting them. Their flared design was both stylish and a symbol of the free-spirited era.
The disco era and dancing to the Bee Gees
Disco clubs with their shimmering disco balls became the nightlife hotspot. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” was one of the anthems that defined this dance-centric era.
Watching the Watergate hearings on television
The Watergate scandal was a significant political event that led to President Nixon’s resignation. Families would gather around their TVs, following the hearings and discussing the implications.
The introduction of the Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, quickly became an American icon. Its sleek design and powerful engine made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Listening to vinyl records on a record player
Vinyl records provided a rich, analog sound that many believe hasn’t been replicated by digital formats. Record players, with their spinning discs and needles, were a staple in many households.
Watching Muhammad Ali’s boxing matches
Muhammad Ali was not just a boxing champion but also a charismatic figure who stood up for his beliefs. His matches were events, with fans glued to their screens to watch “The Greatest” in action.
The launch of the first Barbie doll
Barbie, introduced in 1959, became an instant hit, allowing kids to imagine countless stories and careers for her. The doll’s popularity led to a vast range of accessories, playsets, and even friends for Barbie.
Reading “The Catcher in the Rye” in high school
J.D. Salinger’s novel became a rite of passage for many high school students. Its themes of alienation and identity resonated with adolescents searching for their place in the world.
The British Invasion with bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who
The British Invasion brought a fresh wave of music to the U.S., with bands like The Rolling Stones offering a grittier sound. The Who, with their rock operas and energetic performances, also left an indelible mark on the music scene.
Using carbon paper to make copies
Before photocopiers, carbon paper was the way to make duplicate copies of documents. It was a messy process, but essential for businesses and official paperwork.
The popularity of lava lamps and psychedelic posters
Lava lamps, with their mesmerizing blobs of color, became a staple of ’70s decor. Psychedelic posters, often with swirling patterns and bright colors, adorned the walls of many teenagers’ rooms.
Watching the Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show was a variety show that introduced America to a plethora of talents, including The Beatles. Its broad range of acts, from comedians to musicians, made it a Sunday night staple.
The rise of Motown with artists like The Supremes and Marvin Gaye
Motown Records introduced a soulful sound that captivated audiences. Artists like The Supremes and Marvin Gaye produced hits that are still beloved today.
Watching the original “Batman” TV series
The campy “Batman” series of the ’60s, starring Adam West, brought the Caped Crusader to the small screen. Its colorful villains and catchy theme song made it a hit with viewers.
The popularity of platform shoes
Platform shoes, with their thick soles, were a fashion statement of the ’70s. They added height and were often paired with bell-bottom jeans for a complete look.
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy
The assassination of JFK in 1963 was a traumatic event that shook the nation. It marked the end of the era of Camelot and led to a period of introspection and change.
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