1956 — a year defined by the Suez Crisis, Marilyn Monroe making headlines, and Dwight D. Eisenhower dominating politics. But between these significant world events, our parents and grandparents still managed to squeeze in some time for fun. Just take a look at these cute throwback snaps depicting school, dances, and a whole lot more.
From Friday night football to family photos, here are 20 photos of what life looked like for folks in 1956.
1
Tall Girl
“My grandmother, 6'2", and her friend in 1956.”
2
Yee Haw
“My brother, the little cowboy - ~1956.”
3
Soldier On
“My dad when he joined the Marine Corps in 1956.”
4
Serious Storage
“5 MB harddrive being shipped by IBM - 1956.”
5
Family Portraits
“My dad's family photo from 1956.”
6
School House Rock
“My Great Grandmother (center) with some of her friends, Middle School, Illinois, 1956.”
7
Study Session
“Grandpa’s photos from the dorms freshmen year at Purdue University 1956.”
8
Mom and Dad
“My mom turns 85 today. Her and dad circa 1956.”
9
Festive Fun
“Christmas, 1956.”
10
Grad Party
“Class of 1956 high school graduation weekend - Chicago.”
11
Making the Grade
“My mom’s report card from First Grade in 1956.”
12
Window Shopping
“Sears (1956) (From PFS-Fb).”
13
Dad Rock
“1955 or 1956 - My dad’s first guitar. The epitome of cool!”
14
Hats Off
“My dad as a teenager in 1956.”
15
At Home
“My parents, Frank and Jeanne, posing with their 1956 Ford Fairlane, Los Angeles.”
16
Greased Lightnin’
“My Mom, [a] 1956 Greaser.”
17
Homecoming Queen
“School dance, 1956, photo by Wayne Miller.”
18
Runs in the Family
“4 generations of women in 1956, my grandmother is the one holding the baby.”
19
Makes Cents
“Look at these food prices from March 15, 1956 - 49 cents/lb for rib roast; 33 cents/lb for bacon. Where can I borrow a time machine?”
20
Go Team!
“Friday Night Lights, Port Arthur, TX, c. 1956. Photography by Ralph Morse.”
