Though most photos from 1948 may have been snapped in black and white, the world was just as vivid 76 years ago as it is today. But don’t take our word for it — just ask the fine folks who were photographed shooting hoops, flaunting their rides, and simply soaking up the summer sun during the decade’s penultimate year.
From days by the beach to photos of newlyweds enjoying their honeymoons, here are 20 photos of what life looked like in 1948.
1
“1948 Detroit. My mom is on the far right.”
“My cousin Mary Lou (second from right) on her wedding day. They were going to the reception. The Best Man (Joseph) on the far left.The groom( Herbert) next to him. The priest's name I don't know. My mom was 18. Mary Lou is the only one with us today. She is 94 with severe Dementia.”
2
Senior Snaps
“1948 My Mom's High School Graduation picture...photographer wanted a Joan Crawford look (Mom turns 92 this week).”
3
Beach Day
“My grandparents, high school sweethearts, in Brighton Beach 1948.”
4
Grandpa Chic
“My grandpa in 1948 looking like a total model.”
5
Honeymoon Snaps
“My grandmother, Grandma Barbara. This photo is from her honeymoon in 1948.”
6
New York Nights
“1948 Times Square NYC in color. I found this negative at a flea market.”
7
Date Night
“My grandparents on a date in 1948 (Lucedale, Miss.).”
8
Summer Snaps
“My grandma, August 1948, age 24.”
9
Pretty Portraits
“My grandpa around 1948 Mexico.”
10
Just Married
“My grandparents wedding pictures (and on their honeymoon) - 1948.”
11
Brooklyn Baby
“My grandmother, wearing pants and a T-shirt, while on an early date with my grandfather; Brooklyn, 1948.”
12
Chimney Sweeps
“My grandfather(left) and a friend of his in front of the Central Station in Hamburg, Germany. He was a chimney sweeper. This picture was taken in 1948.”
13
Flying Circus
“My grandparents on the Ringling Circus in 1948. He fought in WWII, did flying trapeze, and later became a clown. She was an aerialist and showgirl and later became a realtor and landlord. I'll never be this cool.”
14
Summer Days
“My grandparents in 1948, shortly after eloping at 17. They were married for over 60 years.”
15
Lovergirl
“My grandma in Hawaii in 1948 with a note in the bottom right corner ‘to my dreamboat husband, from his little Geologist - Dec. ‘48.’”
16
Ballin’ Out
“My grandfather Robert in 1948 as a member of the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball League.”
17
Ford in Focus
“My Dad's first car, a 1939 Ford. He bought it with his own money that he earned farming (and drove it daily). He was 11 when he bought it, so this photo was taken in 1948.”
18
Ready For Some Football
“My dad, 1948, senior in high school.”
19
Well-Suited
“My father's graduation photo 1948.”
20
Good Sports
“1947/1948 everyone gets a nickname on the southside of Chicago.”
