Defined by the end of World War II and the beginnings of a shiny new decade, 1950 was a year defined by change. Just ask the Baby Boomers who came of age during the transformative year ... and the photographers there to catch it all on film.
From glimpses at the Korean War to a young Julia Child enjoying a smoke, here are 15 photos of what life looked like in 1950.
1
Future Plans
“Life before AutoCAD - Urban Designers in the 1950’s.”
2
A Painful Past
“North Carolina (Segregation fountain), 1950.”
3
Goal!
“The 1950 FIFA World Cup Final between Brazil and Uruguay in the Maracanã stadium. Spectated officially by 173,850 people and possibly by over 200,000, this remains the most-attended football match ever. “
4
Kiss and Go
“Korean War Goodbye Kiss, Los Angeles, Sept. 6, 1950.”
5
Soup’s Up!
“School lunch, Finland, 1950.”
6
Fun and Games
“Boy 'playing' with Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab (c. 1950).”
7
A Storm’s Coming …
This November 1950 map shows the path of the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950.
8
Under Construction
A gutted White House as seen during its 1950 renovation under then-President Harry Truman.
9
Buckle Up …
“Safety was not well thought out in the 1950’s.”
10
Movie Stars
Hedy Lamarr and Victor Mature appear in their titular roles for 1949’s “Samson and Delilah,” 1950’s most profitable film.
11
Cinderella, Cinderella
An advertisement promoting Disney’s “Cinderella,” which hit theaters across the nation in March 1950.
12
Out of the Kitchen
Legendary chef Julia Child enjoys a cigarette, 1950.
13
School Snaps
“My grandpa in his high school photo circa 1950.”
14
Sailor Smiles
“My grandfather (right) on a destroyer... off the coast of Panama - 1950.”
15
Kodachrome Kool
“My Grandparents, early 1950's, Basement Bathing Suite Photo Shoot on Kodachrome”
