Swell Times

The middle nineteen fifties saw American culture continue a transition from the post war era to a new social age driven by technology and consumerism.  America was at peace, jobs were plentiful and the appetite for  consumer products grew ever stronger. It was a time of exuberance marked by opportunity, optimism and the pursuit of the American dream.

The Happy Family published in 1955     

For most people, the American Dream was about home and family.  The combination was the basis for success in America. The idealized nuclear family consisted of Dad with a secure, good-paying job, mom, a  happy homemaker and children, active, well behaved students. The home was new and located in the suburbs.  It was surrounded by a manicured lawn and outfitted with all the modern conveniences; a range, refrigerator, automatic washer and dryer.  A television set sat in the corner of the den and a new car in the driveway.  It was a dream of living the "good life," a world away from the old, gritty city.


As the 1950's was one of the most prosperous economic times in American history, for many folks the American Dream became reality. 






The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air