The American Dream Exhibit
The American Dream in The 1950's
The idea of The American Dream in the 1950's seemed to be based on the hit TV show Happy Days, a sitcom about teenage white suburban boys who acted like they didn't have a care in the world.
The american Dream for the 50's was that a young man would marry a young women and have three adorable little children. They would live in a cutout house in the suburbs. Each house should have a small tv, an adorable little kitchen, a nice well cut yard, and a white picket fence in the backyard. The family would have a dog named Rover, A three sport star son who never said a swear word named Johnny, and an innocent prom princess named Jenny who would never stay out with a boy later than three. The father would be a strong worker, making money for the family and to teach his son how to play baseball. The mother would be a house wife who would raise the children, clean the house, and tend to her husband once he came home.
Lost In The 50's
Do you remember the vinyl that used to spin 'round
When we danced, at the high school, to the 50's sound?
There was Elvis the king, Buddy Holly, too,
Bill Haley and the Comets; to name just a few.
The girls wore bobbi socks with skirts to their knees,
Hair back in pony tail, and make up to please.
They all looked good while doing their thing,
Up and dancin' while hearing Fats sing.
The guys looked cool, with hair all slicked back;
Brylcream and cologne like, 'Leaders of the Pack'.
The penny loafers, too, with bright shiny pennies ~
Was all they'd hold 'cause we didn't have many.
The restaurant was swarmin', on a Saturday noon.
Coke floats and french fries were all in the boom,
Chocolate sundaes with cherries (topped with whipped cream),
And hoping to meet that king or the queen.
Going to the movies, while out on a date;
The early showing, you dare not be late.
You sat through the movie, just holding hands.
That was 'bout all the parents could stand.
The drive-in movies were special, indeed.
But, to get there, a car was always in need.
If you or a friend could swing such a thing
Then, Elvis took back seat 'cause, you were the king.
Going steady with someone was all the big rave.
While it cost you money, you'd sure have to save.
Allowance was small for a big time kid.
Borrow from your friends is all that you did.
Strings of yarn on a ring was a common sight,
Was the only way the ring would fit tight.
It was worn to say that the true love they'd found
Had best not get caught, if foolin' around.
The hay rides, sleigh rides, and car rides, too;
Hot steamy romance could be waiting for you.
Come Monday morning, we're all back in class;
Wishing that week ends, forever, would last
By: Valentyne Lang
Do you remember the vinyl that used to spin 'round
When we danced, at the high school, to the 50's sound?
There was Elvis the king, Buddy Holly, too,
Bill Haley and the Comets; to name just a few.
The girls wore bobbi socks with skirts to their knees,
Hair back in pony tail, and make up to please.
They all looked good while doing their thing,
Up and dancin' while hearing Fats sing.
The guys looked cool, with hair all slicked back;
Brylcream and cologne like, 'Leaders of the Pack'.
The penny loafers, too, with bright shiny pennies ~
Was all they'd hold 'cause we didn't have many.
The restaurant was swarmin', on a Saturday noon.
Coke floats and french fries were all in the boom,
Chocolate sundaes with cherries (topped with whipped cream),
And hoping to meet that king or the queen.
Going to the movies, while out on a date;
The early showing, you dare not be late.
You sat through the movie, just holding hands.
That was 'bout all the parents could stand.
The drive-in movies were special, indeed.
But, to get there, a car was always in need.
If you or a friend could swing such a thing
Then, Elvis took back seat 'cause, you were the king.
Going steady with someone was all the big rave.
While it cost you money, you'd sure have to save.
Allowance was small for a big time kid.
Borrow from your friends is all that you did.
Strings of yarn on a ring was a common sight,
Was the only way the ring would fit tight.
It was worn to say that the true love they'd found
Had best not get caught, if foolin' around.
The hay rides, sleigh rides, and car rides, too;
Hot steamy romance could be waiting for you.
Come Monday morning, we're all back in class;
Wishing that week ends, forever, would last
By: Valentyne Lang
