Going Home to the Fifties

With the postwar economic boom, a vast middle class emerged. Suburbs exploded across the country, and the new industrial complex cranked out cars, appliances, and home furnishings in record numbers. Here is an idealized neighborhood of the period, with schools, roads, and commuter trains to the homes, kitchens, and backyards — all drawn from the fantasy worlds created by advertising. Color photos and illustrations are featured in this presentation of the ideal of 1950s suburban living. From houses to cars, to individual rooms and lawns, an entire industry was created to instruct a newlycreated middle class on what ideal living should be.

Bill Yenne is the author of more than two dozen books, most on historical topics. He lives in San Francisco.