15 Popular Things from the 50s and 60s That Have Faded From Memory 

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The world changes fast. Remember the excitement of a brand-new flip phone? Today, it feels like ancient technology. The same goes for many things from the not-so-distant past. From the familiar clunk of rotary phones to the vibrant social scene of soda fountains, explore 15 relics of the past that have faded from our daily routines. This glimpse into a bygone era will show you just how much (or how little) technology and culture have transformed in just a few decades.

Jukeboxes

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The presence of new technology has indeed changed how we listen to music. People have dumped the traditional jukeboxes for smartphones and digital streaming platforms. Besides being more convenient, they have a wider range for users to select from. These jukeboxes were once popular in bars and restaurants, but they now trigger nostalgia with almost no use as a primary source of music entertainment.

Rotary Phones

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Nowadays, most phones are touchscreens or have buttons that you can press to make a call. They are much faster and easier to use than rotary phones, which you have to spin, punch, and rotate before dialing a number!

Milk Delivery Service

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Many people used to rely on milk delivery services, but it has become less common in today’s world, with supermarkets at every corner and online grocery delivery services right on our palms. These are more convenient because rather than receiving milk in one delivery, people can buy other groceries at once. Also, many believe milk delivery is more expensive than walking into the nearest store.

Drive-In Theaters

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Watching movies in a drive-in theater is like having a big outdoor movie night in your car. It used to be a really popular way for families and friends to enjoy movies together. But over time, things changed. With advancements in technology, like TVs and streaming services, people started watching movies more at home or in regular theaters. This convenience made drive-in theaters less popular; Statista reports say at the end of 2020, there were only 549 drive-in theaters compared to the abundant 848 in 1995.

Full-Service Gas Stations

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Back then, when a driver pulled into a full-service gas station, an attendant would inquire about the type and amount of fuel needed and proceed to fill the tank. They would also offer to check the vehicle’s tire pressure, clean the windshield, check the oil level, and perform other minor maintenance tasks in exchange for direct payment. These days, gas stations have switched to self-service to save time and money by allowing customers to fill their tanks themselves. 

Vacuum Tube Technology

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As early electronic devices, such as radios, televisions, and computers, vacuum tube technology was used in the 1960s, but it was large, fragile, and consumed more power than today’s transistors and integrated circuits. Furthermore, vacuum tubes were susceptible to heat and were extremely expensive. Naturally, with advancements, transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits replaced vacuum tubes.

Typewriters

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For many years, typewriters were the main tools for writing and creating documents before computers and word processors took their place. They had a limited typing speed based on the user’s proficiency, mechanical limitations, and the need to set the paper and carriage manually. In contrast, computers are much faster due to features like auto-correct, spell check, and the ease of editing and revising text. Also, people don’t have to deal with replacing ribbons and fixing jammed keys.

Slide Rules

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In the ’50s and ’60s, slide rules were the main tool for math calculations, and engineers used them to solve complicated real-world problems. However, many people dumped them when electronic calculators came around in the 1970s to make things faster and more convenient. They produced accurate results with far more ease than slide rules, which required manual manipulation and mathematical knowledge.

Cigarette Advertising on TV

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In the US, the last cigarette ad on television was broadcast in January 1971, before legislation banned such advertisements. At the time, the media painted smoking in the wrong light, using catchy phrases and famous ad campaigns to reel in sales. This move was a significant step in reducing their prevalence on TV, promoting public health, and educating more people on the harmful effects of smoking.

Manual Lawn Mowers

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People stopped using manual lawnmowers because gas-powered versions were more convenient and efficient. It was easy for many people to switch from these machines, which required physical effort to push and operate. Besides, the ones with motors for cutting are faster, easier to use, and can clear bigger lawns. 

Petticoats

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Women wore petticoats under skirts and dresses to add volume and structure. However, with changes in fashion trends and clothing styles over time, petticoats have become less necessary. Since modern trends are more casual for easier movement, women now prefer lightweight clothing. These days, petticoats are used as special costumes or worn in fashion shows for vintage wear.

Cold War Bomb Shelters

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During the Cold War, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union led to nuclear war threats, and the US responded by building Cold War bomb shelters. These structures were meant to protect Americans when attacked by the atomic bombs of their enemies. Thankfully, they weren’t needed because tensions eased between the two superpowers.

8-Track Tapes

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8-track tapes were popular in the 1960s and 1970s for playing music in cars and homes. However, their popularity declined in the late 1970s with the introduction of cassette tapes, which offered better sound quality and were more compact. Today, 8-track tapes are unnecessary and are primarily collector’s items for people who love vintage audio technology.

Mimeograph Machines

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These machines were the forerunners of printing technology popular in the mid-20th century for creating multiple copies of documents through a stencil and ink process. However, as photocopiers, printers, and digital technologies improved over time, people no longer needed to use mimeographs. They were slow, slow, and expensive compared to printers with faster speeds, better quality, easier operation, and more convenience for producing multiple copies of documents.

Soda Fountains

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Back in the ’50s and ’60s, you could find soda fountains in almost every mall, restaurant, convenience store, and movie theater. They attracted young people who wanted to gather around and enjoy custom-made drinks. Customers could even mix and match flavors to create their distinct beverages. However, they fell out of favor due to health concerns related to sugary drinks or the desire to avoid processed beverages.

Written by grayson