1950's and 60's History

Life back in the 1950’s was much different than it is today. In the 1950’s, some school children were put through air raid practice, much the same way that they are put through a fire drill now, so that they would know what to do if a bomb fell on their city. It was a time of the birth of rock and roll, the birth of the space race, and the birth of modern technology as we know it. In the 1950’s, family was the priority, and drive by shootings just didn’t happen. It was a simple time, with simple ideals and simple pleasures, like vintage candy.

Buying Candy

Almost anyone who grew up in the 1950’s has memories of going to the local grocery or corner store to purchase candy. The inexpensive candies, like tootsie rolls and atomic fire balls, were purchased for a penny each. Many children would purchase a bag full of candy and would either give some to their friends, or would stash it away for a rainy day. But why was this vintage candy so important? What made candy so wonderful back in the 1950’s?

Simple Pleasures

In the 1950’s, not every home had a television. Televisions were still in the process of becoming a mainstream idea, and it was only available in black and white. There was no such thing as video games or cell phones. Children had to amuse themselves, and they did so extremely well! They made up games such as stick ball and kick the can. They played games of hide and seek until the sun set. Most children in the house were responsible for specific chores, which had to be done before play time could begin. Commercialized treats, such as the candy we now think of as “vintage” candy, became one way to escape the normal, every day world that the children lived in.

Types of Candy

There were a number of different types of candies available to purchase in the 1950’s. One classic type of vintage candy was the Atomic Fireball. This candy was invented in 1954 and quickly became one of the most popular types of candy in the candy store. It is extremely spicy and many children began challenging each other to see who could eat the most in one setting. The spiciness in the atomic fireball comes from a large amount of cinnamon, which, when used sparingly brings a sweet taste, but when used in large quantities gives a hot flavoring.

Candy Cigarettes were another type of vintage candy that was popular in the 1950’s. Now, however, you will not find this type of candy on any store because some believe that it encourages children to smoke at a young age. Candy cigarettes are generally made of sugar and bubblegum and many let out a “smoke” when a child blows into it.

Candy was extremely important in the 1950’s, much more so than it is today, because it was appreciated for the little escape that it could provide. Like many say: “everything was better in the ‘50’s”.