1950 – The Baby Boomer Journey
Babies born in 1950 would be 76 years old at some point in 2026. I turned 4 years old in January. In September I started kindergarten. That’s about the time I first remember hearing the periodic, very loud air raid sirens used during civil defense drills.
On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, marking the beginning of the Korean War. The conflict quickly became an international war, with United Nations forces led by the United States supporting South Korea and Communist China later entering the war in support of North Korea. The Soviet Union provided important support to North Korea. The war became one of the defining conflicts of the early Cold War and intensified Cold War tensions.
Polio was one of the greatest fears facing American families in 1950. Every summer, parents worried that a simple trip to the swimming pool or playground might expose their children to the disease. Schools and public places sometimes closed during outbreaks, and newspapers regularly reported new cases. The successful development of the polio vaccine just a few years later brought enormous relief and became one of the greatest medical achievements of the twentieth century.
While many Americans were enjoying the prosperity of the postwar economy, 1950 also brought uncertainty. Families watched the evening news for updates from Korea, and parents worried about the continuing threat of polio. At the same time, new homes, automobiles, televisions and household appliances symbolized a rapidly changing American way of life.
On November 4, 1950, the European Convention on Human Rights was signed in Rome, reflecting the postwar movement toward protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. Here in America, the Civil Rights Movement continued to gain momentum.
Cinderella was Walt Disney’s first major animated hit after World War II. All About Eve, starring Bette Davis, was one of the year’s most acclaimed films and later won the Academy Award for Best Picture. On TV, The Lone Ranger was one of television’s first Western hits and The Ed Sullivan Show was America’s favorite Sunday-night variety program. On Broadway, Guys and Dolls opened and South Pacific continued its hugely successful Broadway run. Popular songs of 1950 included Goodnight, Irene by The Weavers, Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole, The Tennessee Waltz by Patti Page, Harbor Lights by Sammy Kaye and Music! Music! Music! by Teresa Brewer.
Ballroom dancing remained America’s favorite while the jitterbug was still very popular. Square dancing and Latin dances such as the rumba, mambo and samba were also gaining in popularity. Among children’s favorites were ice cream cones, banana splits, root beer floats, chocolate malts, milkshakes and homemade cookies. I remember going to our local neighborhood market and getting an ice cream cone for a nickel. Back then they only had three flavors: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Eventually, they got Maple Nut, and that became my favorite. Still is—when I can find it.
Do you have a memory you would like to share? Join the conversation at Share Your Baby Boomer Memories and tell us what you remember.