6 Focus
December 20.1996 Gryphon
In the beginning,
there was the Dairy Bar, a local malt shop, 10 cent bags of fries, hot
dogs, scarves around girls’ necks, v-necks for guys, rock and roll mu
sic, Chuck Berry, trips to the theaters and drive-ins and, of course the
famous poodle skirts.
These were the sights, sounds, and tastes of the proven by countless surveys. These elements have
1950's. As Rocky Mount reached the level of a city, changed in drastic measures however from the swing-
it's inhabitants were caught up in the fads and crazes ing '50s to the turning point '60s, to the polyester disco
that swept the nation. This was the beginning of the '70s, to the fashion-driven '80s to now, the diversified
long road that took being a teenager from '90s.
"teenybopping down the lane" to "surfing the main- As all of us approach the 21st Century, it helps to
stream" of today. take a look back at where we've been as teenagers, so
Four major elements take an effect on the evolution that we can better understand where our children, and
of teenage culture. Clothing, music, food, and dating our freshmen, are going,
have long been the major concerns of most teens as As Bob Dylan said so long ago...
Then and Now
1996- Music reaches new hights with talents of art
ists such as Bonethugs and Harmony, and Stone
Temple Pilots
1996- Levis and Guess jeans rule the pants of today while
a mixture of high-fashion shirts and retro styles charac
terize the upper half.
1996- Dating spreads out into many forms or fashions.
Sporting events are big, as are the movies and the mall.
1996- Health foods and bottled water hit big, with
junk food in a close second.
Stories by Ashley Avery, Jim Bonomo, Ben Clack, Sarah Johnson, Jennifer Joyner
Design by Jim Bonomo
Music
Clothes
Dating
Food
1970- Motown movement spawns disco,
and a sweeping fad with bands such as
Chic and The VUlage People
1980- British Knights hit the market as the
hot shoes and blue jean jackets with "hot
pants" colorize the streets.
1950- The ideal date involves a drive to the
Center or Cameo Theaters in downtown
Rocky Mount, or the Tower Drive-in.
"Cruising the Dairy Bar" is also popular.
1960- Moonpies are the big craze along with
hamburgers.