Gryphon
Focus 7
December 20, 1996
W
are a changing'
From the 1950's to the 1990's, life has
changed drastically for teenagers. A large
part of that transition has been the most
outstanding feature of teenage life, cloth
ing. Music, dating, and food were also
large parts of teenage life. Totally differ
ent modes of being were invented as the
decades wore on. The chronology of teen
life followed a fairly set pattern. About
every' ten to twelve years, society would
do a complete turn around and become
new again.
From the start, fashion was a large part
of life. In the 1952 issue of the Hi-Noc-
Car, the clothing differences arc evident.
Cheerleaders, for example have evolved.
In the '50s long skirts and sweaters (left)
were the uniforms of choice.
In the 1950's the high school girls wore
scarfs around their necks and knee length
skirts. Guys wore button-down shirts, V-
necks, and casual pants. Plaids were
popular as were solids.
The music of the time had just under
gone a transformation from the big band
sound of the '40s to the new medium of
expression, rock and roll. It was, how
ever, shunned by most adults. The mu
sic sported sw inging bass lines and a tight
rhythm section. Artists of the day were
Chuck Berry and Bill Delay.
In the world of dating, many pastimes
awaited couples. In the late 1950's foot
ball games and the dances that followed
them were the most popular date among
high school students. Also, doing home
work was another favored activity.
Brenda Crocker said," We always did our
homework together." Couples would also
often watch programs such as "Bonanza"
on TV.
Foods of the time included fries (sold for
10 cents) shakes, and hot dogs, often sold
at sporting events.
Next, the 1960's came into effect, and
Rocky Mount changed forever. Transi
tions from the earlier '50s look happened
late in the decade almost over night. The
Hippie movement gained steam, and the
tie-dyed shirts and ethnic jewelry took
effect. No longer did every one conform
to one style. There were no rules.
By the mid-'60s rock and roll had a more
commercial appeal. The Beatles sparked
a British invasion that saturated Ameri
can and local culture. Detroit, Michigan
came onto the map as the Motown city,
starting the R and B craze. The late six
ties welcomed artists such as Jimi
Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.
Dating in Rocky Mount during the
1960's was trademarked by going to dif
ferent hang out locations such as the
Goody Shop on Fairview Road. Delores
Joyner, class of 1967, said, "You would
drive up to the Goody Shop... and you
would eat and hang out. From there
people would drive to the Dairy Bar."
Food cravings had evolved to include
hamburgers, pizza, and moonpies, which
were largely popular. Pretzels were also
largely popular.
When the 1970's bit, culture took a
major turn around.
In the '70s the afro rage occurred. Stu
dents who wanted to be in style wore bell
bottoms and platform shoes. Converse
tennis shoes and vests were also popular.
Halter tops, shorts, and "hot pants were
also in style."
Music of the time included disco trends.
Arena rock was a factor with bands such
as Kiss around.
Dating consisted mostly of going to
sporting events and hangouts such as
Sunset Pharmacy.
Another stop on the culinary line, candy
bars hit big in the '70s The choicest candy
bars were Baby Ruths, O' Henrys,
Zagnuts, Squirrel Nuts, Mary Janes, and
Almond Joys.
The 1980, the final stop in history be
fore today saw more changes and molded
society into a close relative of what it is
today.
Clothes consisted of a jean jacket, Brit
ish Knights, and t-shirt. This was a popu
lar look worn by many. Dress up days
favored slim ties and church pants. Polka
dot shirts and striped clothing were
opular for girls
Music of the 80's saw the roots of punk,
now a major style, developed. Rap gained
steam with artists Grand Master Flash
and Run DMC.
Dating was a big thing. Teens would
often go to Sportsworld and parties.
Sports, movies, restaurants, and the teen
age center were frequented by the dating
teens.
Food crazes included a huge fad for
Little Debbie snack Cakes. They were
popular especially for their low price.
These eras have combined to form the
culture of today. We have been through
many eras, but the question remains.
What will the next decade be like? Will
history repeat itself?
Next?