These 20 Photos Of Kentucky In The 1950s Are Mesmerizing
By Jenn Shockley|Published February 04, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Several readers have mentioned what a wonderful era the 50’s was. Though I wasn’t alive, I still hear my parents speak of it with a fondness as well. It seems it was a much simpler time, when people played the hand they were dealt or worked hard to rise above. It is with the greatest of respect that I delved into the past to post these mesmerizing images of Kentucky in the 1950s. I hope you all enjoy these as much as I enjoyed researching them.
This is one of the images captured at the horrific fire from March of 1950 in Lexington. This night and those lost during the fire will not soon be forgotten.
This is a view of downtown Hazard in the 1950s. All the now classic cars were just the cars of the time then. Now, they are cherished as iconic parts of that era.
These professional waiters were lined up with Mint Julep laden trays, awaiting inspection. Afterwards, they were off to provide drinks to the rich and famous who were gathering in the clubhouse.
The waiters in the stands with those who paid for seating (and not the infield) were always professional, uniformed and quick to deliver a Mint Julep or snack.
This is the renowned Jean Ritchie on July 15th, 1950 as she performed in a home. She passed away at her home in Berea in June of 2015.
4. The post office at Cow Creek
Kentucky Explorer
This was in Magoffin Country at the, then popular, Stella Post Office at Cow Creek. The gentlemen holding the mule was Harry Jack Ramey, the Magoffin County judge at the time.
This is a picture of a Mrs Stella Smith Burnett on her farm in Mt Pisgah, Wayne County, making soap for her and the family to use to wash with during the 1950s.
This man and this mule were the stars of the 1950 blood drive in Lebanon Kentucky. You have to give them credit for creativity.
Kentucky in the 1950s was such a different time than our technology filled, modern days. We weren’t a rich state, but people got by with what they had. It was a beautiful time in history when our parents or grandparents were making their way in the world. I love revisiting the history of our ancestors and the hard working people of the Bluegrass State. As always, I welcome any vintage photographs readers would like to share. Which of these photos bring pleasant memories to mind for you?
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