These 15 Photos Of Arizona In The 1950s Are Mesmerizing
By Monica Spencer|Published January 29, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Arizona started to see a busier life when the 1950s rolled around. After World War II ended and people returned to their usual lives, tourism became even more prevalent, people began moving into the state at higher rates and air conditioning became a more affordable commodity. At the same time, however, Arizona’s old rural lifestyles still thrived since industries such as ranching and farming were still major contributors to the state’s economy.
Let’s take a quick look at this time period. Hey, some of you may even remember some of it!
7. Firefighting has really progressed in the last few decades. This photo shows a forest firefighter taking some time to rest after a long, summer night in the Coronado National Forest in 1956.
9. If you were hoping that women during the '50s all looked fancy like in the first season of Mad Men, you'll probably be a little disappointed to see they actually dressed a little more casual in these parts.
I'm fortunate to have lived in a time when these classes were less gender segregated. I took shop in junior high and even today I am still quite handy with tools.
15. And, finally, let's wrap this up with a photo of a pair of famous visitors at the Grand Canyon in 1959.
This is the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who traveled the States and Europe pretty frequently during this time.
If you remember living in Arizona in the 1950s, we would love to hear any of your favorite memories of the time! Feel free to share here or on our Facebook page.
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