The 1950s seem like such a golden age. Back before the Internet and cell phones, life was slower paced. Or, perhaps everything just looked better in black and white. Here are 19 charming photos of Rhode Island in the 1950s.

1. Adult reading room
Providence Public Library/flickr
Libraries have clearly changed a bit since the 1950s.
2. Union Station, Providence
Providence Public Library/flickr
3. Repairs on Red Bridge
Providence Public Library/flickr
4. Display at the Providence Industrial Exposition, May 1950
Providence Public Library/flickr
Back when books were the only way to find out about your industry!
5. Blackstone River Flood, Woonsocket, 1955
Providence Public Library/flickr
6. WPRO Radio Program, 1951
Providence Public Library/flickr
I'm not sure why they're all sitting on the floor...
7. Working on a fishing boat, Newport
Providence Public Library/flickr
8. Central Library Music Department, Providence
Providence Public Library/flickr
Before teenagers had iPods and streamed music on their phones, they sat demurely in skirts and sweater sets and played records.
9. Signing that bill that made University of Rhode Island a university, 1951.
University of Rhode Island/flickr

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10. Rocky Point Park, 1953
Providence Public Library/flickr
Summers were hot back then, too.
11. Tennis Champs, Newport Casino 1953
Providence Public Library/flickr
Don't you love those tennis whites?
12. Atlantic Tuna Tournament, Narragansett, 1953
Providence Public Library/flickr
13. Central Library Card Catalog, 1954
Providence Public Library/flickr
Imagine how much harder it was to find a book without computers!
14. Hurricane damage, Point Judith, 1954
Providence Public Library/flickr
15. Company Christmas Party, 1954
Thomas Barta/flickr
Apparently, no one got crazy at office parties back then.
16. Rogers High School Cheerleaders, Newport 1956
Providence Public Library/flickr
17. Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis, Newport Jazz Festival, 1957
Joe/flickr
Can you imagine seeing Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins live?
18. Public Library Hospital Service, 1959
Providence Public Library/flickr
19. Children's library program, 1959
Providence Public Library/flickr
Is it just me, or does that teacher in the middle of the photo look like she's ready to strangle that little girl?

Which of these photos of Rhode Island in the 1950s was your favorite?

Check out these photos taken during the Great Depression in Rhode Island!

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