1950 Family Date, Dinner In A 1950's Home

[@JamesWSmith-sj2zg]

I remember... After my grandfather put in a hard day's work, at dinner time he served the food with his rough, callused hands. He served the women and kids first and when everyone else had plenty, he always took the smallest piece of dried up meat left over on the end. One time I asked him why he did that and he took me to his cabin to go fishing. As we sat on a rock casting, he told me how to be a man. He said Jimmy, always work your hardest- as if your life counted on it, put yourself last and don't talk about yourself-nobody needs to hear it, treat women with the highest respect, be a good father with kindness and discipline, help your neighbors without them asking or knowing, serve your country with pride, and above all, love God with all your heart; that happiness is like a boomerang, if you don't send it out first, it can't come back. Not long after that, grandpa died. He had a heart attack mowing his neighbors grass by the cabin. Working and serving others was where he was the happiest, so he left in the way he would've wanted. After the funeral, I found a box of military items tucked deep in his chest of drawers that his mother had saved. I knew he had served in WWII but never talked about it. That day I found letters home, medals, letters and awards of honor, and papers and newspaper articles where he rescued men from his sinking ship. His story was even in an old magazine. Grandpa was always my hero, but knowing that I shared him with the world made me all the more proud.

[@cuppatea4466]

What a wonderful man! I am glad for you, that you had such a good role model.

[@MrsKittykatt009]

you're grandfather sounded like a wonderful man

[@millenniumtowerskelton5143]

Your grandfather was a wonderful man! I am happy for you that you had him in your life. Cheers to him!

[@thoughtfuldevil6069]

Damn, he sounds cool. Lucky you!

[@hearttoheart4me]

What a great story and a fitting tribute to him. We need more courageous, thoughtful people in this world like him. Thank you for sharing his story.

[@cancel1913]

This family is handling the internet being down so very nicely.

[@babysierra3251]

😂

[@loriglory6345]

lol

[@Sparkina]

The Internet was a fantasy then

[@michellehart644]

Cancel19--now THAT’s FUNNY 😀

[@deborahbarry8458]

That made me snort 😅

[@carolinegarity6817]

When my son was born in 1984, I vowed we would always have family dinner. We did; six nights each week we sat together to have family dinner. The phone was taken off the hook and for one solid hour, we were together....we had conversation, we had no stress. My son, to this day, as a 30 year old now, said he valued our dinner times together and always will. He and his wife are expecting, and he said he would carry on our "tradition" of family time.

[@lemonsquishy8400]

+Caroline Garity That's lovely! Congratulations on the upcoming birth! You must be excited!

[@TheIrishrogue68]

That is a wonderful tradition...I would be willing to bet that fewer than 5% of families do this today.

[@hankaustin7091]

HI Caroline - your comments should get 1 million thumbs up!!

[@LynxStarAuto]

That is a awesome.

[@sbarr10]

Good job Mom!

[@FurbyGender]

I was born in the 80's but I'm truly fascinated by the 40's and 50's lifestyle. I'm constantly watching the old movies like this and watching commercials that are on TV.

[@vdoubleu-o4u]

+Mentholian Smoke Me too.

[@FurbyGender]

***** Most of the time yes, sometimes we just look back on it out of pure curiosity. It's something different.

[@yyysgmp]

+Mentholian Smoke can't agree more

[@alopez19808]

It was not the height of civilization. If you made a great living back then, you were taxed as hell. This was not dinner time for most, I can assure you that. My father as well as my friends fathers were very strict and religious, life was a job with no time for laughter. I am white but my husband which is Hispanic came from a poor family but their dinners were full of laughter and conversation, and the mother was in charge.

[@alopez19808]

I wouldn't say civilization, white America. Even then, most white families were not the picture perfect family you see there.

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

This is lovely..i Adore how the older Brother looks After the younger Brother and how they wait for the Father to start eating.this video shows respect,love, gratitude, responsibility,kindness.. family.

[@lamda6244]

Brother is not a name.

[@joyceleeper9421]

@@lamda6244 I don't know about that I always called my brother, brother. Still do to this day.

[@SomewhereInTheMaidenverse]

Back when a father could support an entire family on a 40-hour work week.

[@cigarbearsa]

Claire Colborn - I was born in 1953 and my family ate like this every single night of our lives - my father was a railway employee and my mother a housewife. We were NOT wealthy and the food was always simple but well-cooked, attractively served and eaten at a specific time. My mother never had a maid, and my sister and I helped wash up and dry after supper. Sunday lunch was always more elaborate and included a roast, vegetables and a fancier pudding. We could never afford to eat out but my parents placed a lot of emphasis on good table manners and behaviour. To this day I eat my dinner at a table with my family every evening and thank my parents for the grounding they gave me in what are today called Life Skills!

[@hrfishlow]

I guess you are British (you said pudding for dessert). My father drove a delivery truck and my mother was a housewife. We ate modest meals - often just bread and soup or spaghetti - but at the same time every night with an emphasis on good table manners. My grandmother and I cleaned up. Then my brother and I did our homework & our parents and grandmother read the paper or listened to the radio, later the TV. It was very pleasant. (In the summer we played outside after supper while the grownups sat and talked with the neighbors.)

[@sangeliastorck]

Rhoda Miller Actually I remember puddings for desert too. But in the 60s. And I'm a American. Puddings were not this instant stuff. It took at least a hour to make and then at least a hour to set. We had at least three different types. One day might be butterscotch. another day chocolate. and when bananas were possible. we had vanilla pudding with banana slices in it.

[@mindsaglowin]

Similar story here, (and I grew up in the 60's and 70's). We even had family Bible study after supper, where we learned the books of the Bible, memorized scripture and learned to apply it in life. We kids didn't "dress up" although we were required to clean up and wear shoes, but dad wore a tie, as usual. Funny, all of us became productive, financially independent citizens, never became addicted to substances, never have been arrested or even had run-ins with law enforcement, and are generally healthy. I know, boring. But we could use a LOT more boring people in society instead of drains on the system.

[@lemonsquishy8400]

+Pierre Roestorf You're kids will thank you for it later! Begrudgingly of course.

[@lemonsquishy8400]

+sangeliastorck British pudding could be a savory as well. Pudding kind of describes a bunch of foods that aren't sweet. Custard is what you sound like you're describing.

[@thegrandmasabrina]

Mind, my family did have dinner at the table each night. That was back in the 1960s and 1970s. TV was always shut off during the dinner hour, but sometimes we got to have music for special occasions. Sometimes we'd have a centerpiece, too. We kids would set the table, and sometimes we helped prepare the meals. It was as pleasant as could be. Here's the kicker: my family was living in the projects at the time, and we were a single parent family. So making the time to have the family have dinner together is not something that is a relic, nor was it limiited only to white middle class families. I, for one, would welcome a return to family dinners and the teaching of basic etiquette. Society seems to get more uncouth by the day.

[@janjbowman]

Sabrina Messenger NO it was not just a white family thing. Our Black friends did this in their homes to and when we had dinner with them or they with is well we were all used to dinner being a speacial occasion .

[@ashdallis6701]

growing up in the 90s and early 00s my family had a meal together every night of the week. Dad worked, mom stayed at home with us kids and cooked the meals. We took turns setting the table and washing dishes after meals I miss everything about those days...

[@robderham1958]

Sabrina, I agree with you completely. Wish more people would think this way.

[@thomasgallegos2832]

Who said it was a white family thing ? I love all races but why do Black people get away with disparaging white people now days on TV too. If white people did that openly we would get fired from our jobs or whatever else

[@bambiwest1391]

So well said Sabrina. Most people seemed to have better manners in the past and we’re kinder then - they spent time with the family and dinner time was spent sharing your day. It seems like today people are running around chasing after this, or that - a family dinner is almost a lost art for many people. It didn’t matter what race, or nationality you were, people sat down to eat pretty much at the same time every night - our dinner time was 5:00 pm darn near on the button each night. I hope our society will turn around again. Neighbors being neighborly-families taking their meals together no matter how elaborate or simple. And be kind to each other again - it wasn’t perfect, but families were closer. Wishing you and your family many blessings - be well.

[@onenationhere]

I was a latchkey kid and my mom was a hard working blue collar queen. We were broke all the time but always sat together for dinner. I thought cereal for dinner was a great treat, never realized it was all we had ! Didn't matter, we were always together.

[@PuffKitty]

We'd get a box of Captain Crunch or Bugles snack (that we asked Santa for) gaily wrapped up at Christmas and thought we were living the high life! We grew up without junk food 😁

[@JesusisJesus]

There’s been many times where I’d eat leftover spagbol for breakfast, take more leftovers for lunch at work and corn flakes for dinner, making the total cost of food for the day, probably well under $1. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that at all. Sometimes I’d cook pancakes with the kids for dinner, sometimes we’d cook some kind of Asian stir fry, and NOTHING gets kids to eat healthy vegetables more easily than when you let them chop and prepare everything like a TV cooking show, and get them to make rice, supervise the cooking of the Veges in the stir fry but if the kids have a vested interest in it, they will gobble it down and swear a gourmet chef made it.

[@michellemcdermott2026]

and that's all that matters

[@samanthab1923]

To this day I love breakfast for dinner

[@allimkhan7540]

Well Said I agree with your statement. Once your together with your family that's all what matters it doesn't matter what your eating. Family always comes First always

[@scootergreen3]

This is beautiful. This is pretty much how it was when I was growing up. We need this desperately. Thank you for showing this. I have viewed this many times. I love this.

[@rebeccaaustin8996]

I was going to say this is like a horror film to me. I absolutely couldn't think of anything worse than being in this family..

[@scootergreen3]

@@rebeccaaustin8996 Why, they live wholesome?

[@scootergreen3]

@@rebeccaaustin8996 They have love and they work together as a family, don't you think that's how it should be?

[@rebeccaaustin8996]

@@scootergreen3 yes, love and working together is how it should be definitely. It's just far to ridged and formal for me. I couldn't relax in a home where you have to be on-time for dinner and have to dress up and look your best Infront of your family. Rules to conversation and topics that shouldn't be talked about. Letting certain people go first for some things and certain people come last at other things and dictated roles and jobs based on your gender and age... I don't know how people say this was a simpler time. Just seems like too many rules, restrictions and limits just to sit at a dinner table with your family.

[@rebeccaaustin8996]

Not that they seem like a bad family, I just think I would be a much more rebellious teen if I was brought up in this era. I understand why people become goths now.. just for the shock value and to rebel against these sort of formal families🤣. I suppose different horses for courses. 🤷🏼

[@bluetickbeagles116]

I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and my family always sat down to dinner together. To this very day, I am truly grateful for those days.

[@BombSquadCustomMusic]

"Pleasant, unemotional conversation helps digestion"

[@brenthelm6257]

My life motto.

[@graciejames3752]

It sounds like something Sheldon Cooper would say lol

[@crystalnichols7224]

😂 That one is my favorite.

[@kc_bautista]

😂

[@looloo4029]

It might sound funny but it’s actually true. Sitting up straight at a table rather than slouching in front of the tv helps digestion too.

[@Hevynly1]

I was born in the 80s, and aside from dressing up for dinner, this was my nightly routine as well. I'm blessed my parents and grandparents were so traditional. People may laugh at all this now, but they don't know a good thing when they see it.

[@kathleenaltherr6836]

We were washed and ready for dinner the minute Dad came through the door. Like clockwork. Mom was a fabulous cook. I miss it. It wasn't always perfect and we had our issues and problems but I really do miss it. I was born in 1951.

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Kathleen, how are you doing?

[@Kram6298]

Its easy to laugh at the way this is presented but it beats the heck out of what our culture has become. No family is perfect and that is the point of this video. It essentially is just advocating that members of a family should love and respect each other . Wow, imagine that.

[@viviannichols3582]

I’m going to name my children “Daughter” and “Brother.”

[@pamelahsmithsmith2366]

@@viviannichols3582 Dont forget Jr..lol

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@viviannichols3582 this is a naming system for folk currently watching this admerdimate, not an emotional journey.

[@su-rv2uq]

How much respect are the mother and daughter getting, doing all the work while the guys sit around?

[@destubae3271]

@@su-rv2uq The guys were too busy working in a factory all day.

[@lenisbennett3062]

I was born in 1945 so I had a lot of family dinners In the 1950s and I sure miss them. It was a different world and a great Time to be a kid.

[@user-uy8lz8ev2n]

Boy! Sister sure looks "attractive" tonight, doesn't she dad? You said it, son!

[@wpiofm]

Born in 48, we never dressed up for supper (called it supper; noon was dinner in Iowa), but heard of folks who did. But there were rules at the table. No belching, no singing, humming, no complaining, and if you put it on your plate, you ate it. Took turns saying grace and sometimes opted for silent prayer. It raises good kids.

[@donnabrady2092]

Yes.my aunt always called lunch dinner

[@jeansenn2831]

Growing up we always ate dinner at the table even if it was something as simple as hot dogs 🌭. Sunday dinner was usually fried chicken or a nice roast with carrots and potatoes. Mashed potatoes or potato 🥔 salad, green beans, or rice and gravy. Sometimes June peas and summertime was a vegetable platter or tossed salad. Since potatoes oftentimes figured in, I usually helped by peeling the potatoes and cutting up the 🥕 carrots. Mom always made the rice and the meats. She showed me how to brew for iced tea which I still do to this day. If she made a layer cake I would help stir the icing or cut up bananas 🍌 for banana pudding. It was a joint effort. I even made a game of peeling potatoes to try to have one long peel without any breaks. Lol 😆 After Sunday dinner mom and I would hurry with the dishes so we wouldn't be late for Wonderful World of Disney and Bonanza. We all sat around the TV. I could see us now. Dad in his recliner and mom and I on the couch. Good times. The best. ❤

[@TheTruthResearchers]

I was raised in the 50s and '60s, and grew up in the 70s, and I have to say... I truly miss those Days. Even as this video offers alot of sweet comedy-relief, and it's surely over-the-top in 2021, there is a beautiful innocence and rare humble reality to that Era. I thank GOD that I, still, carry and share this kind of honor and respect, today, in my own Life. When we live With Jesus, we live Right. Thank you for your heartwarming channel💕

[@panjandrum.conundrum]

You can do it just fine without imaginary friends.

[@prayerpatroller]

This is very similar to my growing up years (50's and 60's). Wash up before meals; meals at regular times, kids participate (I set the table). We cared about how the table looked, and how each place setting looked. Never an argument at the table. Saying Grace, always.

[@carlhaluss]

Being a child of the 50s and 60s, I did totally enjoy dinners at home. Although, unless it was a special occasion we at in the kitchen. But lots of family talk and chat over dinner, always a great time. Fond memories of what real family life was like without any electronic devices.

[@gripplehound]

I grew up in the UK in the 70’s, and dinner had some rules, but not as strict as this. TV always had to be off, and I wasn’t allowed to put my knife in my mouth! Mum taught me good table manners, and how to hold my knife and fork correctly. I treasure those memories, but didn’t appreciate how importantly those brief and simple moments were at the time. Thanks Mum for being so wonderful

[@Deidredit]

It's so ironic to watch such pleasant people enjoying dinner only to scroll down in the comment section and see people fighting like cavemen. Real classy. Maybe if we weren't all hiding behind a computer screen, we wouldn't be typing atrocious obscenities to each other. Can we play nice, kids?

[@juliefabio]

Amen sister!!!!

[@myacollado8799]

*claps*

[@gingersnap9712]

You are absolutely right. Its completely out of control how nasty and hateful people are towards each other and its only getting worse each passing year.

[@victoriataylor5457]

Ginger Perkins Totally agree, things werent like that then, I know! I came from the time when people werent all stressed out and hateful. Give me back those times I sure will take em.!! I only wish I could go back to that simpler time !

[@hearttoheart4me]

I am to the point where I just watch the video and not scroll down. Saves me the heartache of reading such sad posts.

[@sangeliastorck]

I don't ever remember hearing my parents having to change to different clothing when dinner came around. They ate in their normal clothing. Unless the dinner was at a wedding or other special event.

[@mindsaglowin]

My dad always wore a tie, and most of the time a coat. Always.

[@lemonsquishy8400]

+sangeliastorck They were pretending to be eating out. When you went out to eat in those days you generally changed into something presentable. It was just to have fun at home without them having to spend more money at a restaurant. Just making their own fun! A good takeaway actually. Learn to make you're own fun at home. They didn't change their clothes everyday for dinner. That's Downton Abbey.

[@lindagurrera685]

@@lemonsquishy8400 that dose seem nice

[@sugakookie6303]

We never changed either but my mother always wore an apron so of course that would have been taken off. Goodness, I’ve never heard rules of dinner time conversations, I would have thought it would have been a given.

[@thevalentinofamily3056]

We need the world to go back to this

[@larissiaperrucci9218]

My grandparents were married in 1955 & every Sunday we had a family meal like this. My Grandma would go all out and we ate off the most beautiful China dishes. I loved to clear and cleanup after because I had the best conversations with my Aunt, Mom, & Grandma over the dishes. It was a really wonderful family time and now that I’m older I miss it terribly.

[@therange4033]

Dinner was ALWAYS at the table (with me as well, now 59) Dad worked and kept a big vegetable garden also in our big back garden. Fresh corn, peas, runner beans, broad beans, cabbage, onions, potatoes, carrots and more!!

[@stugrant01]

Families did all eat at the table. There was no packaged foods, so if you went to the icebox before dinner, all you would see was raw steak and a bag of flower. Right before dinner the pies and fresh bread etc came out of the oven. If you came too late, you'd miss out. After dinner, no more food until someone baked again

[@mrsmacca126]

Wow!!!! So reminiscent.... NO TALKING unless asked a direct question - only negative questions were asked. The Father only can initiate “ conversation”. NO disagreeing allowed. NO laughing- no matter what occurs. Eat EVERYTHING on your plate or you’ll sit there til you do. Ahhh... dinner.... torture

[@cynthiachronister4082]

Self respect and respect for others I'm praying it comes back into fashion 😊

[@robinkeiger2208]

Real dishes, no plastic a simple time when people had manners and respect for others.

[@jager896]

You are so right maybe if people applied this then the world would be kinder Galatians c 6v 10 so then as long as we have the opportunity let us work good towards all peace to you Eileen

[@indez23]

Parents actually LOOKED like parents

[@mariec3527]

indez23 and kids LOOKED LIKE KIDS

[@MrsKittykatt009]

and people LOOKED LIKE PEOPLE

[@searay83]

Compared to the freaks we see today lol

[@barbararoth1339]

I raised my 2 oldest in the 80s. We always sat down to eat dinner together, even through the difficult times.

[@aniskashiwram781]

so beautiful ,I grownup just like that ..I was blessed to had my parents

[@rtp1968]

Lucky you.

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

Judith Hiciano Good for you

[@bluetickbeagles116]

Me too. I had a great family and still do to this very day.

[@RCLeahcar]

"Dad, I had a feeling today." "Well don't, son"

[@samanthajones298]

I wish my family would eat together every day, but that just doesn't happen. Sometimes I wish I could get a time machine and go back to the 50s instead of this stressful messed up world :(

[@larkatmic]

Hard to believe, I know, but It was more stressful then,We live in a much better than it is now.:( We live in a much better world now.

[@lumotaku6483]

larkatmic Not really we have shit we dont need like cell phones and our industrial base has been destroyed. I will take the 50s.

[@larkatmic]

I'd rather have a cell phone any day than a landline. The internet has changed everything. I believe for the better. It sure beats going to the library to find out about the world. Access to information was a time consuming chore. Now you can learn about something instantly! Our industrial base is now smarter too.(tech). Back then you didn't have to be to bright. That may explain the indifference in attitude of those times. It was completely acceptable to be a moron (I lived it and remember it well). You conformed and questioned nothing. Soon, there will be no excuses to be a moron.lol

[@lumotaku6483]

Really Lark cause morons on socail media helped to elect that moron we call a president Go figure.

[@larkatmic]

There will always be morons, and MANY marginal presidents.Todays morons are low information (fox news) or (CNN) sheep, that only see one way. They whine, blame, and hate. I'm convinced once the baby boomers are dead and buried we will be better off. They are used to getting their way, like spoiled children. The millennials are the grown ups, and will finally embrace the 21st century as it should be. The nineteenth century had the victorians trying desperately to hold on to their archaic ideals thru the 20th. They were doomed by progress, car, radio, telephone, penicillin, TV, washing machines, and by the 1950s we were much better off for it. So keep you can keep your narrow views, But if I were you and were young, I would try to embrace your generation, cause this is the best of times. Have a good day.

[@poetcomic1]

A little while ago I saw an ordinary modern family at a restaurant: mom, dad and the three teenage kids. They all had their heads bowed to say grace and I was really touched until I realized that all five of them were texting.

[@Tom-py8ym]

😂

[@mariaacevedo6485]

😂

[@janjbowman]

Oh my how times have changed . I grew up in the sixties and seventies but we ate at the table like thise every day as a family and Mom made us keep many of these same rules other than the dress codes of famileis in the fifties at meal times.Well we were required to come to the dinner table clean and well groomed but not requred to wear dress cloths. I miss how families use dto do things such as meal times.

[@ashleyswinford582]

I'm watching this in 2019 and I really feel that the traditional art of family values is so lost. I was born in the wrong time. Housewives were reveared and family was valued.

[@Ichigo-cp9wz]

This were propaganda made life was never like this trust me people struggled got bullied school racism segregation was still thing women beater heavy drinker molestation alot of thing happened people never spoke openly couse fear don't believe it what you see it

[@eatiegourmet1015]

It doesn't have to be lost. It can be reconstructed. All it would take is people taking a stand and saying, "No, THIS is how I run My family. I don't care what anybody else does -- in My house, we are a Family." As much as some people want us to think that women were _So_Oppressed_ in the 1950's, most of the women after WWII were Thrilled to be able to raise their families, without having to do war work. Not unlike today, a very loud few claim to speak for all. The hand that rocks the cradle runs the world. Raising the next generation is the most important job there is. And it is hard work, Real work. "Family Values" isn't just a slogan, it is a vital key to maintaining a polite, civil society. Thanks for listening.

[@roserollins9800]

This is how it was all through my childhood and most of the food came from our garden and my daddy's hunting

[@amyhudson1016]

Wives were on Prozac

[@ashleyswinford582]

@@FloresOrtodoxas Yeah I've been a home maker for 7 years now and I wouldn't go back. Such a cohesive family unit.

[@Jamie7-w]

Even though no family in history was ever this perfect, there are lessons we all can learn from this. Respect, dignity, they do not have to be forgotten customs. There needs to also be a time of the evening, after dinner to clear the air, so to speak.

[@sbarr10]

Wow. A date with the family. What a concept !

[@glendapeterson1180]

We all have the ability to bring back what we envy by just doing it. Start with one thing, such as having meals at a certain time. Have a family rule about conversation being pleasant; talk about why this is important. Gradually add other nice things, such as a pretty table. It needn't be expensive; Dollar Tree has pretty plates and glasses and the flowers can be fake. We just have to do it, each of us in our own way. The 50s weren't simple; there was a lot going on young folks don't know about. There was the constant fear of nuclear war, rumors that Hitler was still alive, a war in Korea. But the generation that held on to civility through the Depression and WWII was still there, holding it all together.

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Glenda, how are you doing?

[@miraclay]

I remember growing up we always sat together at the table for a family meal and we said grace, even on the rare occasion we went out to eat, we said grace. And Sundays was always the big meal of the week. Even after I moved out, I was invited for the Sunday dinner. That was a different world. (Also, my mom would make desserts from scratch - real pies, cakes & cookies. Not store bought).

[@mickidee6714]

2021 and our family still eats dinner together most nights. Although, nobody dresses up and conversation is on whatever topic comes up. Nothing is off topic, so our kids have always felt free to talk and ask questions about anything.(we love the transparency and “real-ness”) Sometimes the funniest-conversation times are spent at the dinner table. We’re also Christians so we tend to “un-teach” some unbiblical ideas our kids have been exposed to at school.

[@janethebugg]

I was born in 1956 and the only time I saw faimilies acting like this was on TV.

[@tomservo56954]

Makes sense...the narrator is Hugh Beaumont, a.k.a. Ward Cleaver.

[@larkatmic]

You got that right. We strived to live like this until the late 60s and then it was over cause Mom started talking about unpleasant things. lol Then we all started to. Then it was over. Hello to the 70s

[@tommytruth7595]

So, in other words, you grew up in the 60's and can't comment on this.

[@inkey2]

I was born in 1954 and never saw any families act like this. These films were "merely suggestions". They did not reflect "what was" but what it "could be" if you followed their suggestions

[@ossef9712]

Pamela Ritchie that's because your weren't old enough to remember dumbass

[@sewinsuzie75]

My husband and I were married in 1954. Had or 1st baby in 1955. A lot of this video was quite true. I'm not going by our family but our neighbors too. The women did fix themselves up before dad came home, the kids were cleaned up, house tidied up. Dad also got a big welcome home from the kids and a huge and kiss from mom. Dinner was always ready. We always sat down to a nicely set table. I didn't mind one bit, my husband was so young with so many responsibility and pressures.

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Dorothy, how are you doing?

[@christiansgrandma6812]

I don't remember it being exactly like this. Maybe about 60%. On Sunday we did dress up and had the good dishes pulled out. I was glad, because mom didn't trust me to wash her good dishes. I think this is one of those films we watched in homemaking class. 😃

[@patriciaramirez3139]

Awwwww I remember all the nice dinners I had with my parents, brothers and sisters when I was growing up,

[@larkatmic]

Looks are misleading. Most people strived to live like this back then. Sure we ate dinner together around a table every night. But we sure didn't change our clothes for it.(maybe for Sunday dinner). Most of us had 3 or 4 outfits. We were modest in those days. Our closets were small. Being frugal was a virtue then. Something I long for in today’s generation of over consumption. Chores were mandatory, since there were no dishwashers. We didn't discuss reality back in those days. Everyone was so hung up on keeping appearances that we all neglected truth in pressing family matters. (nothing unpleasant please) Ozzie and Harriet was something to aspire to, and I'm sure our parents were all well and good intended. But it was perfectly acceptable to be racist, a chauvinist, a heavy drinker and smoker, and on and on. And bully culture was rampant and just part of life. The movie 'Rebel Without a Cause' nailed it. For all those under 30, don't fool yourself in thinking you missed out, because you didn't. I'm so glad to be living today to see all that has transpired for the good. Sure it seems we have been led astray. But it is what it is. All generations have been scrutinized. I would give anything to be young today. (Minus the tattoos) lol The youth of today are grounded and are much more conscious of their actions. Though spoiled and a sense of entitlement is common amongst them. They are better educated and have a much more enlighten view of life. They are open for it, and living in good times. The things I do miss however, are the way we engaged with each other. We had constraint. I really miss the way we dressed, (age appropriately) and the cars and furniture being designed were just beyond beautiful.

[@AlkoHol62]

larkatmic Well, people still drive like shit, unless you live in Kansas: god i miss that place (not the winters, tho)

[@fembotprincess1]

I find it enlightening that you are commenting on this as you are from these times. Love to hear your commentary! My parents were born in the 50s and I remember my father saying how conformist it was and how lots of things weren't allowed. I think that part of the decade is sad but I definitely love the music, simplistic lifestyles, fashions, classiness and entertainment! I myself dislike the racism and ignorance but there were other parts of the decade that were great too. Thank you though, for your input. Fascinating. And I agree with you about the technology and internet..how did we do without it? Lol

[@lindagurrera685]

I agree this would be amazing if it could be possibly but night after night ? And no one has any problems ? Everything is always pleasant ? I don't know still what a wonderful dream

[@ConnorNolan]

Also just so you know, I quoted your comment in a 10-page research paper about the ideal family of the 50's vs reality (for my literature class). Thank you so much!

[@larkatmic]

Connor Nolan Well Gee, that’s very nice of you. Good luck to you with your paper. Glad I could help. 👍

[@1057shelley]

I was born in 1957 and both my parents worked. But we had dinner every night at the table. My oldest was born in 1977 and I continued to have dinner every night at the table. She told me when grown we were one of the few families that still did this and she appreciated it.

[@jeromecabral7464]

Thanks for sharing these great classic films

[@MalikaBourne]

these were the good old days. I want them back!

[@hs400]

My family sits down together at dinner, always will.

[@Navygrl58]

This may seem like it's coming from another planet, but even though it's a little too perfect, it wasn't much different than what your watching in those days. Families really respected each other and their time together, I remember those times well and sure do miss the way the world was back then.

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Diane, how are you doing?

[@tokyopiglet]

finds some comforts and enjoyment watching this serious of films with innocent contents. probably reminds more appreciation for tiny things in life, in positive way.

[@kittiesfortrump1070]

When this style of living ended, so went our society. This was as close to perfect family wise, as it got- Wish we all still lived this way.

[@jessmorgan6732]

"A violent argument erupts over whose day was more pleasant!"

[@paolamura3497]

😂😂😂

[@detaildevil6544]

I like the way the people spoke in the 1950´s. I find the voice very pleasant and charming.

[@slobomotion]

Sunday lunches are still a huge tradition in France. They can take up to three hours, are in several courses, and there is pastry as well as fruit and cheese for dessert. Then, one often goes for a walk in a park.

[@zelenplav1701]

Love is setting boundaries and instilling respect, learning how to budget etc.

[@MM-Iconoclast]

This was lovely.

[@debpeterson1343]

In my family we had to say"excuse me from the table" or may I be excused from the table?when we were finished eating. Always said "grace",too which kept our minds on the Lord.I took all of this for granted, very polite with lots of manners.But when we didn't like the food-or impossible to chew meat-oh,bad!

[@SummerofKittyLove]

This all looks so lovely and good. Wish I had this!

[@itiswhatitaintanditaintwha1427]

"Be yourself.. Just make sure it is your best self!"

[@tiffbeevachou108]

It would not hurt to have a much updated version of these videos on social skills and relationships.

[@dr.kenschmidt5726]

How’d they film my family when I was a child? Seriously, this was the way life was in our home.

[@bethwillard7795]

Wish life was still like this 😢

[@davesteadman1226]

And then came TV, computers, WIFI, smart phones, Facebook... Bye , Bye America.

[@throughmyeyes9940]

and so called, "womens lib"

[@CMT1995]

It would have been goodbye America back in the 1950s as well. We had the Cold War to worry about

[@celticwolf6102]

Yep you got it.

[@airaero5473]

Dave Steadman there was still such thing as TV in the 50s

[@mariec3527]

Dave Steadman America was going to shit anyways so it's not like that matters I think it's just main stream society

[@proudmarinemomma827]

Thanks for sharing the videos. Amazing days…

[@CrazyCoon100]

What happened? Two parents having to work in the majority of households to financially make ends meet. That’s “what happened”. It’s not too hard to figure it out.

[@inkey2]

@pancakehead911 keep in mind....just like TV shows back then, this is an idealized depiction of how a family should be. In reality it was a little more loose than this. I think the theory was to show the "ideal" situation and maybe people will take just a few pointers from it......like be clean, be polite & show consideration for others. Back then I new very few families that were this strict.....but the general idea is somewhat accurate for the era

[@BarbieCatt]

"gee Wally... that's swell !"

[@tonyallen6510]

Love that dress sis got on she hot

[@tonyallen6510]

😂

[@gordmac896]

Pathetic comments but typical look of people with poor upbringing.

[@gorymarty56]

Lol

[@helenweinstock4524]

I love this. Thank you so much for uploading this ❤️

[@callumnye2562]

Hello Helen, how are you doing?

[@EllEss]

THIS may sound old fashioned but I prefer the old days - simpler time.

[@CTcCaster]

I would disagree. In my opinion* there were more 'acting' back in the day

[@dudanunesbleff]

This wasn't simple: it was full of rules and gender roles. Noticed that the women of the house changed their clothes to look atractive at dinner, but the males justo combed their hair mand washed their hands? And that the girl didn't do her homework? Nor had desert?

[@fubukifangirl]

There is NEVER any good reason for sexism.

[@fubukifangirl]

Maybe the girl didn't want dessert. Dieting has always been popular with teenage girls.

[@sofiabravo1994]

Maria Nunes he had to wear a suit and look clean and poised they could not eat at the table in there pjs or rugged clothes especially dirty. Stop.

[@afm62]

To this day I believe family dinners are bonding. I always insisted on them most nights while my children were growing up. Now my husband and I are empty nesters, we still sit down for dinner nearly every night. It’s civilized and brings a level of stability and calm I think.

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

You're absolutely right.

[@STONECOLD1987]

Wow how i always wish i was living in the 50's & 60's, a time when so much was simple. Now everything seems corrupt...sad. One day when i own my house i'm gonna have a nice dinner table & when guest come over have nice dinners like this. The way it's supposed to be, not eating next to your computer or on the couch with a bunch of friends like in 2013's world.

[@albertodillon]

What nostalgia to see these past Times, I like the old days

[@velocot4540]

I love how "Brother" picks up the entire telephone and walks I to his room with it for his 14 second phone call.

[@MN-yb2ty]

The good ol days imagine having that back ... what i would give for having that era back

[@cmoore185]

Believe me, I was around then and we used to call it the tv family. It wasn't quite like that, but it really was different. It all changed with the gradual dissolving of the family. Believe it or not, I lived in NY and in the 50's, all the way until 1963 when we moved, diverse was against the law except for adultery. There were no out of wedlock children, you were under immediate scrutiny of the state and there were children's group homes (orphanages) everywhere. The welfare department would take your kids in a heartbeat. If a girl got pregnant, you married her or she went away and had the baby and gave it for adoption. It was before the pill. condoms were sold in gas stations and were called rubbers or prophylactics. Spartans were sold in machines in the bathrooms at gas stations. Believe it or not, birth control was against the law in some states. The condom packages said "For prevention of decease only". Even when the pill came out, doctors wouldn't prescribe it if they were catholic. You had to be married or engaged. Most homes had one paycheck, one tv, one phone,one car unless you were rich. There was a recession in the 50's. Lots of baby's got made and wages were down. Most families had 2 parents unless one died. People smoked everywhere. All the men had really bad PTSD because of WW2 and the Korean war. They didn't know it so they just drank all the time. Then the mid 60's hit, we said this sucks, got high, had sex, demonstrated, said that people should have civil rights, JFK and Rk, and MLK got shot. a bunch got killed in Viet Nam. The end!

[@ConnorNolan]

This comment is fantastic

[@ConnorNolan]

@@glebsokolov8016 Segregation still exists they just call it gerrymandering

[@mascara1777]

Doctors or pharmacists still won't dispense the pill if it is against their religion. I thank God for our religious freedom, no one should be forced to do that against their will.

[@panjandrum.conundrum]

"These boys greet their dad AS IF they had REALLY missed him....." Lots of subtle messages about concealing discontent or dissatisfaction.

[@bboucharde]

I remember some King Hell arguments during meal time at our home in the late 60's and early 70's. One time, at the dinner table, my father remarked that my sister's boyfriend was a wimp because he tried to avoid the draft to go to Vietnam. My sister (a really lean, tough, & temperamental girl of 18 at the time) snarled at him to STFU, to his face! My father blew up in a rage, but he did not dare touch her, as she would claw his eyes out....I am not kidding! ---- My sister moved out a week later. When we were much younger, my little brother and I would sometimes refuse to eat our vegetables, so my father would threaten us with his belt if we didn't finish our food. Then, one day at the dinner table, my little brother accused my mother of trying to poison him! My father went into a rage and whipped the crap out of him with a belt. ..... Lots of memories.....

[@sugarplumfairy420]

Your comment made me sad but also made me laugh because you wrote it so well, sorry, I hope you don't mind that I laughed, but you are quite skilled at writing. It reminded me so much of my family dinner times as well. I grew up in the late 60's and 70's also. My father worked in an office in a professional job, my mother a teacher. Dinner was on the table EVERY single night at 6pm sharp I kid you not, not a minute before nor after. Dinner was always a three course meal as my mother was an excellent cook, although it was not always simple food that children could easily eat! Lunch on Sundays was always without exception a huge roast plus dessert. We ALWAYS had to finish every single bit on our plates, if we didn't then (as well as a thump on the head) it would be waiting for us the next morning on our breakfast plate. Yum, delicious dried out cold brussel sprouts, such a combination with my weetbix! We were never allowed to speak unless we were asked a question by our parents. I sat two away from my father and he was a very angry violent man. He would often reach over my brother inbetween us and smack me around the head for no good reason. I was a little girl remember. His piece de resistance was keeping his shoe or strap on the table next to him ready to flog me with it at the slightest hint of any disrespect from me (never my brother mind you), which included anything from not wanting to eat my vegetables or feeling sick because my 7 year olds stomach couldn't digest the delicious tripe or lambs kidneys that my mother made, to any other lame excuse. Needless to say I got flogged almost every night. I wish I had the courage to stand up to my father and scratch his eyes out but being adopted I was always threatened with boarding school or back to the orphanage, so any eye scratching was out of the question. Yes memories........

[@bboucharde]

fluffybunny451 Fluffy, Thank you for sharing your late 1960's family dinner table experience......It reminds me of my own family, except our meal times were not so regular. You write very well too! Best Wishes, BB

[@1KSarah]

fluffybunny451 Scary stuff.

[@davegabber6943]

***** Fact is both were wrong. The control system is a total lie and they want to destroy families and teach children to be defiant. They also teach the parents to fallow the control system. Both are wrong.

[@bneale]

So your sister was a bit ch. Thanks for sharing.

[@67rml]

I am about halfway between Brother and Junior's age. This was more typical than you mighty imagine. It seems like that time's security to me.

[@larkatmic]

Was a good time. A bit unrealistic, but we tried.

[@carolecampbell403]

I was a child in the fifties and guess what, my mother also had a full time job, just like dear old dad. My brother and did I not change into special clothes at dinner time. To be honest I didnt know anyone who acted like this family that is portrayed in this short video.

[@mindsaglowin]

Maybe you weren't typical. And I find it hard to believe that you knew no one like this film depicted.

[@doomhmmr40k]

mindsaglowin actually, incidents like this were very rare according to the people I talked to. (I'm 22 so I gathered this from my grandparents as well as other folks around the community who were kids during this time. so take it with a grain of salt) and it actually depicts what is commonly referred to as "Nuclear Family" which was 2 boys 1 girl a mother and father. which according to the people I've interviewed say that this was A-Typical, but it was what the rather overly red fearing US media at the time depicted as being the typical. (red fearing meaning communist fearing). not to say that these situations didn't exist at all but they were definitely in the minority.

[@sangeliastorck]

doomhmmr40k I agree. Many folks didn't dare risk ruining special clothing like a posh dress or suit for a meal. Most didn't have the money for fancy wear. Same with many families didn't bother with a centerpiece except for special occasions like Thanksgiving.

[@mindsaglowin]

Well, my mother DID experience just this lifestyle, and her friends did too. Both of us can't be right.

[@doomhmmr40k]

mindsaglowin yes we can, you can experience one thing and others can experience other things. but like I said from the interviews and other info this was in the minority. mainly the upper middle class where the father had a good enough job to pay for it alone. even back then that was kinda rare but If you could pull it off I have nothing against it.

[@LuisaD93]

Somehow I enjoy these and I can’t believe this was posted 13 years ago 😀

[@Janadu]

When people used to interact with each other instead of texting Mom or Dad from your bedroom to find out if or when dinner will be ready.

[@radicallyforjesus]

My favorite comment in this one...."pleasant unemotional conversation helps digestion"....just struck me as funny. Seriously though I enjoyed and appreciated the video. Thanks for posting it.

[@jeannefrye2128]

Not only do I prefer this time period....we semi live it in my house. I grew up in this period and I am glad I did. Manners matter :)

[@matttaylor3476]

manners matter.... yes, thank you.

[@rtp1968]

Jeanne Frye: Lucky you.

[@lilyraimey3499]

Pardon my asking, ma'am.... But how old are you??

[@TheIrishrogue68]

Jeanne turned 95 this year.

[@batezioman7448]

1950s sucked. It was racist, sexist, Xenophobic, white male dominated culture, also the red scare was going on, and the Internet didn't exist.

[@josephpowell9179]

There were six of us growing up in the 70s and my mom and dad both worked full time. Dinner was required, no tv, no phone, no going anywhere until afterward, etc, but I remember my mom saying as tired as she was, she enjoyed feeding her kids and spending time with them. There wasn't any sort of "eat this or starve to death" sort of attitude. She wanted us to like things and if we all hated it, she'd make an effort not to make it. We also didn't have schedules or nights that we had to help. We all just helped and did the dishes and put them away. I remember it being fun most of the time. I was the youngest so I probably did the least. But as the baby, I was special and more handsome than the other children. lol. Check with my siblings for a very different perspective. We did have a good childhood, though...

[@logerbad19]

Wish I had this kind of dinner with my family everyday! We do this rarely!

[@michaelmullin3585]

Mom has to insist. If kids were in involved in school activities, those activities happened during the day on weekends. Never on weekdays. And always dinner with the family and perhaps a friend or two. And homework. TV time was a luxury.

[@doeharris5363]

Wonderful video l wish life was just like that today. A real family atmosphere. Thank you so much for sharing your video. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@joeyv.114]

Thanks, I'm writing a short story that takes place in the 50's and this helped me get the vibe right.

[@mimishepard8298]

I was born in 1950, and I had a brother and sister older than I, and a little sister, too. We always ate together at 6:00, but we did not get dressed up. My mom cooked great meals, and we kids shared the cleaning up duties. No TV was on, and we did not answer the phone during dinner time. Our conversation consisted of what when in during our day: the good and the bad. We rarely had dessert, though. I remember these dinner times as such positive times in my life. My parents were such great role models, and my mother was a stay at home mom who was an amazing cook. Now, it is hard to have this mealtime with both parents working and children involved in so many activities, but I think that is important to set up a regular day/time for family members to sit down together and share a meal and conversation with phones banned.

[@woodle1snurz75]

I loved when MST3K did their special brand if commentary this short. So funny!

[@matthewboyce5123]

Growing up I remember that we had nice family dinners, we had our set routine, certain spots we'd sit at the table, just not that formal, we'd pretty much talk anything. "Twas nice. BTW, this was early in the 70s

[@gdavho8778]

Back then you could name your daughter Alexa without any confusion.

[@inkey2]

++++++The reason why people look back on this time as a golden era is because things were ""simple"". We all knew our neighbors. We didn't have the financial burden of paying for internet, computers, cable TV, Cell phones, expensive colleges, high high priced health care. People went to tech schools and learned a lucrative "valuable" "trade" or you started out at a factory and worked your way up in a union job with good benefits. You stayed at the same job for 25 years and got the "gold watch" and the retirement package. Your entertainment was simple......fishing, bowling, cook-outs, camping, TV, radio, playing bridge, bingo, music lessons. The old used car you drove you could usually fix yourself with just 2 different socket wrenches and two type screwdrivers. This was before everyone had Air Conditioning. Houses had porches and on hot nights neighbors would sit on the porch with you and chat while sipping a cold beer, Coke or ice tea,

[@NoteWorthy2023]

+kristalfreshwater What if the parents didn't respect the children? respect is a two way street, you know.

[@brenthelm6257]

ehhh no, honestly, you should earn your parents respect; your respect towards them should be unconditional.

[@Nadia..J]

justinswaggerfly you poor, poor thing. You just don’t get it 😞

[@TheMistysFavs]

+justinswaggerfly --If you paid attention, they were ALL respectful to one another - However the parents ARE respected first and more as THEY were the providers and homemakers... Grow up.. another reason the world is in a mess. *Respect is EARNED* NOT handed to you!

[@shananagans5]

Why is this so funny to everyone? Give it a try, My family does. We all respect dinner time. We talk, we know each other and we care about each other. Yea we thought it was goofy when we started but it really caught on and now we cherish that time together. We do it 4 x a week. It is really nice and it helped our family more than you can imagine. We can learn some things from the past. I urge you to try dinner with your family. Everyone pitch in a bit and get to know your family.