If you're deciding to write a story that takes place in the 1950's, look up the notable events that took place in that era.
For example; the Korean War, the presidency of Harry Truman, Brown vs. Board of Education, Rosa Parks inciting the Montgomery bus boycott, the opening of McDonald's as it expanded worldwide, American Bandstand, Rock n' Roll was entered the mainstream with artists such as; Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Platters, Little Richard, Bill Haley and the Comets, Jerry Lewis, Fats Domino, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Bobby Darin.
Whenever I think of the 1950's, I think of the pink poodle skirts and the guys sporting a pompadour/duck butt hairstyle matching their greaser attire just like in the movie, Grease that would later be released two decades later. i.e. Squares and Drapes. The squares represent being pure, innocence, classy, sophisticated, and well-mannered listening to Doo Wop while the Drapes symbolize rebellion, fast cars, smoking, drinking, the guys sporting slick pompadours while the girls wore hysterectomy pants and digging to Rock n' Roll. We also ruminate such familiar Hollywood figures including Marilyn Monroe, Tab Hunter, James Dean, Dorothy Dandridge, Troy Donahue, Doris Day, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Rock Hudson, Audrey Hepburn, Tony Curtis, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Annette Funicello, and Earth Kitt.
And here are the slangs and phrases from the 1950's;
Big Tickle: Something really hilarious.
Chrome-Plated: Someone who is really dressed up.
Beat Feet: To run away very fast, usually to get out of trouble.
Cruisin' For a Bruisin': Looking for trouble.
Classy Chassis: Someone with a nice figure.
Copacetic: When everything's all right.
Razz My Berries: Something that excites or impresses you.
You Dig?: Used by the Beat community to ask if someone understood something.
Drip: Someone who is very uncool.
Word From the Bird: Telling the truth.
Kibosh: Put a stop to it.
Passion Pit: A drive-in theater, referring to the amorous activities that frequently went on in the cars.
Ring -A-Ding-Ding: Something super exciting, most frequently used as sarcasm. It became a catchphrase often used by Frank Sinatra.
Tube Steak: Another term for hot dogs.
The Living End: Something amazing and extraordinary.
Beatnik: A member of the beat culture.
Bent eight: A V-8 engine.
Big Daddy: An older person.
Actor: Show off.
Agitate the Gravel: To leave (hot-rodders).
Ain't that a bite: That's too bad.
Ankle biter: A child.
Anti-frantic: Poised, calm.
Ape: To explode or be really mad.
Apple butter: Smooth talk or flattery.
Are you writing a book?: You ask too many questions.
Baby: Cute girl, term of address for either sex.
Back seat bingo: Necking in the car.
Bad: Something that's really good.
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Non-FictionA guide for readers turning writers to learn from grammar, punctuation, body languages, character development, copyrighting, vocabulary, and overcoming a writer's obstacle; writer's block. Also, this story will help an author to remind them that the...
