For all of history people have had hobbies, sometimes however, it can be hard to imagine what they did all those years ago. Especially now that we have so much more technology! I myself was curious so for the past couple of days I’ve been on a quest to satiate myself with knowledge! Believe it or not they weren’t mindlessly scrolling on Instagram all day like some of us, cough cough me, do. Before we start let me clarify, this is not ALL hobbies and instead is just a couple I picked out.
Gardening
A hobby that still translates today, it was enjoyed by both men and women alike though yard work was still widely considered a mans job. Due to the recent war gardening widely evolved in America. Instead of yards full of food it was now more desirable to have a large colorful array of flowers.
Yards were mainly small due to the popular implementation of suburbs but were seen as a great opportunity to bring life outside. Patio furniture and lawn ornaments were hugely popular with a wide variety too. People loved their pink flamingos, plastic animals, and racist props. Unfortunately people did use lawn ornaments that depicted African Americans in stereotypical ways.
Dancing
How could I write a 50’s hobby list without including dancing? Dancing was a great hobby that was enjoyed by people of all ages! The Bunny Hop, The Rock n’ Roll, and The Stroll are all great examples of the types of dances you’d see. Of course there’s the ever famous Sock Hop that all the teens loved; It often involved stripping off your shoes and dancing in the gymnasium at school!
Painting
Art is probably one of my favorite parts about the 1950’s! I love all the new styles that emerged including all the pin up paintings! Quite obviously painting wasn’t only for the famous and was also enjoyed by average folk. There were many important styles that helped to shape society at this time, with their political messages and impact on current day art. It may not have been the most common hobby but it is totally worth mentioning!
Drying Of Bed Linen by Andrei Vasnetsov 
Remember Apple Blossom by Edwin Georgi 
Robert Motherwell “A View No.3”
Sewing, Knitting, and Embroidery
While all very difficult skills there premise’s are similar. Of course women took up sewing as a way to make clothes for less or in more inventive ways but there was also women who genuinely enjoyed it. Unfortunately it’s a skill lost on many these days with the rise of fast fashion but we can talk about that later! The dresses women were sewing in the 1950’s were of the same quality as store bought clothes, some even better! I myself own a handmade 1950’s dress and the craftsmanship on it is impeccable! It’s incredibly hard to find pictures of women wearing their own handmade clothes due to the fact that they look so amazing!
Knitting was another hobby that some women picked up as way to make necessities that transformed into a hobby. From scarves and hats all the way to dresses there was seemingly no end to the things women were knitting!
Embroidery was probably the least necessary out of the three but was an amazing way to make art for your home or as a side job. Embroidery was versatile and could be used for clothing or decorative wall hangings. It required a precise hand and plenty of free time!
Roller Skating
A classic and fun aerobic activity that doesn’t feel like exercise! Roller skating had been around since the late 1700’s and has been in and out of style ever since, however, in the 40’s and 50’s it was blowing up again. Roller skating wasn’t a destination sport either, people skated all around so long as there was solid ground to do so! From the skating arena, sidewalks, and derby’s, there was no slowing down! It was and still is a great activity for any able-bodied person.
Grandmas Inspiration 