Children in the 1950s had a wide variety of past-time toys from which to choose. They had hula hoops, dolls with high heels, and other plastic toys. Games like chess, leapfrog, and polio treatments were all part of the fun.
Leap-Frog
The game of leap-frog became widely played among kids in the 1950s. A player would lean over, placing their hands on their knees. The second participant would then jump over the first by placing their hands on their backs. This would result in the last player leaping over the rest of the field.
Hopscotch, tag, and marbles were just a few of the many comparable games popular in the 1950s. The hula hoop, made of lightweight plastic, was a fad throughout the decade.
Players in the more challenging "Leap-frog" game would take turns attempting to leap over their opponents. A variant of this game has been enjoyed in Japan and India since the middle of the nineteenth century.
Hula-Hoops
Children's hula hoops were all the rage in the '50s. They were entertaining, simple to play, and cheap. The vast majority of homes really have one. Physical activity was another application. Children would spin them around their bodies, focusing on the torso, neck, and waist. It was also common for youngsters to use them as skip ropes.
Modern hula hoops, which had their origins in bamboo, didn't catch on in the West until the mid-1950s. San Gabriel, California native Arthur "Spud" Melin co-founded the Wham-O Manufacturing Co. and is credited with inventing the hula hoop.
In the 1950s, hula hoops became widely utilized and were a staple in many households. The youngsters engaged in a game they called Graces. To help kids develop their motor skills, this game was created. Each kid needed their own hula hoop and a stick to play.
Premium Quality Fashion Dolls
Dolls with high heels were all the rage in the 1950s. Children's play with them reflected the realities of their existence. The garments were typically of superior quality. A wig or a hat could have been part of the ensemble. The standard height for these dolls was between 18 and 20 inches.
Dolls from the "Queen of Diamonds" collection come prepared to impress for a formal ball. Her wig is a saran braid, and her eyes are enormous. She also wears a felt cap and a metal Ranger badge.
Cissette, a full-body fashion doll, was also quite popular. She wears a white twirl-waist western dress and carries two weapons.
Chess
In the 1950s, several of the best players in the world turned professional. Some of the most active players in chess history are Aleksandr Botvinnik and Samuel Reshevsky. In addition to these superstars, there were many more talented athletes competing in the 1950s.
In the 1950s, FIDE established itself as the driving force in the chess world. FIDE established a thriving cycle of global chess championships and popularized new ratings and titles like "grandmaster" and "international master." FIDE also increased its presence into nations without a chess culture. The organization has also loosened up the criteria for reaching grandmaster status.
One grandmaster per country was the original objective of FIDE. It lowered the bar to become a grandmaster, making the rank more widely available.
Polio-Treatments
Polio-treatments for children were essential during the 20th century to stop the spread of the illness. The infectious illness polio affects the nerve system and is highly contagious. A sore throat, fever, and limb stiffness are all symptoms. Paralysis is another possible outcome. In rare situations, polio can potentially cause death.
Before the development of a vaccine, polio posed a significant risk to children's health. The infection was transmitted by sneezes and coughs. The poliovirus attacks the central nervous system, namely the gray matter of the spinal cord.
Polio was a disease that affected everyone differently. A few persons became paralyzed, while others made full recoveries. Those who didn't make a full recovery were left handicapped forever.
Toys Made of Plastic
Plastic toys were popular with children in the 1950s. They didn't weigh much, didn't cost much, and could be produced in large quantities. They were also quite vivid in color and design. Both kids and their parents enjoyed these.
Several toy designers considered plastic as a significant leap ahead, and saw the prospect of a more imaginative design. They employed translucent materials without glass to make toys that appeared like real life. They could be shaped with great complexity and for little money. Past-century train sets are still popular for collectors.
Hula hoops were another common plaything. These plastic shoes were built specifically for kids with flexible hips. They were outlawed in both Japan and the Soviet Union.
