One more gallery with outdoorsy images, all in the spirit of the upcoming early summer days. This time they feature traveling folks either snacking along the road or picnicking next to some nice scenery.
As with many of such images gathered online, no information regarding date or location came with these. Still, the pics are a fun lot and offer much to look at. From the cars and fashions of the period to favored snacks and picnic utensils. And quite a variety of situations, from festive gatherings to folks clearly just killing time. And well, even a bit of romance shows up.
That a “Chevy” with the lady in the dk blue, one piece bathing suit? Last pic in the “Adirondack’s”?
Bet the “59 Chevy” is about “brand new” in that one.
Note the CH sticker (Switzerland) on the back of the California-plated Beetle in the last photo. And I love the kid’s backseat driving setup in the Ford(omatic) in the 2nd picture.
We had a ’54 Ford just like that as our first car (4 door) including a kiddie seat like that with a steering wheel for my younger brother. I was slightly jealous. 🙂
Love the two generations with the Olds and ’59 Chevy. So is it her parents or his parents?
More great pics Rich!
A different time. My parents were almost in their mid-50s, when I was under the age of ten. I was able to experience many traditional, simpler pleasures of life, more popular in past times. Often on sunny summer Sundays, they used to make a picnic basket lunch, and drive to a local provincial park, or scenic road side park. As part of a daytrip. Many wonderful memories, of these picturesque locations. As many still exist.
Thankfully, Ontario and other provinces seem to be doing good work, maintaining and increasing the number of rest stops. Some local highway nature stops, date back to before WW2.
I love that Paul’s site, is doing a wonderful job of documenting, so many anecdotal automotive experiences of readers. That future generations will cherish.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/rest-areas-northern-ontario-highways-1.5757572
The V-dubs doin a lil smoochin?
Enjoy seeing period pictures like this of real people living life.
The fashions are interesting, though the sunglasses worn by the lady in the second picture look a bit stern.
Also, even though they are wearing casual clothes they look tidy, and none of the extremes of facial hair or tattoos around today. From an aesthetic point of view of both cars and fashion, I like them
America, the automobile, and the lust for travel. May we never lose this pleasure. Thanks for the sweet photos.
Ah, the days before fast food on every corner and every exit. I’m just old enough to recall mom packing lunches for drives and shortly after when it became McDonalds or driver throughs. Miss those old days now and then.
Life is a journey. These photos prove it. Relish the moment.
Notice how slim most people were back then? Also drove cool cars and life seemed simple and enjoyable.
I just want to say I love these pics. I’ve been following them as much as I can, and they are absolutely beyond outstanding. Great job! Thank you!
Most of these pictures are from the Fifties, back then most middle class people were much less affluent than they are today. Eating in restaurants was expensive, and was a rare treat on a road trip. Families also were larger, three children were the usual, and many had five or six kids. It was much more economical to pack food for the trip and eat at rest stops and parks. It was also less stressful, and gave everyone, but especially the kids, a chance to unwind and blow off a bit of steam.
The age of cheap fast food has passed, have you priced the cost of a burger, shake, and fries meal lately? If you have dietary restrictions, or prefer your family to eat healthier, it’s easier to pack your own meals.
My folks were pretty frugal, my Mom would assemble basic baloney sandwiches for our driving vacations, but at least we got a soda! The stop at a roadside restaurant for a meal was one of the high points of any trip.
Something about the 50’s ‘picnic & beach’ vibes – instantly recallable.
So much less stuff, often zero amenities, a lot of ‘make-do-ism’. The ability to just go somewhere/anywhere away from home, even for the day, was enough.
+1 on your observation that you could have so much fun with so much less stuff.
In photo #2 with the ’54 Ford, I love how they have the toddler sitting right in the gravel as they drink their Grape-Ades. A little bit of dirt never hurt anybody! Builds character.
Nice VW Bettle. Young Love
I had a 59 Impala convertible….never thought of using the batwing as a picnic table
I really enjoy these themed posts and the glimpses into the past. The road trip vacations we took are fond memories. The prepared sandwiches and a few cookies or fruit at a rest area were a welcome break from monotony of the road. In my day it seems like Stuckeys was the major road stop restaurant but we never crossed the threshold.
I truly appreciate you share these beautiful memorable photos. These snapshots bring back back such wonderful memories especially those beautiful classic cars. America & the people were different & things were simple not complicated & peaceful.
These pictures bring back many memories .
I like the ’56/’57 Beetle a lot, I’d never drop my blanket on the dirt but maybe I should learn a new thing .
I remember traveling constantly before the four lane freeway/expressway became the norm .
Safer now I’m sure but those are happy memories and a bunch of enthusiasts (? idiots ?) hereabouts still like taking the back roads in our old cars for a day of three of fun .
-Nate