Christian, Crown Prince of Denmark

What people wore

The rise of women in pants

During the 1950s, teenage girls wearing tight-fitting, often checkered pants called slacks sparked outrage among the older generation. Jeans later became a unisex staple after their breakthrough in the 1960s.

Getting around

Bicycles and Horse-Drawn Travel in the 1950s

In the 1950s, many people still traveled locally by bicycle and horse-drawn vehicles like wagons. Private cars were rare, with most being pre-war models.

At the table

Daily shopping with a payment book

Before widespread refrigeration and supermarkets, many families shopped daily for basic groceries using a small notebook to record purchases, which were paid for later at local specialty shops.

Music

The Fanø dance tradition in Denmark

On the island of Fanø, a distinct tradition known as Fanø music and dance, including dances like sønderhoning and fannikedans, was performed throughout the 20th century using a set repertoire of about 120 melodies.

Daily life

Modernization of cooking and kitchen appliances

Cooking transitioned from old coal or coke-fired stoves to modern appliances like electric stoves, which became standard symbols of prosperity. By the late 1950s, new houses were no longer built with traditional stoves, and items like refrigerators became increasingly common.

What it cost

Rising Food Prices 1950–1970

In 1950, a loaf of rye bread cost 1.17 kr. and a loaf of white bread cost 1.23 kr. By 1970, prices had risen to 2.50 kr. for rye bread and 1.04 kr. for a loaf of white bread, while butter increased from 6.70 kr. per pound in 1950 to 11.51 kr. in 1970.