In the news1953
Television begins test operations
In 1953, television began test operations in Switzerland, marking the start of a new era in home entertainment.
Born Lausanne, 28 Feb 1953
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28 Feb 1953
Born in Lausanne
She has lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Lausanne.
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In the news1953
In 1953, television began test operations in Switzerland, marking the start of a new era in home entertainment.
What people wore
Longevity of everyday clothes
Clothes were worn longer than today; it was standard practice to wear patched garments to keep them clean and intact.
Getting around
Cars became mass transport in mid-century Switzerland
In the 1950s and 1960s, the automobile became a mass transport mode, significantly expanding the travel radius of ordinary people compared to the mid-century period when most needs were met locally.
In Europe · 1956The Hungarian uprising. Hungarians rose against Soviet rule; Soviet tanks crushed them within weeks and 200,000 fled abroad.
In the news1959
In 1959, the four largest political parties adopted the magic formula to permanently divide the seven government seats among themselves.
Music
Festival music and dance traditions
Traditional music played at festivals included the alphorn, used for mountain calls to cattle, and the bödeler, a rhythmic clog dance from Central Switzerland.
Daily life
Electrification made appliances commonplace
By the 1950s, electrification let Swiss households buy and use more electric appliances, including washing machines and refrigerators, directly in their apartments and houses.