In Europe1957
The European Economic Community
Six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, the start of what became the European Union.
Born 8 Jul 1955
6 facts1 source
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8 Jul 1955
Born
He has lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In Europe1957
Six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, the start of what became the European Union.
At the table
Shrimp Peeling Wages
In the 1950s, a skilled shrimp peeler could process six pounds of shrimp per hour and earned 2.15 Deutsche Mark for this labor.
What people wore
The Klepper Coat Status Symbol
The Klepper coat, a rainproof jacket, became a significant status symbol for West German men by 1955. Nearly two-thirds of all raincoats produced in the country that year were manufactured by this firm.
Getting around
Affordable holiday travel in the 1950s
In 1954, vacationers could book bus trips to various German destinations, such as a Rhine cruise for 55 DM or a trip to the Black Forest for 90 DM. Many travelers saved up throughout the year for these annual holidays, and the majority typically did not travel more than 500 kilometers from their home.
What it cost
Worker wages in 1955
In 1955, the average hourly wage for a West German industrial worker rose to 1.76 Mark from 1.65 Mark in 1954.
Music
Rare records and fragile needles
Shellac records were so rare that customers had to trade in an old disc when buying a new one. The needles used to play them often wore out after only two or three uses.
Daily life
Cramped and basic postwar living conditions
In the early postwar years, families often lived in severely cramped, makeshift conditions such as barracks or subdivided rooms, with many sharing a single bed among multiple people. Basic necessities like light, heating, and running water were frequently missing or unreliable, forcing households to use items like oil lamps and primitive stoves for warmth and cooking.