In the news1958
Brussels hosts World Fair Expo 58
The World Fair in Brussels, Expo 58, modernized the country and introduced citizens to a new era of global possibilities.
Born 10 Jul 1952
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10 Jul 1952
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In the news1958
The World Fair in Brussels, Expo 58, modernized the country and introduced citizens to a new era of global possibilities.
What people wore
Belgian boys' clothing in the 1950s-1960s
In the 1950s and early 1960s, Belgian boys frequently wore short pants until they were 12 or 13 years old, sometimes even until age 16 for school uniforms. By the 1960s, American-style casual wear like T-shirts began to gain popularity among the youth.
Daily life
Heating, water, and cooking in the 1950s
In the 1950s, many homes relied on a coal stove (Leuvense stoof) in the kitchen for heating and cooking, as other rooms were often unheated. Running water was not common in more than half of all Belgian households until late in the decade.
In the news1956
Belgium successfully achieved its first controlled nuclear chain reaction at the BR 1 research reactor in Mol.
Music
Traditional Flemish Instruments and Community Music
Traditional Flemish folk music featured instruments such as the doedelzak (bagpipe), the hommel (stringed zither), and the diatonic accordion. These instruments were often hand-crafted and played at local community gatherings and festivals.
In Europe1948–1952
American aid of some $13 billion rebuilt the ruined economies of Western Europe.
Getting around
Average train journey distance in Belgium
Between 1950 and 1967, the average distance traveled by a train passenger remained stable at approximately 32.5 kilometers.