In Europe1957
The European Economic Community
Six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, the start of what became the European Union.
Born Lenggries, 9 Aug 1957
5 facts1 source
Living person. The family sees only the name, dates and photo; everything else stays private unless they choose to share it.
9 Aug 1957
Born in Lenggries
He has lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Lenggries.
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
Perlon Lingerie Symbolized Progress
In the early 1950s, women embraced Perlon garments, such as lingerie, because they could be hand-washed in the evening and dried overnight without needing ironing. This was marketed to housewives as a symbol of progress and time-saving convenience.
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
Milk bars and jukebox music
Youths frequently visited milk bars to drink milkshakes and listen to music on Wurlitzer jukeboxes, which cost one groschen per selection. Alcohol was prohibited in these establishments for those under 21 years old.
Daily life
Difficult conditions for school children
Classrooms were frequently overcrowded, with up to 60 children per class, and students often used slates and dip pens instead of paper. Many children faced interruptions to their schooling during winter months when classrooms could not be heated due to severe fuel shortages.