In the news1950–1959
Pan-American Highway Paved in 1950s
The Pan-American Highway was completely paved by the 1950s, replacing coastal shipping and causing the decline of several traditional port cities.
Born Lima, 10 Apr 1950
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10 Apr 1950
Born in Lima
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In the news1950–1959
The Pan-American Highway was completely paved by the 1950s, replacing coastal shipping and causing the decline of several traditional port cities.
Getting around
Train station food and bustling local life
In 1950, trains served as vital links for many towns, stopping frequently at small stations where vendors sold local specialties like roast suckling pig, chicha, and various dishes featuring potatoes and rice. Train stations were busy hubs of local commerce, characterized by passengers crowding into cars and the lively activity of food sellers.
Around the world1955
Jonas Salk’s vaccine was declared safe; polio, which paralysed thousands of children a year, began to retreat.
Daily life
Self-organized electricity access
In some Lima shanty towns, residents organized groups to manually install electrical wiring by pulling cables to their homes from nearby areas.
What people wore
Sandals made from recycled tires
For footwear, many people wore durable sandals called ajotas, which were ingeniously crafted from recycled truck tires.
Music
Procession musicians walked facing the saint
During processions, musicians and dancers walked backwards while facing the patron saint statue, while brass bands of about fourteen musicians followed behind.
At the table
Two-sole lunches for workers
In the late 1950s, a simple lunch menu of soup, beans with rice, bread, and a drink at popular restaurants in Lima cost two soles. Workers often had to wait in lines to eat these affordable meals at midday.