Ulrich Schumacher

At the table

Prosperity Symbolized by Hearty Meals

Following the scarcity of the postwar years, a "wave of eating" began in the mid-1950s where hearty portions of potatoes, thick sauces, and pork roast with fat crust became symbols of newfound prosperity.

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

Restricted and complex transit journeys

Travel between West Germany and West Berlin was restricted to specific transit routes, and passing through East Germany often involved long waits, tedious checks, and mandatory transit fees. Travelers frequently endured strict vehicle and passport controls, which remained highly politicized and time-consuming until agreements in the early 1970s eased these conditions.

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

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.