Several readers have mentioned what a wonderful era the 50’s was. Though I wasn’t alive, I still hear my parents speak of it with a fondness as well. It seems it was a much simpler time, when people played the hand they were dealt or worked hard to rise above. It is with the greatest of respect that I delved into the past to post these mesmerizing images of Kentucky in the 1950s. I hope you all enjoy these as much as I enjoyed researching them.

20. Eagles Club fire

This is one of the images captured at the horrific fire from March of 1950 in Lexington. This night and those lost during the fire will not soon be forgotten.

19. Kentucky State Police

This was the state of the art police cruiser circa 1950.

18. Two boys and a trike

They also had their pet kitty on board for a romp around the yard on wheels.

17. Girls rode trikes too

These two lovely ladies were in Butler County.

16. Hazard, 1950

This is a view of downtown Hazard in the 1950s. All the now classic cars were just the cars of the time then. Now, they are cherished as iconic parts of that era.

15. Cats eye framed glasses

These slightly pointy glasses were all the rage for the ladies in 1955.

14. Derby Clubhouse waiter staff

These professional waiters were lined up with Mint Julep laden trays, awaiting inspection. Afterwards, they were off to provide drinks to the rich and famous who were gathering in the clubhouse.

13. Derby waiters in the stands

The waiters in the stands with those who paid for seating (and not the infield) were always professional, uniformed and quick to deliver a Mint Julep or snack.

12. Bluegrass musicians

These talented musicians were playing in Southgate in 1950. The image source has several short video clips, allowing us to listen to their song.

11. Home economics club

Hart County’s Cub Run High School had a thriving economic club where the ladies of the day learned how to do womanly things.

10. Fishing at Lake Cumberland

This young man sits on the bank fishing at the beautiful Lake Cumberland during 1955, just as many a youngster still does.

9. Churchill Downs Infield, 1955

These lovely ladies were trying to get a good view of the race, and height was not a problem with the assistance of small step ladders.

8. Kentucky vs Tennessee 1950s

Kentuckians have always loved our university sports. We just dressed and behaved a lot different in the 50s.

7. Shell Station, 1950

This Shell Station was once located at 12th and Chestnut in Murray. Gas stations were a lot different back in the day.

6. Kentucky Derby jockeys

These professional jockeys would hang out at the Jockey House during the races, while waiting their turn in the 1950s.

5. Kentucky folk singer

This is the renowned Jean Ritchie on July 15th, 1950 as she performed in a home. She passed away at her home in Berea in June of 2015.

4. The post office at Cow Creek

This was in Magoffin Country at the, then popular, Stella Post Office at Cow Creek. The gentlemen holding the mule was Harry Jack Ramey, the Magoffin County judge at the time.

3. Stampinground couple

These folks were of the Mchatton clan and were originally from Pendleton, but moved and spent their final days in the tiny town of Stampinground.

2. Soap making

This is a picture of a Mrs Stella Smith Burnett on her farm in Mt Pisgah, Wayne County, making soap for her and the family to use to wash with during the 1950s.

1. Red Cross Blood Drive ad

This man and this mule were the stars of the 1950 blood drive in Lebanon Kentucky. You have to give them credit for creativity.

Kentucky in the 1950s was such a different time than our technology filled, modern days. We weren’t a rich state, but people got by with what they had. It was a beautiful time in history when our parents or grandparents were making their way in the world. I love revisiting the history of our ancestors and the hard working people of the Bluegrass State. As always, I welcome any vintage photographs readers would like to share. Which of these photos bring pleasant memories to mind for you?