Attending high school has been one of the hallmarks of teenagerdom since the 1930s. As a place to socialize high schools were incubation zones for trends, fads, and even entire subcultures. And, back in the 1950s high school curriculum was handled quite differently to today, as were health and safety requirements. Here are 9 photos that show just how different high school was for kids in the 1950s.

Bikes Unchained
Many high schoolers in the 1950s walked to school. Some even rode their bikes, which they left leaned against walls and pillars – free from locks or chains. It was a completely different time to now, when even locked bikes aren’t safe from theives.

Flimsy Football Helmets
While football is still dangerous sport, we can all agree that at least the helmets are a lot better than they used to be- as the image below shows quite clearly.

Real Home Ec Classes
As the importance of being a homemaker waned over the course of the 20th century, so too did funding shrivel for home economics classes. But, there was a time in the 1950s and 1960s when girls were taught to sew, to decorate, to cook full meals, and how to plan their living spaces all in their home ec classes.

Library Time
Back then kids had library time and it was their only research resource. And, they all learned how to use the card catalog and the Dewey Decimal System.

Basketball teams wore Converse Chuck Taylors or PF Flyers and the gymnasium bleachers were packed for each and every game. High school sports was an important part of the community back then.