During the Great Depression, it was rare for most children to have any recognition of their birthday beyond a special cake served as dessert after family dinner.
In the 1950s, there was a new emphasis on “age-appropriate” parties, with only age peers invited and with games and activities suitable for each age group. This trend came at a time when child psychologists were emphasizing stages of child development. One child development institute published guidelines for appropriate parties for each year of the child’s life.
The destination party started in the 1950s—museum, swimming pool, bowling alley, etc. But the mother still organized everything at the venue. These vintage photos captured lovely moments of children enjoying their birthday parties in the 1950s.
