How Television Shaped Family Life in the 1950s, Whether Brain Training Apps Really Work, and a Practical Guide to Trusts

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In the early 1950s, television didn’t simply add entertainment to the home — it reorganized the evening. Before TV, nights were shaped by radio programs, card games, homework at the kitchen table, or quiet conversation. Once a television arrived in the home, family routines began to revolve around a glowing screen in the living room.

Most households had a single television, often placed prominently in the living room. Programs aired at fixed times, which meant dinner, dishes, and even bath time adjusted to the broadcast schedule. Families hurried to finish chores so no one missed a favorite show. “Appointment viewing” wasn’t a phrase — it was simply how life worked.

Television in the 1950s was communal by design. Families sat together, often in silence, watching the same program. Shows like I Love Lucy, The Ed Sullivan Show, and Dragnet became shared reference points. The next day, neighbors and coworkers discussed the same scenes because nearly everyone had watched the night before.

Furniture placement shifted to face the television. Chairs were angled toward the screen rather than each other, and lamps were positioned to reduce glare. Some homes even reserved the living room primarily for evening viewing, reinforcing the idea that television was a centerpiece, not background noise.

Because televisions were expensive and fragile, rules were strict. Children were reminded to sit still, keep voices down, and avoid blocking the screen. Channel changes required agreement, and whoever controlled the dial held real power. These negotiations were often part of the evening ritual.

Television reshaped family time by synchronizing attention. Even today, many people remember where they sat during TV viewing, who sat beside them, and which shows defined their evenings. Those routines created shared memories that lasted far longer than the programs themselves.

“The Clock Over the Back Door”
From the life overview of Helen W., 86, Des Moines, IA. Shared with permission.

There was a small clock mounted above the back door of our house, the kind with black numbers and a red second hand that ticked loud enough to distract you whenever you paused long enough to notice it. My husband hung it there so he could check the time on his way out to the yard, muddy boots already on, jacket half-zipped. It was never perfectly straight, no matter how many times he adjusted it.

I began noticing it more after he died. Not out of sentiment at first, but practicality: I wanted to know how long dinner had been in the oven or how long till I had to leave for an appointment. Over time, though, it became a marker for the rhythm of the day. Seven in the morning meant birdsong outside. Noon meant soup. Four o’clock meant the light slanting through the laundry room window. After dinner, I’d glance up and think, All right. That’s enough for today.

The clock ran fast. Always had. Five, sometimes seven minutes ahead. Friends suggested I replace it, but I never did. Being a little early felt like a kindness, mostly to myself.

It finally stopped one quiet morning in February. I didn’t rush to fix it. I liked the stillness of it, the hands resting where they’d landed, as if even time had decided to pause there for a while.

***

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Historic Aerials
An interactive map that lets you compare aerial photographs of towns and landscapes across decades. It’s a practical way to see how places changed over time, often revealing patterns that aren’t obvious at ground level.

The Metropolitan Opera Archives
A searchable record of performances, casts, and productions dating back to the late 19th century. You don’t need to be an opera expert to appreciate how performance history, design, and interpretation evolved over time.

Zooniverse — Active Projects
A collection of public research projects where volunteers help classify images, transcribe records, or observe patterns in real data. Participation is optional, and many projects are engaging simply to explore and understand how modern research is conducted.

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Smartphones and tablets often come loaded with apps you didn’t ask for—and over time, unused apps can clutter your screen, slow your device, and even drain your battery. The good news: most apps can be deleted safely once you know what to look for.

Start by opening your phone or tablet and scrolling through your apps. Ask yourself one simple question: “Do I use this?”
If the answer is no, it’s probably safe to remove.

Apps that are usually safe to delete include:

What not to delete:

If you’re unsure what an app does, tap it once and choose App Info or look it up in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

For step-by-step instructions straight from the source, Apple provides a clear guide on deleting apps safely here. Android users can follow Google’s official instructions for removing or disabling apps here.

If you’re more comfortable with technology, check how often apps are used. On iPhone, go to Settings → Battery to see which apps are active. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → Usage. Apps with zero or very little usage are prime candidates for deletion.

Another smart move is to offload instead of delete on iPhones. This removes the app but keeps its data, so you can reinstall it later without losing anything.

If storage is a concern, both Apple and Android offer built-in recommendations:

When in doubt, remember this rule: If deleting an app doesn’t affect calling, texting, email, or photos, you’re usually safe. You can always reinstall an app later—nothing is permanent.

A cleaner phone is easier to use, faster, and a lot less frustrating.

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Unmissable American gem: Durango, Colorado is a popular choice for senior travelers thanks to its charming historic downtown, famous scenic train rides, dramatic mountain scenery, and plenty of low-key ways to enjoy the outdoors without feeling rushed.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Classic diner drink often topped with whipped cream.

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