20 Things That Were Totally Normal in the 1960s in Virginia But Are Unthinkable Now

Life in Virginia in the 1960s was bold, colorful, and completely unfiltered.

Back then, people trusted strangers, and safety rules were mostly suggestions.

These are some things that made perfect sense in the 1960s but would raise eyebrows now.

Getting Polio Shots in Sugar Cubes

In the early 1960s, children lined up at school or community centers to get the polio vaccine.

Instead of a needle, they received a small sugar cube with drops of vaccine on top.

It was painless, quick, and strangely memorable. Parents were relieved, since polio had once caused widespread fear.

Though the method changed over time, that era marked a major public health victory.

Riding in Cars Without Seatbelts

In the 1960s, wearing a seatbelt wasn’t just rare; it was practically unheard of. Many cars didn’t come with seatbelts in the back, and some front seats had belts that were often ignored or tucked out of sight.

Many people believed it was safer to be thrown clear of a crash than to be strapped in. That sounds wild to us now.

Kids sat in laps, stood on seats, or even climbed into the back window shelf to nap during long drives. Safety campaigns wouldn’t catch on for another decade, and seatbelt laws were still far in the future.

Today, not wearing a seatbelt is unthinkable for most Americans.

Smoking Almost Anywhere

In the ’60s, people lit up cigarettes almost everywhere. You could smoke on airplanes, in restaurants, in grocery stores, and even inside schools and hospitals.

Ashtrays were built into armrests, desks, and even shopping carts. Doctors smoked in break rooms, and some even appeared in cigarette ads.

No-smoking sections were rare, and most homes had a lingering tobacco smell.

Today, smoking is banned in nearly all public buildings, and indoor ashtrays are a thing of the past.

Letting Kids Roam Free All Day

It was totally normal for kids to leave the house in the morning and not come back until dinner. They rode bikes, played in creeks, climbed trees, and made their own fun without adult supervision.

Parents had no way to call or track them, but that wasn’t a concern. You’d hear a mom shout from a porch, or a whistle might signal it was time to come home.

It wasn’t neglect; it was just how life worked. Today, most parents would never let their children be out of sight for hours.

Drinking While Driving Was Barely Noticed

In many parts of America, having a beer behind the wheel didn’t raise eyebrows. It was common to see open containers in cars, especially during road trips or outings.

Some drivers even had built-in coolers in their vehicles. Police didn’t always enforce drinking laws strictly, especially if the driver “seemed fine.”

This casual attitude finally shifted in the ’70s and ’80s with tougher DUI laws.

Today, it’s one of the most serious driving offenses you can commit.

Leaving Kids in the Car Alone

Parents used to run into the store, the post office, or the bank while leaving the kids in the car.

They’d crack a window, remind the kids to stay put, and be back in a few minutes.

There was no panic, no judgment, and no fear of someone calling the police. Sometimes kids even played with the radio or pretended to drive.

Now, even a short stop can result in serious consequences and public shaming.

Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks

Piling into the back of a pickup truck felt like a treat, not a risk.

Kids waved at passing cars, hair blowing in the wind, laughing as the truck bounced down backroads.

No one wore seatbelts, and no one cared. It wasn’t just allowed; it was part of growing up in the country or suburbs.

Now, most states ban passengers from riding back there without special conditions.

Burning Trash in the Backyard

Before regular garbage pickup, many families had a burn barrel in the backyard. They’d throw in paper, plastics, and even food scraps, then set it all on fire.

The smell carried through the neighborhood, and ashes sometimes floated over fences.

It wasn’t great for the environment or personal safety, but it was the norm.

Today, backyard burning is banned in most places and replaced with recycling bins.

Watching TV as a Family Event

TV in the ’60s brought families together, often in the same room at the same time.

There were only a few channels, and shows aired once, so you had to be there.

Everyone watched the same programs, often while eating dinner on TV trays. When a favorite show came on, you didn’t want to miss it.

Now, with endless options and devices, shared screen time is far less common.

Using Typewriters for Everything

Typewriters were loud, heavy, and took real effort to use. You had to hit each key with force, and mistakes were a nightmare to fix.

White-out and correction tape were your best friends, and rewrites meant starting over.

Still, people used them for school reports, letters, and job applications.

There was no backspace key, just a lot of patience.

Wearing Sunday Best to Fly

Air travel in the 1960s was treated like a luxury experience, and people dressed the part.

Men wore suits and ties. Women wore dresses, gloves, and often heels.

Flying wasn’t casual. It was something you prepared for and took seriously.

Today, comfy clothes and carry-ons are the new normal.

Corporal Punishment in Schools

Teachers and principals in the 1960s often used paddles or rulers to discipline students. It was legal, accepted, and rarely questioned by parents.

A trip to the principal’s office could mean more than just a warning.

Now, physical punishment is banned in most schools and would be met with serious backlash.

Calling the Operator to Make a Phone Call

Long-distance calls in the ’60s often had to go through a real, live phone operator.

You’d pick up the receiver, talk to someone, and have them connect you to the right number.

Even making a call within your own town sometimes meant dialing a few extra steps.

Now, with smartphones in our pockets, this system seems completely outdated.

Playing Outside Without Sunscreen

In the 1960s, sun protection wasn’t really on anyone’s radar. Kids played all day in swimsuits or cutoffs without a drop of sunscreen.

Tans were seen as healthy, and sunburns were just part of summer.

Today, most parents lather their kids in SPF 50 before stepping out the door.

Having Just One Phone in the House

Most homes had a single landline, usually located in the kitchen or hallway. It had a long, coiled cord and no caller ID. Everyone in the family shared it.

If someone was on the line, you had to wait your turn.

Now, with smartphones everywhere, the idea of waiting to use a phone sounds almost impossible.

Leaving the Doors Unlocked at Night

In many neighborhoods, people didn’t lock their doors—day or night. Trust in the community was strong, and the idea of someone breaking in seemed unlikely.

Some families even left keys under doormats or flower pots just in case a friend stopped by.

Today, home security systems and smart locks are the norm.

Drinking Water Straight From the Garden Hose

On hot summer days, kids ran to the hose instead of going inside for a drink. No one worried about germs, water quality, or the metallic taste.

It was fast, fun, and always cold.

Now, most parents wouldn’t dream of letting their kids do the same.

Sending Kids to the Store Alone

It wasn’t unusual for a child to walk or bike to the corner store with a few dollars and a short list. They’d buy milk, bread, or candy, and maybe chat with the cashier who knew their name.

There was a level of trust between kids, families, and small businesses.

Today, letting a young child shop alone might cause concern or even a call to authorities.

Using Encyclopedias to Do Homework

Before the internet, research started with a shelf full of heavy books. The encyclopedia set was a prized possession, often updated every few years.

Students flipped through pages to find answers, and information wasn’t just a search bar away.

Now, a world of knowledge lives in every pocket.

Getting Milk and Eggs Delivered to the Door

Many families relied on a milkman to deliver fresh bottles right to their doorstep. Some even got eggs, butter, and cream in reusable containers.