Gone but not forgotten: Things from the 60s that no longer exist
A nostalgic journey through the past era of peace, love and innovation
The 60s were marked by major social change, political turbulence and technological developments.
Reflecting on this emblematic period, it is interesting to note how many changes have taken place in just over 50 years.
Join us in an adventure that takes us back in time to rediscover some objects from the 60s that are no longer present.
This list is not exhaustive, but it is intended to remind us of the evolution of our society and culture.
Rotary dialing phones: Do you remember the pleasant sound of "clicking" while dialling each number? These phones were a must-have item in every home in the 60s. These solid devices needed patience and a steady hand to make a phone call. Today they have been supplanted by modern smartphones, but their nostalgic charm lingers in the vintage style furniture.
Pay phones: Once widespread in every urban corner and in all airport terminals, pay phones are almost extinct due to the widespread use of mobile phones.
Telephone directories: In the past, telephone directories were a key tool for identifying individuals and businesses. Today, internet search engines have made these bulky volumes obsolete.
Typewriters: Before the advent of computers, typewriters were the main tool for creating texts. The constant ticking of the keys and the pleasant "ding" at the end of each line were well known sounds in both offices and homes. Although some authors continue to prefer the use of typewriters for their manual experience, these tools are now mostly considered vintage collectibles.
Drive-in cinemas: Once a popular weekend destination, the drive-in cinemas provided an amazing experience to watch movies outdoors under the starry sky. Families and couples gathered in their cars, connected the speakers and had fun listening to the latest Hollywood hits. Although some drive-in cars are still active today, they have become rather rare compared to their peak popularity in the 60s.
Black and white televisions: Although colour televisions were introduced in the early 50s, black and white devices have maintained their popularity throughout the 60s.
Adjustment of TV antennas: In the 60s, to be able to watch television, it was often necessary for a person to manually orient the antenna. Family members took turns positioning the antennas in the correct manner to obtain a clear image. With the advent of cable, satellite and digital broadcasting, this domestic activity has lost its relevance.
Shared telephone lines: In the 60s, many families used a single telephone line with their neighbours. Known as shared lines, these connections forced users to wait their turn to make a call. Advances in technology have made shared telephone lines obsolete.
Turntables for vinyl records: Although vinyl has regained popularity among music lovers today, in the 60s turntables were the most common method of listening to music in the comfort of your home. The gesture of carefully placing the pin on the disc and starting it manually has been replaced by the convenience of digital streaming.
Carbon paper: Before the advent of copiers and printers, the use of carbon paper was essential for making copies of documents. This thin, glossy sheet transferred the ink to another sheet that was below. Although still used from time to time, carbon paper has been largely replaced by today’s office printers.
Record shop: The record shops were a must-have place for music lovers looking for vinyl records. With the arrival of digital streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, vinyl sales have declined dramatically, causing many record stores to close.
Conclusion
As time goes on, it is normal that some elements of our history tend to fade away. Although some may feel nostalgic for the simplicity and attractiveness of these ancient objects, their loss often represents a step forward in technology, health awareness and social norms. The 60s will always remain a significant chapter in our shared memory; however, as we progress, we continue to invent and create new experiences that may in the future turn into nostalgic memories for generations to come.