Life in the 50's | Jewish Historical Society of Northern New Jersey

Life in the 50's and early 60's for American Jews was booming. After WWII, the country was full of hope and prosperity. Urban centers thrived with new jobs, new wealth, and many babies ("boomers"). It was “the good life,” especially for teenagers. Below are selected photos from the Marilyn Gelman Collection depicting “the good life” in Paterson during that era.

Eastside Park, Paterson NJ, 1958, Faith Schwartz, Ira Berger, Marilyn Gelman, Herb Staretz — From L-r are Faith Schwartz, Ira Berger, Marilyn Gelman and Herb Staretz posing at Eastside Park, 1958.

Marilyn Gelman, Beverly Douma, Sandy Lichtman, Rochelle Goldberg, Linda Belifante, Continental Hotel, May 10, 1957 — Marilyn Gelman and her roommates at the Continental Hotel, May 10, 1957. Pictured are Beverly Douma, Sandy Lichtman, Rochelle Goldberg, Marilyn Gelman, and Linda Belifante.

Paterson NJ, Sweet Sixteen party, Ira Berger, Nathan Fine, Steve Friedman, Steve Blum, Herb Staretz, Ruth Freeman, Iris Lieberman, Sandy Lichtman, Marilyn Gelman — Sweet sixteen party, including boys from L-r: Ira Berger, Nathan Fine, Steve Friedman, Steve Blum, and Herb Staretz. The girls from L-r are Ruth Freeman, Iris Lieberman, Sandy Lichtman, and Marilyn Gelman

Paterson NJ, 1958 New Year's Eve party, Herb Staretz, Cliff Gravel, Sandy Lichtman — 1958 New Year's Eve party. Pictured from L-r are Herb Staretz, Cliff Gravel, and Sandy Lichtman.

1959 Atlantic City JCC Convention, New Jersey, Linda Belifante, Heather Youngerman, Marilyn Gelman, Arlene Sternshuss, Marlene Dobrin — Pictured at the May 1959 Atlantic City JCC Convention are Linda Belifante, Heather Youngerman, Marilyn Gelman, Arlene Sternshuss, and Marlene Dobrin.