Birmingham: A Nostalgic Look Back at Childhood in the ’50s and ’60s
Many of us have fond memories of our childhood—those simpler times filled with laughter, family, and community. David Sher, a longtime Birmingham resident, recently shared his reflections on growing up in the 1950s and ’60s, inviting all of us to reminisce about the ways life in Birmingham has transformed over the decades.
A Look at Television and Entertainment
Sher recalled a time when his family didn’t own a TV until he was about six or seven years old. His first recollections of television were of Kukla, Fran, and Ollie, The Lone Ranger, and Howdy Doody. Local personalities like Cousin Cliff, Benny Carle, and Sergeant Jack were must-see TV for children in Birmingham. With only two commercial television stations, WAPI-TV/Channel 13 and WBRC-TV/Channel 6, viewers had limited options, as many national shows were out of reach.
As a teenager, Sher noted, they couldn’t watch popular programs like American Bandstand due to this limited television landscape. Instead, WAPI-TV produced its own local dance show, “13’s Dance Party.”
Beat the Heat
Living in Birmingham without air conditioning shaped summer evenings for Sher and his family. They often gathered on their front porch to talk, a stark contrast to today’s world filled with smartphones and distractions. On particularly hot evenings, they would take drives in their un-air-conditioned car, rolling down the windows to catch a breeze, a quintessential summer experience of those times.
Transportation: Then and Now
Sher described the roadways of his childhood, pointing out there were no interstates or the Red Mountain Expressway that changed his old neighborhood. Family trips to Chattanooga took about five hours on two-lane Highway 11. Today, thanks to modern highways, that same journey can be made in less than three hours.
Radio Days
Even with the arrival of television, radio was still a vital part of Alabama life. Birmingham families tuned in to AM stations, with favorites like WSGN and WVOK. Sher fondly recalls the evenings spent listening to local disc jockeys, including Duke Rumore and Neal Miller. Shows like “Shower of Stars” brought in notable musical acts at affordable prices, making live entertainment accessible to families.
Traditions of Christmas and Community Events
During the holiday season, Birmingham’s downtown lights and window displays drew families together. Sher emphasizes the excitement of visiting Loveman’s and Pizitz to see their impressive displays, a tradition that brought the community together. The Iron Bowl football game was another cornerstone of community spirit, turning Birmingham into the “Football Capital of the South.” Although these games have shifted locations, the pride and rivalry remain strong.
Childhood Simplicity
Walking to school was a routine practice for children of Sher’s generation. A group of neighborhood kids traveled together from 21st Way to South Highland Elementary School, with a sense of safety that allowed parents to leave their doors unlocked at night.
Connecting Through Time
Sher reflects on the stark differences in technology. The rotary dial telephones of the past seem almost foreign to younger generations who have grown up surrounded by smartphones. Sher has fond memories of dialing a phone number without an area code—from his childhood home: TR 9-5716.
As Sher reminisces about his childhood in Birmingham, it’s a reminder of how much has changed. The community, the way we connect, and even the technology we use daily have all evolved. But the shared memories of laughter, family outings, and beloved local personalities remain significant pieces of what makes Birmingham feel like home.
