If you’re interested in knowing more about the 1950s in America, you’ll find a decent overview at Ohio History Connect, the Ohio historical society. It’s called “1950s: Building the American Dream.”
The exhibit covers a number of topics ranging from music and popular baby names to polio and McCarthyism,
The Crosley station wagon we looked at earlier this week is part of this installation. There’s also an Airstream camper pulled by a 1957 Chevy Bellaire.
The highlight though is a Lustron home that is staged to represent a nuclear family’s home in central Ohio in the fifties.
Lustron was one of the first prefab homes in the country and manufactured in central Ohio. The company was short lived but some of these homes can still be found around the country.
Visitors are encouraged to take a hands-on approach in this space. You’re invited to look through the closets, open the kitchen cabinets or sit down and watch Ozzie and Harriet on the television in the living room.
They have a number of interesting things here but this was hands down my favorite feature of this museum.
It is a popular destination for school groups. I felt rather smug, getting there early and exiting just after the first class of kids spilled out everywhere.
If you’re interested in seeing the fifties exhibit, don’t drag your feet. It closes at the end of 2020. Learn more here. They also have an exhibit about sports history that I didn’t go near as well as a lot about Ohio’s native peoples and something to represent each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Make the Journey Fun 
Oh cool. We have a few Lustrons still standing here in Indianapolis but I’ve never been in one. Such an interesting concept.
I had never been in one either. Honestly, aside from the kitchen being a smidge small, I could see these houses doing well today. This one was spacious, has moderate sized closets and the floor plan makes sense. I would live there!
I love the cars and RVs from the 50’s and 60’s. Won’t buy the news one today. The cars today are what some call: “plastic pigs.” They are all alike and ugly.As for pre fab homes, they would be a good idea today if they are kept affordable.
Agreed! I love classic cars for their lives and character. Modern cars are just so dull that it’s hard to tell one from another.
Pretty awesome!