California 1952 Time Warp

The California of the early 1950s was full of innocence, cordial manners and glamorous sightseeing --- at least according to old promotional travel films by Trans World Airlines (TWA).  California was artfully promoted as the ultimate tourist destination.

Has the state of California really changed that much since the '50s?

Shortly after World War II, but before the surfing craze and the hippie movement, California was a paradise destination for retirees, honeymooners and vacationing families.  Perfect weather, picturesque vistas and friendly locals attracted visitors from the other 47 states in record numbers.

Innocent, classy, and extremely polite, the reputation of the Golden State was fun-loving and tame enough for parents to send their child --- unescorted --- to visit relatives in California.

Yes, things have changed a bit since the early 1950s, but the California of the 21st century is more popular than ever with traveling tourists.  The perfect weather still exists, and the scenic beauty still begs to be captured by cameras.

In many ways, California is still paradise today.

It's mesmerizing, though, to watch film footage of California's old Technicolor heyday.  The smiling, perfectly-tailored people from the past seem so happily content to marvel at the trimmed palm trees, stark-blue skies and virginal scenery --- while cruising around in gorgeous cars.

For the vast numbers of us who were not born yet, the advertised California of the '50s looks like a fantasy world of purest perfection.  I think I understand what folks meant back then when they described California as "keen" and "nifty".

California 1952