50-year-old tips on simpler summering

PHOTO by JOHN GILHOOLEY

The summer of 1959 had no marquee moments (there were no mud-covered music festivals or giant leaps for mankind), but it did have unmatched simplicity, an innocent time when the Cold War was still hot and gasoline poured through the streets like water. Fifty years ago, the country (and, of course, Long Beach) was in the throes of a leisurely renaissance that shaped how we define free time. And so with an eye on all that idyllic idleness, we tell you how to recreate a mid-century summer, from the waxed grace of classic car shows and the joy of parking at Arnold’s Cafeteria to the gelatinous mystery of avocado salad and the child-like pleasure of public swimming.

50 years of Long Beach summer history
The joys of public swimming
How to throw a proper (and simple) party
Unwind with a banana daiquiri
Recipes for a retro summer meal
Picnicking tips
How to preserve your summer memories
The car shows of yesterday, today
Duffy Boat racing
Long Beach to Big Sur in a yurt
Boy Scout survival guide