If you went on vacation, you went on highways, not interstates, and saw a steady stream of Brylcreem ads. The country was dotted with many small tourist stops (the dying towns that the Cars animated movie referred to was on a highway).
Women wore short jackets with shoulder pads and epaulets. Their skirts were skinny to save fabric for our soldiers.
Families rationed food and supplies until early 1946. From 1946 on, babies were born in fast, fast, FAST succession—childbirth still happened by holding ether to mom’s nose and passing her out.
It was still risque for women to smoke, but less so than in the 30’s. Alcohol was plentiful, DUI’s were nonexistent, and most mixed drinks were with the most basic ingredients—none of those creative stuff we have today.
Sex happened—just was never discussed, ever. Our president had a mistress, but it was never, ever mentioned. Girls that got ‘caught’ were still being sent away to homes to have their babies. Forced adoptions were not uncommon.